Introducing yourself to the school
Pōwhiri
A pōwhiri is a welcoming ceremony in Māori culture and is commonly used in schools to welcome new kaiako, ākonga and their whānau. A pōwhiri consists of three main parts,
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The karanga (welcoming call)
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The whaikōrero (formal speech)
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The kai (the sharing of food)
If you are a manuhiri (visitor) at a pōwhiri there are a few important things to note
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When you are welcomed in, it is tradition for men to sit at the front and women to sit at the back
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The school or local people of the marae (haukāinga) will first talk and then sing (waiata), then it is the manuhiri (visitors) turn to talk and then sing
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A koha (gift) is brought by the visitors and given as a symbolic thanks to the hosts
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Then it is time to hongi (shaking of hands and pressing of noses) the haukāinga (hosts)
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Lastly, kai (food) is shared. The protocol for this is visitors first, then elders and children, then adults.
This is a traditional structure of a pōwhiri but check with your setting to understand what the requirements of you are and whether you are going to be expected to speak/sing/give a gift, each setting will be slightly different.
Introducing yourself to the ākonga
Mystery Bag
Fill a bag with objects from your home that symbolise something about you. For example, a piece of knitting to represent your crafty hobbies, a playstation controller if you like gaming, a cricket ball if you play cricket, a photograph, a family heirloom etc. Pull an object from the bag and talk about what it represents for you.
Introducing yourself to the ākonga
Slideshow
Create a slideshow about yourself that contains some interesting facts. You could include your pepeha, your hobbies, where you are from etc.
Introducing yourself to the ākonga
Question Game
State a question to the class such as 'do I like Mcdonalds or KFC best?'. The ākonga have to pick a side of the room, left side being McDonalds, right being KFC. If they are correct, they continue to the next round, if they are wrong, they have to sit down.
Introducing yourself to the whānau
Online message
Send out an online message through an app like Seesaw, or an email. Introduce yourself, share your interests and goals for the year, and talk about how and when you can be contacted.
Introducing yourself to whānau
Meet and Greet
Your school may set up a meet the whānau evening before school starts. If not, you can organise your own one for before school starts or at the end of the first week. Say hello to everyone and mingle with the families. Invite everyone to sit and share what their aspirations are for the year.
Introducing yourself to whānau
Shared kai
Invite whānau to bring a plate to class for a shared lunch or dinner and a chance to meet other parents and yourself.