Culture Week and Book Week

The past few weeks have been filled with creative learning and fun. Last week, Amuri focused on honoring the various cultures of the students with their annual Culture Week and Community Culture Night. During Culture Week, students focused on the different cultures that students and staff at the school come from, primarily Māori, Filipino, and South African, all tied together with their common Kiwi pride. Students read books, listened to music, and learned about prevalent cultures in their community. On Friday, students were encouraged to dress up in attire that is traditional from their culture. Some students wore their All Blacks (the New Zealand national rugby team); others wore traditional Māori, Filipino, South African, or Indian garments. Many of the cultural outfits included bright colors and beautiful patterns. This encouraged students to take pride in their roots and display a piece of their identity that is important to them. 

Culture week also included hosting a guest speaker, Kathleen Perry, who motor biked around the world in two years. She presented on her experience of a diverse range of cultures she encountered throughout her journey. She spoke of the culture of the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. She made note of the hospitality and kindness she encountered throughout the world. 

Culture Week concluded with the annual Community Culture Night where several students, staff, and community members displayed important pieces of their culture. Many groups performed traditional cultural dances such as the traditional Māori haka and the Filipino Pandanggo sa Ilaw (the Dance of Lights). Groups also performed songs in their native languages. In all, this celebration highlighted meaningful pieces of the community’s identity, displaying diversity and unity.

The following week was Book Week. During Book Week, students focused on literature and the way it shapes history, culture, and the classroom. Students participated in several activities such as making their own short books, a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt, and an escape room with literature-related riddles. During the week, a local author came to speak to students about her books and the process of writing and publishing a book. She encouraged students to get reading and writing. The week culminated in a dress-up day where students could dress as their favorite book characters. Many students had fun engaging in the dress-up day and activities. 

During these weeks, my work focused broadly on identifying students with social, behavioral, and cognitive challenges who may be struggling with social connection. I spent the week aimed at building trust with students who may be isolated and opening pathways of connections with myself and other students. Something as simple as a warm hello and consistent presence may be the difference for otherwise detached students. Understanding the social structure of students ages 5-18 can certainly come with challenges, but at the heart of every student, no matter age or ability, everyone desires to be known and loved. It is my goal to ensure that every student, especially those with differences, knows what it is to be known and loved, and is afforded both the proper education and the social support they deserve.

The week drew to a close with a goodbye celebration for a student who has been in the care of Amuri for over a decade, who requires support beyond what the school can provide. She will continue her educational journey at an around-the-clock care facility. This demonstrates a warm handoff and bears witness to the many staff members who have supported her throughout her time. It was a gift to witness all who have worked hard to ensure that every student, even the highest-need students, is cared for.