A simple game of cricket offers so much more than physical play — it’s a powerful way for preschoolers to develop social and emotional skills.

As they take turns to bat and bowl, children learn about fairness, patience, and respect for others. Working together as a team builds communication, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.

We’re so lucky to have such a big backyard for our tamariki to run, play, and learn together — the perfect space for big games and even bigger learning!

Warm Diwali wishes to everyone celebrating — may your homes and hearts be filled with light and happiness.

Our older preschoolers have been embracing their independence — preparing their own kai, making choices, and taking pride in doing things for themselves. These everyday experiences build confidence, self-help skills, and a real sense of responsibility.

Our kaiako joined our older tamariki on the balance beam, using pool noodles in a friendly challenge to try and knock them off balance! This popular game is full of laughter, encourages coordination, and helps children develop balance, focus, and confidence — all while having heaps of fun.

Our tamariki enjoyed a recycling game, deciding which items belong in the recycling bin and which go to compost. Through ako, they learn from each other while developing problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and environmental awareness.

As the days grow warmer, our tamariki have been dining alfresco. Sharing kai outdoors brings joy, fresh air, and a sense of togetherness to our mealtimes.

Two little princesses cozied up with a book, sharing stories and laughter together. This playful moment not only sparks their imagination but also supports early literacy skills and curiosity as they explore the story side by side.

We are very fortunate to have our wonderful knitting grannies who create handmade blankets for our youngest children at preschool. With aroha in every stitch, these blankets bring warmth, comfort, and a special sense of belonging — reminding our tamariki they are cherished and cared for.

Rumble, rumble! The diggers next door sparked excitement as our tamariki rushed to watch from the nursery. This hands-on moment of curiosity and observation gives children a fun way to explore cause-and-effect, learn about machinery, and enjoy real-world experiences safely.

Our tamariki took part in hands-on learning as they carefully followed instructions to assemble new furniture, putting the final touches on our preschool renovations. This activity nurtures teamwork, problem-solving, and independence, while making our space ready for fun, play, and learning adventures.

Our preschool kaiako swapped the classroom for an escape room adventure! Racing against the clock, they solved puzzles, cracked clues, and strengthened teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Fun staff outings like this support professional development while keeping team spirit high.

Renovations are underway at preschool, and we’re thrilled to have our new carpet finally laid. While the children requested green, we were not so sure. We ended up chose a more practical colour to keep our space looking fresh, bright, and welcoming for years to come.

At our preschool carpentry table, tamariki are learning through play and hands-on experiences. Two children worked together to cut wood safely, sharing skills and learning from each other in true ako style. These moments of collaboration and problem-solving help build teamwork, confidence, and caring connections.

Looking through a microscope opens up a whole new world of discovery! Tamariki get to explore tiny details, ask big questions, and see things they never knew were there — sparking curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning.

Play is how tamariki learn, connect, and grow. It’s more than fun — it helps them make sense of the world and develop lifelong skills. Through play, children express manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (belonging), ako (shared learning), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Every moment matters — and we honour them all.

A bright pink sunrise greeting us, bathing the preschool in a gentle, dreamy light. The sky seemed to whisper ata mārie, setting a peaceful and magical tone for the day’s adventures.

Throughout the day, our tamariki are supported to find quiet moments to rest, reflect, and recharge. These peaceful times often include reading pukapuka with a kaiako, nurturing a love of stories while building language and listening skills. Sharing books in a calm, unhurried way helps strengthen relationships and supports each child’s sense of wellbeing — hauora.

Our preschool had a very special visitor — a tiny playful puppy with a wagging tail and a big heart! The children were full of excitement as they gently patted and played with our furry friend. Visits like this support early childhood development by encouraging empathy, confidence, and calm through animal interaction.

Intentional teaching happens throughout our preschool day, blending learning with play. In this planned activity, tamariki explored colour mixing, discovering how different colours blend to make new ones. This hands-on activity sparked curiosity and creativity while helping develop language skills as children talked about their discoveries. By thoughtfully planning activities, intentional teaching build on their children’s skills and knowledge and helps them build confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Our tamariki worked together to build a tall tower using magnetic tiles. With creativity and teamwork, they carefully stacked each piece, learning about balance, shapes, and problem-solving along the way. Watching their confidence grow as the tower reached higher was inspiring. This hands-on activity encouraged cooperation, communication, and patience—important skills for young learners. It was exciting to see how collaboration turned simple tiles into a towering success!