On Monday 18th March we held a hui to discuss our bicultural practices within the centre. We had a great hui with a really interactive group of parents.

Here's what we talked about...

Are you aware of our Bicultural practices at Preschool?

Tamariki love Kapa Haka and some have switched to Mondays for this.

Whānau are aware of our mihi mihi, the children love it and good for the community and family to feel involved, tamariki practice them at home.

Any familiar or new waiata (songs) will be put on Hail - our new newsletter format.

Kaiako explained our Tikanga practices (protocol) ie. not to sit on tables, washing is separated - bedding and clothing is separated from laundry used for kai. Games like Duck Duck Goose, nga tamariki are encouraged to tap the shoulders or chest instead of head which is tapu.

Some of our Karakia were demonstrated and explained. We use karakia at different times of the day - before kai time, when we come together for meetings. We will also make these available for our whānau.

Discussion around what the tamariki are learning in te reo - numbers, words, weather, greetings, waiata and karakia, phrases are used informally through the day. Te reo is used throughout the day as well as at group times.

Discussion about the Professional Development our kaiako have been attending to improve their pronunciation and understanding of the Māori culture.

How would you like us to improve our Bicultural practices?

Hangi- the staff explained that we join in with the school Hangi each year.

Matariki - June 25 2019 Activities were explained for this evening celebration ie., flax weaving, arts and crafts, planting, children's concert, yummy soup all children donate a vegetable.

Kaiapoi Kai Forest - fantastic resource and worth a visit with our tamariki.

Tuāhiwi Marae - all of our kaiako attend a day at the marae

Possible trip for May- Kaiapoi Pa, Ohoka Bush and Ohoka Domain

What are your experiences with the enrolment process and the settling process at Swannanoa Preschool?

Learning journals- translations of the te reo used throughout the journals would be useful.

The process for transitions to Preschool and between rooms is "amazing".

The staff talked about how our transitions are flexible and tailored to the needs of the individual tamaiti.

Whānau like Seesaw, great communication tool.

Mihi mihi is very popular with the children.

The Te Whāriki Early childhood Curriculum document was explained. New Zealand is one of very few countries that has a ECE curriculum document.

Discussion about the Key teachers and how families felt supported.

Positive feedback about the Transition to School process

Children changing from other Centres felt supported.

Sometimes families move to us from outside the community and appreciated support getting to know other families and the area. The morning teas for new families were great.

This is wonderful feedback for the Bicultural team to consider and action.

Thank you to all who attended and gave us such honest feedback.

We look forward to the next whānau Hui to continue to grow our teams projects and support our tamariki and whānau.

Ka kite ano

Until we meet again

The Bicultural Leadership Team