
2 minute read
What’s Your Story? Māori myths inspire Loch Rannoch
from Piper July 2023
The captivating world of Māori myths has ignited a growing fascination within our Loch Rannoch class. The curiosity began with the enchanting tale of Māui’s daring quest to fish up Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island of New Zealand. Since that moment, our young learners have been fascinated with Māori folklore, eager to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of legends that shape our vibrant culture.
As a nation we are so lucky to have resources and knowledge to be able to share and experience these wonderful myths with our children. Storytelling is a powerful tool which fosters our children’s love of sharing their own stories and creating their own version of events, letting their creativity flow freely with confidence. Through discussions at Hui (meeting) time, learning provocations, and reading the many legends themselves, students of Loch Rannoch have gained knowledge that has extended into their home lives, retelling these myths to their families. As their interest has
Paint Pink for a Cause
Ina sea of rosy hues, the preschoolers arrived on Shore Road campus on Thursday 25 May dressed head to toe in pink, eager to show their support for an important cause. The classrooms were adorned with pink decorations, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and compassion for Pink Ribbon Day.
The morning kicked off with a burst of creativity as the children engaged in a fluorescent-pink painting activity. Brushes in hand, they expressed their artistic talents, turning blank pages into vibrant pink masterpieces. Laughter filled the air as pink-hued smiles spread across their faces.
During morning tea, the preschoolers indulged in a special pink-themed spread. From baked beans to watermelon, the treats embraced the colour of the day. It was not just a feast for the taste buds but a visual reminder of the significance of their taken off, teachers have challenged the children’s thinking by offering a range of different mediums to express their ideas on Māui. Through the mediums of visual art, loose parts, and construction, our children have had the time and space to collaboratively retell the stories, plan their ideas, and transport different loose parts to their workspaces to further enhance their creations. collective efforts. The celebration served jointly as an educational opportunity, teaching the preschoolers that even small gestures can make a difference. girls’ school

Through this investigation, the wider idea of the Māori atua (Gods) or guardians was brought up. A beautiful myth called ‘In the Beginning’ which tells about when the world began has given our children a new perspective on a different culture. They have enjoyed retelling this story through many different languages of expression, namely visual art, roleplay, and construction. As they gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, we have noticed collaboration, turn-taking, and leadership flourish.
Our teachers enthusiastically joined in on the fun, donning their own pink outfits and contributing an impressive array of pink treats for their staff morning tea. Together, they showcased their commitment to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
The Pink Ribbon Day celebration at the Preschool was a memorable event, uniting the children, teachers, and staff in a shared mission. By turning the day pink, they demonstrated that even the youngest members of society can contribute to creating positive change. Through their vibrant display of support, these preschoolers showcased the power of unity and compassion in making a difference.