Our tamariki enjoyed playing in the whānau corner today, making kai with our new pretend food. This imaginative play is vital for their development, allowing them to explore ideas, emotions, and social roles in a safe and creative way. Through offering a range of kai, they can connect with their own cultures and learn about others. During these experiences, they practised communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and empathy—building social skills, creativity, and confidence while making sense of the world around them.

Our toddlers have been loving familiar stories this week — turning pages, opening the flap, joining in with repeated phrases, and anticipating what comes next!

Revisiting well-loved books builds confidence, strengthens memory, and deepens their understanding of language and story structure. You can see their joy as they recognise favourite characters and proudly “read” along!

Our older tamariki enjoy their grouptime where we plan activities that will help them get ready for school. This small group activity focused on sequencing and storytelling. They practised ordering events, using descriptive language, and sharing ideas with others—building confidence, communication, and early literacy skills for a smooth transition to kura.

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!

Today the children combined their interest in magnetic construction and sensory play, building boxes to fill with sensory materials. Through observing their peers, they explored through trial and error and showed perseverance and creativity.

Our tamariki were all in for a game of Snakes and Ladders today! What looked like pure fun was actually rich learning in action — recognising numbers, counting spaces, reading symbols, and practising early literacy.

Our tamariki headed out to explore the neighbourhood, on the lookout for numbers in the real world after working hard to recognise them during group time.

This hands-on experience strengthened their number knowledge, early numeracy skills, and sense of curiosity, while also building connections with our local community.

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.