12 Wairarapa Midweek Opinion Wednesday, February 2, 2022 EDITORIAL
MIDWEEK PHOTOS
Opinion
Life skills in class? Today, all over the country, kids head back to school for 2022. It’s been a couple of decades since my school days, but I remember this time of year well. Frantically coating my books with Duraseal, innumerable blisters from new shoes, praying for nonthreatening teachers and a desk next to a friend. Nerves, excitement, dread – emotions ran high. I imagine, these days, it’s pretty similar. Pandemic notwithstanding. In celebration of “Back to School” week, we asked our readers, via our Facebook “Street Talk” forum, what they thought schools in Wairarapa needed. A large majority said schools needed “life skills” in the curriculum. A focus on life’s practicalities: growing food, changing tyres, preparing CVs, and balancing a household budget. I’d agree: my own schooling was heavy on academics and a bit light on the hands-on competencies. However, like everything we enjoy debating on Facebook,
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Peace of Mind
CUTIE OF THE WEEK
Erin Kavanagh-Hall there’s some nuance. As a journalist, I’ve worked closely with Wairarapa schools – many of which have incorporated practical skills into children’s learning, from growing vegetables to cooking meals for those in need. Wairarapa is also blessed to have active community groups working alongside schools: like Divine River, which teaches young people to make their own eco-friendly sanitary products. Arguably, schools could be doing more to provide a well-rounded education – but it’s important we remember the significant pressures on our teaching workforce. With Omicron looming large, it’s a stressful time for educators: teaching through face masks, having to ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms, and a potential reduction in staff numbers as the
virus spreads. Even without a pandemic, teachers have enough their plate – long hours, endless paperwork, and scant resources – without having to overhaul their lesson plans. With this in mind, life skills in schools requires community participation. For example, businesses, community organisations and parents partnering with schools to help students plan a weekly menu, develop money smarts, and upcycle old clothes. Problem is, that requires time – which, for many, is in short supply. Updating policy, upskilling teachers, more funding – there are many solutions. For now, we need to be mindful that teachers are doing what they can with what they have. To the tamariki of Wairarapa, all the best for the school year – whatever it may bring.
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Biggest Stock of road bikes
Kiana Fox, looking lovely in her new green dress, celebrated her six-month birthday in January. This photo was supplied by Mum Emily Rose. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
What’s On
FEBRUARY 2022
Under the Red Traffic Light the Wairarapa Cancer Society office is closed but we are still open for business. We are here to help people get the support and services they need to live well with cancer and our volunteer driving services and counselling services are continuing.
Smallest showroom
Summers here, stock is hard to get, so get in now.
To contact our Wairarapa service, please email us at waisupport@cancersoc.org.nz or phone 06 378 8039. If you would like to speak to one of our cancer nurses or counsellors please call 0800 CANCER (226 237)
The Longest Day Golf Challenge a golfing endurance challenge
A ‘hole in one’ thank you to the Wairarapa Team ‘The Saturday Slicers’ who have raised over $4000 for the Wairarapa Cancer Society by giving up their time and giving all their energy to complete 72 holes at the lovely Carterton Golf Club in January this year. 75 Dixon Street, Masterton | P 378 6159 www.faganmotors.co.nz Rod Carter (027) 449 8333
Johnny (027) 328 3622
Cancer Society Wairarapa
37 Te Ore Ore Rd, Masterton P 06 378 8039 F 06 3788042 E waisuuport@cancersoc.org.nz
