Ellen Stevenson Kindergarten

31/08/2026

14/08/2026

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do 💚

Before learning comes connection. Through relationships, tamariki develop trust, belonging and the confidence to explore the world around them.

And sometimes, whanaungatanga can be seen in the simplest of moments — 💭 ✨

Have a restful weekend e te whānau 🫶🏼

31/07/2026

From growing hue to creating and playing taonga pūoro, Hinepūtehue continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection within our community of learners. 🌿

Mai i te kākano ki te taonga. 🌱🌬️🤎

28/07/2026

Kia ora e te whānau.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Carol Patterson on Friday 24th July 2026. Carol is a past kaiako of our kindergarten, before becoming a permanent kaiako of Irongate Kindergarten. We feel incredibly grateful to have taught alongside her. Our thoughts and Aroha are with her family through this time.

Haere, haere, haere atu rā.

Moe mai rā i te rangimārie. Ka maumahara tonu mātou ki a koe. We will remember your kindness, your strength, your vibrant spirit, and the love you shared so freely. Our aroha goes with you always.

Rest peacefully, our friend.

28/07/2026

Your voice matters 💚

The Government is currently reviewing how early childhood education is funded in New Zealand. As part of this process, Heretaunga Kindergartens is preparing a submission, and we'd love to hear directly from our whānau.

By completing our short survey, you'll help us advocate for the things that matter most, including high-quality kindergarten education, 100% qualified kaiako, and positive outcomes for tamariki, whānau and our communities.

Complete our 5-minute survey here: https://form.jotform.com/261867157805063

*Prize draw: One $50 supermarket voucher will be drawn for each kindergarten. Winners must be current or past whānau of Heretaunga Kindergartens, and eligibility will be confirmed by the relevant Kaiako Matua before the prize is awarded.

24/07/2026

What a beautiful, settled week we’ve had at Ellen Stevenson Kindergarten. Our tamariki have returned with smiles, reconnected with friends, and adjusted back into our daily routines with confidence.

It’s been wonderful to see manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and ako shining through as our tamariki learn, welcoming new friends, play, and grow together. 💚

Kia pai te rā whakatā 💛

20/07/2026

Nau mai, hoki mai e te whānau ki Wāhanga Tuatoru!

It was wonderful welcoming our tamariki and whānau back today💚

Over the term break, our kaiako continued their own learning through first aid refreshers, professional development in mathematics, oral language and literacy, and a wānanga at Mangaroa Marae.

Our Wānanga Day was kotahitanga in action - coming together association wide to explore pepeha and mihi, facilitated by Herena, and learn about the whakapapa of Mangaroa Marae through an interactive Kōrero led by Christine Petera. A special mihi to our beautiful Kaiako Matua, Alisha, and kaiako Hine, who proudly shared our kindergarten’s hue journey and learnings through an inspiring workshop.. 💡🌱

E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. 💚🌿

03/07/2026

Manawatia a Matariki ✨

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who came and celebrated Matariki with us today. It was so special to come together as a community to share this beautiful time of year.

We are incredibly proud of our tamariki for standing with confidence in front of their whānau and sharing their waiata. Ka mau te wehi! 💚

As always, tino reka ngā kai! Thank you to everyone who brought a plate and helped make our shared hākari so special.

Nei te mihi nui ki ngā hāpori o Ellen Stevenson Kindergarten.
Thank you for your continued support, aroha, and for making our kindergarten such a special place to belong 💚

01/07/2026

Our tamariki have been busy preparing our Rēwena bread - Rauaroha, this morning, ready to share at our hākari āpōpō. 💚

Manawatia a Matariki ✨

30/06/2026

We popped into We Sew U Grow this afternoon and visited Brent and Seymond to pick up some beautiful harakeke for our Matariki planting this Friday. 🌱

If you’re looking for quality plants and friendly service, we highly recommend paying them a visit!

We can’t wait to get these planted with our tamariki as we celebrate Matariki together. 💚💚💚