St Johns Kindergarten’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was about more than just marking 50 years. It was a celebration of the heart of the place: the people, the passion, and the belief that together we are helping shape something really meaningful for the future. Above all, it was about celebrating how our tamariki are learning today—with joy, with wonder, and with a whole community behind them.

A community represented by many who attended the Friday afternoon event, including members of our association’s Board of Trustees, AKA’s Education Leadership Team and Support Services staff; by current and past St Johns kaiako and support staff; by partners such as our IT consultant Ian Newson, PLD providers, and representatives of our Kāhui Ako; and by community leaders from Auckland Council’s local board; and of course, by past and current whānau and our beloved tamariki.

Much appreciated was, AKA Board Chair, Bruce McLachlan’s welcome speech which outlined the kindergarten’s history and the political challenges that kindergarten’s currently face. Pandy Hawke, a past Head Teacher of St Johns, spoke as a representative of mana whenua and was a warm and welcoming MC. Bronwyn Crawford, Head Teacher, spoke of the relevancy of our STEAM curriculum in the burgeoning AI era.

A big highlight was the speech given by Barbara Shaw, a parent member of the kindergarten’s founding committee. Barbara spoke of the extensive whānau input in negotiating the kindergarten’s building design with the Ministry of Education (the owner of our land) and in physically building the original playground. She, like all of us, was immensely proud of the community spirit that St Johns kindergarten represented in a young community 50 years ago and of how that spirit has continued today.

Our tamariki beautifully sang waiata in response to each speaker and presented koha of magnificent orchids. Our cake was made by one of our parents and tamariki were delighted to see their photos in the edible icing.