Sunday 25 June 2017

Matariki Performance THANKS!

Kia ora Koutou!

I would like say thanks to all the parent help and support for our tamariki in Te Rakau Whakapapa last Friday. Helping students get changed and keeping them calm was awesome. Most importantly, your being there made the event special for them.
Our tamariki have worked so hard and don't get a chance to see themselves perform in all their glory. I wasn't able to take photos or videos of their performance, and would really appreciate any footage you are able to share if you have something. 

Files can be shared by emailing Damian / Mr H, or sending a memory card to school. Videos and photos will be shown to the kapa group, and also shared on Birchwood's Maori@Birchwood blog (with your permission) (http://birchwoodschoolmaori.blogspot.co.nz/). 

Do let me know if you have any queries.

Ka kite ano,
Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Wednesday 21 June 2017

Matariki Performance

Kia ora Koutou

Birchwood School is celebrating Matariki tomorrow night (if the weather behaves), or next week (if it doesn't). There is information a-plenty on the school's facebook page and in notices. A notice for kapa haka students was sent home this week. I have cut-and-pasted it below, and provided a google-doc pdf in case you haven't seen it yet.

There have been several returns already, and I would like to thank the parents who have offered to support and help our students on the night: Tracy, Natalie, Jarnnah, Rebecca, and Nicky.

There is a very special student, who isn't even part of our kapa group. Tayah has been helping me with kapa haka dresses this week. She has given up her own time at lunchtimes to help other students find the right size dress, and record their names and sizes. This will make life SO MUCH EASIER on Friday!

A special mention must be made of Te Rakau Whakapapa. Each and every student is working hard to learn waiata-a-ringa. They are all showing manaakitanga, mana, resilience and patience. Their hard work is going to be evident at our first performance!

Excitedly yours,

Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz




Or scroll down to read it....

Te Rakau Whakapapa Performance
Matariki Celebration

Monday 19 July 2017

Kia ora Koutou!

Hopefully you know about Birchwood School’s Matariki celebration this Friday evening. There are details in school notices, posters in classrooms, and on the school’s facebook page. The exciting part is that this will be the Kapa Haka group’s first public performance of the year.

Friday 23 June, 5.30- 7.00/7.30ish. Te Rakau Whakapapa perform            6.15- 6.30

Te Rakau Whakapapa have worked very hard this term under new management and are excited about this performance.

The kapa group will perform at approximately 6.15 to 6.30. I would like the group to wear their costumes, and I will need some parent help to make this happen. Boys are allowed to wear a plain black t-shirt on the night, if they choose.

Kapa students will be expected to be at school at 5pm so we can organise uniforms for them. They will need to get changed back into warm clothes after the performance. Please ensure all clothing is named, and send a supermarket bag or similar to store clothes while we’re performing.

All students need to be supervised or accompanied by an adult for the star hunt. If you’re not able to make it, would you please arrange someone who can, otherwise your child won’t be allowed to join in the star hunt.

Postponement date: in case of inclement weather, the postponement date is 30 June.

Would you please return the slip below either to me in R6, or the office, to indicate your child is coming, whether you or another adult are coming, and whether you can help me on the night. Alternatively, you could email me.

If you have any questions or comments, please do let me know.

Ka kite

Damian Hardman


My child ___________________________ of room ______


23 June
30 June (pp date)
is able to perform at the Matariki celebration


Either myself or another adult is able to attend


I can help organise dresses etc on the night



Parent / caregiver name:                                                    Best contact (if helping):
 



Wednesday 14 June 2017

Nga Waiata ō Matariki

Kia ora Koutou!

Birchwood School are learning a couple of special waiata to help us celebrate and learn more about Matariki. 

Attached is a link to a google-y-a-boo that has videos and words.


You could learn these at home and sing along with us!

I've done my best to translate accurately, but if you see any errors, please let me know so these can be corrected.

Ka kite ano!

Damian Hardman
damian.hardman@birchwood.school.nz

Wednesday 7 June 2017

Matariki Performace

Kia ora Koutou!

We have been practising hard out for our very first performance! The PTA have asked Te Rakau Whakapapa to perform at the Matariki celebration in week 8. 

The Matariki celebration starts at 5.30 on Friday the somethingth in week 8. Families will bring their kai, learn a little about Matariki, look for stars.... and enjoy our performance. More details are out very soon.

Here is a link to the waiata we're performing. Students who need to kupu can print these off double-sided. The translations and music for each waiata can be found elsewhere on this blog.


I'll do my best to have a paper copy available in case it's easier to photocopy.

Parents: 
It would be great to have some help on the night to help organise people into and out of costumes etc. 
I have invited the boys to wear a plain black t-shirt rather than have bare skin. Some are not keen. Might pay to have one just in case in case it's maka on the night.

Ka kite

Damian Hardman