Our calm learning environment: Our indoor learning spaces offer tamariki opportunities to engage in small or large groups. We have various cosy areas for tamariki to read with parents and whānau as well as their friends, and a richly resourced art atelier for children to express their thoughts and experiences at their own pace. Learning resources are thoughtfully added to the environment to foster curiosity, creativity,  and problem-solving skills through open-ended play.

Inspired by Reggio Emilia: We view the environment as the third kaiako/teacher. Learning spaces are thoughtfully set up which promote whānaungatanga, communication, collaboration and exploration through play. Kaiako focus on listening to children’s interests, thoughts, and knowledge then support this through open-ended questioning and research alongside tamariki.

Our great outdoors: From hunting for insects, making excavations at the sandpit, engaging in messy play, testing their strength at the monkey bars, and playing various group games, our outdoor spaces provide rich opportunities for children to build their confidence and teamwork skills alongside their peers.

Looking after Papatūānuku: We are proud to be part of the Enviroschool programme. Together, ngā kaiako and tamariki are learning to care for and enrich Papatūānuku, our Mother Earth. We regularly look after our vegetable and flower gardens which nourish our resident bunny, Indy. Whānau are welcome to take Indy home in the weekends and school holidays.

Whakawhānaungatanga: Our team of passionate, qualified teachers is dedicated to building whānaungatanga by fostering strong relationships with tamariki, parents and whānau through daily conversations, Storypark, and working alongside our Parent-Whānau Group Chairperson in holding fundraising projects and celebrating events as a community such as our termly whakatau/welcome ceremony for new families, parent evenings, Matariki, Lunar New Year, and Diwali.

Transition to School: Children aged two to five thrive in our mixed-age groups, where they develop leadership skills and learn from one another. We have a strong partnership with one of our local schools, Kohimarama Primary School. On Wednesdays, Kohimarama ambassadors and Meegan Hill, the Deputy Principal, interact with the tamariki and answer any questions they may have about their next step in their learning journey.

Playball Fridays: We love our Friday Playball mornings with Coach Phil! Playball offers 30-minute sessions which nurture children’s confidence and hauora (wellbeing) through various sports games.

Nau mai, haere mai! We warmly welcome you to our Mission Bay Kindergarten community.