News

We have recently been celebrating Matariki, the Maori New Year.  In June or July each year the constellation Pleiades can be seen in the north-eastern sky, this marks the beginning of the Maori New Year.  Traditionally, Matariki was a time to celebrate a successful harvest and to prepare for the next growing season.  This is a time for whànau (family) to come together and share kai (food), waiata (songs) and pàkau (kites) are often flown too.

We have been preparing for Matariki at Beachcomber by reading pakiwaitara (stories & legends) enjoying waiata (songs) and kankiani (dance).  We have made lots of star decorations and artwork, harvested mandarins from our garden and made butter by shaking cream in a jar.

Our Beachcomber families came together to enjoy a shared breakfast.  It was amazing to see so many children, teachers and whanau dressed in their pyjamas for breakfast on a cold winter morning.  We shared delicious toast and tasty milo too.