Centre Manager’s Report July and August 2024

Kia ora koutou,

I hope you are all well. As we are still in winter season, may we continue encourage everyone to prioritise health by getting enough rest, stay active and eating nourishing foods. 

We would like to welcome our new tamariki who have joined us for the month of July: Gloria Deaniyage and Lucas Quezada Jara. We look forward to getting to know you both and your whānau.

BUSY TAMARIKI KARORI KIDS                      

1.Connecting to mana whenua maunga/mauka and awa We had fantastic hikoi/walk to Makara peak today. Our tamariki and kaiako enjoyed a nice walk in the bush! This experience has provided us the opportunity to learn about the natural world and deepened understanding about cultural roots. This visit to Makara peak was one of the outputs from the workshop called SELO with Kura Moeahu (Chairperson of Waiwhetu and Pipitea Marae, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa, Atiawa Toa FM Radio and the Harbour Island Kaitiaki Board) that Gina and Reena attended.	Learning Outcomes  (Te Ara Whānui Whāriki and NELP) 1a. Making connections between people, places and things in their world | te waihanga hononga 1b. Learning priorities: Have high aspirations for every learner/ākonga, and support these by partnering with their whānau and communities to design and deliver education that responds to their needs, and sustains their identities, languages and cultures.
2.Trip to Te papa Another incredible trip to Te Papa we had. At Te Papa we were welcomed by the tour guide named Mero. We were taken to the classroom where she educated us all about Matariki star cluster and the importance of it with some artefacts/toanga. Our tamariki and kaiako had the opportunity to deepen their understanding about Matariki star. It was truly special apart from gaining deeper understanding about their meaning we also had the opportunity to touch and play the taonga.	2. Children know they belong and have a sense of connection to others and the environment. Children’s relationship to Papatūānuku is based on whakapapa, respect and aroha.
3.Matariki celebration  Our Matariki celebration is a success. The event beautifully showcased our children’s talents and confidence in singing waiata and representing their favourite Maori gods and goddesses.   This initiative shows commitment to sustain our understanding in broadening tamariki’s and kaiako knowledge about mana whenua and whanaungatanga which are important aspects of Māori values and practices.	3a. Making connections between people, places and things in their world | te waihanga hononga 3b. Learning priorities: Have high aspirations for every learner/ākonga, and support these by partnering with their whānau and communities to design and deliver education that responds to their needs, and sustains their identities, languages and cultures.
4. Thunderbirds topics For the month of July and August, we have delved into the different topics. These topics include Olympics games, sustainability and friendships. These topics became a catalyst for enhancing of these important topics. These discussions have not only broadened their perspectives but have also provided them with valuable opportunities to develop essential skills such as independence, creativity and communication.	4a. He kōrero ā-waha | Understanding oral language3 and using it for a range of purposes 4b. Express themselves and their ideas with a range of different materials and modes.
5. Tumbling Tots Our tamariki really enjoy our Tumbling Tots programme that is held at Karori Recreation Centre. They enjoy physical activities such running, jumping, throwing balls, climbing and balancing with soft mattresses and other equipment that make the activities safe, exciting and fun to play with.	5a. Keeping themselves healthy and caring for themselves | te oranga nui 5b. Te wero ā-tinana | Moving confidently and challenging themselves physically
6. Learning Te reo. The tamariki and kaiako are continuing their journey in learning Te Reo Maori. We have added other waiata in our routine: “Te atua” and seven days a week (in Te reo Maori) . Additionally phrases such as “he paki I te….(how is the weather today?) and Ko te ahau tenei ra (whart day is it) are incorporated during karakia time. We have also introduced another karakia which is “Tūtawa mai i runga Tūtawa mai i raro Tūtawa mai i roto Tūtawa mai i waho Kia tau ai Te mauri ai Te mauri tū, the mauri ora Ki te katoa Haumi e, hui e, tāiki	6a. Meaningfully incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into the everyday life of the place of learning
7. 3r’s Recycling, reusing and reducing  For the month of July and August we have also been revisiting our learning about the 3rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our tamariki have been actively segregating plastic, papers and other materials as part of important environmental sustainability. Debbie bought 3 rubbish bins to reinforce this initiative.	7a. Te rangahau me te mātauranga | Making sense of their worlds by generating and refining working theories

Professional Development

Regan has signed up for Professional Development which is called Incredible Years. This program has 7 sessions. This program focuses in providing strategies for teachers to address challenging behaviour effectively and create more positive learning environment for tamariki.

 Our new internal evaluation is entitled: “To what extent are we providing our tamariki with the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition to the school program?”

The team will be looking into five indicators:

A. All Karori Kids kaiako understand the links between Te Whariki and The New Zealand Curriculum. 

B. The Thunderbirds learning goals and programs for the 4 years old children are supporting the foundational skills to move into the New Zealand curriculum.

C. The kaiako are continuously making an effort to be culturally responsive in their practice and assessment

D. Schools’ practices helped children and their families develop a sense of belonging

E. Teachers from both sectors and external experts were seen as equal partners with an important role to play as children transitioned to school

Upcoming events

 1.      Daffodils Day (Friday, 23rd of Aug)

2.      Father’s Day (Friday, 30th of Aug)

3.      Teacher-parent interview (02-06 Sept)

4.      Maori Language week (16th-23rd of Sept)

5.      Mid-autumn festival (Tuesday, 17th Sept)

6.      Trip to Carter Observatory (Space Planet) in the Botanical Garden (Wednesday, the 25th of September)   

7.      Teachers Only Day (Tuesday, 29th of Oct)-The Centre is closed

8.      Costume Day, (Friday, 1st Nov)

9.      Diwali Day (Friday, 31st of Oct)

10.  Working bee (tbc) Possible dates: 9th, 16th, 23rd of Nov

11.  Christmas Party (Friday, 13th of Dec)

12.  Last day of 2024 (Friday, 20th of Dec.)   Christmas holidays (21st Dec-12th of January)

13.  First day of 2025 (Monday, 13th of Jan)

News time

Our news time is now more meaningful as our children bring in items or tonga that are culturally relevant to their family’s identity and values. This initiative allows our kaiako to gain a deeper understanding of families’ identity, values and identity fostering stronger connection. Thank you to our families for supporting in our journey to be more culturally responsive in our practice.  

Reminders

Reminders about providing us a copy of the 4 years old immunisation records.

Please ensure your children wear appropriate walking shoes for our regular walks.

As part of the enrolment agreement, please be reminded that your child is required to attend at least six (6) hours each day.

Future Planning Workshops

Thank you to all our parents who attended the planning workshop on Saturday, the 10th of August. Your participation in the discussion about the long-term goals for our facility has paved the way for a stronger and more promising future for the Centre.

General

Finally, as I always say, it is your tireless efforts and initiatives and providing valuable insights significantly contributed to the success of Karori Kids. We deeply appreciate the time, enegy and passion you investment here in our Centre.

“ Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi

With your basket and my basket the people will live