Kia ora parents, caregivers, and extended whanau

I spent some time in classrooms yesterday afternoon. Some fascinating Matariki learning was going on in each room. Room 7 were learning about how Matariki has been traditionally celebrated. A time to slow down, share kai, reflect, and remember our loved ones who have passed away during the year, were some ideas they researched. I think these are great ways to celebrate, and a meaningful change from some of the more novel and material aspects of Christmas day for instance. If the conditions allow, I intend to take my whanau fishing. The perfect way to slow down, spend time together, and gather kai.

This morning I had the pleasure of judging our Year 3 & 4 speech finalists alongside Ms Phillips. Speech making can be daunting for a lot of people. Despite this I am a big believer in the importance of individuals being able to speak in front of a large group of people. In this day and age where 'hiding behind the screen' communication is becoming normal, I think if we can teach our kids to speak clearly and confidently (even when they aren't confident) in front of groups of people, especially new people, they will have a distinct advantage in future years over those who cannot. That is just my opinion.

I received an emailed speech from a student imploring me to allow a lamb creche at our school for Calf Club. The student presented a very strong and valid argument, one that has certainly got me thinking. "Can you imagine? At break times, the children with lambs could feed them and then play with them. We wouldn’t even need to use the staffroom to get their bottles ready, we could use the Paddock to Plate kitchen", the student explained. What is so powerful about this particular speech is that it not only outlines in very clear terms what the issue is, but the student then provides a solution. "I know my granddad has lots of old bits and pieces lying around that would help to make a fence", she wrote. This tells me that she has thought it through very carefully, and is turning an idea into action. After this weekend, I intend to turn my thoughts into action, respond to this student and see what we can do.

Have a great long weekend and savour Matariki in a way that feels right for you.

Noho ora mai

Jade Tawhiti

Calling out to anyone who is available for a school working bee on the 4th July starting 9:30am.

The Enviro group would like to invite parents and grandparents who would like to give some time, even if it's just an hour to get some environmental jobs done around our school.

If you have these items please bring them along.

• Gardening gloves

• Fork/ spade

• Wheelbarrow

If you can help please contact mrsharris@patumahoe.school.nz or leave a message at the office.

Kirstin Harris

• 24th June - Matariki Day - no school
  
• 27th June - School speech finals - 6pm
• 29th June - BOT Meeting - 5.30pm
  
• 30th June - PTA AGM - 2.30 - 3.30pm
• 01st July - Jammies in June Mufti Day
• 01st July - Matariki Assembly
• 04th July - Enviro Working Bee
• 06th July - Franklin Zone Hockey
• 07th July - Calf Club Demo Day