Matariki me Puanga

Mānawatia a Matariki e te whānau !

As the cold mornings settle in and the stars reappear in our skies, we come

together to honour a special time in Aotearoa.  Matariki me Puanga.

This is more than just the start of the Māori New Year. It is a time of reflection,

remembrance, celebration, and hope.  We have accomplished plenty and

have big hopes and dreams for the future.    

Matariki is a cluster of stars (also known as the Pleiades)

that rises in the winter sky and marks the beginning of the Māori New Year.

Traditionally, Māori communities would observe the stars to guide planting,

harvesting, and spiritual reflection.

In some parts of the country, especially where Matariki is not easily

visible due to landscape or weather, Puanga (the star Rigel) is observed

instead. Both traditions share the same heart – reconnecting with people,

land, and purpose.

This week in preparation for Matariki me Puanga our students

completed an activity that focused them in on remembering those who

are no longer with us.  They celebrated the present by thinking about what

they are most proud off so far.  The final box was making a wish for the incoming new year.  

Inspiration and Imagination

“In our imagination, anything is possible — and in that space, we are learning, growing, and dreaming big.”  

In the world of a child, imagination is more than just play — it’s a vital tool for learning, expression, and emotional growth. Whether it’s building castles in the lounge with cushions and sheets or inventing stories with toy animals.  Children explore and make sense of their world through using their imagination.

The Imagination allows children to experiment with ideas, roles, and possibilities. It’s the foundation for problem-solving and creativity to name a few and of course it fits into many places within our Flourish Model.

There are also plenty of chances for kids to collaborate with others,  developing those social skills as they go. 

Creating Space for Creativity

Our worlds these days are fast-paced and often screen-filled, it’s easy for imagination to take a back seat. We make sure to set aside time each week to dial up our Creativity and use our wonderful imaginations. 

Our students have been expressing their unique and wonderful minds through creating imaginary landscapes.  It has been a great way to enhance and further develop our storytelling.  This has been an important next step in our Inquiry learning as we have been focusing on ‘our stories’, whether they are stories, myths, legends or fairytales and narratives.  We have been exploring stories, characters, heroes and villains that help explain things from different cultures and places and spaces around the world.   This was our deep dive into different settings. 

We have been super inspired on this journey by the book written by Keri Smith.  Check out her books for some guaranteed fun times !!