Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. At our kura, we celebrate this special time in a variety of ways both in and outside of our learning spaces.  This year will be no different.  Join us on Thursday the 29th of June at 6.00am for the annual hikoi up to our maunga - Titirangi (Mt Atkinson).  The welcoming of the new year and the Matariki stars will commence at the base of our maunga at 6.00am where we will meet briefly before starting our hikoi.  At the top of the maunga we join together for karakia, waiata and some stories about our stars and then make a wish for the new year.  After this special ceremony, at about 7.15am you are invited back to the hall at our kura to share kai with us and see some amazing performances by the Junior and Senior Kapa Haka and see various Matariki themed art projects that have taken place across the school.  This year, we will also be holding a special school wide assembly at 9.15am where each Year level will showcase the things they have been working on for the Matariki week.  We'd love to see as many whānau as possible at both of these events.  Last year we had whānau who shared special waiata and stories at the top of our maunga and we would love to see this contribution again this year.   WE NEED YOU!   If you are able to help with the organisation of the kai or assist with celebrations please contact sians@kaurilands.school.nz  .   Alternatively if you can help with activities like weaving, poi making, kite making etc, please get in touch with your classroom teacher.   Let's make this the best Matariki ever! 

WAIATA   Here is a link to the waiata that we will be singing at the top of the maunga.  Please learn this with your tamariki.  All of the tamariki,  kaiako and whānau at our kura will sing this together and we just can't wait to hear how special this will sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viGa0PCpsUA

Ngā mihi nui, Siân.