Matariki Early Childhood Centre

2012-02-13T11:48:00.002+13:00

Tena koutou e te whanau...

This is just a catch up of the kaupapa we have been implementing here at Matariki to help children work alongside each other in a positive manner. The recent panui sent was tilted: ‘What does good behavior and sharing mean to you.’ Most whanau would by now have received your child’s responses however some children are still on holiday so we will discuss this with them when they return.
The children’s responses have been put up on a big chart and reinforced at mat time. For those children who are unable to give a response due to either being shy or does not yet have the ability to verbally express his/her self, staff will write their sharing experiences they observe and send home also. Whanau, if you have any strategies you use at home to help encourage ‘Sharing or Good Behaviour’ we would love you to share this with us. Followed is the discussion of the children’s responses:
Things you can say to help you and your friends…
If you want a turn of a toy…
· Please can I have a turn
· Can I have a turn after you please
If someone wants a turn of your toy…
· You can have it after me
· You can have a turn after me
If some is using their hands or feet to hurt you…
· Stop it, leave me alone
· Stop hitting me
· Stop, you are hurting me
If that person does not listen to you, who can you ask to help…
· Tell a teacher to help you
· Ask a friend to help you
Discussed by children and staff to encourage sharing on Mon 16th Jan 2012
We trust those whanau who have received the reading ‘The vital role of play in Early childhood’ by Joan Almon was informative. The next reading we would like to share with you is tilted; ‘Guiding Children’s Behaviour in Positive Ways’, by Anne Stonehouse. Some of the strategies discussed in this reading have proved helpful for the tamariki and staff attending Matariki. This reading will be sent out very soon.

2012-01-18T12:21:00.002+13:00

Ngaa mihi mo te tau hou whanau!

Wed 11th Jan 2011
Kia ora whanau, nau mai, hoki mai ki to koutou kohungahunga me kii ko Matariki. Welcome back to Matariki, we trust you have had an awesome break with your whanau and are rearing to begin the New Year. For the next couple of weeks before term 1 officially begins, we will be focusing on our team goal which is Sharing and what it means to tamariki and kaimahi. Again, we will also be focusing on what 'Good Behaviour' means to tamariki and some strategies children can use with their peers if they think someone is being unfair to him or her. The children’s responses will be written up on big charts as well as a copy sent home for whanau so that whanau are informed of the strategies we will be using here at Matariki. A panui will be sent to you called ‘The vital role of play in Childhood’, by Joan Almon. This reading will give you a bit of an incite of why we believe play is an important part of a child’s learning development. If you have not received a copy of this reading, please request one from the centre.
Ngaa mihi nui, na ngaa kaimahi o Matariki.

2011-12-15T13:25:00.008+13:00

Kia ora e te whanau...

Just a reminder that the Matariki Xmas Party is this Mon 19th Dec 2011. Whanau are all welcome. Mihi whakatau (informal greeting) will begin at 11am then followed with items performed by the children and staff. Hope to see you all there. Just below are a few awesome photos that some of the tamariki had taken, enjoy!

2011-11-15T22:12:00.011+13:00

Tena koutou e te whanau...

Kia ora whanau, anei etahi whakaahua ano. Here are some photos of the tamariki going to get bamboo to make tee-pee and also a few tamariki helping to make porridge for morning tea, enjoy!

2011-11-01T11:08:00.008+13:00

OUR RUGBY GAME

Hi whanau, here are just some of the photos of the tamariki having a game of rugby, enjoy!

"They playing rugby, Aniheta is kicking the ball." Naru

Ï'm kicking the ball and I'm getting the goal." Aniheta

"That my ball." Cedric

"We sitting, me and Hiiti-Tania watching the boys play rugby." John

"That's me with the headband, butter cups. We have a umbrella because we get hot." Makere

2011-10-01T23:30:00.009+13:00

Ngaa mihi nui kia koe pirihimana Trish!

Tena koutou katoa e te whanau... I te Mane, i haere mai a Trish, (he pirihimana) ki te korero ki ngaa tamariki i ngaa tohutohu o te ora i te waa e eketia ana te motuka e ngaa tamariki. Tino kaha ngaa tamariki ki te whakautu i ngaa patai tika a Trish. Ngaa mihi nui kia koe Trish. Noreira e te whanau, anei ngaa pikitia e whai ake nei ma koutou, kia ora!

bey blade photos

2011-09-22T23:56:00.007+12:00

Tena koutou katoa e te whanau

Just to let you know the holidays are upon us again in the next week and a bit. We’ll get the holiday programme out to you all by Wednesday next week. If we decide to take the tamariki to the movies during the holidays we will let you all know how much you may need to contribute for this. A reminder; if your child is not in during the holiday break please phone and let the centre know. Below are a few more photos of some of the tamariki during the bike-a-thon, enjoy.

Our Bey-blade Bike-a-thon

2011-09-14T23:33:00.007+12:00

Just to let all our whanau know, the Bey-Blade Bike-a-thon was an absolute success. A thank you must go out to our whanau who got behind the kaupapa and sponsored their tamaiti in this awesome event. The bike-a-thon itself went throughout the whole day whereby those tamariki who chose to participate went in groups of three around the track as many times as they could. Below is a list of the amount of times each child rode around the bike track during the morning. Aniheta; 14 ½ times, Tutepakorarangi; 9 times, John; 8 times, Naru; 5 times, Rarotapuhikura; 25 times; Hare; 10 times, Te Kupu; 9 ½ times, Mihiata; 10 times, Kanuehi; 9 times, Wenarata; 4 times, Cedric; 1 time, Alyas; 6 times, Makere; 1 time, Tangitawhiti; 2 times, Georgia; 2 times. The Bey-Blades will be given to your tamaiti tomorrow afternoon along with a certificate of participation and a reciept for the purchase of your child's bey blade. Thank you also to Koro Rua who provided the pigtail poles for the track, management for providing sausages, bread and iceblocks, whanau who were able to pop in for the event, Kmart for suporting the event, whanau who gave bikes to the centre, whanau who brought their child's bike in for the day, staff who baked and cooked for the day, Puhi for sending letters out to whanau, Mark for mowing our lawn, and of course to all our Matariki staff who got behind the fantastic day. Ngaa mihi kia tatou katoa. Below is a few photos of our day.

Our Vist to Matata Early Learning Centre

2011-09-13T11:20:00.011+12:00

Just a quick update on our trip yesterday, we were fortunate enough to be invited out to the Matata Early Learning Centre to spend the day with Whaea Margie, Whaea Lucy Rust and their whare kohungahunga ataahua. Vila and Whaea Muffy were able to take a group of 7 tamariki who thoroughly enjoyed their day out yesterday being able to see Whaea Lucy again, meeting new people and seeing a different environment to their own. None of us wanted to leave yesterday and couldn't believe how fast time flew by. Lastly, we would like to share a couple of photos that we were lucky enough to take of our time spent at Matata. Thankyou to Whaea Margie and her awesome whanau for having us yesterday what an awesome day it was!

2011-08-24T12:37:00.008+12:00

BEY BLADE BIKE-A-THON

Kia ora whanau: some of the tamariki have been showing such an interest in the Bey Blade game that the staff are putting on a bike-a-thon in the next few weeks. It will be called the BEY BLADE BIKE-A-THON. The date has been set for the Wed 7th Sept 2011. We are planning to funraise to purchase a bey-blade for each of the tuakana to take home. At this stage the cost for 1 bey blade is about $15 each. Therefore we would like to know if you could support these children's interest by sponsoring him/her for the bike-a-thon. You will have received a letter and sponsorship note by now explaining this however, if you have not yet recieved one, please let us know so we can have one sent to you. The bike-a-thon will consist of each child going around our bike track 14 times or as many times as they can. Some of the tamariki have already had a bey blade competition with Tiana Te Pou winning, they have also made atamira (arena's) out of boxes, tried making potaka with bottle tops and using the harakeke to spin it, as well as helped put a waiata together;

Anei te waiata e whai atu nei:

1,2,3,4 Let it rip x2

Bey blade, bey blade turning fast

Bey blade, bey blade spinning fast

Bey blade, bey blade turning fast

Twisting and rotating really fast

1,2,3,4 let it rip x2

1,2,3,4 tukuna x2

Potaka, potaka

taki huri e

Potaka, potaka

taki wiri e

Potaka, potaka

taki huri e

Rite tonu ki te awhiowhio e

1,2,3,4 tukuna x2

Learning outcomes:
We thought to share with you just some of the learning that can occur from this interest; turn taking, sharing, balance, spatial awareness, negotiation skills, maintenance skills, numeracy/literacy, safety rules, tuakana/teina concept, gross/fine motor skills, communication, oral language, just to name a few (Te whaariki 1996) and thank you for your support.

2011-08-16T11:35:00.002+12:00

snowing in Ruatoki

2011-08-16T09:29:00.005+12:00

Kia ora whanau

As most of you would have seen or heard, snow was falling all around the Bay and of course Ruatoki was no exception. We had about half an hour of snow fall upon as while here at Matariki and looking at the pictures below, the tamariki had an amazing time running around in the snow and you look carefully, you’ll see some of the tamariki running around with no shoes on. The staff of course was not that brave to do the same. Hope you enjoy them.

Just a thank you to those parents who were able to take time during the holidays for parent interviews. We had good feed back from these parents and just a good catch up regarding their child’s progress here at Matariki. Noreira, ngaa mihi ki koutou katoa.

2011-04-30T14:28:00.005+12:00

Tena koutou e te whanau; here are just some of the photos that we have been able to put together for you. We now have a good collection of photos but not yet able to obtain a professional dvd. We are hoping that we will be able to obtain one soon. If you have a copy of the tamariki haka, we would like to know if we can have a copy for the centre. If you would like copies of the photos we have, please send in a usb key for this. Ngaa mihi, the staff of Matariki.

2011-04-20T18:07:00.001+12:00

Wednesday 20^th April 2011

Kia Ora whanau

Aroha mai for the late panui. Alright there are a couple of things to get through.

1. CCould you please send in a plastic bag with your childs name on it a hair brush for tomorrow so we can get the tamarikis hair done. Especially for the girls. Could our girls pleasehave some bike shorts/tights in their bags to wear underneath their uniforms on stage as they will be sitting down for a couple of songs.

2. TTickets will be getting picked up this afternoon and sent home with the children on the van. However if you have do not receive your tickets please make sure you stop in and pick them up from the centre in the morning.

3. For those children that are not enrolled on a Thursday but have permission to perform they will be getting picked up on the first van run. There will be no 2^nd morning van run. Staff members will speak to those parents involved if I have not already.

4. After the performance all children will come back to the centre on the vans. Whanau are more than welcome to collect their children. Please make sure you sign them out so we know where they are.

5. Below is the itinerary for tomorrow afternoon

12pm – Lunch/rest

1pm – Children to get changed into uniform with the help of teachers and staff.

1.30pm – Karakia/group photos

1.45pm – Vans to be loaded. Vans to make their way to the stage

2-2.20pm – Stage Performance.

The actual time of the childrens performance is not known as per the Ahurei program that was sent out last week. All we know is from 2-2.20pm is Karakia Whakatuwhera, Nga Kohanga Reo o te Rohe and then Matariki.

After the performance children, staff and whanau to make their way back to the centre. If whanau wish to take photos of their tamariki you are more than welcome to. We will be cooking a sausage sizzle as well. Whanau wishing to take their children home are more than welcome to. However van runs will run as normal for the last drop off.

6. JJust a reminder the centre will be closed on Friday 22^nd April, Monday 25^th April and Teacher only day on Friday 29^th April.

Please if you have any more questions or queries please do not hesitate to ring us at the centre.

Nga mihi

Ata

2011-04-19T10:50:00.001+12:00

Tena koutou e te Whanau:

This is a thank you to all the whanau who came on the Thursday night to support the kaupapa and to watch your tamaiti/mokopuna/moko tuarua perform in preparation for the Tuhoe Ahurei. It was such a successful night. Thanks also to those staff and whanau members that worked endlessly to complete the children’s costumes, to the relievers/and staff who filled in without gripe when needed, to the staff who have worked diligently alongside the tamariki in prep for the performance, to the composers of our waiata, and last but not least to the tamariki who have worked really hard during these last months. We are all so proud of you.

Staff of Matariki

PS: The itinerary for the Thursday afternoon will be sent out via our web-blog and news letter shortly.

2011-04-13T20:37:00.002+12:00

Matariki Sleep Over Itinerary 2011:

Hei whanau, here's our line up for apopo. If you have any questions ring the centre apopo.

Thursday 14^th April 2011

6.00pm whanau arrive

6.00-6.30pm tea

7.15pm get into full costume

7.30pm go through full programme

750-8.00pm get changed/super/prepare the beds/bit of a play/dvd

8.30pm lights out for bed.

Friday 15^th April 2011

Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided to all children who stay the night.

Van runs will leave from the centre to pick up rest of the tamariki.

8.00am breakfast-eggs and bake beans/weet-bix/cornflakes

then day resumes as normal.

2011-04-07T20:27:00.003+12:00

Kia ora whanau:

Hi whanau, just managed to find some spare time to add these photos of some of the tamariki dressed up in their special costumes for our fundraiser for Christchurch. As a whanau we fund raised an awesome $73.10c. Thank you to the entire Matariki whanau, tamariki, and staff for supporting this fundraiser. Your donations were much appreciated. Thank you also to Whaea Jan for making some tasty toffee apples as a treat for the tamariki. We had heard also that another centre participated in this fund raiser so we were pretty happy with this.

Whaea Tahlia as a Greek goddess

Whaea Muffy as Hine Potter, Harry Potters sister

Tutepakorarangi as SUPERMAN

Rita as a GYPSY

Reremoana in her favourte DORA outfit with her Uncle Te Raame

Mihiata as a HAWAIIAN

Aniheta as ZORRO

Te Rerewairua and Te Rangiataahua the stunning PRINCESSES

Makere as a FAIRY

2011-03-15T17:39:00.005+13:00

Biking riding down the crossroads:

The tamariki have been using the bikes at Matariki and have been doing an awesome job practicing and just showing us that they can ride. We have amongst the group of tamariki confident riders, riders still needing a little help and riders that are still needing support throughout the whole process of riding a bike. Today we took the most confident of riders down the crossroads, which is a road just before you arrive at Matariki. To minimise the risks, we talked to the 3 children about being safe when using a bike and the rules when going on this particular ride. 1st rule; we walk along the grass area to the crossroad then once we get there, we start riding, 2nd rule; if a teacher calls out car, everyone is to hop off their bike and walk it to the side of the road. The teacher will then say 'ok' meaning that it's ok to jump back on your bike and go, and 3rd rule: If a teacher calls out 'stop' you are to stop and wait till we say go. To minimise other risks, we took 3 children only with two staff ratio, and the children were to wear a helmet at all times. We went over the rules before we left and again once we got to the crossroads. Along the way, we talked about the Te Awahou awa, Otutawiri whenua and Te Kapo o te rangi, chief of this area. This discussion steamed from the song, 'Tena koutou te Hui Ahurei' written by Puhi Rogers, which has the whakapapa of this area. Just an awesome ride. Enjoy!

2011-03-14T16:44:00.004+13:00

He mihi ki te whanau:

Just a correction in the last panui posted. The correct date for the fancy dress and sausage sizzle is on the Friday 25 March 2011 and not on 21st March as written early. Aroha mai whanau!

2011-03-13T15:48:00.007+13:00

Tena kouotu e te whanau:

I te ahiahi o te Taite, i patai au ki etahi o ngaa tamariki, mena e hiahia ana raatou ki te mahi he pareti apopo. Te tere hoki a raatou whakautu; ae. I mea mai a Tutepakorarangi, ka tautau atu i te huka parauri ki runga i tana pareti i te kainga, noreira, i mea atu ki aia, a, haria mai to huka parauri apopo. Noreira e te whanau, anei ngaa kiriata e whai atu nei e pa ana ki te tino hiahia a etahi o ngaa tamriki.

Tutepakorarangi me tana huka parauri!

Ko te tikanga i mua o te tunu paareti; inoi ki te atua a Mahuika!

Te ture mo te puuahi!

Kei te awhi a Aniheta ki te tunu i te paareti!

Te Rerewairua me aana hoa!

Te waiata e pa ana ki te haerenga a Maui ki te ana o Mahuika!

Putting out the ahi and declaring the area aukati/rahui (out of bounds).

2011-03-10T00:16:00.003+13:00

Tena koutou katoa!

Ngaa whanau hou:
Just to let you all know, we have 3 new whanau that have joined us here at Matariki. I'm sure, they will be mentioned in more detail in our up coming newsletter. On behave of the whanau here at Matariki, we welcome you all.

Practicing for the Tuhoe Ahurei:
The tamariki have been very busy practicing their waiata for the Ahurei in April so you may hear them occasionally at home singing away. We have recorded a group of children singing these and want to put the recording on the blog here but just trying to figure out how to do this. We will also send out a copy of all the songs very soon so you can help sing it with your tamaiti. The hope is to put all the songs on this blog for whanau to listen to. Details of our actual performance has not yet been confirmed but as soon as this information comes to hand, we will pass it on to you.

Whanau Photos:
A letter went out to ask for whanau photos as we are creating a whakapapa tree. Only a hand full of whanau have sent these in. If you are worried about the photo getting damaged, give it to a van monitor, we will then photo copy it and send it back to you. Alternatively, you can email a copy to our centre email: matarikiecc@xtra.co.nz

Kete Matauranga:
Again, a reminder to all whanau who have not yet sent back their child's kete matauranga, please do asap. The facilitators are wanting to put your childs work in them.

Christchurch funraiser:
Thank you to all the whanau who have supported this worthy event by sending in cans to support whanau down in christchurch. We are also wishing to have a fancy dress and sausage sizzle ($1 for a sausage sizzle and drink) to again support whanau in Christchurch. This will be set in two weeks time on friday 25 March 2011. The plan also is to hopefully involve as many kohungahunga and kohanga around this area to join in and support us by having a fancy dress and sausage sizzle at their own centre on the same day. All proceeds can then be forwarded by each centre to their chosen Christchurch support agency.

A string of Art:
Last but not least, these are photos of your child/children's creation with the use of string. Asked why did we do this... just for fun really. The task was, to tie their string to a post or tree and go for it. The rules were simple; 1: No tying the string around your neck or body 2: No tying the string around your friends neck or body and 3: Have fun! Got them to repeat the 3 rules back to me then let them go for it. And boy did they create an amazing piece of art. Take a look!

2011-03-01T10:28:00.000+13:00

Tue 01 March 2011

Kia ora e te whanau,

This is a panui to let you know, if you have not already sent back your tamaiti kete mataurangi (child’s book of knowledge) please ensure that these are back this week please so that staff can put in your child’s learning while here at Matariki.

Also, we would like to make a whanau tree here at Matariki therefore we would love it if you could send a whanau portrait in to put up on this. Any size portrait would be much appreciated. All photos will be put into your child’s kete matauranga once we have finished displaying these.

Ngaa mihi nui ki koutou katoa

Staff of Matariki.

2011-02-09T01:15:00.012+13:00

Nau mai, hoki mai e te whanau ki Matariki 2011

A huge welcome back to all the Matariki whanau after such a nice break for all. To all the new whanau that have joined us, nau mai haere mai ki o oo taatou kohungahunga.

This is the first week of the first term for us. The children's new kete matauranga will be sent home this week and next with an expectation sheet to be filled out by you the whanau. The explanation of these sheets are attached. So please whanau, fill these out to help us as facilitators support your tamariki learning development.

As well as this, we will be sending home a copy of the readings; 'behaviour management strategies', 'stealing mat time', and 'a case for natural playscapes'.

The behaviour strategies that we have been using for the past year have stemmed from this research paper and has worked quite effectively for the tuakana and taina here at Matariki.

The reading; stealing mat time, questions the notion; are mat times really that important for children of this age group and 'A case for natural playscapes', looks at the importance of the natural environment and the developmental advantages natural play can provide for tamariki. These are three fantastic reads so enjoy.

A daily programme plan will also accompany these readings. This will give you a general idea of what the tamariki will be doing during their time here at Matariki. If you as a whanau have any comments or suggestions regarding these readings, you are more than welcome to share these with the staff or leave a message on this blog. Until next time, mauri ora!

2010-11-20T16:39:00.008+13:00

Ngaa mihi ki te whanau...

These are just a mixture of events that we have been up to in the last few weeks so enjoy whanau. Remember to check out our Upcoming Events for the latest happening here at your centre Matariki.

Te tohu awhiowhio...This awhiowhio (symbol used for the Matariki ECE monogram) was inspired after returning from the Child Space conference in Wellington. Below are just some of the tamariki racing around the awhiowhio.

Rugby with Sam Kora... Sam has really enjoyed himself so far with us during his practicum and has been amazingly contributing to the Matariki Early Childhood programme. Some of the tamariki have been showing such an interest in the game rugby that we decided to take them to the Taneatua rugby field. While there, Sam took the tamariki through some warm up moves, ball skills, ball drills and then a warm down. What an awesome experience for our tamariki. Sam will be with us for one more week before he returns to his centre in Whakatane.

Staff Cook Off Competition... Below the starlights staff are enjoying a cook off meal prepared by the Ngaa whatu iti staff. Some of the tamariki assisted in the preparing of the tables with whaea Muffy and also created place mats with the help of whaea Jo. What an awesome idea whaea Jo. Below are Riki, Mihiata, and Wairere creating these beautiful place mats for the staff of starlights.

2010-10-23T17:20:00.004+13:00

Ngaa mihi ki ngaa whanau katoa!

Just to let you all know, I (Vila) have returned back to mahi after taking some time off to help Ata and our new baby called Hiiti Tania Ruawai settle in. Term 3 was an exciting term for us and hopefully for you and your whanau. I received some awesome feedback from staff regarding the parent interviews over the holidays. To all the whanau that were able to take the time out and chat with staff about your child, we are grateful. Your expectation for this term will again be sent out to you in the next week so please fill these in. If you have already filled these out, thank you.

And of course we are now well into our 4th term. Please read the UP AND COMING EVENTS below to find out some of the things we have planned. If more come to mind I will endeavour to write these up in due course.

The kaupapa (Tunu Kai) for this term is well and truly on, with tamariki enjoying cooking and baking a variety of foods from here and from other countries. Therefore don't be alarmed if your child's lunch box is full. They have either baked or cooked and eaten this or someone has had a birthday. If you are still concerned as to whether your tamariki has eaten his/her lunch, let us know.

One of our aims for this kaupapa is to send our camera home with your child and get you to take photos of some of the kai you cook at home. Or whether your child helps you cook. Another aim is to encourage you all to send in yours or your child's favourite kai recipe so that we can try and cook/bake it here. By the end of the term we are hoping to create a unique Matariki recipe cook book for all the tamariki , whanau and staff to share.

Arohanui
Ngaa kaimahi o Matariki

2010-08-19T18:54:00.009+12:00

Tena koutou e te whanau:

Anei a o tatou tamariki e mahi ana i ngaa mahi whai ano, me te kemu mapere.

Kei te mahi a Manea i te kapu me te hoeha, i te whare teitei me te waka atea.

Ko Tutepakorarangi tenei. E mahi ana ia i te kapu me te hoeha, i te whare teitei me te waka atea.

Kei te mahi whakataetae ngaa tamariki me Whaea Muffy.

Kei te purei mapere a Te Kereama me Tuhaka-Manahi.

2010-07-28T00:50:00.004+12:00

Ngaa mihi nui ki a koutou e te whanau!

A huge welcome back to all the tamariki and whanau and we trust you all had a wonderful holiday. Our kaupapa 'Ngaa mahi a te Rehia, Games of Yesteryear' for this term will run along side children's interests, strengths, capabilities etc. Therefore below are a few of our tamariki demonstrating their skill of the game whai (string games). The tamariki are now challenging each other as to who can do a pattern the fastest. Eru, Tuhaka, Riki and Takarea are giving the staff a good run for their money as they are very quick indeed. Patterns that some of the tamariki do know are; 4 of diamonds, Eiffel tower, cup and saucer, waka atea parachute, and the 3 of diamonds. What is even more exciting is the tamariki who are more expert in the above patterns are now sharing their knowledge by teaching the staff.

Just a note also, expect your next expectation sheet for this term which will be sent to you in the next couple of days. You will need to fill these out to give us a glimpse of your expectations for your child/ren's learning development.

Riki demonstrating the cup and saucer, Eiffel tower, and the rocket.

Tuhaka demonstrating the 4 of diamonds.

Takarea demonstrating the parachute.

Eru demonstrating the 4 of diamonds.

2010-07-02T17:18:00.013+12:00

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini:

The 2nd term is over and what an exciting and fun term it has been. The above quote we have used is to rightfully capture the multitude of people who have supported us during this term. Whether it be our trips to various schools, contributing to the centre through koha, aroha, and manaaki, and through assisting staff with expectations for your tamati/tamariki kete matauranga. No matter how large or small, your contribution has been much appreciated. To all the staff of Matariki, there have been many changes throughout our programme in the last two terms yet you have all persevered with absolute vigour. Therefore, to all staff, tamariki, whanau, extended whanau, teachers of Paroa (Whaea Kim, Mrs Ogilvy), teachers of Tawera (Whaea Hiria, Whaea Diane, me tana kaiawhina) and the teacher of Taneatua (Colleen Medwin), ngaa mihi kia koutou katoa.

The following photos are of some of the events and activities that the tamariki have been involved in these last couple of months.

School visit to Tawera school:

Visit to Nanny Kohe's kohanga!

Panekeke mo te waa moko!

Pareti mo te parakuihi!

2010-06-04T20:41:00.005+12:00

Tena koutou e te whanau:

We went for a hikoi to the back of our whare and look at what we discovered. A wonderful environment full of life. We found and saw pungawerewere, noke, ngaarara, ngata, kupakupa, pihareira, pii, waapi, koanga, momo rakau, hua whenua, putiputi, hiako, rau, hipi, kuri, kau, poaka. Fantastic time and all free. Nature at its best.

2010-05-28T18:39:00.000+12:00

Kia ora whanau:

During parent interviews there was a request by some parents to visit schools within the area as their child/children will be making the transition to school in term 4 and in the new year of 2011. Therefore the schools that we will be visiting over this term (term 3) will be the schools that the tamariki will potentally attend. As in 'upcoming events' on this blog, the schools that we plan to visit are as follows: Paroa, Taneatua, Tawera. We had another school in line however, they chose to decline. The main goals for us is to establish whakawhanaungatanga and to familiarize our 4yr olds with the school environment. To Whaea Kym and Mrs Oglivy, the facilitators of Matariki are very grateful for your wonderful support in this important part of our children's learning development. Ngaa mihi nui ki te whanau o Paroa ki a haere atu maatou ki to koutou kura whakawhanaunga ai.

To our whanau, Whaea Kym and Mrs Oglivy are the new entrance and year 2 teachers of Paroa school who have years of experience and who are just brilliant at what they do.

Below are pictures of our tamariki attending the Kura o Paroa. Mrs Oglivy has given permission to share these photos of her on our blog.

2010-05-26T09:44:00.005+12:00

Ngaa mihi nui ki ngaa whanau:

We wanted to share with you all these wonderful shots that were taken yesterday afternoon of that tamariki and uenuku or aniwaniwa.

"We looking at the rainbow. Takarea, Rita, and Tiana. "
Ono mariri.

"Kai kona a Haedyn." Tutepakoraarangi

"I seen that rainbow" Manea

2010-05-17T23:07:00.007+12:00

Kia ora e te whanau.

I te Paraire i hipa atu nei, i takatuu maatou ki te whare o Koro Rua. I reira raua ko Koro Mark me David e whakarite ana he poaka mo te huritau a Reremoana. He mokopuna nooku. I whai ake nei, weetahi pikitia o to maatou haere ki te matakitaki i a Koro Mark maa. Kino kee ngaa tamariki ki te patae waa raatou patae i te waa i tapahia te poaka, e Koro Mark. Anei kee weetahi a o raatou patae:

He aha tera?
Ka taea e au te whawha i tena?
Kua moe te poaka, kua mate kee raanei?
Kai te tapahia te waewae o te poaka?
He aha ai i tapahi i te poaka?

Last Friday, Koro Mark, and David were preparing a pig for Reremoana birthday at home. So, away we went to see the process. Following are just some of the photos taken while the tamariki observed. As some of the tamariki observed intently, they asked some awesome questions which follow:

What is that?
Can we touch it?
Is it asleep or is it dead?
Why are you cutting it up?
Are you going to cut the feet off?

For the full video of the tamariki observing this awesome experience, send in your usb key or a writable DVD and we will be more then happy to upload a copy for you. If you love blood and cuts, you'll love this video, if not, well I'm sure your child will.

2010-05-12T18:58:00.005+12:00

Tena koutou ano e te whanau:

The following photos are of our recent trip to Putiki Little Orchard Centre in Patutaatahi (Edgecumbe). The purpose was to visit the deer that the children of Putiki care for on a daily basis. Again, this was an extension of some of the tamariki regarding their own experiences of deer and pig hunting with their whanau. On behave of the Matariki whanau, we would like to thank all the whanau of Putiki Little Orchard, especially Theresa for giving us the opportunity to follow up on our tamariki interest. We hope that one day, Putiki will come and visit us here at Matariki, nau mai, haere mai.

Just to let all whanau know also , during the parent interviews some parents requested we visit schools next term for the 4 year olds. Will confirm these dates and display these on the blog. Ngaa mihi kia koutou katoa.

2010-04-30T23:19:00.006+12:00

Ka kite koe e Forsaith!

Sadly, Forsaith leaves us officially today to head off to one of the centres in Whakatane which is run by one of our good friends. Thank you to all the Hahipene whanau that shared your taonga with us during the time here at Matariki and we know she is in good hands with facilitators who are just as enthusiastic and passionate in children's learning. Here are just some of the photos of the tamariki, Forsaith and mum during her last day with us. The tamariki are enjoying some of the goodies that Liliana brought in for the tamariki and the staff, thank you Lil.

2010-04-25T18:23:00.002+12:00

Tena koutou katoa!

Kia ora whanau, this is just one way that we achieve foundation skills with our tamariki. Foundation skills are crucial to the more formal learning they will experience at the new entrance level. The earlier we can instill these types of skills the better it will be for your child when they make the transition to school. In this video I'm working on their short term memory, by saying a few numbers~letters~names or colours and getting the tamariki to repeat them. The best thing about this activity is that it's all about having fun but learning an important skill at the same time. When children eventually head off to school. the teacher will more then likely give tamariki 2-3 tasks to do at once and children will need to commit these to short term memory. Therefore, for us as facilitators, to instill these types of skills at this level is significant. If they can't do this by the time they enter school then it maybe very frustrating for the teacher and more importantly for the tamaiti. Have a fun week everyone.

2010-04-22T21:08:00.011+12:00

Notice to all our whanau!

What a busy couple of weeks it has been, hence the reason there hasn't been much posting during this time. During our staff only day last friday, we cleared the entire Starlight side out and started from scratch. The purpose was to prepare these areas for our tuakana and teina (toddlers) merge as well as creating a safe area for our pepe. Again because of the limited space inside, we really had to think of how we could use every little space to our advantage and again I believe we have achieved this. A reading titled: Open... shut them... open... shut them... How we influence inclusive practice by Charlotte Robertson will be sent out to all parents to inform you as part of the reason why this change has occurred. Part also, is to create more inside space for all groups as for those who have been to the centre, would agree that the inside space is small. To those staff and whanau that gave their time willingly without grouse, we thank you so much for offering your time and effort. To the management team, thank you for providing the means to support us in our vision of becoming a move inclusive teaching and learning environment. And to all our whanau, thank you for your understanding as to the reason why we had a staff only day.

Take a look at the new lay out...

2010-03-23T11:02:00.003+13:00

Tena koutou e te whanau. I love these shots of the tamariki in their element of play. There's not much else I can say regarding these photos for they themselves I'm sure will tell you how/what the children are doing.
Ngaa mihi kia koutou katoa
Matariki Staff.

Reremoana achieving the task she set her self; swinging off the apparatus and using a chair to achieve this.

Tyron having a great laugh, just brilliant.

Aniheta enjoys this parepona that one of the aunts donated to the centre. Your balancing skills are amazing Aniheta.

2010-03-13T12:37:00.005+13:00

Ko Hinemoana me ngaa tamariki o Tangaroa!

Anei kee weetahi mahi toi anoo oo waa taatou tamariki. E whai atu ana maatou ngaa kaiako i te tino hiahia a Tuhaka i teeneki raa. Kia pai to koutou raa whakataa ano.

2010-03-06T11:36:00.003+13:00

Painting like an artist!

Take a look at the awesome artists below. This activity is an extension of Aniheta's interest of flowers which he has been bringing in to show everyone. The children below are creating a sunny field of flowers. Staff sat with small groups and showed them how to create it. Within small groups we can discuss lots of learning, including paintbrush strokes, colours, lines, shapes, texture, Papatuanuku, Ranginui, ngaa tu momo ngarara, as well as supporting some of the childrens individual interests, strengths, or abilities. For example: encouraging the concept of tohatoha (sharing in a group setting), Tuakana, teina concept, (a more expert person teaching less experienced), social interactions amongst peers, enjoyment of painting and the list goes on. We understand that allowing children to express themselves freely with paint mediums is great however, just as important is showing children certain techniques or styles of painting for 'if we do not offer children different experiences, how do children know that learning experience exists' (personal communication, Dallison, C. 2010). Have a great weekend and see you all on Monday whanau!

2010-02-26T18:47:00.005+13:00

Kia ora e te whanau,

Thought we'll try something new and add a video. Check out what some of the tamariki got up to this afternoon. Enjoy and we will catch up with your tamaiti and you on Monday. Kia pai waa koutou raa whakataa ne!

2010-02-25T19:38:00.011+13:00

Ngaa tamariki o Matariki...

Ngaa mihi kia koutou katoa. Anei kee weetahi pikitia a o maatou tamariki e whai ake nei!

I haere wetahi o ngaa taina ki te kite i ngaa Marae o Ruatoki. Ko Te tahinga o te ra, Kanuehi, Reremoana, Georgia me Whaea Meri.

Kei te peita a Mia i tana pikitia ataahua.

Kei te marae o Rewarewa ratou. Te ataahua hoki ratou ngaa rangatira mo apopo ne!

Kei te mahi paraaoa ngaa tamariki me Whaea Jo.

Rita completing her puzzle.

Ono Mariri me Riki, e mahi ana raua i o raua tangata. Ko te mea teitei i waenganui i te tangata raa ko te ihu o te tangata te kii mai a Ono Mariri.

Mihiata me tana Koro Terry. I haere mai a Mihiata ma runga i te motopaihikara o tana koro. Ka rawe!

2010-02-19T18:52:00.003+13:00

Tena Koutou Ngaa Whanau o Matariki!

I whakaarohia e Riki me haere taatou ki te whare pikitia hai matakitaki i te kiriata nei o 'Alvin and the Squeakles.' Noreira, i noho tahi maatou ngaa tamariki me ngaa kaiako ki te whakarite i to maatou haerenga ki reira. Na Riki me wetahi o ona hoa i whakaaro mai, ko wai ngaa tamariki e haere mai ana, he aha o raatou kai/inu o reira, te utu ki te kuhu atu ki ro, me te raa e haere ana maatou. Ko ngaa kaiako i tauawhi i waa raatou hiahia. I whakaae maatou, ko te Turei 16th Feb te raa ka haere. I waea atu ahau ki te wharepikitia o Whakatane kia mohio ai, he aha ngaa kiriata e whakaatu mai ana i te Turei. I mea mai te tangata na, korekau ngaa kiriata mo ngaa tamariki a tera ra. Ka aroha! Heoi, i tonu atu au kia Emily Sinclair, (he kaiako o Awanuiarangi te wahine nei, he kaiako tawhito hoki o konei) ka tae maatou te haere ki to raatou ake wharepikitia. He rawe! Waimarie maatou katoa. Anei weetahi whakaahua o to maatou haerenga ki te wharepikitia o Awanuiarangi. Ngaa mihi tino nui ki to maatou whanau i a Awanuiarangi ki te tautoko , ki te tauawhi hoki i te tino hiahia o teetahi o waa maatou tamaiti. Tau ana!

2010-02-16T15:15:00.003+13:00

Hi whanau,

Rain, hail or shine, our children still want to go for a swim. Here are some of the children enjoying jumping off the slide into the sandpit.

This is our volanco project that the tamariki have been showing much interest in. Haedyn Reeve and Tiana paint papatuanuku. He maunga wenei o te rohe nei. Ko Taiarahia, ko Putauaki, ko Whatuira, ko Whakaari, ko Tohora, ko Maungawhakamana, Ko Tarawera.

2010-02-10T21:01:00.005+13:00

Tena koutou e te whanau,

We are happy to inform you all, the tamariki have settled into their new environment without too much fuss. Which of course, is fantastic for our tamariki and facilitators alike. On that note, we would like to share some photos of some the children engaged in their play; individually or in small groups.

Kanuehi trying on the cowboy hat.

On a shopping trip to the warehouse, Whaea Frances, Meretearama and Georgia go roaming down the isles.

Te Mawhai experiencing the feeling of sand all around. I wonder if Te Mawhai goes to the beach with mum and dad?

Riki and Tuhaka have only began interacting with each other over the last few weeks which is just awesome. Last year, or though these two had different interests, strengths and abilities, after returning this year, they seem to have found something in common and work for hours at a time together.

Building a construction with bamboo came easy for these children. Just add a few props and the tamariki do the rest.

This is a photo of the tamariki having a feast for Kupai as it was his last day here at Matariki. Kupai, we wish you all the best in your new school and to mum, dad and whanau; thank you so much for sharing your tamaiti, mokopuna with us for the past 3~4 years. Ngaa mihi aroha kia koutou te whanau, na te whanau of Matariki.

Please note NWI parents of (2.1/2~4yr olds):
You may have by now received a letter from the NWI staff regarding your expectations of your child's learning development for this term. Please return this as soon as possible for this will help us to assist your child's learning.

Kia ora!

2010-01-23T13:28:00.003+13:00

Kia ora ano e te whanau,

It is wonderful to see that you are viewing your tamaiti blog and leaving a comment. We will enjoy reading these to the tamariki during mat time. The art area was the last project that needed to be set up and now it is finally complete. Here are a few photos for you to enjoy and maybe comment about. The art area has been purposely set up this way to create discussion from the tamariki. I wonder if you can see anything about this area that gets you thinking? If you have, please feel free to leave a comment.

Remember, we have the whanau day this Sunday, so we kaiako will be looking forward in seeing the entire whanau. Nau mai haere mai!

Staff of Matariki.

2010-01-20T22:06:00.002+13:00

Kia ora Whanau...

Here are a few photos of our family play/vanity area on the deck on the tuakana side. If you look, you will notice, all of the items are of different colours in this area. Inside, the defined areas are of one main colour. The reason for this is children will understand where things belong and how they are to be put back after they have been used. It also allows the child's focus to be drawn to new items of interest, without too much visual distraction such as a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit. Sometimes, when the tables or chairs or items are presented in an array of bright colours, items that you want to focus on become less visible and add to visual confusion rather than standing out as items of interest.

Unfortunately, we had spent most of our putea on the inside so we had to work with what we already had. Hence the reason the play area is multi coloured. In saying this though, I think it works for now, as the children proved this by being so engaged in this area for long periods of time.

Remember, whanau day this Sunday. We really wish for you all to attend this whanau day as it has been set up for the interest of your child. In order for us facilitators to know your child, we have to know you, the parent, guardian, koro, kui, or siblings. Kia ora, Staff of Matariki.

2010-01-16T10:58:00.004+13:00

Kia ora taatou,

Just want to let you all know that our eating area is almost complete with the beautiful lino that was donated by Mike Price FLOORING here in Whakatane. Mike gave us a huge piece of lino that we were able to share between the Tuakana side and the Teina side. On behalf of the staff, parents, and our tamariki, we would like to thank you for this wonderful koha (donation) to our centre, Matariki Early Childhood Centre.

Oh... and whanau, if you ever need your flooring done or someone in the whanau does, give Mike and email: mike.price.flooring@xtra.co.nz I'm sure he will be more then willing to help you out.

Followed are a few tamariki using the area and also a few shots with the lino laid out.

Ngaa mihi kia taatou katoa!

2010-01-14T16:54:00.004+13:00

Shades going up!

Wow, a beautiful hot day again. We must say, the teina have been really enjoying their days out under the new shades with this hot weather. Yes, that's right, our shades are finally here. The tuakana side goes up sometime this week so we are looking forward to these going up also.

Here's some more photos for your enjoyment of the tamariki at Matariki as well as the new shades.

2010-01-12T20:11:00.002+13:00

Kia ora whanau,

Had another great day. Had a few more of our tamariki return today and it didn't take them long to get use to the new environment. Still a bit new for a few teina however I'm sure with time, they will become more and more familiar with the new change.

Here are a few photos of the tamariki engaged in the new areas set out. Take care whanau, and expect a panui coming your way to explain how to leave a comment on the blog if you don't know already.

The staff of Matariki.

2010-01-11T18:04:00.001+13:00

Here are a few more areas that have been completed. The wahi pukapuka and the rauemi area. Kia ora!

2010-01-10T19:13:00.006+13:00

Kia ora whanau,

The team here at Matariki have been really busy, even working during the weekend, now that's dedication lol. The centre is looking absolutely wonderful. Hats off to all the staff that contributed, whether through discussions, assisting with shopping and hands on. A huge thanks to Penny who gave the teams funds to achieve what we wanted to do for our tamariki and that is to set up an environment that will "support childrens need for a range of experiences including; self initiated quiet times. enjoyment of a sense of order, a feeling of belonging, participation in collaborative activity and the chance to make a mess" (Ann Pairmen and Lisa Terreni) and I believe we all achieved this. To our wonderful manager Ata, who gave us free range with when it came to stuff that we needed, Ka mau te wehi. Just a few more projects to finish off and the inside areas will be complete. Once these are done, we will be looking at setting up the outside areas. We may even call upon the whanau who have experience in this field. So here are the completed areas so far from the taina side and the pakeke side. Nga mihi ki a tatou katoa.

2010-01-06T22:35:00.003+13:00

Tena Koutou e te Whanau,

We are hoping that you all had a fabulous Xmas and an awesome New Year. This week the staff have returned to work, getting straight back into planning and setting up of our centre before your tamaiti returns. This term I'm sure, is going to be exciting one and we are sure the children are going to be very surprised at the new look of the centre. Mum, Dad, we are also sure you will be too. The staff are going all out painting, sanding, cleaning, and preparing the centre with amazing results. Without hopefully giving away to much here are a couple of photos of some of the areas that have been sent up so far. Nga mihi nui, staff of Matariki. See you all on Monday tamariki ma.

This is our restaurant/activity area. The majority of our children will be returning this year with us, and a great interest they showed last year, was serving, sharing and pouring each other cups of teas etc. The main goal for staff was to create each of our areas aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I remembered during my studies, Ann Pairman (Early Childhood Development), stated; "Children are more likely to grow up with an eye for beauty if the adults around them demonstrate that they value aesthetics". So, being a new year, we decided to give it a go, and with fantastic results.

We wanted to take advantage of this view from the window, and even last year the tamariki loved congregating around trying to peek out. Here, the tamariki will be able to step up on the slabs to get an awesome view. Not only this, but this area is also a great tactile area. The slabs were donated by Whaea Muffy, thank you so much Muffy. I'll put up more photos once we have completed our other areas. See you all, this Monday whanau.

Arohanui, Staff of Matariki.

2009-12-18T19:25:00.003+13:00

Kia Ora Whanau,
As some of you may know, today was my last day at Matariki. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for sharing their wonderful Tamariki. It has been an honour to spend the last 3 years working with your children.
I know that Matariki will continue to go from strength to strength under the leadership of Whaea Ata, and that the team of extremely talented teachers will continue to provide a marvellous learning programme for the Tamariki.
On behalf of Isla, Kyan and myself, I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a wonderful 2010.
Arohanui
Whaea Lucy

Here's some pictures of our day today. The last day of the year, and little Georgia Richmond's 2nd birthday! Hari Huritau Georgia!