Weekly Update from Bernadette Murfitt
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
I hope you all managed to have a change of pace over the long weekend.
Thank you for all your support with mask-wearing and for encouraging students to wear masks. It is an extra layer of protection for us all. We really appreciate it. COVID is now starting to impact our staff. We are very grateful for all the flexibility staff and students have shown as we navigate positive covid cases and members of staff being household contacts. Mixed in with COVID are also the usual bugs and flu-associated with winter.
The Setting of Matariki
As the Matariki star cluster sets with the sun in the western skies, we acknowledge the passing of another year and begin preparing for the re-appearance of Matariki in the eastern skies in late June.
The setting of Matariki occurs around the Tangaroa-ā-mua lunar phase during the lunar month of Haratua, this year that time is around 23rd May.
Matariki will remain below the horizon for the entire lunar month, before re-appearing during the next Tangaroa-ā-mua lunar phase, around 21st June, which is when many iwi will first observe Matariki rising.
One of the nine visible stars of Matariki - Pōhutukawa is the star connected to those who have passed on.
Hei rau maharatanga - A Time to Remember
While Matariki is associated with new life, it also has a strong connection with death, as seen in the saying ‘Matariki whanaunga kore, Matariki tohu mate’ – Matariki the kinless, Matariki a sign of death. The star Pōhutukawa in particular is associated with those whom have passed away. As Matariki sets below the western horizon during the lunar month of Haratua, Māori would farewell the dead as they were escorted to the afterlife by Matariki. At the re-appearance of Matariki a month later, those spirits were cast into the heavens to become stars.
How can I participate in this phase of Matariki?
- The setting of Matariki is a time for mindfulness, reflection and preparing for the cold months ahead.
- The year’s harvests are complete, the pātaka (pantry/larder/food store) is full and the woodshed well stocked to keep the whare (home) adequately fuelled through winter.
- It’s a time for winding down and keeping warm by the fire. Make the most of this time with your loved ones. Share ideas, wānanga/learn together or get creative with artistic pursuits and other indoor activities.
- This is also a time to begin thinking about how we will celebrate the arrival of Matariki in our eastern skies on 21st June.
Mānawatia a Matariki: Celebrating Matariki
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki Celebrate the rising of Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi Celebrate the rising of the lord of the heavens
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau Celebrate the rising of the New Year
Matariki hunga nui Matariki, a time to come together
Matariki ahunga nui
Matariki manako nui
Arohanui,
Bernadette Murfitt
Tumuaki
Sacred Heart Cathedral School