Valentines 2025

Today we had a great day full of love, and kindness at Uxbridge.  We enjoyed having a picnic lunch in the sunshine, and lots of pink and red crafting, as well as pink playdough  with heart shapes and rollers.

There was lots of reading books about celebrating kindness, as well as various red water exploration outside, decorated with flowers and pompoms.

Busy Bakers!

 Busy bakers!

What a delightful morning we had today, working together to bake a batch of delicious vegan banana chocolate chip cupcakes! Our little chefs were full of enthusiasm as we set out on this fun-filled baking adventure.

Before diving into the ingredients, we made sure to wash our hands thoroughly—a very important step in any cooking activity. Then, we gathered around the table, eager to get started.

First, we took turns measuring out the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Precision was key, and everyone did a fantastic job! Next came the task of mashing up four ripe bananas. This part sparked some mixed reactions, with a chorus of “ewww!” echoing around the room. But with a little encouragement (and a lively rendition of The Wiggles’ classic “Mashed Banana”), we powered through and added our mashed bananas to the dry ingredients.  

We then incorporated the wet ingredients—oil, milk, and of course, the much-anticipated chocolate chips. It was heartwarming to see everyone taking turns stirring the mixture and passing the bowl around the table, each excited to contribute.

Once the batter was ready, we carefully spooned equal portions into patty cases and placed them in the oven. The anticipation was palpable as we watched our cupcakes rise, filling the classroom with a mouthwatering aroma. The excitement only grew as we counted down the minutes until they were ready!

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for—tasting our creations! Needless to say, the cupcakes were a huge hit at lunchtime. Seeing the joy on everyone's faces as they enjoyed the treats they had helped to make was the sweetest reward of all.

We can’t wait for our next baking adventure! What should we bake next? 

A visit to our Marae

 

Ngā mihi o te tau hou - Happy New Year

On Wednesday we ventured down to our Marae to celebrate and learn about Waitangi Day.  Kaiako Sue helped the children to understand through a role play about the TiTiriti o Waitangi document  which was signed over 200 years ago. We chatted about the importance of being able to communciate with one another learning to be kind and compassionate to everyone, and ways we can be inclusive. 

The children are familiar with the programme, as we start with a karakia,  and waiata.  We were very lucky to also have a delicious morning as well.  Our tamariki, enjoyed learning about the poi and the meaning or story behind each different swing move.  The boys practised their Pukana and the girls learnt to make their eyes big and wide. 

A few songs, and directions we are learning each time are:

Tu tira mai nga iwi, 

E papa wai (with the rakau)

Ki Runga - upwards

Ki raro - downwards

Ki waho - outwards

ki roto - inwards

The children loved having a go at a new instrument, that enables the children to breath in and breath out to be at peace and make music, as well as meditating to feel calm. 

Ha ki roto -Breathe in

Ha ki waho- Breath out

This is a familiar tool we use at Uxbridge to calm our bodies too!

The Tititorea (rythm sticks/Rakau) were lots of fun singing songs and following directions and focussing on keeping the beat together in unity. 

A brand new year!

A warm welcome to everybody for 2025! We've had old friends return, and new friends join us ...it has been a pleasure seeing smiley faces, eager to explore everything in our environment! Teachers wondered  if we might have some unsettled children after the long summer break? To our surprise, there really haven't been any issues (the odd cry, but nothing that a caring hug can't fix!) Children are happy to be reunited with old friends, and ready to make new ones!

Take a look at our happy children, engaged in a variety of experiences, pleased to show off their creations! If you haven't met our new teacher, Dani, don't hesitate to say hello. She is doing a great job! It's going to be a fab year.😊💗