LATEST STORIES
Celebrating Matariki with Whangaparaoa Primary
Five children from BestStart Manly went with teachers Michaela and Sandra to Whangaparaoa Primary school to celebrate Matariki with them.
We were welcomed with a special powhiri, a traditional Maori welcome. The school then sung us some songs and then their Kapa Haka group performed for us. We also watched a video that explains exactly what Matariki is.
What a great community to be a part of where we get invited to these special events! Sandra and Michaela used this as a learning opportunity to explain exactly what was happening, as well as make connections between the waiata (songs) that the school sang which we also sing at the centre.
We were also lucky enough to see our old friends who have recently left us to go to school. They were part of the performance and enjoyed the chance to say hello to us. We also got to stop and have a play in our local park. The leaves were a highlight as well as the large running field! We often visit this park to play some larger group games so it was a must that we stop off for a play first!
Being a part of our community and strengthening the link we have with our local primary schools is very important to us and one which we will only continue to further strengthen. It also supports the transition process as our children become familiar faces around their new school before the begin with the support of familiar faces from us as teachers once they start there too.