Our Philosophy:
Our learning environment will reflect an inclusive practice where family/whanau and the wider community feel welcome, where meaningful relationships are supported and encouraged. We believe our enthusiasm as educators will inspire children’s sense of curiosity, amazement, passion and sense of fun as they explore and experiment, leaning to make sense of their world.
Patea Kindergarten has an environment that reflects the wealth of resources the community has to offer:
The teaching team have a commitment to using these resources as active learning tells for children and this is evident when entering the centre. The use of woods, shells, and gifts from papatuanuku support learning and positive outcomes for children.
We are privileged to have a kai awhina working alongside us several hours a week, supporting our bi-cultural practise and sharing her knowledge.
We have our vegetable garden and strong links with the kindergarten community garden, right next door. Vegetables are grown and shared with whānau and the wider community.
The centre has an open door policy, encouraging parents and whānau to share in their children’s learning and know they have a place within the wider kindergarten environment and that their contribution is valued.
The teaching team actively support the building of respectful relationships between children and adults. We encourage the use of appropriate language to negotiate as we work tighter to build an environment that reflects peaceful play.
Our kindergarten philosophy is evident and reflected in our daily kindergarten programme and practices.
“I was able to hear, see, and feel a commitment to Te Ao Maori, Te Reo Maori, Tikanga and Wairutanga. The children and adults within the Kindergarten were very much at peace within their space and on refection I recognise how much effort has been put into creating wairua. It is something to be celebrated….”
Ra Keelan Lecturer I(Maori leadership, Pacific Partnership) N.Z. Tertiary College
