Lyall Bay Kindergarten

Our tamariki have been enthusiastically preparing for Matariki by creating beautiful mahi toi whetu. Utilising the creative realm is a wonderful way for our tamariki to connect with Matariki, in their way- while developing important skills.

Kia ora whānau

We thought we would share our sustainability program

At kindergarten we wash our soft plastics for example chippy packets biscuit packets and muesli bar packets.

Tamariki wash the soft plastics, then we bag them into small bags so they can be dropped off at the recycling bin at the Warehouse and Woolworths.

The soft plastics are then turned into plastic fence posts

This journey began when kaiako heard Ray Ahipene-Mercer shared his story of the projects he was part of while a councillor on Wellington city council. His commitment as an environmentalist lead us to look at how we could incorporate these same values at Lyall Bay kindergarten.

This is how our sustainability program started Kaiako wanted to look at how we could make sure our plastics were not ending up in landfill.

We are proud to be part of a community that cares for our whenua, Moana, manu, and all living things.

We would love whānau to support Tamariki in this learning, if they greet you with a little bag of plastics at the end of the day it would be great if you take it to Woolworths or the warehouse to the collection bin which is normally in the entrance of each shop.

Thanks for being part of caring for our 🌎 world

Ngā mihi

Cristie, Tania, Cass, Alyssa and Ruth

Our tamariki are enthusiastic about embracing their creative expression through tactile experiences, so we’ve been experimenting with diverse sensory play everyday. A tamaiti wanted to make Oobleck again (gloop or cornflour fingerpaint) but alas we only had a small amount of cornflour left! 🤔 we pivoted and tried baking soda with the cornflour. This resulted in a consistency similar to kinetic sand and Tamariki ma vigorously explored this texture. Seeing the engagement and delight in their discoveries, reaffirmed sensory play is very beneficial for tamariki of all ages. Sensory-based play supports holistic brain development by integrating cognitive, physical, emotional, and social learning.

The next day we made the flour and sand ‘concrete’ this called to an entirely different crew who were zealous in getting the perfect concoction, which they used to concrete their wood and paper bricks.

Nā te kaiako, nā te tauira, ka p**a te mātauranga. (Through the teacher, through the student, learning will happen.)

Please let us know any unusual sensory potions you’ve discovered ngā mihi 🫟

Kia ora whānau

Kindergarten will be open tomorrow.

Our property team has checked the kindergarten and grounds and they have reported no damage.

We appreciate your understanding and the short notice that we were closing kindergarten for the day.

It was a surprise to all of us.

Our priority is that our Tamariki and whānau are safe when they are with us.

Keep warm and continue to keep safe.

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow

Ngā mihi

Cristie, Cass, Tania, Alyssa and Heidi

Talofa lava aiga,

This week we have been learning Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way). Today we consolidated our new information with a celebration for Samoan language week. 🇼🇸 MANUIA LE VAIASO O LE GAGANA SAMOA 🇼🇸

The theme for this year is “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u” — From the high mountains are the blessings of the village.

This theme is a beautiful reminder that our tamaiti are our greatest blessings — those we continue to nurture, teach, and care for each day.

We shared mea'ai, wore our ie lavalava that we have made during the week. We joined in Samoan siva and learnt a Sasa from the girls from St Catherine's college poly club- Fa’afetai Tele lava for your time and o le a fou faafitauli (amazing) performance.

Our cup is full, we are grateful to our aiga who have supported us this week. Faamanuia (Blessings) 🌺🌺🌺

Happy Samoan Language Week! Honouring the past, celebrating the present, and preserving the future.

"E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u."
From the high mountains are the blessings of the village

Drop a 🇼🇸 if you're celebrating your heritage and gagana this week!

Photo credit: Samoan House, Apia, 1880s, Apia, by Burton Brothers.

Ngā mihi nui to all our whānau who supported our Christmas and Easter raffle, we were able to purchase 6 new micro scooters and new flash black helmets.

*reminder we are closed Monday 1st Kings birthday and Tuesday 2nd teacher only day. ☺️