This morning we had a Kindergarten tribute for the 29 miners who perished in the Pike River Mining Tragedy. It was our special way to acknowledge and grieve for the miners and their families and friends. Over the week we have had lots of discussion during Morning Meeting about the crisis in Greymouth. Matthew Mansell was an excellent reporter, being able to tell us about the gases what caused the explosion and progress of rescue efforts being made to save the miners.
During Wednesday's session we worked on a Tribute Card to send up to Greymouth. The children talked about what makes them feel happy when they are sad, and we came up with some ideas of what we could draw that would show the miners families that we were thinking of them at this time. As you can see in the photos, the children drew love hearts, smiling faces, flowers - all things that make them feel happy. Wihanel Kruger made a touching picture of a flower and sunshine, "I drew a sun so the miners can see," beautiful Wihanel. Archie Bryan's picture was of the miners smiling, "These are miners smiling because they know we are coming to rescue them." Malachi Todd thought that some treats would make the miners happy, "This is licorice for one of the miners to cheer them up; licorice makes me happy when I feel sad." Mikayla Colvin from our afternoon session, drew a picture of a parent, " This is a Mummy because my Mum makes me feel safe," she said about her drawing. The drawings were pasted on the front of our giant card, which we planned to finish off in today's session.
Unfortunately, after Kindergarten was finished for the day, we learned that there had been a second explosion in the mine, and that all hope of the miners being rescued alive, was lost. How were we going to explain this to the children tomorrow? They had been so involved and interested in the events of the past few days, that this had to be addressed in some way that they would understand that the miners would not be coming out alive. After consultation with Judy, Kylie, and some of the parents this morning, we decided to continue with lighting the tea light candles and sending the card.
At Morning Meeting we shared the news of the second explosion, with lots of questions following. Again, Matthew Mansell was able to explain to everyone that the miners had passed away, and we talked about this and what we could do to show our support and aroha to those affected by the sad news. Ella McBeth had a yellow ribbon hair clip, so we talked about how some people were wearing yellow bows over their hearts as a tribute to the miners, signifying hope for their safe return. It was decided that we would make our own yellow bows after Morning Meeting.
Kylie sourced a clip of photos relating to the tragedy, which we watched in silence; there were tears and hugs around the room. 29 tea light candles were lit and arranged in the shape of a heart, and we had a moment of silence to reflect and think about the miners and their families. Kylie then placed these on the light box along with our card and a hard hat; children came up to this throughout the session to reflect on the sad news.
Rebecca our first year student, and myself, started to make yellow ribbons out of pipe cleaners with the children - soon everyone was wearing their own yellow bow over their hearts - again talking with the children about why we were doing this.
After Library Day, we had an end of session gathering to watch a slide show of pictures that were taken during the day around the Kindy. Some children sat their watching the screen with the Kindy's hard hats, "Just like the miners had worn."
This was our own special way to pay tribute to all those affected in the Pike River Mine Tragedy. Thank you to all the children for sharing their thoughts and feelings; I really believe that the events of today will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Everyone was very supportive and caring for each others grief, especially towards the teachers and other adults - we are all very touched by how understanding and empathic the children can be. I believe it was important to share this event with our children, who bring an entirely new perspective and way of processing sensititve information than as adults we might do.
Before arriving this morning I was concerned about bridging the news that a second explosion had occurred and that there was no chance for survival. But today showed me how we should not fear the reaction of children - it is ok not to have all the answers -the important thing is that they know it is ok to talk about how they are thinking and feeling. This is what I have loved about my time here at Winton Kindergarten. The children are one; they are individuals within a collective; they are family.
Tomorrow is my last day at Kindy, and I am sad to leave the faces who have become family to me over the past few months. Thank you to all the children and families who have made my time so special - you will forever be in my heart. And of course, I couldn't leave without saying a BIG thank you to Judy and Kylie, you have a wonderful teaching team here at Winton Kindy, and it has been a privilege to have been given the opportunity to come in and learn from the you both.
Thanks, Christina :) xox
