This week as a school and nation we have come together to celebrate Matariki.
Matariki is a cluster of stars that appears in the sky in late May or early June, marking the start of the Māori New Year. This week has been a time to remember those who have passed, acknowledge achievements, and plan for the future. We also need to recognise the importance of whānau (our family) and community, understanding that our growth and wellbeing are deeply interconnected with those around us. Matariki serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and wisdom that resides within us, encouraging us to set intentions for the future and pursue our dreams.
Therefore, it has been the perfect timing to celebrate the achievements of our rangatahi as we came together yesterday for the Year 11 Kairangi Awards and next week for the Year 9 and 10 Kairangi Awards. We acknowledged our students who have been demonstrating and developing our MGC Ākonga Capabilities, which include developing their creativity, collaboration, thinking and communication skills, as well as those who consistently live and enact our school uara | values. Our students are more than just a test score or grade. Our school values these capabilities as important because these are the transferable skills that our young people need, to navigate and thrive, both through and beyond school.
Yesterday in assembly I asked our Year 9 and 10 students, and staff how they were going to embrace Matariki as we head into the long weekend. Below are five ways in which we can all embrace Matariki through reflecting, celebrating and planning for the future:
Tuatahi - Coming together with whānau and friends.
Tuarua - Giving back (the world doesn’t revolve around us as individuals and this can be as simple as giving to the environment: gardening, planting, or supporting those less fortunate or to charities.
Tuatoru - Letting go (of passed loved ones or extra baggage).
Tuawhā - Preparing for the future (planting crops, setting new goals).
Tuarima - Research (building and adding to your kete, undertake some new learning).
I am looking forward to heading into the outdoors and enjoying what Marlborough has to offer, right on our doorstep. I wish you all an enjoyable and safe long weekend and hope you are able to reflect, relax and enjoy with friends and whānau.
Ngā mihi nui
Emily Stenhouse
Acting Principal | Tumuaki