Term 2 Week 7

2017 Polyfest Kapahaka - We are go!!!!

Wow what an amazing week we have had as we introduced two of our Polyfest performance songs; Tutira mai nga iwi a proud New Zealand Te Reo waiata and Tong, Tong Tong a catchy Filipino waiata (song) about an abundant crustacean (crab), prolific in this archipelago. The tamariki are beginning to learn the lyrics and dance movements as a group, timing, beat and multi-tasking, as we stomp a foot along to the beat while we sing.  Ka Pai tamariki ... we are off to a great start as we begin our Polyfest kapahaka journey.

Polyfest Art

The tamariki (children) have also began to add their art piece to our group Polyfest art display. Our theme this year 'Celebrate the environment' 'Whenua ki uta, Whenua ki tai'. The tree we are creating is off to a great start but it is still missing some leaves!! Please find a leaf with your child from a special place of yours to contribute to this display and answer the thought provoking questions on the leaf template in your parent pocket.  Thank-you to all of the tamariki and whanau who have already brought their leaf and contributing information in!!The tamariki have had a fabulous time exploring the texture, look and smell of their leaves and the paint during this screen printing experience. They have showed so much mana as they have shared their special place with their kaiako (teachers) and whoa (friends).

Leaves all Around

The tamariki have been exploring the leaves at Kindy as they think more about where and what leaf they will choose from their 'special place'. During these experience they have been exploring the  botany of leaves including investigations into the shiny side/dull side of leaves, what makes up a leaf (ie. the spine, veins), noticing the different shapes and colours of leaves, and trying to identify which tree they come from.  

As the tamariki investigated the leaves on Thursday they also took notice of another element of nature...the wind. This created another spark of questions. During this experience the tamariki explored their theories and ideas through pictures and shared them with each other and their kaiako. Did they share them with you to?

A Book to Share

We were lucky enough to have a visitor Isaac Harvey (7 yrs old) from St Thomas School who came along to Kindy on Tuesday. Isaac wrote and photographed an amazing story called 'Oil Trouble' which he shared with a group of Kindy children. At the end of the story Isaac gifted his book to Winton Kindy!! Wow what a kind thing to do!!
Thank-you Isaac!

Exploring Maori Legends

This week during Te Whananga Time the tamariki have been exploring puuraakau  - legends of the Maori culture. These included Maui Catches the Sun and How the Kiwi Lost it's Wings. These legends have provoked the children's imaginary.  And through this imaginary they were able to sketch their own ideals of the legends, the warriors and protectors of the Maori culture.

Matariki Night

Next Wednesday the 28th of June we are having our family Matariki Night here at Kindy 5pm - 7pm hosted by our wonderful Parent Group. A request from the Parent Group to all our families:- Can you pop into Kindy during the day to help out with the lantern making? See Megan Mitchell (President) for more information.

Consider coming along to Kindy next Wednesday with your warm clothes, plate of finger food, your torch and a stick to roast your marshmallow over our Kindy fire pit!!  It is indeed a wonderful opportunity to mix & mingle as we gather to celebrate this celestial phenomena.

We want to share your comments with our Senior Teachers ... so feel free to leave LOTS.  Are our Polyfest waiata (song) choices being sung @ home?  Comment below!

Aroha Nui,

Your Winton Kindy Teaching Team