Owhiro Bay Kindergarten

New research is highlighting something many of us see every day.
Pretend play is a magical part of childhood that supports emotional wellbeing and mental health. Through imagination, tamariki can explore feelings, practise social situations, build resilience, and make sense of their world in a safe way.

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rnz.co.nz%2Flife%2Fwellbeing%2Fpretend-play-is-a-magical-part-of-childhood-new-research-suggests-it-can-also-help-mental-health%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNDM3NjI2MzE2OTczNzg4AAEeQJwnByLfM97YBm0Vg5ScJSUxAJnk9PpMW-Yrr1-5sSQ23xpCEJTuRxRJT3U_aem_AsZf-xxANZKJh1ENCDpF_g&h=AT6d0h0KMrp-k7WBj3hURQ6M91szdMovSJZLwzcCMNzwVKyUhdJWGSPLgvPeXJFM0BKWUyHKW1vaksAJ6re7OWsG-aijKK7pOOCRZJMeTRUPrhUZRx8fQcpkzflB&s=1

Pretend play is a magical part of childhood. New research suggests it can also help mental health Children have huge imaginations, and diving into them can lead to better emotional regulation.

Kia ora whānau,

We wanted to keep you informed about planning for tomorrow in light of the current weather conditions across the Wellington region.

A final decision about any kindergarten closures will be made early tomorrow morning. This allows us to carefully assess conditions and make the safest call for everyone.
Once a decision has been made, we will share it as soon as possible through our usual communication channels, so you have time to make any alternative arrangements if needed.
Making the decision early helps to minimise unnecessary travel and supports everyone to plan ahead. While weather events are never ideal, our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of tamariki, whānau, and staff.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Please take care, and we’ll be in touch early tomorrow morning.
Ngā mihi nui,�the OBK team

CLOSED TODAY
Kia ora whānau,�Due to the current weather conditions and for the safety of our tamariki, whānau, and staff, we will be closed today.�Thank you for your understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation and share further updates as needed.�Ngā mihi nui.

EVENT POSTPONED

🐴The Year of the Fire Horse 🎆

Happy Lunar New Year from OBK ! The Chinese / Lunar New Year is a time for whānau , joyous festivities, and the welcoming of good fortune.
For many years , tamariki have been lucky enough to partake in Mary’s special reindition of the Dragon story. “The jade emperor wanted to mark the years so set up a race with the animals. The first 12 animals would then get a year named after them so that's how we get the animals in the order that crossed the finish line”.

We followed the majestic dragon 🐉 outside and all through kindy with loud instruments to scare away the bad , and bring in prosperity and happiness. This is always SO much fun . Mary also passed out the special red envelops 🧧 and rice crackers . We hope you enjoy some of the festivities over the Lunar New Year time 🎇

Open tomorrow. Take care out there !

🌧️ Kindergarten Update

Kia ora e te whānau,
We are confident that all of our kindergartens will be open tomorrow, except for Taihape Kindergarten. Taihape will remain closed due to the continued state of emergency, ongoing road closures, and the need for water conservation in the area. We’ll keep you updated.

The safety and wellbeing of our tamariki, whānau, and teams as always is our top priority. If you are travelling to and from kindergarten, please take extra care on the roads and only travel if you feel safe to do so.

URGENT: Due to severe weather conditions, OBK and all WMK kindergartens in the North Island will be closed today. Stay safe whanau

Keeping tamariki safe must always come first
In this radio interview, Amanda Coulson, CEO of Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens, talks about the impact of the recent coloured sand recall and what it has meant for their kindergartens, kaiako, children and whānau.

Like other member associations, Whānau Manaaki has been working through the closure and clean-up of several kindergartens, replacing resources, relocating children, and managing unexpected costs, all while supporting families through a very disruptive time.

Amanda’s kōrero highlights the importance of regulations to keep tamariki safe when things like this happen.

Listen to Amanda’s interview:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2019015356/kindergarten-provider-to-pay-hundreds-of-thousands-to-remove-asbestos

He waka eke noa. We’re with our members every step of the way.