News in brief
After-school Japanese language and culture class proves popular
Ryoko Takahashi’s new after-school Japanese language and culture class for children aged between seven and 13 has attracted some keen participants.
“It is not difficult to learn basic Japanese,” said Ryoko. “It is challenging for the kids, sure, but they are really enjoying it too. The class is not like a normal language class at school; it is more a conversational class and it’s about having fun while learning the language. They learn about everyday Japanese culture and we concentrate on listening and speaking. We do lots of games, some traditional Japanese greetings, games and activities, and through those they pick up Japanese words.”
The class also acknowledges traditional celebrations like Boys’ Day, for which children made their own paper hats and learned vocabulary relating to forms and shapes.
In their first week, the children made cards with their names, which they had to write out five times in Japanese script and learn to recall these names.
“The initial idea for these classes came from people repeatedly asking me if I could take their children for some Japanese classes,” said Ryoko. “Many of these kids already know some Japanese from a Japanese student maybe who stayed with them, or some other kind of previous contact with Japanese culture, and some are here out of their own motivation and curiosity. Two of those in the group are Japanese children, but they don’t really speak Japanese at home. The rest are Kiwi kids.”
One of the students attending the class is 10-year-old Grace Brett, who said that it was “just fun”.
“I’m really interested in Japanese culture, and being able to play games and speak in another language is exciting. Ryoko is really nice and fun to be around.”
The classes are held on Monday and Tuesdays for two groups, and run for one hour for each group, starting at 3.20pm. There are spaces left for those interested in the classes. For enrolments and enquiries, Ryoko can be contacted on 525 6054.
Ina Holst
A Himalayan evening with authentic Nepali food and slide show presentation in Takaka
A Himalayan evening with authentic Nepali food and slide show presentation in Takaka
First Steps Himalaya is holding a Himalayan travel evening at the Senior Citizen’s Hall, Takaka on Friday 10 June. The evening starts at 6pm with a Nepali meal, followed by a talk and slide show on travel in Nepal and how the work of First Steps Himalaya is bringing about positive grassroots changes in rural communities.
The directors of First Steps Himalaya will talk about the new “Great Adventures: a fabulous way to holiday – and one that really will touch your soul”. The Great Adventure is a 14-day holiday offering the chance to immerse yourself in village life. Help to paint and carpet new classrooms, dig trenches to connect water to the school, share yout knowledge and skills and meet new people while navigating through the stunning countryside on foot. The trust also organises treks, including Everest Base Camp and Manang to Mustang in the stunning Annapurna range. All profits from these trips help to provide funds to operate the charity’s work in Nepal.
Durga Aran, founding director of First Steps Himalaya, who co-ordinates the Great Adventures and Himalayan treks, says that there has been a great deal of interest from people who want to “give something back” to people less fortunate.
First Steps Himalaya was founded in 2008 and runs seven community early childhood development and community awareness projects in the Nepali hills. The organisation is planning to open 50 similar centres by 2015. First Steps Himalaya aims to give communities a greater chance to succeed through early intervention.
Britta Schroeter of Golden Bay said “I loved my time in Sangachok, and definitely recommend it. You have a great thing set up there, and it makes for really easy volunteer-tourism, coming from someone who has done it in many different places, and had many different experiences.”
The $20 dinner includes a range of authentic mild Nepali curries and accompaniments with a glass of wine. To reserve your seat, please contact Dawn on 525 6011 or email <director@firststepshimalaya.org> by Wednesday 8 June. For more information on First Steps Himalaya visit www.firststepshimalaya.org
Submitted by First Steps Himilaya
Shakespeare to be performed in June
William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest is creating a storm of activity at Golden Bay High School. Student actors are beset with winds of words to retain, precipitation of directions to sail to port, starboard, upstage and down. Captain Jim Barnes helps by plotting their course between continents of regular subjects, sport and employment without losing sight of the final destination, the port of Performance.
Support crew have been collecting flotsam and jetsam from the waves of the Bays (Golden and Tasman) to create, construct, costume, prop and set in place a play worthy of Shakespeare’s vision. They all hope you have written the berthing dates in your diaries, so you can greet them with acclamation: Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June 2011.
Submitted by GBHS
Frank Bunce visits Central Takaka School
Last Friday, Central Takaka School children were excited to welcome legendary All Black Frank Bunce to their school, together with the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust spokesperson, Paula Muddle, and our local Westpac Bank manager Brad Packham.
This visit was part of the Ritchie McCaw Challenge to encourage fundraising for rescue helicopters around New Zealand and to thank schools for their efforts. Central Takaka School children had held a Wacky Hair Day for their fundraising activity. Frank talked to the children about the Rescue Helicopter and the importance of this service. The children then took the opportunity to ask Frank questions about his rugby career. Frank had time to sign rugby balls, posters and body parts before heading off to his next appointment.
Submitted by Central Takaka School
Parenting through separation?
How can we do what’s best for the children?
Parents going through separation are often very concerned about the effects of the separation on their children.
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with Barnardos, is offering a course that should be of great assistance. It is called “Parenting Through Separation” and it is designed to assist children’s journey through separation, increase parents’ awareness of the impact of separation on children and help parents learn how to negotiate shared care arrangements.
Held over one afternoon, the session will be informal and friendly and will provide parents with useful and practical resources. It is for parents only and couples do not attend together.
Community worker Glynn Rogers said that it was rare for the course to be offered in Golden Bay.
“The family court often refers people to this course but they have to travel to Motueka or Nelson. It’s great that Barnados are offering it here.”
Parenting Through Separation takes place on Sunday 26 June from 1-5pm at the Golden Bay Community Centre, 88 Commercial Street (behind the Brigand) in Takaka.
Registrations close at 5pm on the previous Friday Contact Barnardos 03 539 0019 or the Golden Bay Community Workers on 525 9728.
Submitted by Golden Bay Workers
