2021 has been a tough (three lockdowns!) yet an amazing year of connections in the Ko Taku Reo Preschool in Auckland.

A preschool is a special place where we welcome and join new whānau on their child's learning journey. We only have their tamariki for such a short but precious time and it is a place where they learn to grow, belong, choose and excel. This year we have welcomed 12 tamariki and their whānau and are looking forward to meeting Mahdi, Alexia and Lukas who are joining us before the year is over.

Haere mai to Amaia Rose, Kyra Jade, Umar, Isabella, Praise-Kamarley, Omni, Tonu, Montana, Marcus, Viha, Katrinamarie, and Charlie!

In Term 1 and 2, among 2 mini lockdowns, Preschool said 'See you later!" to Zaheen, Penelope, Benji and Samson who moved onto either Ormiston or Kelston Primary Deaf Provision. We also farewelled Benoit and Jack as they moved on to their local schools. It is always a proud moment to see them wearing our Preschool korowai cloak.

Highlights of the Year School visits, Bader the rabbit, Sensory Play (gloop is a favourite!), new monkey bars, Interactive Family Fun Day at Auckland Deaf Society, Construction Play, making new friends, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons at the Pumphouse Theatre, Sing and Sign and Playgroup sessions at Hearing House, new Communication Board, and Earthquake drills!

In Term 3, we had just over 3 weeks together before COVID-19 struck again leading to our current long lockdown. This has affected some of our children who were transitioning to school - we wish you all the best on the next step of your learning journey and hope we can get together soon - Aron, Maria, Taane, Te Kanawa, and Steiny.

At the time of writing, we are in week 10 of Lockdown in Auckland, so we are missing the kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) but the teachers have been working hard to support connections on Storypark.