Wheelie good time!

On Wednesday the 24th March we held our annual Wheels-a-thon fundraiser at the Kensington courts, and what an amazing afternoon we all shared together. This was my first Wheels-a-thon experience as it was for many of our new families and whanau at Mairtown Kindergarten.

Over the past month we have been all excitedly discussing the upcoming event and counting down on our kindergarten calendar at whānau time. What I have loved about these moments is that tamariki who have attended this event last year have been able to share their experiences with us all. I can see the value of this yearly tradition and the importance of inclusiveness within our kindergarten community, allowing us to make connections between past and present.

Tradition represents a critical piece of our culture at Mairtown Kindergarten, helping form the structure and foundation, reminding us that we are part of history that defines our past and shapes who we are today.

Tradition contributes to a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings whanau together and allows us to reconnect. Tradition serves as an avenue for creating lasting memories for our kindergarten community. These yearly traditions were one of the reasons that inspired me to begin working at Mairtown Kindergarten.

As the weeks went on, we also began to discuss what we would need to bring to the wheels-a-thon. Included is just some of the ideas shared;

“My brother is coming too, do you want to know what I’m dressing up as, spider man, I’m bringing my bike, you will see how big my bike is, its blue, did you know that.”–Julia

“My mum comes after Kindy and we go to the wheel-o-thon” – Leina

“My scooter, I’m going to being my scooter” Helena

“I’m riding my bike” Sienna-Rose

“I’m going to ride my bike” Ruby

“I’m going to ride my blue bike” Beauden

“I’m going to ride my green bike you know” Paul

When the tamariki arrived to the Wheels-a-thon I was able to reference back to our conversations that we had. I could see a spider man, blue and green bikes, scooters and so much more. By 4.30pm the Kensington courts were filled with a variety of wheels, tamariki and their whanau. We had bikes, scooters, trikes and even dads on their skateboards lines up ready to go. 

Paired with our wheels we had super-hero’s, princesses, butterflies, ninja turtles, dinosaurs and so many decorated wheels. Despite all the wheels, costumes and decorations, what stood out to me the most was the smiles, the laughter, conversations observed and the joy and excitement that was evident during this event. 

This annual event has been running for many years and over the years it has provided wonderful ways for whanau to relax and socialise out of the kindergarten. It also supports kaiako and whānau to work together, building a partnership for tamariki, fostering that sense of belonging within the kindergarten. 

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini.

Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.

As I reflect back on the day, I am proud to be involved in such an amazing annual event/ tradition. I now hold my own memories to share for many years to come. 

I would like to thank our kindergarten community and whānau for all their wonderful support, making it such an enjoyable and fun afternoon. The money raised from this event will go towards our outside blinds.

Nga mihi nui

Emma Q