April has been a meaningful and exciting month at BestStart Everglade Preschool, filled with opportunities for tamariki (children) to explore (tūhura), create (hanga), celebrate (whakanui), and learn (ako) together.
We began the month with our Easter celebration, where tamariki enjoyed a variety of fun and engaging activities. These included an egg hunt, egg-and-spoon race, bunny ears, hot cross buns, and Easter cards. Through these experiences, tamariki showed creativity (hanga), experienced joy (harikoa), and built friendships (whanaungatanga) as they played and celebrated together.
During our two-week holiday programme, tamariki continued their learning through play (ako mā te tākaro) as they participated in a variety of engaging experiences. These included raincoat and gumboots day, pyjama day, movie day, fruit kebab making, pizza day, messy day, Wacky Wednesday, and a trip to the park. These experiences allowed children to follow their interests (ngā ngākau nuitanga) and develop confidence (māia) in a fun and supportive environment.
We also took time to remember ANZAC Day. Tamariki were introduced to its meaning through stories (kōrero) and simple discussions. They explored symbols such as the poppy and learned about remembrance (maumaharatanga) and respect (whakaute). On 24 April, children respectfully held their poppies while joining in singing the New Zealand national anthem, showing a growing understanding of honouring those who have served.