Te Puna Manaakitanga

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Puna Manaakitanga

E te whānau whānaui o te kura o Mt Carmel, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Te Puna Manaakitanga is the name given to Mt Carmel’s whānau (family) support group meaning the well, or spring, of support & care.

Our roots began in 2013 when, after gathering for several hui (meetings) at school, we discovered a real desire to connect outside of the school environs providing an opportunity for parents and students to socialise as well as to support, and learn from, each other.

We also aim to strengthen the school’s Taha Māori by promoting initiatives that enrich our children’s sense of identity. Together with Mt Carmel’s leadership team and teaching staff, we work towards this goal for the benefit of, not only our tamariki (children) but, all students, families and teachers within the Mt Carmel School Community.

In 2016 we have grown to 16 whānau with 27 tamariki attending Mt Carmel.

We gather on average once or twice a term depending on upcoming events. Over the past 3 years we have held parent only evenings, hosted at home by one of our whānau, as well as events with all whānau members attending.

Te Puna has been involved with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), Kapa Haka Performances during Matariki (Maori New Year) and, this year, hosted a sausage sizzle at school raising over $700 towards the Mt Carmel’s new Kapa Haka Uniforms. We are very grateful to the PTA who contributed over $2,500 towards the uniforms making it possible for up to 66 students to be able to wear these during performances.

We extend a warm invitation to any whānau who identifies as being Māori or who wishes to learn more about Te Ao Māori and be part of our support group. Any member of our Mt Carmel community is more than welcome at our hui, the dates of which will be shared as they are confirmed.

Please e-mail carontthomas@gmail.com to get in touch or receive any further information.

Ngā mihi,

Caron Thomas