Nau mai hoki mai ki a Rachael! We a thrilled to welcome back Rachael as she returns from her final teaching placement. Rachael has spent the last five weeks at Kidsfirst Kindergarten-King Street.

It has been lovely observing kaiako in Atawhai teaching tamariki the actions to the waiata Te Taukaea Aroha. Kaiako went home and learnt the waiata and actions in their own time in order to facilitate an authentic and meaningful learning experience for our tamariki. Ngā mihi nui e hoa mā!!! Your dedication and commitment to developing your bicultural practice is noticed and truly appreciated.

Te wiki o te reo Māori – Māori language week is coming up from the 14th to the 20th of Mahuru-September. Māori language week is an opportunity for concentrated celebration, promotion and encouragement. And every minute of every hour of every day is a Māori language minute – we can choose to use te reo – every time we do, even just a ‘Kia ora!’ contributes to revitalisation.

Over the week of te wiki o te reo Māori we will be celebrating our already strong bicultural practice at Swannanoa Preschool. Kaiako will be setting personal challenges to use reo māori wherever we can!

Ngā mihi nui whānau,

Your Bicultural Leadership Team

Courtney, Ashlee, Rachael, Laura & Jo