A Star-Studded Matariki Afternoon
On the sunny afternoon of July 12, the Preschool hosted a celebration of Matariki, inviting parents and caregivers to join in the festivities. Each class contributed uniquely, making the afternoon rich with cultural engagement and family participation.
Matariki, known as the Māori New Year, marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster, otherwise known as Matariki. It is a time for remembrance, celebration, and planting new crops . The theme for this year according to Dr Rangi Mātāmua is 'Matariki whetū heri kai', meaning 'Matariki, the bringer of food'. Our children have been learning all about the stars in the cluster and the stories Māori have passed down for generations.
The youngest classroom, Loch Ness, prepared all week and delighted their audience with a charming performance featuring poi and well-rehearsed waiata which included ‘E Rere Taku Poi’, ‘Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi’ and the ‘Matariki Macarena’. Following their efforts, they enjoyed delicious shared kai while watching a slideshow showcasing their learning.
Loch Lomond’s class captivated their guests with a theatrical performance of ‘How Māui Found the Secret of Fire’. The animated faces of the children in dress-up brought the story to life, playing various characters from villagers to elements of nature and the fiery Aunty Mahuika.
The two oldest classrooms, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, joined forces for a musical performance that included traditional Matariki songs. Their rendition was so well received that it drew calls for an encore! Additionally, these classes offered a variety of Matariki-inspired crafts and activities, including drawing Māori patterns and decorating Matariki stars.
No celebration is complete without a treat, and on the menu for the afternoon was homemade soup with vegetables roasted in a traditional manner, adding a delicious and authentic flavour to the day.
As the evening drew closer to an end and the sun was setting in the distance, students displayed pride holding the wonderful lanterns they had created as they walked hand-in-hand with their parents around Roselle House. The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for the preschoolers and their families to learn about and honour the cultural significance of Matariki, acknowledging our shared heritage as citizens of our beautiful country.
