Waimea Kindergarten

We're still busy hatching monarch butterflies at kindergarten. Today, we had 8 new butterflies hatch which was the most we've had in one day

So far, our total count of monarch butterflies:
32 females and 32 males. We still have quite a few caterpillars and chrysalises, so we are hoping to reach our goal of 100 butterflies this season 🦋🦋🦋

You can see the joy and wonder this learning brings our tamariki 🧡

We wish you a joyful and safe long weekend!

Please note the following closures for our kindergarten over Easter and during the school holidays.

Ngā mihi nui for your support of the Sandpit squad! ❤️ A fabulous team effort raising funds for the Cancer Society!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who dressed up yesterday, donated, and got involved – together we raised an incredible $229.40 for the Cancer Society! Every dollar makes a real difference and your generosity means so much ❤️

Special shoutout to our teachers getting involved in the Relay for Life this weekend! We're so proud of our kindergarten community coming together like this 🥰

Our wonderful kaitiaki are developing new learning about the monarch pūrerehua by observing and marveling at its complete metamorphosis through the four stages — from tiny egg to wriggly caterpillar to chrysalis to delicate pūrerehua!

Each stage of their life cycle reminds us all to be curious, gentle, and amazed by the world around us.

Moments like watching a caterpillar and holding a pūrerehua remind us how powerful simple observation and connection to nature can be 🦋🌿

We were very excited yesterday when our very first monarch pūrerehua (butterfly) emerged from its chrysalis! 🦋

Our tamariki have been showing the most wonderful curiosity and kaitiakitanga throughout this incredible life cycle journey—from tiny eggs, to hungry caterpillars munching on swan plants, to the patient wait in the chrysalis, and then our beautiful new butterfly ready to take flight.

They've been asking thoughtful questions and gently observing them, as we've been talking about how we can care for and protect these special creatures. It's heartwarming to see their growing respect for nature and understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who helps us with donations of swan plants, eggs and caterpillars. Your support makes this possible! 🐛🦋

Aotearoa marks 186 years since Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed.

We are committed to honouring and valuing Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ngā mihi aroha o te rā o Waitangi kōutou mā. Enjoy your Waitangi weekend with whānau and friends.

Maimoa Creative
̄tetiriti

We probably don't need to remind you that we have two long weekends ahead. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday for a short week.

We wish all our tamariki who are starting school next week happy first days! 💕

Kia pai tō rā whakatā!!

Yesterday, while we were in the garden, we discovered a small praying mantis perched perfectly still on a tree stump, watching us just as curiously as we were watching it!

With its front legs folded, swivelling head, and huge eyes, it captured the attention of our tamariki. Some tamariki stayed crouched there for ages, watching and waiting to see if it would move. What a magical, patient moment!

These moments are packed with powerful learning including curiosity & scientific inquiry, sparking wonder and real questions about how living things work as they observe gently without disturbing, showing kindness, respect, and empathy for the tiniest of creatures. By slowing our bodies and minds to notice details, it reminds us that the best discoveries often come when we slow down and pause. 🌿

We are looking forward to seeing you again on Thursday 8th January. We'll be closed on Wednesday 7th January for our teacher-only day, but we'll be back and ready for tamariki and whānau on Thursday. See you then! 🤗

Meri Kirihimete and happy holidays from the Waimea Kindergarten team ❤️💚❤️

Here's to a wonderful holiday break - enjoy the sunshine, Christmas cheer, and summer vibes 🌴 We'll see you in the new year, ready for more adventures! 🎉

A reminder we are closed from Monday 22nd December and reopen for tamariki on Thursday 8th January 2026 ✨️