Connections with community, a visit to Whangarei Primary School.

Last week 20 children from Mairtown had the opportunity to visit Whangarei primary school. We had been invited down by Mr Hensen, Mrs Foster and the dynamic children of Rooms 19 and 20 to participate in their 'building links with community' focus.

We were all very excited about the prospect of this visit. Many of our children feed into Whangarei Primary School so there was lots of anticipation and discussion about who we might see and re-connect with in the playground.

After a big hikoi (walk) down kamo road we were greeted at the school office by some of the seniors from Rooms 19 and 20. They had prepared some wonderful planning for this day including entertaining us with a puppet show and interactive play which encouraged robot dancing from the whole group!

'Sharing humour'

Here is a little video clip, where the Whangarei Primary children entertained us with their brilliance!

Our visit to the school included a 'buddy system' which rooms 19 and 20 had initiated as part of their thinking about creating a smoother transition for children starting school.

With each child buddied up, our children were then given opportunities to play on the junior playground, participate in jump jam, visit Miss Newsons new entrant class, Room 7, and actively explore chalk drawing, class room activities and the sand pit.

'Working collaboratively'

One of the highlights for our children was the opportunity to re-connect with old friends from Kindergarten and catch up with older siblings.

'A happy reunion'

       'Connecting with family'

A huge thank you to Rooms 19 and 20 and their wonderful teachers. What a fantastic initiative and opportunity for our children to strengthen ties and create connections. We look forward to future contact and the possibility of making this a more regular event.

'Tuia te Rangi e tuu iho nei, Tuia te papa e takoto nei'

'Join the sky above to the earth below, Just as people join together.'

Kim Townsend