To celebrate the Matariki period, Breens students participated in a range of activities and learning. 

After gathering student voice from members of Whānau Class, the programme consisted of lunch time activities such as a Matariki Kahoot, making star cards to show gratitude, creating mini collaborative posters, icing star-shaped cookies (this one was particularly popular!), a game of Ki-o-Rahi, and a Matariki-themed scavenger hunt. We also had a special Whānau Class oven hangi to begin the celebrations, with students preparing and serving the kai.

Each day in the notices, there was also a Daily Challenge question, eg. “How far away from Earth is Matariki?” (roughly 440 light years). Every correct answer counted as an entry in the draw to win a copy of The Astromancer by Witi Ihimaera. At the end of term assembly, three names were drawn. Congratulations to the winners: Aless J, Iris M, and Vincent Z. Ka mau te wehi!

Students also engaged with a series of special Matariki Tōtara Mai tasks, which involved spending time with whānau, weaving a Matariki constellation, retelling a Matariki story on Flipgrid, completing a Matariki concertina book and, most popular of all, designing a special Matariki t-shirt. Over 50 entries were created and submitted for consideration for another prize; the standard was generally very high, however a huge mihi to Juliette Hough for creating the winning design!

It was cool to eat a hangi at school. I’ve had hangi before but not at school, so I really enjoyed it.   By Nikau.

I like that the school did something for Matariki because not every school would. Icing the cookies was good.   By Faith.

Grant Cattermole

Teacher i/c Whānau Class