Opinion

Life skills in class? Have you got a photo you want to share with Wairarapa?

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, 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.

Peace of Mind Erin Kavanagh-Hall

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication. Whether it’s a reader photo, a cutie, or a snap of you with your Midweek, email it to midweek@age.co.nz with ‘Midweek Photo’ in the subject line, and it could be featured in this segment. CUTIE OF THE WEEK

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

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What’s On FEBRUARY 2022

Under the Red Traf c Light the Wairarapa Cancer Society of ce 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. 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 gol ng 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.

STREET TALK Schools in Wairarapa need…

Cheryl Cavanagh Better resources for our pupils and teaching staff. Karen Lenz More resources, and a subject called life skills where kids learn about budgeting, gardening and what it’s like to run a household.

Laura Anderson More teacher aid funding! Lena Sheeran Specialised vocational studies – not all our children are going to achieve well academically. More options focussed on apprenticeships for our kids who are more creative and skill smart would be amazing. Steph Shepherd More relief teachers. And the same school time hours [throughout Wairarapa] – there’s too much variation.

Miriam Coulter A realistic curriculum, something that encompasses effective life skills, and greater unity with parents and caregivers and the community to increase their con dence in working together for the greatest outcome. Richard Alan Dahlberg Less PC bull, and more life skills. Like it’s OK to win. Amanda Fairhall Classes on critical thinking. Lee Carter To be kind to all children and teachers who have to wear masks all day. Ailsa Peck [Classes on] learning to cook and bake.

Joanne Gregory [To help children] learn some basics, pay bills, ll

CONTACT US

You may share your opinion in print and online. To comment online, message our Facebook page and feel free to comment on any of the stories. Please email letters to midweek@age.co.nz or post to Wairarapa Midweek letters, P.O. Box 445, Masterton. Include name, address, and phone number. Noms de plume are not accepted. Letter writers’ town of origin will be published with the letter. Letters should be no more than 250 words, and may be edited for space and clarity. Gardening can be a valuable skill for schools to teach young children. PHOTO/FILE

out forms, budget, how to nd a place to live, get a job etc. Adele Pentony-Graham [To teach] history about New Zealand.

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