One morning this week we welcomed our friends from Edmonton Meadows Rest Home. They were greeted and escorted in by Ella and Natasha – our two eldest children at kindergarten. We invite our friends from Edmonton Meadows each year and this is the 12th year they have been and it is always a special day.

Once everyone was seated Maureen (Head Teacher) greeted them in te reo Maori and English. The children stood and sung their waiata and Christmas songs. Our friends enjoyed the concert and at times joined in with the actions and sung the songs with us. At the end of the concert the children gave each of our friends a handmade gift that they had made. Our friends from Edmonton Meadows had made each of the children a gift made out of recycled milk bottle tops, old Christmas cards and glitter. Our friends enjoyed a cup of tea and Christmas cake the children had baked then went for a wander around our playground.

Voices from our friends from Edmonton Meadows:

“I love all the artwork, its a great place” said Betty
“I don’t think Ive been before, as I can’t remember, but if I can I would love to come next year” said Helen.
“I love the playground, its very cool” said Dave.
“I love it as I don’t have grandchildren and I will have a photo to show my wife” said Andrew
“Thank you for making us feel so welcome” said Ann

Voices from our tamariki:

“Come and do climbing with me. I’ll show you how” said Belle to Betty (friend from Edmonton Meadows)
“The oldies came to kindy today” said Asher
“I liked the one in the pink shirt.  I gave her the present” said Harper
“I liked their silver hair” said Romulus (He patted one of their heads)
“I hold hands with them and we got them inside and then go and get another one. I got two” said Ella
“The old people liked our singing cause they were clapping for us” said Zion
“I liked giving them presents.  It makes them happy” said Judah