Positive Accomplishments Galore !!  

We are celebrating a great Term 2 

As we reach the end of Term 2, it’s time to pause and celebrate the many moments of

learning, growth, and connection we have experienced in Tautoru.  This term has been full of

curiosity, challenge, laughter and lots of flourishing!

We reflect on our Flourish Model celebrating our many Positive Accomplishments so far.  

We have nurtured our growth mindsets, helping students see mistakes as kaizen steps and

challenges as chances to learn.  Manaakitanga sits front and centre.  We have had a big focus

this term on dialling up Kindness and Leadership ensuring we are building the mana of others.   

We want to take the time to reflect on what’s gone well, what’s made us smile ?

We’ve been able to celebrate the small wins, the big wins and the losses, 

chalking those up as opportunities to grow.  Reflection is also about seeing where

we can make improvements.  

You would have seen us dialling up our strengths of Creativity, Perseverance,

Bravery and Teamwork across the curriculum.  We would love you to continue some

Positive Education tools over the holidays.  

• Ask your child what strength they noticed in themselves or a sibling/parent today

• Share one thing you’re each grateful for at dinner

• Create a bedtime routine of reflecting on the best part of the day

• Set a goal or intention for the following day.  How will tomorrow be 10% better ?

• Celebrate your child’s effort, not just the end result

• Get out and about in nature - explore notice and cultivate an Appreciation of Beauty.  

Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement. Your children are flourishing

– and we couldn’t do it without a great home school partnership. Our Tautoru learners

have lots to be proud of.    Wishing you all a restful, safe and warm holiday !

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 !!