Rata Tahi

Monday, June 13, 2016

We had lots of fun decorating our
Matariki Stars.

We made the biscuits to share
with our whanau.

We also shared the biscuits with the teachers.

Jacob took the photos of the teachers.

He did a great job!

Friday, June 10, 2016

Today we painted our pinch pots....

our designs were inspired by the artist Joan Miro

M.O.O.T

We made yummy pancakes

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Today Max and his Mum came for a school visit.
Max will be starting school soon.

Max enjoyed making a Mrs Wishy Washy.

Today we made these awesome shape pictures

We used triangles, circles, squares, rectangles and ovals to make our 2d shape pictures....

Monday, June 6, 2016

Matariki, the Maori New Year

Once a year in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades) signals the start of the Maori New Year.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades. When it rises in the north-eastern skies in late May or early June, it signals to Māori that the New Year will begin. In one tradition, Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi.

This year on the 6th June (Pipiri) the Matariki star cluster rises into our skies signalling the beginning of a month of celebrations.

During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity of life. It's a celebration of culture, language spirit and people.

Matariki is our Aotearoa Pacific New Year.

Matariki is a time for making special things for family and friends - share a meal, share family stories, learn about the stars.

Matariki is time to plant trees and winter crops. A time of new beginnings and reflection.

How to find Matariki - on the 6th of June 2016

Matariki is found low on the horizon in the north east of the sky. Try looking here between 5.30 a.m. and 6.30 a.m.