KŌRERO Ō MUA

Yesterday Kavanagh College visited St Francis Xavier School. Principal, Mrs Carmel Jolly, met myself and former pupils (now Year 7 Kavanagh College students) Maddy Muschamp, Isla Simonsen and Sadie Thomas at the school gate.

The purpose of the visit was to deepen connections and to collaborate with our Kāhui Ako Community of Learning primary schools. Every classroom we visited was 'humming' and the bubbly students and outstanding teachers made us feel very welcome.

Storytelling can be a rich and powerful way to engage with learners and Maddy, Isla and Sadie read books such as Taniwha by Robin Kahukiwa, Battle of the Mountains by Peter Gossage and The Seven Stars of Matariki by Toni Rolleston-Cummins beautifully to the attentive audiences.The girls pronounced many 'tricky' Māori names and words perfectly and their former teachers loved reconnecting with them. At the conclusion of each session, each class sang a waiata (song) to us that expressed their appreciation. 

Thank you to Mrs Jolly, teachers and students of St Francis Xavier School for their manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness).Next Tuesday the visits continue - this time to mighty St Bernadette's School! Former student of the Forbury kura, Shalia Kelekolio, "can't wait" to go back and see students and teachers. Look out for the report and photos in next week's newsletter.

Mā te Atua koe e tiaki (May God be with you)