Matariki Moments at the Preschool

Matariki is a time to reflect, give thanks, and look ahead, and a few weeks after the public holiday, our Preschool embraced the spirit of the season with a week of special celebrations. Inspired by this year’s theme, Matariki mā Puanga, the focus was on coming together, embracing diversity, and honouring new beginnings.

Each day, a different classroom led an activity exploring aspects of Matariki. The Foundation Class planted bean seeds under the affirmation “E tupu, e tupu – may it grow,” encouraging life and new beginnings. Loch Lomond welcomed tamariki into their space for a hui, with a performance of The Taniwha Song and a collaborative korowai decorated with handmade feathers that was then displayed in the dining room all week. Over in Loch Rannoch, children enjoyed decorating Matariki star biscuits in a shared activity with Loch Ness, strengthening tuakana-teina relationships. Loch Ness then led a reflective session on Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star, where children made salt dough stars and shared their own hopes for the future.

The week culminated in a Friday morning celebration where families were invited in for morning tea, hands-on crafts, and special performances of waiata from their little ones. Gathering together at the end, the children sang Te Aroha and Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi to a proud crowd of whānau.

The week’s celebrations gave our children a rich sense of connection to their whānau, their community, and the deeper meaning behind Matariki. The activities and moments of shared joy embraced reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings. The perfect mid-year opportunity to dream bigger.