In 1975, what began as a call for recognition and revitalisation of te reo maaori, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, is now an annual event in its 50th year; and in 1865 a similar visionary call had already been made by Euphrasie Barbier, now in its 160th year, when she wrote:
He mihi teenei ki te whaanau whaanui
Kia ora e te whaanau,
“Maa te waa ka kite taatou i te hua o aa taatou mahi tahi”
in time, we will see the fruit of our collective efforts.
In 1975, what began as a call for recognition and revitalisation of te reo maaori, Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, is now an annual event in its 50th year; and in 1865 a similar visionary call had already been made by Euphrasie Barbier, now in its 160th year, when she wrote:
“As for our Māori girls, I would be very upset if this work should fail and so, I beg you that the Sisters who are involved in this work learn the language. A long time ago I said and recommended that these children be taught the catechism, the prayers (Mass and others) and songs in Māori. It should have been done.”
Euphrasie’s words are a powerful reminder that language is at the heart of culture, identity and faith. Just as she expected her sisters to learn te reo maaori, to serve and connect with the rangatahi entrusted to them, we too embrace this week as an opportunity to celebrate, learn and use te reo maaori in our school and wider community, as Euphrasie envisaged.
Her vision reminds us that learning and speaking te reo is an act of respect and connection. Every greeting spoken, every waiata sung, every response in the Mass, is a step towards honouring her legacy and enriching our experience at Sacred Heart Girls’ College as we continue to ensure that te reo maaori thrives, as a heritage and a right for all our tauira.
Indeed, it should be done – and it will continue to be done!
Hooki mai anoo Mrs Cooper and Miss Baillie – returning from their leave – and haere raa to Mrs Flintoft and Mrs Fuimaono – leaving Sacred Heart. Thank you for your contribution to the growth and development of our waahine, particularly for your companionship and awhi of our tauira Pasifika.
And one more thing that should be done, as we come to the end of another term, is to study! Not to ruin the image of the Cherry Blossoms, but this sign of spring is also a sign for our seniors to get their heads, hearts and hands deep into the exam season. Here’s a suggestion: switch off the internet; control the scroll; sacrifice the socialising and practice the exam
performance – Age Quod Agis – Pay Attention – Me Aro. It takes self-discipline to overcome the impulse of distraction, but the virtue in effort and perseverance will be well rewarded.
Kia haumaru te hararee – have a safe holiday – one day at a time!
Ngaa manaakitanga