Kiwi Paradise : Parents Night!

Wednesday night was my first official meet the parents night. The school recently got a new garden area (garden for display not growing food) and they wanted to combine a blessing ceremony on the garden and a parents night. The staff sat in front, organized by house. It was a little surreal to be sitting with the staff. It was just one of those moments where I couldn't believe I was grown up enough to be a teacher but then at the same time it feels like I my life is moving in exactly the right direction. Each of the staff members (including myself) had the opportunity to stand up and introduce themsevles. The principal spoke as well as his two assistants. Some of the boys in a club called the Kapahaka (a club for students to learn how to perform Maori dances like the haka) stood up and performed a haka. They were adorable because they are still super small but they gave their all to impress the audience. They wore the traditional skirt called a pupu during the performance, which just added to the performance.

After the introductions and welcome we followed the Maori leader and the boys out to the garden area. The Maori leader then dedicated the garden and said a special prayer (all in Maori) while sprinkling holy water using a small gathering of leaves on each of the four big stones and the main tree in the garden. At the end of the prayer the boys who performed the haka sang a song in Maori to the tune of How Great Thou Art. It was hauntingly beautiful. Then we were invited to come up and touch each of the rocks and the tree. In Maori culture they believe that as our spirits connect with nature we can leave a piece of ourselves to keep nature alive. By touching the rocks and the trees after the ceremony it was symbolic of each of us giving support and life to the garden that it would be a fruitful, peaceful, and prosperous place for future generations. All of this took place right as the sun was setting, which filled the sky with so many magnificent colors! A rainbow also shone through after the ceremony. It was such an incredible experience to be a part of!

Afterwards the parents and teachers mingled together. It was the learners (students) responsibility to introduce their parents to their teachers. Such an important skill for the students to develop. Sadly I only had the chance to meet two or three of my students parents but it was still a neat opportunity.