The display is finally up!!! Whānau stars

In spirit of celebrating Matariki, we asked our parents/whanau to decorate and fill in a star explaining what they think their child's strength is. It was absolutely beautiful to see the effort that everyone put into these and the amazing words shared. I know that these star are already very precious to our tamariki as they stand/sit in front of them reading, looking and showing off their stars.

Thank you for joining in and physically showing ngā tamariki our home and school relationship.

Tino Pai whānau you are all super stars!!!!

Handwriting with Mrs M

How the Kiwi lost his wings

We have been learning about the Maori Myth/Legend of 'How the Kiwi lost his wings"

This legend has really encouraged us all to become kaitiaki (guardians) of our environment, even though it may mean making significant changes to our current lifestyles.

Have a look at our art that was inspired by NZ Native Birds

Matariki- Tupu-ā-rangi

Tupu-ā-rangi loves to sing, and has a song for every occasion! Papa takes her to sing along for te wao nui (the great forests), and all the children of Tānemahuta. Her beautiful voice revives the forest. Because of her actions, the manu (birds), the mokomoko (lizards) - indeed all the creatures of the forest- share their waiata (song) too, which fills the world with joy.

Tupu-ā-rangi learns these songs too and holds them close to her heart. We learn from her the importance of sharing our gifts with others, and appreciating those shared with us.

Today we learnt a new waiata especially for Matariki! 

We also made special thank you cards for the people in our life who help us out, or enhance our life, through the sharing of their talents.

  

Matariki-Tupu-ā-nuku

Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki's daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to the different growing plants. She pays special attention to making sure they have everything they need to grow big and strong so they can produce kai (food) rongoā (medicine) and kākahu (clothing materials).

When we see her shining we are reminded that we all have our own special time and place, and to spend time growing our strengths, our pūkenga, as well as that of our friends. 

We will be learning about yummy vegetables we can eat and how they nourish our bodies. 

Maybe try a new fruit or vegetable from these posters for brain break time.

This matariki we aim to grow one of our strengths! Are you really good at kicking a ball? Te hanga pikitia ātaahua (creating beautiful pictures)? Telling stories? Giving cuddles? Remember, practice makes perfect!

We will also make sure our whānau know what their strengths are too.

Today we have been drawing pictures of family members to acknowledge their strengths.

We will be extending this activity by asking our parents to make a star for their child too, acknowledging what they think they are good at.

Matariki-A little bit of background

During the coldest time each year the Matariki star cluster comes rising up for the first time in the eastern sky. This occurrence marks the beginning of an important time of year- The Māori New Year.

This is a time for coming together with whānau (family) to think about the past year, plan for the future, and to take action. In doing this, we come to understand how each member of our whānau plays their own special part. Sharing in, and appreciating the wisdom and skills of our family members (especially our elders) can help us to shape what we do for and in the world.

Did you know that the seven stars of Matariki are a family too? Matariki, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī and Waitā, and Ururangi are 7 sisters.

The journey taken by these stars across the sky is also whānau orientated- it is to come and visit their tupuna wahine (great grandmother) Papatūānuku.

During this visit, each of the stars help Papatūānuku to prepare for the year to come, using their unique qualities or gifts to bring mauri (life force or energy) to her different environments. Whilst spending time with their kuia, they also learn new skills and gain new knowledge form her, which they guard and pass on to others.

Fidget spinner and fabric

Charlie and Trilay decided to make capes for their fidget spinners. It was amazing seeing the boys getting creative with some of the beautiful fabric that one of our parents donated to us. They found a nice quiet spot, in the workshop zone, next to Finnley to create their masterpieces.

Te Whare Tapere- House of entertainment

This week we are learning how to celebrate Matariki (Māori new year). Miss Stella spend Friday afternoon setting up a Te Whare Tapere for our classroom. This is an area to help us celebrate matariki through ngā waiata, ngā haka, ngā taonga puoro, ngā tākaro, ngā kōrero and ngā taonga o wharawhara (song, dance, music, games, storytelling and dressing up).

First we learnt that we need to take off our shoes before entering te whare tapere and that we are not allowed to eat in this area (treating our new area with respect). We learnt how to clean it with a broom and brush and shovel (we all must look after our special area). 

Outside Play

Lucky for us the sun was shining. One of our challenges this year has been finding the right equipment and resources to make the most of our beautiful outside area. Mrs Guerin had a great idea of getting out some of our gym equipment for the children to balance, climb and jump on to increase our gross motor skills and be outside in the fresh air. Have a look at what the children got up to...