We have introduced a Korowai, (traditional Māori cloak) which is unique to Beachcomber. All tamariki and Kaiako (children and teachers) add a feather to the korowai symbolising their individual interests, stories and strengths.

On special occasions, when the korowai is worn, particularly when children celebrate their 5th birthday, the wearer feels the combined strength, knowledge and respect gathered from the Beachcomber whānau, to support them on their continuing learning journey.
One parent described it as, “A bit like getting a big hug from everyone at Beachcomber when you wear the korowai.”
 
Some of the strengths and interests shared/contributed by tamariki and Kaiako: Climbing trees, mechanics (fixing things), running fast, weight lifting, building things, walking, scootering, fixing things, playing with siblings, gardening, cooking & eating, climbing, painting, music, dance, caring, and family.

Today, we hung a donated planter box on the wooden post near our wormery. This allowed several different materials to be collected for insects to create their own habitat. Terracotta pots were laid on their side on the ground allowing insects to crawl in & make themselves at home.

Cutting the old, (now redundant) bamboo xylophone, created dark  spaces for bugs and insects to live in. We plan to add carpet, bark, cardboard and pieces of wood that can break down to provide an interesting habitat for insects. Children can then lift up different pieces along the walkway to investigate where bugs like to live! And of course any insects needing a safe, dry home now have a “hotel” to live in.

It was an incredibly busy morning in the sandpit, with everyone using pipes, hoses, road cones, tyres, signs, hi-viz jackets, spades, trucks and diggers to get the job done. There was a massive construction project happening. The plans were on the office wall and the foremen were checking that everything was going according to plan.

It was wonderful to see the co-operation and team work as the children solved problems, shared ideas, took turns with the equipment and talked to each other about what they were building. It was a very positive and co-operative work environment for everyone. Ka pai te mahi tamariki!!