We believe whanaungatanga and kotahitanga (relationship & working together as one) are the key to children’s learning.
Relationship with each other as a team of Kaiako (teachers), with tamariki (children), with their whanau and the taiao (environment) matter to us.
We acknowledge whakapapa (genealogy – family history) of tamariki, their whanau and community which helps us to strengthen the connection with everyone involved in the Centre.
We believe the sharing of knowledge, skills, attributes are fundamental as co-learners, supporting and encouraging tamairki in achieving the best outcomes.
At the heart of learning is the need, and the right, to learn and play in nature. Nature encompasses the central heart of our environment. This becomes the source of wonder and inspiration for all tamariki’s learning and enhancing all areas of their development through a natural discovery approach, Reggio Emilia (inquiry-based learning) where tamariki are provided with space, finding new opportunities to explore, discover, investigate, challenge and make sense of their world being active participates of their own learning journey. The concept of sustainability practices is introduced through connections with nature as they learn, explore, appreciate, respect and care for Papatuanuku and the environment that support long-term environmental awareness and understandings as well as positive outcomes for their developing views of the world for future generations.
To ensure we create a special experience for children and parents, we consciously weave our core values into daily life at Halswell Quarry Preschool. We know that the early years are the most critical stage of a child’s development and we have a responsibility to do all we can to optimise a child’s developmental experience during their time with us.
We are wholehearted, committed and passionate about the
responsibility we have in the lives of your children. Open, sincere and respectful relationships and interactions guide our practice. We purse to the highest standard in all we do.
Most of all we believe in the power and wonder of the child, our children.
Te nuinga o nga mea katoa e whakapono ana tatou I roto I te mana me te miharo o te tamaiti, ta tatou mau tamariki.