Howick Kindergarten had special visitors — Constable Pauline and Constable Matt! Oh, how excited we were!

They showed us pictures of what they do and where they work. We counted the police cars and police dogs together with Constable Matt in the pictures. We learned about how police officers help people in our community and the important number we can call when we need them.

Then, Constable Matt showed us their gear—their uniform and all the things inside their pockets! He told us there was something very special inside his pocket, something only New Zeland police officers have. We held our breath as he revealed it… and it was two pens! He tricked us! He also showed us the baton. He joked that it was for scratching his back or using it as a walking stick! But this time, we weren’t fooled. He then demonstrated how police officers can use it to break a window to open a door in an emergency. He was so funny!

Then, we got to try on real police uniforms and sit in a real police car! We each had a turn, and Constable Pauline even turned on the siren and beeped the horn! In our group photos, we crossed our arms and pretended to be strong and confident police officers. What an amazing experience! And the best part? Constable Pauline said they would be happy to come back if we wanted them to. And what did we say? Oh yes, of course!

At Howick Kindergarten, we love engaging with our community! This year, we have invited police officers, librarians, and firefighters to visit and share their important work with the children.

To prepare for these visits, our teachers create meaningful learning experiences—for example, transforming an outdoor space into a police station and encouraging discussions about the roles and responsibilities of police officers.

It was wonderful to have two constables visit us this month, and we look forward to welcoming them again later this year. We’re also excited to meet more community visitors who help make our neighborhood such a special place!