Our hearts are overflowing after a truly unforgettable End‑of‑Year Celebration and Prize Giving for our beloved Brasileirinho Músicas e Brincadeiras Playgroup and Português como Língua de Herança (PLH) classes. Held at our home in Casa Brasil, Glen Haven Cottage, the day brought together everything that makes our community shine — joy, culture, connection, and the bright spirit of our children.

From the tiniest toddlers to our dedicated PLH learners, every child was honoured with certificates, trophies, and heartfelt applause for their dedication, creativity, and growth throughout the year. Their proud smiles said it all.

🏆 Celebrating Achievement, Identity, and Growth

Since last year, our PLH programme introduced a special set of awards inspired by iconic Brazilian animals — each representing a unique strength and milestone in our students’ learning journeys.

🌟 Brasileirinhos Prize 2025 – Award Winners

Award Meaning Winner 

Tamanduá (Most Improved) - Ava Redwood‑Veloso

Beija‑Flor (Perfect Attendance) -  Marcelo King

Coruja (Best Reader) - Milena Novaes

Sabiá (Best Portuguese Fluency) - Ian Gigliotti

Jabuti (Best Writer) - Dalia Oliveira

Onça‑Pintada (Academic Excellence) - Ian Gigliotti

Arara (True Brasileirinho Spirit) - Aria Purcell

🏅 Distinction – Best of the Class in 2025

• Macaco – D’Angelo Purcell
• Mico‑Leão – Milena Novaes
• Capivara (Sexta) – Leonardo King
• Capivara (Sábado) – Cora Redwood‑Veloso
• Arara‑Aul – Ian Gigliotti

These awards reflect not only academic progress, but also identity, belonging, and the pride our children carry in their Brazilian heritage.

🎅 A Magical Visit and a Picnic Full of Joy

To make the day even more special, Papai Noel made a surprise appearance, bringing laughter, wonder, and a touch of Christmas magic to our celebration. The children’s excitement was contagious — a moment they will remember for years.

We ended the morning with a delicious community picnic at Tui Glen Reserve, filled with:

• Fresh fruit and shared dishes
• Outdoor games
• Sunshine and laughter
• Families connecting and celebrating together

It was the perfect way to close a year of learning, friendship, and cultural pride.

💛 Gratitude That Moves Us Forward

Our celebration would not be possible without the incredible people who bring Brasileirinhos to life:

To our families:

Thank you for walking alongside us, supporting your children’s bilingual journeys, and helping us nurture a living connection to Portuguese language and Brazilian culture here in Aotearoa.

To our teacher and dedicated volunteers:

Your passion, commitment, and love are the heart of Brasileirinhos. You make every class, every song, every story, and every celebration meaningful.

💚💛 To Lottery Grant:

We extend our deepest gratitude for supporting our PLH programme and strengthening this important cultural and educational initiative for our community.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this beautiful year, we look forward to:

• Welcoming new families
• Expanding our PLH and playgroup programmes
• Deepening our cultural offerings at Casa Brasil
• Continuing to build a home where Brazilian identity thrives in Aotearoa

Our children are growing not only in language, but in confidence, belonging, and joy — and that is worth celebrating every day.

Obrigada, whānau. Que venha 2026 — cheio de música, brincadeira e muito amor pela nossa cultura.