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Our Annual Matariki Event
We celebrated Matariki and had a fantastic turnout. The name Matariki means tiny eyes in Māori and refers to the seven bright stars that make up the Pleiades cluster. This star cluster rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki is a time to gather with loved ones, friends, and whānau to reflect on the past year, spend time together and plan for the year ahead.
We started our night with our annual concert. We had been practicing for weeks so the tamariki were proud to show off their beautiful waiata. Our whānau contributed veggies to make soup and we enjoyed shared kai. Matariki is often celebrated by having a feast to acknowledge the bounty and blessings of the present. In the hallway, we had Matariki-themed books and puzzles at one end and a "decorate a star" station at the other end. Tamariki could decorate stars to add to their Matariki cluster which signifies reflection, hope, and our connection to the environment.
In Koru Room, we got grooving with a night sky disco dance party! This is always a crowd favourite. In Kōwhai Room, we had night sky playdough to explore, Matariki-themed face painting, and a lantern-making craft experience. The lanterns encourage us to either remember loved ones who are no longer with us and gives us an opportunity to share our aspirations for your tamariki in the coming year. The Pōhutakawa star connects with those who has passed on and Hiwa-i-te-rangi, which is the youngest wishing star, ties into planning our aspirations for the coming year.
We had a photo booth set up in Tahi and every room boasted amazing wall displays which show all of the learning the tamariki have been engaged in the weeks leading up to our Matariki celebration. Another amazing whānau event here at BestStart Kelvin Grove! "At one with child, whānau, and community"