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Centre Manager’s Report May and June  

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Welcome to the winter season! As the temperatures drop, we hope this time of year brings warmth, comfort, and joy to you and your whānau.

A very warm welcome also to our new tamariki, Seth, Santi and Ali. We are excited to be part of your learning journey.

At the same time, we would like to say a heartfelt farewell to Avielle who is transitioning to a new learning environment and to Alexis who is now going back to their home country in Canada. A heartfelt farewell to Chrisa who has now secured a full-time job in accounting company.

 We wish them all the very best for their continued educational journey.

BUSY TAMARIKI KARORI KIDS                              

1.Samoan Language Week

 

In June, we celebrated Samoan Language Week by learning the Pacific song Savalivali, engaging in Pacific-inspired arts and crafts (tapasa), and practicing simple Samoan greetings such as Talofa lava, manuia fa’ afetai, Manuia le aso. Tamariki explored cultural artefacts including fans, books, flowers, and accessories, which were made accessible as part of our immersive learning environment. 

Learning Outcomes (Te Ara Whānui Whāriki and NELP)

1a. Making connections between people, places and things in their world | te waihanga hononga

 

 

 

2. New Zealand Sign Language Week

At Karori Kids, we celebrated New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week by learning a range of simple yet meaningful signs such as hello, thank you, more, finished, water, days of the week, the alphabet, mama, and papa. These signs are now part of our daily routines and play, making the learning experience even more meaningful for our tamariki.

As part of the celebration, we also visited the Karori Whare Pukapuka (library), where our children took part in a fun and engaging storytime session focused on NZSL. During this session, tamariki eagerly learnt new signs for different animals and actions. They showed great focus and enthusiasm as they practiced and explored this beautiful language.

It was a wonderful and enriching experience, helping our children connect with NZSL in an authentic and playful way!

2a. Understanding how things work here and adapting to change/

 te mārama ki te āhua o ngā whakahaere me te mōhio ki te panoni

 

2b. Reduce barriers to education for all, including for Māori and Pacific learners/ākonga, disabled learners/ākonga and those with learning support needs.

3c. Tamariki are encouraged to use gesture to express themselves.

 

3. Matariki Celebration  

 

Our tamariki and kaiako are excitedly preparing for a special Matariki night celebration. We’ve been practicing waiata and getting ready to perform the story of how Māui slowed the sun—a tale deeply connected to te ao Māori and the spirit of Matariki.

As part of our Matariki learning journey, we are also planning a trip to Te Papa this June. This visit will provide our tamariki with the opportunity to explore Māori culture and history further, enriching their understanding through hands-on experiences and exhibits.

We’re looking forward to sharing these meaningful moments together as we honour the Māori New Year.

3a. Making connections between people, places and things in their world | te waihanga hononga

3b. Showing respect for kaipapa and the rights for others/te mahi whakaute

3c. Reduce barriers to education for all, including for Māori and Pacific learners/ākonga, disabled learners/ākonga and those with learning support needs

4. Building and Construction

Our tamariki continue to express their creativity through building and construction activities.

Through self-directed play, our tamariki have been constructing dwellings such as tents and houses, creating their own unique spaces for exploration and storytelling.

Beyond creativity, these activities also foster important social skills, as children collaborate, share ideas, and work together to bring their imaginative structures to life.

4a.  Recognising mathematical symbols and concepts and using them with enjoyment, meaning and purpose | he kōrero pāngarau

4b. Playing, imagining, inventing and experimenting/Te whakaaro me te tūhurahura i te pūtaiao

5. Te Reo Maori  

Our tamariki and kaiako are continuously enriching their knowledge and use of Te Reo Māori through singing waiata, playing games, and incorporating basic everyday instructions. Promoting and normalising the use of Te Reo Māori is a shared goal among all our kaiako, reflecting our ongoing commitment to integrating the language meaningfully into our daily teaching practices.

5a. Make connections between people, places and things in their world| te waihanga hononga

5b. Playing, imagining, inventing and experimenting/Te whakaaro me te tūhurahura i te pūtaiao

6.Building Relationships

 

Forming relationships has been another key focus this month. Our new tamariki and kaiako have been working on building connections with their peers and teachers. The Tuakana-Teina model, a Māori concept where older children support and guide younger tamariki, has been actively observed. This approach helps to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment for all.

 

6a. Treating others fairly and included them in their play/te ngakau makuru

 

6b. Usinga  range of strategies to play and learn with others/te ngakau aroha

 

7. Children’s common interest: Painting, drawing and collaging.

 

Many children are currently showing a strong interest in painting, drawing, and collaging. These activities support the development of fine motor skills, pencil grip, and creative expression. The kaiako (teachers) incorporate various modes of creativity, including the use of natural resources such as leaves and bark. Furthermore, the setup of these activities has been enhanced with the addition of thought-provoking questions and engaging provocations to inspire deeper exploration and learning.

7a.  Expressing their feelings and ideas using a wide range of materials and modes/ He kōrero auaha

8. Thunderbirds

 

The Thunderbirds group has been consistently engaging with numbers and letters as part of their ongoing learning. To support this, teachers have incorporated worksheets to further enhance the children’s literacy and numeracy skills. A combination of direct and indirect teaching approaches is evident in daily practice, allowing for both structured learning and opportunities for exploration through play and guided interactions.

8a. Recognising print symbols and concepts and using them with enjoyment, meaning and purpose/ He kōrero tuhituhi |

 

 

 

 

Professional Development

The team continuously attended a workshop with Kirstin, a facilitator from the Ministry of Education. She provided a valuable tool for the transition-to-school program. This tool will help us enhance our transition-to-school programme.

Regan and Reena also attended a leadership workshop, where they gained practical strategies and insights to further develop their leadership capabilities and contribute positively to our centre’s direction.

Additionally, Gina participated in a workshop focused on governance and management. She acquired in-depth knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of effective centre leadership. Gina plans to share these insights with our new committee members as part of our ongoing commitment to strong, informed governance through professional development

 

New Internal Evaluation:Our new internal evaluation is focused on the question: “To what extent are we providing our tamariki with the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition to the school programme?”

We are currently in the process of finalising our action plan as part of our internal evaluation. Our teachers are actively aligning teaching practices with the New Zealand Curriculum, reinforcing consistent routines, and introducing practical strategies—such as using lunchboxes—to help tamariki become familiar with school expectations. These initiatives are designed to support a smooth and confident transition to school. We look forward to sharing our findings and next steps with you in July.

Food Verification

We are also delighted to inform you that our food safety practices were recently reviewed, and we received an "acceptable practice" rating. This means we are fully compliant with food preparation safety standards.

The next review will be scheduled in two years.

 

 

Working bee

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful parents who took part in our recent Working Bee. Your time, energy, and contributions have made a meaningful difference to our centre environment, and we are truly grateful for your support and dedication.

As Regan noted, “Our Working Bee Day was a wonderful success, filled with teamwork, learning, and lots of fun. Together, everyone contributed in their own special way — from clearing weeds and discovering hidden potatoes to organizing toys and sharing delicious morning tea. It was a beautiful reminder of how much we can achieve when we work as a whānau, caring for our environment and each other. We felt the warm community spirit and the joy of working together towards a common goal.”

 

Game time with Mattie

We have been sponsored by Samantha Hunt – Lowe & Co. facilitated by Coach Mattie Sens. Mattie has start to run the game time course last week on Thursday and our tamariki really enjoyed the fun learning experience. GameTime is a fun, high-energy sports and movement program designed just for preschoolers. The tamariki learn skills like running, jumping, catching, kicking, and bouncing — all through playful games and imaginative themes. It’s all about building confidence, coordination, and having a great time.

 

Policies that were reviewed for the month of April:

Privacy act

Financial policy

Disciplinary action and performance guidelines  

Centre quality improvement policy

Internal evaluation policy

You will receive a copy of these policies for your review

Upcoming events

June

Trip to Te Papa: Monday, 16 June

Matariki Celebration: Thursday, 19 June

July

Tumbling Tots -15 July-16th of September (every Tuesday from 10:15AM-11:00AM) 

Events for children who are going to school day (i.e. Wheels Day, Pyjama Day )

August

Cook Islands Language Week: 3–9 August

Tongan Language Week: 17–23 August

September

Father’s Day: Friday, 5 September

Teacher-Parent Interviews: Monday-Thursday 1–4 September

October

Mid-Autumn Festival: Monday, 6 October

Fijian Language Week: 6–10 October

Diwali Celebration: Friday, 17 October

Teachers Only Day: Friday, 24 October

Costume Party: Friday, 31 October

November

Working bee (tbc)

Sports Day: Monday, 4 November

Trip to Zealandia (tbc)

December

Christmas Party: Friday, 12 December

Last Day of Term: Friday, 19 December

Reminders:

Reminders about providing us a copy of the 4 years old immunisation records.

As part of the enrolment agreement, please be reminded that your child is required to attend at least six (6) hours each day.

Please continue to discourage your children in bringing toys from home at Karori Kids

We continue to encourage you to bring/share any cultural items representing your language, culture and identity.

Please be reminded that news time is for children to share items that are meaningful to them. This means toys are discouraged to bring/share at news time.  

Now that autumn/winter is approaching us, we would prefer if you can bring gumboots for our tamariki to wear on   

Please make sure that our operation hours is only from 7:45-5:30. There will be corresponding fees for late picking up.

 

Winter Illness Update

The winter illness has once again affected our Karori Kids whānau. Teachers, parents, and our tamariki have been greatly impacted by the flu.

As a precaution, we encourage everyone to take care of themselves. Please ensure that:

  • Tamariki are kept home if they are unwell

  • Everyone practices good hygiene, including regular handwashing

  • Healthy habits such as eating well and getting enough rest are supported at home

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate this season together.

General Message

We are now halfway through the year—it's hard to believe how quickly time is flying! As we move through the second half of 2025, I want to continue encouraging our Karori Kids whānau to strengthen our partnership and shared commitment to our tamariki.

We are also excited to welcome our new committee members. Thank you so much for your dedication and willingness to serve our community. Your support makes a real difference.

Our focus remains on creating a productive, enriching, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. This year, we look forward to:

  • Strengthening our bicultural and multicultural practices, ensuring our tamariki experience and embrace Te Ao Māori and cultural diversity in meaningful ways.

  • Providing equitable opportunities for all learners, fostering a strong sense of belonging and empowerment.

  • Supporting successful transitions to school, equipping our tamariki with the skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their learning journey.

  • Enhancing our teaching and learning experiences, making every day an opportunity to grow, explore, and discover.

Lastly, I’d like to share this beautiful whakataukī with you:

"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata!"


What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!


 
 
 

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29 Campbell Street, Karori, Wellington 6012  |  04 476 6887

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