Springs Community Early Learning Centre

Play is learning !

This week, we are celebrating our volunteers. Our small not-for-profit preschool in the heart of Sockburn is governed by a strong group of community-minded individuals, some are parents, others are just great local citizens, generously giving time and work to our community. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and dedication.

Fa'afetai (thank you), Tina !
Today, we were fortunate to be treated to a feast - sapasui (chop suey), panipopo ( coconut buns) , and pai fala (pineapple pie). All renowned Samoan dishes. Fanu led engagement in Samoan Language week has provided your child with a geniune , rich experience . O le fogava'a e tasi - our identity is strengthened through connection with family, friends, and community!

ARE YOU WINTER READY?

Join us at the Hornby Community Centre for our FREE Winter Warmer Mini Expo — a welcoming afternoon full of support, connection, and practical winter advice to help keep you and your whānau warm this season.

Wednesday 10th June
1.00pm – 3.00pm
📍 Hornby Community Centre Event Space
8 Goulding Avenue, Hornby

Come along and chat with local organisations offering:
Warmer Kiwi Homes Grant eligibility checks
Free electric blanket safety checks
Free hot soup, tea & coffee
Warm blankets and winter support
Fire safety information
Scam prevention advice
Curtain Bank support
Community services, wellbeing support & more…

This is a free community event — everyone is welcome! Bring a friend, stay warm, and connect with the amazing support available right here in our community.

Mōrena Koutou 👋

If you’re in the thick of Toddler life right now 😵‍💫🫣🤪, experiencing those big emotions, constant boundary testing, sleep battles, meltdowns over the wrong coloured cup… you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself....

Early Start Project is bringing the Incredible Years Toddler Programme to Rolleston - AGAIN!

This is a FREE, evidence-based parenting course designed specifically for Toddlers (12-36 months)

This programme supports Parents and Whānau to:
🌱 build strong, loving relationships with their Tamariki
🌱 Encourage positive behaviour through play and praise
🌱 Support to navigate those BIG toddler emotions
🌱 Helpful ideas on setting routines and boundaries
🌱 Ways to support social and emotional development

It runs over 12 weekly sessions plus Morning kai is included too 🥙🌯

🗓 Tuesdays 9.45am to 12.45pm
📍 Salvation Army Generation House - 645 Springston Rolleston Road
📅 18 August to 24 November 2026
(No sessions during school holidays)

If this feels like something you need right now, or you know another parent who would benefit, please share this with them!

To register your interest or find out more, contact Kerry at Early Start Project:
📞 0275 678 158 or 0800 378 278
📧 [email protected]

Congratulations - We have 3 more graduates moving onto school this month. If you are interested in looking at our small community led preschool for your child please get it touch!

THE PHONE CALL NO PARENT WANTS… AND NO EDUCATOR WANTS TO MAKE

There are few phone calls parents dread more than the one from daycare saying their child is unwell.

Because behind that call is often immediate stress.

Work meetings needing to be cancelled.
Shift changes.
Trying to organise who can leave.
The guilt of not being there already.
The worry about your child.

We see that.

We understand that for many families, one sick day can create a ripple effect through the entire week.

And we know most parents are not frustrated because they don’t care.

Usually it’s because they care deeply… while trying to hold together lives that already feel very full.

But we also want to gently share another side too.

Making those calls is hard for educators as well.

Because we know what it means when we make them.

We know the stress it can cause.
We know some parents will feel overwhelmed or upset.
We know many are already stretched emotionally, mentally and financially.

And the truth is…

No educator enjoys calling a parent to say their child is sick.

But when we do, it always comes from one place:

Care.

Care for your child who needs comfort and support.
Care for the other children in the environment.
Care for the wellbeing of our educators too.

Our team are not trying to make your day harder.

They are trying to do what is safest and kindest in a difficult moment.

And sometimes, because emotions are high, frustrations can land on the people making the call.

The educator.
The receptionist.
The team member who is simply following health guidelines and trying to support everyone involved.

But behind those calls are humans too.

People who have spent the day comforting your child.
Cleaning up vomit.
Holding children while they cry.
Trying to protect the health of an entire centre environment.

And they deserve kindness too.

We truly believe this is one of those situations where everyone is often doing their best inside a system that can feel incredibly hard.

Parents are stretched.
Educators are stretched.

And at the centre of it all is a child who simply needs care.

So maybe what we all need in these moments is a little more understanding for each other.

A little more softness.

Because none of us are the enemy here.

We are all just trying to navigate the realities of raising and caring for children in a world that often asks too much of everyone.

And despite the hard days, the phone calls, the tears and the stress…

Please know this:

We care deeply about your children.

And we care about you too.

(Shared from another page but no less true for us ).

Apart from the snuggles 🥰 those bedtime stories help in other ways too.