This week our kapahaka practices are fully underway as we move closer each week to performing onstage with our chosen waiata/songs; Tutira Mai, E Rere Taku Poi & NZ National Anthem. We have set a challenge of learning how to use sign language for the NZ National Anthem & we are blown away by everyone's participation & perseverance for giving it a go. The Performing Arts beautifully encourages us to explore the many ways in which we can communicate with ourselves & one another. Learning sign language, building confidence through dance & self expression while developing an appreciation for our bicultural heritage by singing in both Te Reo Maori & English ... Perfect!
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Thanks SVA; Esther Percy, Tahila Fraser & Josh Cairns guiding our sign language technique: 'bonds of love' 'New Zealand/Aotearoa' 'triple star'...have a go at home! New Zealand National Anthem
Natures Gift!
Nga tamariki notice the effects of the changing season. The changing appearance of the fallen leaves & fallen fruit. The brunches were drooping & laden from the abundance of ripened Crab Apples....now what to do with them all? Our fruit pickers set to work & with the help of our juice Master, Christina - Crab Apple juice anyone?
Taiao Tuhura
Angie Hopkinson from SDC - Southland District Council joined the group on Tuesday morning to discuss our request for permission to have a lockable storage box on-site at Ivy Russell Reserve, and other Kaitiakitanga/Stewardship initiatives...watch this space! Angie shared that our Taiao Tuhura Discovering Nature Programme is something to be proud of, and that the Council seeing our youngest citizens foster their connections to the Natural World through the Parks and Reserves under their jurisdiction.
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| Welcoming Angie from SDC to Taiao Tuhura! |
Our Polyfest Art 'Master Class' Journey Begins
We've reached out & connected with our Master - Kaumatua - Elysia TeAtatu. We're captivated by Elysia's work, her skill & ahora by her beautifully woven harakeke/flax creations. Elysia is a familiar face to kindy, being a part of our Takitimu Waka Project & whanau member. We're looking forward to Elysia guiding us on this journey as we discover tikanga surrounding harakeke, learning how to weave flax and how we can also weave our Kaitiakitangi & ecological values within our Art Piece.
We've been practicing our weaving techniques using more fallen cabbage leaves to create Matariki kites!
We've been practicing our weaving techniques using more fallen cabbage leaves to create Matariki kites!
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| Elysia's mahi: Miharo FLAX |
Albatross Web Cam Update
We've noticed the albatross chick is growing SO big AND now has black feathers appearing on his/her wings!! What a discovery it was to learn how an 'Albatross Mum' feeds her chick too! 'When Mum flies away, how does she know how to find her way back to the nest?' & 'I wonder if the chick feels lonely when Mum & Dad fly away?' Sharing our 'I wonder' questions with tamariki empowers & deepens abstract thinking.
We've noticed the albatross chick is growing SO big AND now has black feathers appearing on his/her wings!! What a discovery it was to learn how an 'Albatross Mum' feeds her chick too! 'When Mum flies away, how does she know how to find her way back to the nest?' & 'I wonder if the chick feels lonely when Mum & Dad fly away?' Sharing our 'I wonder' questions with tamariki empowers & deepens abstract thinking.
Albatross tamariki spread their wings wide & flew away to lunch!
Mu Torere at Home
Last Wednesday Hayley Spice received
our new Mu Torere game package to take home & play with her whanau.
Rachel Spice & Hayley said it was a big hit at home & was played
daily! Clare Wilson was keen to have her turn taking Mu Torere home next & we will continue to share this game with families on a weekly
basis. Playing Mu Torere gives children the opportunity to develop planning
skills, strategic thinking, cooperation skills, problem solving & building
resilience. Using rākau/wooden disks supports children’s connection
to nature as a natural resource & sustainable practices, upholding the
principles of Kaitiakitanga. At home Mu Torere is valued as
wonderful time for tamariki to share a relaxed experience with their parents,
siblings & whanau.
Enclosed in the package is the legend
of Tāne Mahuta, God of the Forest, where we source rākau from & some
general information. This legend retells the story of how Tāne
Mahuta separates heaven & earth, from a Māori perspective.
Thanks Annabelle Mills & whanau for your bread tag contributions this week.
Here's what Amy Kitto & Julie Anderson -Director of Education for Otago Southland- Ministry of Education published in Early Learning Regional News from their visit last term. We're super proud to share our mahi within our community & putting Winton Kindy on the map!
Visit to Winton Kindergarten
I was pleased to be able to visit Winton Kindergarten on 13 March. Creativity, cultural responsiveness and environmental awareness were very evident in this kindergarten that follows Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches to early learning. I enjoyed hearing about the one day a week bush programme for the older children and seeing how the interests of the children sparked projects. It was great to see how participation in Polyfest was connected to learning in the service, with local legends and stories depicted through art and creative endeavours. The kindergarten was filled with many examples of child-initiated projects that drive their curriculum work and the children were excited to share their news when we visited.
It was lovely to be part of the end of day karakia that was led by a child with everyone joining in. Thanks to Judy and the staff for meeting with us and sharing your practice and experiences.
Winter Tree Fairies
And today ... what better way to re-purpose all the variances of leaves from our leaf collecting over the last few weeks ... Evie Howden, Kaylee Scobie (plus a leaf sketch), Clare Wilson, Rosa Langford & Olivia Moss - your Tree Fairies are AWESOME!!! Tks Rosa for sharing your 'Master Skills' with the Roopu (group).
Parent Group Meeting
We invite whanau/families to join us next week - Parent Group Meeting - Thur 6 Jun! Your Parent Group will be organising our Matariki Whanau night - so we need LOTS of great ideas & helpers! See you @ Kindy 7pm.Have a warm & happy long weekend!
The Teaching Team
