Our tamariki helped repair some well-loved dress-ups, carefully sewing the fabric with a needle under close kaiako supervision. This meaningful task encouraged concentration, patience, fine-motor control and respect for our resources—showing that damaged items can often be repaired and enjoyed again.

Our Nursery and Preschool tamariki came together for a special story time. This created a lovely moment for siblings to reconnect, cuddle and enjoy listening to the stories together—strengthening their sense of belonging, security and whanaungatanga.

Developing self-help skills takes time, patience and plenty of practice. By allowing tamariki time to try things for themselves, while offering gentle encouragement and support when needed, we help them master new skills and develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of achievement.

For this wee boy, one of the most exciting things about turning four wass being old enough to help with unloading the groceries! Our birthday boy proudly helped carry the bags in from the car, showing responsibility, confidence and a growing sense of belonging. Sometimes the simplest everyday tasks become very special milestones.

Our kaiako spent time exploring our local community and discovering what makes Addington such a special place. By learning more about its people, history, landmarks and stories, we can strengthen our local curriculum and help our tamariki develop a deeper sense of connection and belonging.

Our tamariki have been learning to write their names. With guidance and encouragement from their kaiako, they are practising the correct pencil grip, learning the order of the letters in their names and developing their letter formation. Each attempt helps build confidence, fine-motor skills and early literacy knowledge.

When Kaiako Milly “fell asleep” during mat time, some of our tamariki quickly stepped in to continue reading the story to the younger children and encouraging them to stay quiet as to not wake Milly. This lovely moment demonstrated tuakana-teina, as well as manaakitanga (caring for others), rangatiratanga (leadership) and the confidence to take responsibility for their group.

Our nursery toddlers enjoyed a wonderful sensory experience exploring ice, flowers and scented ice. They investigated the different colours, textures, temperatures and fragrances while watching the ice slowly melt—encouraging curiosity, discovery and plenty of new language.

Our tamariki enjoyed some quiet time exploring water and colourful spring blossoms. As they noticed the beautiful colours, textures, scents and movement of the flowers, kaiako introduced new vocabulary and descriptive words to extend their thinking, communication and understanding.

Small group activities give our tamariki valuable opportunities to learn alongside others, take turns, communicate and develop confidence in a relaxed setting. A game of Memory Match adds plenty of fun while strengthening concentration, visual memory, problem-solving and perseverance. Learning together also encourages children to celebrate each other’s successes and develop positive relationships.

Starting school is a big milestone! As part of our transition to school programme, our tamariki visit local schools to become familiar with the school environment and what a school day might look like. These experiences help build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging, making the move from preschool to school feel positive and exciting.

We loved welcoming Hato Hone St John to spend time with our tamariki, learning about how to keep ourselves safe, the different emergency services that help us, and what to do when we need help. The children learnt about calling 111 in an emergency and who might come to help. Visits like this also strengthen whanaungatanga, building meaningful connections between our tamariki and the people and services within our local community.

Being prepared is an important part of keeping our tamariki safe. During our earthquake drills, the children practise making their “turtle” — getting down low, covering their heads and staying safe until the shaking stops. Regular practice helps our children become familiar and confident with what to do in an emergency.

Our curious tamariki have been investigating the magic of magnets and magnetism! Through hands-on play, children experimented with different objects to discover what magnets attract and what they don’t. Experiences like this encourage curiosity, problem-solving and early scientific thinking as children explore, test their ideas and make exciting discoveries.

Cold winter days call for a little extra warmth! Our tamariki love helping with the occasional coffee shout for our teachers, showing manaakitanga – kindness, care and appreciation for others. It’s a simple but meaningful way for our children to experience the joy of doing something thoughtful for the people who care for them each day.

We were very excited to welcome our local Fire and Emergency New Zealand crew for a special visit! Our tamariki explored the fire engine, discovered some of the equipment firefighters use and learnt about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Visits like this are also a wonderful way to strengthen whanaungatanga – building relationships, connections and a sense of belonging within our local community. By connecting with the people who help keep our community safe, our tamariki develop confidence and a greater understanding of the world around them.

Our little firefighters have been busy responding to emergencies and saving the day! Dramatic play like this gives our tamariki opportunities to use their imaginations, work together, solve problems and explore the important roles people have in our community. Who knows — we may have some future firefighters in the making!

Tāwhirimātea was smiling on us, blessing us with a crisp, clear night for our Matariki Disco! It was a wonderful evening of fun, laughter and whanaungatanga, bringing our tamariki, whānau and teachers together. Matariki gives us a special opportunity to connect with our families, remember and reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to our hopes and aspirations for the future.

There was plenty of excitement when our tamariki headed out into the neighbourhood to see the new overpass bridge finally in place! This is a significant development for our local community and one that will become part of everyday life for many of our families — with some of our tamariki soon walking across the new bridge on their way to preschool.

Getting out and noticing these changes strengthens whanaungatanga, helping our children build a sense of connection and belonging while seeing first-hand how their neighbourhood is growing and changing.

There’s something magical about bubbles! Our tamariki have been busy exploring, experimenting and discovering what happens when we blow gently through a straw. This simple experience encourages curiosity and concentration while building oral motor skills and an understanding of cause and effect — all while creating lots of bubbly fun!