We are delighted to extend a cordial invitation to all staff, Board members, ākonga, whānau and friends to attend our welcoming pōwhiri on Wednesday 10 February at 9am at the Majestic church on Durham St (just before the New World supermarket, on the same side of the road).
Doors will open at 8.00, and we need tangata whenua (current staff, students and families) seated by 8.45 for a prompt 9.00 start. Some LAs will walk from school, so if your student needs to come to school first, they will be accompanied to the celebration.
One new student/ family from each community will represent all new whānau and ākonga (for reasons of space and time). If you and your whānau are keen to be representatives, please contact Niki on 027 226 4017.
Our pounamu and Oamaru stones will also be blessed during the ceremony.
After the ceremony, everyone is invited to return to Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery to enjoy some shared kai in communities. We would love you to donate a plate for us all to come together over some kai.
This is a very special occasion, and we hope many of you can join us for an hour or so on Wednesday morning.
Karakia ō te kura:
E ngā tipuna
Homai ki a mātou
Te kaha
Me te atawhai
Kia whai whakaaro ai mātou
Haumi e
Hui e
Taiki e
This karakia addresses our ancestors, giving us strength and encouraging us to be caring and show kindness. It asks us to be thoughtful to all we meet. It asks that kindness is reinforced and preserved.
Ngā waiata:
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hau hū
Tīhei mauri ora!
Te Aroha
Te Aroha
Te Whakapono
Me te rangimarie
Tātou, tātou e