E te whānau, tēnā koutou katoa, nínhǎo, xīn nián kuài lè

Over the weekend, many of our school community will have celebrated the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by many communities around the world. This year, we usher in the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing strength, courage, and success.

“I had a yummy Chinese dinner with my family. After dinner I got some money from my grandparents who live in China. We watched a special TV show for Chinese New Year” Elsa - Room 26

“I look forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year each year. We had dinner with my grandparents. Before the dinner we made a salad…the higher you toss the salad the more luck you get for the coming year. We also received a red packet from each parent and grandparent. The packets had money in it for the year. Next year is my year as it’s the year of the snake.” Thomas - Room 19

“Chinese people are all about traditions. Chinese New Year for Chinese people is about welcoming the new and the good. We do that by decorating the house with Chinese “good luck” characters and putting up the zodiac animal which is the Dragon for 2024. The New Year is an important time for family reunions of the different generations. This year I didn’t have my parents with me in New Zealand, instead we replaced our reunion with a group video chat with my sisters, mother and nephew who live in different countries. I also welcomed the New Year with my own children by having a reunion dinner on New Year’s Day with special dishes that represent good luck and prosperity; and gifting them “hong bao” (red packets) that contained money in them.” Jacqueline Wee, Office Manager

“At school, we share treats to celebrate Chinese New Year with the senior students. I also celebrated at home with a nice dinner and red packets to give to the children.” Dave Wong, Teacher

On Monday, we were treated to an incredible performance by the NZ Army band. This was a great way to start the week. Thanks to Kane O’Connell for organising this.

On Monday and Tuesday, Ropu Kahikatea (Year 5 & 6) had an enjoyable trip down by the waterfront. The children went on a tour to learn about some of the significant landmarks around the harbour of Te Whanganui-a-tara/ Wellington, from a Te Ātiawa perspective. The guides started the tours at the Wharewaka Function Centre showing two waka and retelling with the tamariki a creation purakau. The guides commented that the tamariki demonstrated an impressive level of knowledge of these stories. Tamariki were led to the statue of Kupe and then to the City to Sea Bridge where they retold part of the story of Ngake and Whātaitai.

For more information on the tour please visit their website -  https://wharewakatours.maori.nz/

We are looking forward to the annual PTA picnic at 5.00pm on Friday 23rd February. This is a great chance to connect with other families, enjoy a sausage or two and watch our amazing Kapa Haka group perform.

Reminders

• Draft Strategic plan hui to be held on Tuesday 20th February. The board is seeking feedback on the draft strategic plan. All parents are welcome. We will start with refreshments and a chance to chat at 5.30pm before beginning formally at 6pm.
• ESOL / Migrant family open morning. Tuesday 20th February 9 - 10am. A chance for our ESOL / Migrant families to connect with one another, meet the team, and provide feedback towards the draft strategic plan.
• Board of Trustees meeting. February 27th 6.30pm in the boardroom.

Whakatauki of the week

Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnei kīwai o te kete

Translation: “You at that, and I at this handle of the basket (kete)”

As always if you need any support or have any questions, please contact one of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT):

• Phil McIntosh pmcintosh@kns.school.nz
• James Appleton jappleton@kns.school.nz
• Laura Brennan lbrennan@kns.school.nz

Ngā mihi nui

Phil McIntosh

Acting Principal