Education
We were all young once’: Youth social worker encourages calm and kindness
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Education, Local, National
On the final day of Te Kainga O Pa Taunga mental health workshop at Sinai Hall yesterday, practising councillor Sandra Cowen addressed children and adolescents’ emotional problems and preventative strategies for frontline workers.
Minister Nicholas initiates work experience programme for college students
Friday 2 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
College students have been given the opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to various government agencies through a work experience programme.
Lewis hands in resignation to CISNOC
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, Local, National, Other Sports, Sports
New Education Secretary Owen Lewis has handed in his resignation to the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC), while it is understood he will remain in an acting position, unpaid, as secretary general until a suitable replacement is found.
Apii Te Uki Ou students take off for new year with Airport Tour
Tuesday 23 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Senior students at Apii Te Uki Ou kicked off their 2024 academic year and first day back at school yesterday with a unique experience – a bus tour on the Rarotonga International Airport.
Embracing island life and education
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, National, Weekend
New teachers from Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea bring diverse experiences and enthusiasm to Cook Islands classrooms.
Schools gear up for busy year
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National
Schools in the Cook Islands are gearing up for the start of the new academic year, and parents are being advised to support their children with their studies.
Juvenile crime spikes, NGO calls for parents to step up
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Culture, Education, Local, National
Cook Islands NGO Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau is calling on parents to re-engage with their children following recent police investigations into a 13-year-old involved in burglary and other offences.
Opposition questions Education appointment, PM defends choice
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Opposition Leader Tina Browne criticised the government for ignoring a selection panel’s recommendation in appointing the new Education Secretary, while Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the decision. Al Williams reports.
PSC Hunter explains recruitment process which saw Lewis given the Education Secretary role
Saturday 20 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter has offered an explanation around the recruitment process which resulted in the appointment of new Education Secretary Owen Lewis.
Aitutaki retreat to determine Lewis’ CISNOC position
Friday 19 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, Local, National
Cook Islands Sports and National Committee (CISNOC) senior officials, including incoming Education Secretary Owen Lewis, are scheduled to fly out to Aitutaki today to discuss his future over the weekend. Al Williams reports.
Panel’s top choice ignored: Teachers Union questions Education Secretary appointment
Thursday 18 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
Newly appointed Secretary for Education Owen Lewis did not get a thumbs up from the selection panel charged with finding a suitable candidate to fill the role. Al Williams reports.
Lewis tipped to be new Education Secretary
Monday 15 January 2024 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Education, National
A new Secretary for Education is set to be appointed this week, with National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) secretary-general Owen Lewis tipped to land the job.
As a politician, you’re involved in drama everyday’: PM Brown
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Features, Local, National, Weekend
The Kuki Cre8tive students were given the golden opportunity to interview Prime Minister Mark Brown, in his first official engagement for the year, and Pa Marie Ariki during their intensive three-day camp this week at the Pa Ariki Palace, which specialised in training for acting, dance, and camera work. Melina Etches reports.
Twelve new educators join Cook Islands schools and ministry
Saturday 13 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Te Maraurau o te Pae Api’i Cook Islands Ministry of Education has officially welcomed 12 new employees this week who will soon begin their roles in the islands.
Montreal teacher supporting special-needs educators in Aitutaki
Friday 5 January 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, Features, Outer Islands, Weekend
Canadian Lorena D’Alessandro learned teachers in Aitutaki are not especially well-equipped to work with children with ADHD and autism during her first visit in 2022. The veteran English Montreal School Board teacher returned late last year with some much-needed donations and tools for the students. (This article was originally published in the Montreal Gazette on January 4, 2024)
Nukutere’s Year 8 advocates responsible waste disposal
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Education, National
Nukutere College’s Year 8 marked the end of their academic year with a resounding statement at the Social Centre in Nikao – a day out that fused fun with purpose a week before the school term closed earlier this month.
It’s still pilot phase: Education ministry defends low NCEA scores
Wednesday 27 December 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Education, National
The Education ministry is defending the Cook Islands’ poor performance in the latest National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) literacy and numeracy tests, arguing that they are still in pilot phase.
Call for comprehensive arts curriculum in the Cook Islands
Wednesday 20 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
The principal of a Rarotonga primary school wants to see a comprehensive arts curriculum developed for the Cook Islands after a successful first year for the country’s only contemporary dance class.
Thesis explores island rhythms: Research documents Cook Islands dance traditions and transformations
Tuesday 19 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Local, National
Dance and music have long been cherished as a vital part of Cook Islands cultural expression. Now, a new thesis, “Cook Islands Dance Oral History – Embodied Expressive Culture of the Cook Islands: Encounters, Change and Artistic Mobility”, offers a comprehensive exploration of their creation and performance.
Small school, big dreams: Rutaki celebrates success at annual awards
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Apii Rutaki, the small school with a big heart out in the west, celebrated their school prize giving day with a vibrant occasion and a huge turnout of parents and family on Thursday.
