Hello Spring! Nau mai haere mai/welcome if you are new to Whakanui or Puawai! We are loving having so many new children and families starting with us recently!

We are very excited about the warmer weather and the opportunity to be outside exploring in the sunshine!

On the 13th August we had a professional learning opportunity with Huhana Carter who came into Centre and shared some of her knowledge about Ngā Atua Māori and how we can include these Māori Ancestral stories in a meaningful way within our daily programme. This was a great opportunity for all of us to gain a better understanding of Māori history and learn some practical and effective ways to support this learning to be passed down to the tamariki learning here. You may notice in Puawai, Jan has created an interactive display of the guardian’s Tāne Mahuta and Tangaroa. I encourage you to have a look at these with your child and talk to a teacher if you would like to know more about these stories and how you can learn more about these at home. ‘In the Beginning’ is an excellent book which is a great place to start to learn more!

Whakanui have also been enjoying the warmer weather and getting out and about in the sunshine! This has included many visits over to the school paddock to see the animals including brand new kids (the goat kind!)

You may like to check out their new planning board which includes each child’s individual learning focus and how the teachers are supporting this. Jenni and Ashlee would love to have your input and feedback on your child’s learning and any learning or interest you have noticed at home.

Have you met Helen? Helen has been with us in Puawai and Whakanui since the start of term 3 and is a Student Teacher here at Swannanoa Preschool. She is building some lovely relationships with the children and we are enjoying sharing our knowledge about what is important to us here. If you see Helen, please feel encouraged to introduce yourself and make her feel welcome!

Ngā mihi nui,

The Whakanui & Puawai teams