In Week 4 our school community celebrated ‘Cook Island Language Week’.

This year’s theme is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna which means, connect me to the soil of my ancestors.

‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna reflects on the journey of Cook Islands people, as well as the longing of young Cook Islanders to connect with their language, culture, and identity. Acknowledging that while community elders are fundamental to the teaching and sharing of Cook Islands language, the leadership of young people as the next wave of cultural and language experts is also critical in keeping the connection to their homelands alive.

Kia Orana! At the start of the week, we had the good ole’ traditional Raro donuts at Breakfast Club, with the choice of smothering nutella on top (yummo). In the Cook Island culture, they are very resourceful people. So during the week, we had a few hands-on activities. We got to design and paint some patchwork, which is now hanging in the front lobby. Students also weaved small mini ‘colourful’ baskets that they could take away and use. A few Yr7 students, also performed a little ukulele piece, to the song “Iko Iko”.

It was a pleasure for our school, to have a visit and performance from the former Ms Cook Island (2017) Lydia Simonis Tariu. She passionately spoke about her culture, shared a ukulele song and finally embraced us with her amazing Cook Island dance and costume. If you want to know more about Lydia, I had the opportunity to interview her. Her Questions and Answers, are posted in the newsletter. Meitaki!

Mrs Tuaoi (Multicultural Education Aide Support)

Lydia Simonis Tariu (Miss Cook Island 2017)

Q&A

Which Island in the Cook Islands are you from?

I am from Atiu, also known as Enua Manu (the island of birds) discovered in 1777 by Captain Cook. Our island is one of 15 islands known as the warrior island. Although being a warrior is a common island trait back in the day, our island owns an additional 3 islands known as Ngaputoru. These 3 islands consist of Mauke, Mitiaro & Takutea, these islands were inhabited by their own people until they were all killed and replaced with the Atiuan people only.

How long have you been dancing the Cook Island dance?

I have been dancing altogether for 20 years, as I started when I was 4 years old at school in Atiu learning culture is compulsory.

What was your favourite subject at school and why?

My favourite subject at school was English, as ive always been powerfully effected by literature and creative writing. I never really had friends at school, so books took me to a whole other place, you can learn so much and be taken back into time, and into the thought processes of people that have changed the world with their words and emotions example: Leo Tolstoy.

What is one of your favourite foods?

Definitely Ika Mata (Raw Fish) and Borscht a Ukrainian dish from my mother’s side. Both dishes are known to keep us youthful and give us life longevity.

How many languages do you speak? And what are they?

I speak Te Reo Cook Island (the language of Cook Islands) and Russian. Although not completely fluent I understand and I am self taught.

What motivates you to get up in the morning?

Its my family, because I want to be successful and take care of them. I am so grateful for my life to be born healthy and free.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Have respect.

Being crowned a former Ms Cook Island in 2017. Why is your culture so important to you?

It’s very important to me because I have had a very unique upbringing because of it. At school I never had any friends, got bullied for my skin colour (I went to a predominately English school and I was the only Islander) my parents were extremely strict and I found that it was hard to fit in. Also I never drink or smoke so I never got invited anywhere also. BUT because of culture I experienced a better life, I have traveled the world because of dance, I would be performing at shows on the weekend on yachts and beautiful events, I would spend so much time with my amazing loyal cousins experiencing life with them, the people that really have my back in life AND I got

paid for it. Who would ever think so many opportunities could come from this simple dance, but truthfully it touches people and it makes me love to share it. So culture is important because I think of other kids that maybe have a bad home life, or no friends, or people who are lost and I want to bring them into our community to make them feel welcomed and who knows where their journey can take them or how culture can inspire them.

I have also found that in life when I have felt “lost” culture has made me feel whole again. I’ve tried many times in my life to follow the path people advise for me for example being more English, forgetting who I am to fit in, but I’ve found it lead me to much unhappiness and now at 24 I am unapologetically true to myself

Life can be a roller-coaster at times, what piece of advice can give you give the younger generation to encourage them?

Never give up on your dreams and dream big. If you want a Lamborghini and a mansion keep dreaming and believing because eventually you will get there. Even if it takes time

you will get it if you truely want it. Also, believe in yourself and trust your vision don’t let anybody persuade you otherwise, sometimes friends and family just don’t understand your divine path but you have to keep pushing. Last one, most importantly have respect for yourself and others, you’ll get further in life by being a good person with honest intentions.

Getting to know…… Mr Kooc

What do you teach or what is your role at KSC?

Multicultural Education Aide Support

Favourite sports team?

My children’s soccer team - Satellite City SC

Your dream holiday would be?

To Coffs Harbour

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

I can speak 3 languages. Arabic, English & Dinka

If you could have one super-power, what would it be?

The power to make peace & provide justice for all.

The best thing about working at Kurunjang Secondary College?

The teamwork. The school is inclusive & welcoming.

The school is very multicultural.

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