Education
Shining brighter in Penrhyn
Wednesday 21 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands
Penrhyn is shining extra bright thanks to the kind donation of solar lights.
New trust aims to keep Cook Islanders home and skilled
Monday 19 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
In a heartwarming story of compassion and dedication, a pilot and his young family opened their home and hearts to a young child, raising her as their own.
Rarotonga on alert, schools closed
Friday 16 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, Local, National, Outer Islands, Weather
A tropical depression affecting the Cook Islands group was forecast to intensify into a category one cyclone by this morning, triggering advisories from local authorities. This morning the Ministry of Education confirmed that all schools in Rarotonga are closed but it is business as usual for others.
Aitutaki schools closed as tropical depression looms
Thursday 15 February 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Education, National, Outer Islands, Weather
Schools in Aitutaki have closed following reports of an approaching tropical depression, but Emergency Management Cook Islands says the system does not pose a threat ‘at this moment’.
Year 6 students step up as leaders in Apii St Joseph’s investiture
Tuesday 13 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Thirteen keen students from Year 6 have taken on leadership responsibilities for St Joseph’s Primary School.
Equality in leadership: Apii Avarua welcomes 24 prefects, no head boy or girl
Saturday 10 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Education, National
Apii Avarua wrapped up the week in celebration with their 2024 Student Leader Investiture yesterday.
Island girls fly to big smoke and carve out their careers in tourism
Monday 5 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, National
Tourism is the key driver for economic development in the Cook Islands and Tereora College graduates Kubethreana Taripo and Rakiki Brown are both “excited” to be the first scholarship students to be awarded the Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme scholarship.
Combating crime: Youth programme connects to community and culture
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Candice Luke | Published in Crime, Education, Local, National
Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) youth programme offers year-long holistic learning activities for youth and families to combat recent youth crime and promote cultural connection. Candice Luke reports.
Apii Takitumu welcomes new prefects for 2024
Saturday 3 February 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Education, Local, National
Just over a week after starting back at school, Apii Takitumu welcomed in the month of February by hosting their prefect’s induction day at the Holy Spirit Revival Church yesterday morning.
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.