During nearly three months of lockdown online learning, the three Auckland primary school Provisions (Kelston Primary, Ormiston Primary, Oteha Valley) had their weekly Zui (Zoom Hui) on Thursdays. There were 11 Zui's in total and each week was filled with a variety of thought provoking learning games and activities.Teachers each had a turn at being MC and some also organised and led the games.The Teacher Aides and NZSL tutors also took an active role in organising and leading the games and activities, coming up with new ideas.Each time we had fun games/activities, Kahoot! quizzes showed great Seesaw work to each other, sang sign songs and even dressed up.

The positive aspect of Zui is that we can meet people we wouldn't normally get to see due to the distance. It doesn't often happen that the three primary provisions in Auckland work together. However, Zui has given students and staff a chance to get to know each other's names, faces and sign names, which has increased the sense of connection while working together.Kelston Intermediate and later, Year 9 students from Kelston Girls College also joined Zui. They led Karakia and positively participated in games and activities as great role models.We even extended our Zui audience to Waikato, too!

The best thing is that everyone worked together and had great fun together, even during the lockdown, and everyone had a beautiful smile on their face.The bonds we have formed through this experience will continue to grow.