Come and join us for stargazing, activities and an early morning breakfast at school!

Kia ora koutou,

Matariki is coming up and as a school we would like to celebrate with you and your family on Tuesday 25th June with no rain postponement date. If it is raining we will simply just stay inside and not do the star gazing.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in mid-winter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a New Year.

Traditionally, it was a time for remembering those who have passed and celebrating new life. Kites, hot-air balloons, fireworks, harvesting and feasting help mark the occasion.

We would like to mark the occasion by inviting whānau (family) to the school for an early morning breakfast, along with star gazing and other activities such as Poi (traditional Māori dance) and weaving. In order for teachers to be able to run activities and organise the food, we ask families to supervise their children while they are here.

For the breakfast we request a gold coin Koha (donation) per attendee to help cover costs.

To wear: school uniform and a warm coat or jacket.

Order of events - Tuesday 25th June

6:00 - 7:00am - Matariki Activities

• Stargazing (using stargazing apps)
  
• Reflection - new goals for the new year
• Crafts - Poi & Weaving (will begin at 6.30am)

7:00am - Breakfast

• Continental breakfast (Different breads including Māori bread, Fried bread, spreads, yoghurt, fruit platter and a selection of cheeses)
  
• Congee (a rice porridge popular in Asian countries)
• Coffee, tea and juices.
  

8:00 - Matariki Activities

• Matariki arts and crafts
  
• Storytelling & singing

8:30 - Normal Hub Routines

Learners stay at school for a normal school day and families depart school to continue their day.

If you are interested in attending with your family, please fill out the form below so that we know how many people we will be catering for - this is very very important.

Matariki form

If you have any questions about the Matariki event, please email Chrissy at chrissy@amesbury.school.nz.

We hope to see you there!

Ngā mihi nui