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!