This week is New Zealand Sign Language Week.

Every May, Deaf Aotearoa organises New Zealand Sign Language Week, a celebration of one of the country’s official languages.
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week is a chance for the Deaf community to stand proud as Deaf, and to celebrate their language and culture. It also works to break down barriers, fears and misconceptions. NZSL Week lets Deaf New Zealanders put their hands up and be seen!

The vision for NZSL Week is to increase awareness and understanding of NZSL and the Deaf community and to empower and strengthen the Deaf community.

NZSL became an official language in 2006. This was after many years of lobbying from the Deaf community, supported by an MP, Ruth Dyson who was a champion for the community’s efforts. In 2007 we had our first NZSL Week.

Noa’ia ‘e mauri se aus atakoa (greetings to you all),
This week marks the 1st of our Pasifika Language weeks for 2023 – Rotuman Language Week!!

The theme for Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta – Rotuman Language Week 2023 is Vetḁkia ‘os Fäega ma Ag fak hanua – Sustaining our Language and Culture.

To celebrate, our Māori and Pasifika Council members have created a number of videos and quizzes which will be sent out to our staff and students during the week.

Hanisiof ( Take care)

The Howick Youth Council has an upcoming tree planting event in collaboration with ‘Friends of Mangemangeroa’ and our MHJC community is invited.

This event aims to bring the community together to help restore New Zealand’s flora whilst educating individuals about the importance of the environment.

The event will be held on Sunday 28th May, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and will be held at the reserve near Sandspit Road in Shelly Park.

Below is the link to register, for those students interested:

Congratulations to Ella Ma’afu-Poi (10W1) for her selection to the Developing Sox Softball Team that will compete at the Softball World Cup. Ella will represent New Zealand at this international tournament which will be held in Japan from 21- 29 October. Amazing news Ella!

Earlier this week, select students took part in the South Auckland Intermediate and Senior Chess Tournament. These students are learning the game of Chess through DEEP and had a great time showing their progress at the tournament.

*** Please note the time change.
Kia Ora e te whānau, our in person Hui (scheduled for 4th May from 5.30 – 6.30pm) is replaced with an online google meet due to PPTA strike action.
An email was sent on Friday to our Māori and Pasifika whānau with more details.
Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Towards the end of Term 1, MHJC welcomed two new staff members.

Following Mr Dobson’s promotion as Head of Social Sciences at Te Aute College, Shona Chamberlin joins the team in Ngahere/Forest Whānau. Shona brings a wealth of experience from the Health Sector, is primary trained, and is studying Politics and History at Massey University.

Suzan Bhagwagar is welcomed to Tautai/Coast Whānau as our new Admin Assistant replacing Narina Remedios, who relocated to Wellington over the holidays. Suzan has a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Management.

We welcome them both into our MHJC whānau!

Kia Ora e te whānau – Welcome back to Term 2!
Our Māori and Pasifika Homework Club is up and running again starting from Monday 1st May, upstairs in Water Whānau from 3pm-4.15pm with Ms Katafono.
ALL students are welcome!

Congratulations to Joy Pillay (10F1). Joy was chosen to read a recent poem she penned, at the Auckland Museum on ANZAC Day. There were 80 entries across 3 categories for this ANZAC Competition, with one winner in the Under 12 category, three winners in the 12-19 years category, and three winners in the 20+ category.
Joy is an incredibly talented speaker and she delivered her powerful poem with such poise at this public event. Well done Joy.

Today we remember those who served in the New Zealand Defence Force and we pause to reflect on their dedication to Aotearoa. As part of this remembrance, our Executive Council attended the Howick ANZAC Parade this morning.