Christmas Tree Walk 2020

 

We have been lucky at Mairtown Kindergarten over the years, to have had some wonderful teachers and teaching teams that have paved the way for some lovely traditions we now have at Mairtown.  One of these is our now annual Christmas Tree Walk. 

In our current climate of change, and that of 2020, we are appreciative that we have been able to continue this tradition this year. 

“Traditions are the memories of those before us, breathed to life when we carry them on.”

― Kennedy Ryan, the Rebel King.

In continuation of this beautiful tradition, we use materials that are naturally sourced to make our Christmas decorations, supporting our kindergarten kaupapa .  This year, harakeke manu were woven with the support of tamariki, who helped split the harakeke and weave the small manu.  Once finished, tamariki decorated the manu with beautiful gold and silver paint and a little glitter.  Manu, in particular the tui, play a large part in Mairtown traditions, aside from being part of our kindergarten logo, tamariki receive a “Tui” when they leave Mairtown Kindergarten – these are all “unique” and different, as were the beautiful manu created for the Christmas tree.

In addition, the tamariki have been learning Christmas carols for the past few weeks.  Every whānau time tamariki have been practicing their singing and actions for a performance that they will give to the community of volunteers at the church.

A positive and happy environment that is set by kaiako reflects on tamariki and their sense of belonging in the centre. "Belonging is nurtured through social interaction with kaiako and other children and by respecting the achievements and aspirations of each child’s family and community (Ministry of Education. P.31, 2017).

Today, we were able to go and see our beautiful magical Christmas tree, alongside many others that have been created by different community groups.  Lots of excited Mairtown tamariki walked together from kindergarten to see our tree in the church.  

 

The women from the church, who provided us with some lovely refreshments and shared a Christmas story with us all, warmly welcomed us.  We then sang together our Christmas carols to show our thanks to them all.

We were so happy that lots of our amazing whānau were in support and were able to join us for this trip.  We appreciate as always the wonderful support we receive for these special occasions. “Whānau can be involved in themed activities for the occasion to encourage community mindedness to acknowledge a kinship with one and all." The expectation is that each ECE service will use Te Whāriki as a basis for weaving with children, parents and whānau its own local curriculum of valued learning, taking into consideration also the aspirations and learning priorities of hapū, iwi and community" (Ministry of Education, p. 8, 2017).

“The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be,” - Max Lucado

What was it you most enjoyed about the Christmas Tree Walk?

The Christmas trees! – Sienna-Rose

The  fairies and I saw strawberries – Marlee

The lights and I saw some sheep! – Hazel,

Me too, on the tree they were decorations – Sienna-Rose.

The Christmas trees – Indi

Looking at the Christmas trees, they beautiful – Joshua.

The Christmas trees with the fluffy pompoms. – Maci

The Christmas trees – Lennox.

"Rituals play an important role in society. Rituals remind us of what is important and provide a sense of stability and continuity in our lives" 

(Cathy Stucker, 2009)

Christmas time with our tamariki is a magical experience, as they encounter all of its wonders.  I feel lucky that we are able to continue this tradition, and we are able to share it with our new tamariki, whānau and teaching team.  From all the team at Mairtown Kindergarten, we wish everyone a magical and safe Christmas.

Ngā mihi nui

Sarah