Term: Four Date: 13th December 2016
High quality learning delivered - Learning outcomes for children; The learning environment both inside and out; professional learning undertaken; purchases, plans for change, Te Ao Maori .
Beading: Beading has continued to be a very popular inside activity. Many of the tamariki have moved from random pattern making to following a pattern enhancing their visual memory. Some of the patterns have become quite complex taking lots of time to find the right coloured bead to complete patterns. This is another area we have noticed lots of kindness, as tamariki are aware of colours that others are looking for, so they help each other out finding beads.
Taking Reasonable Risks: With the return of the fine weather we were able to bring back the balance beam and the tamariki were immediately engaged. Teachers were able to reconfigure the beam with different ramps and logs to make the obstacle course more or less challenging. Some of the younger tamariki found the beam really challenging but with a little encouragement they were able to assess the risk and be brave to cross and jump off at the end. Taking reasonable risks enhances tamariki motor skills strength and coordination. The balance beam was an area of play where we noticed tamariki helping each other, holding hands to help and encourage less able children, and joining in the celebration of their achievement.
Gardening: With the beginning of spring we planted lots of seeds like sunflowers and peas and beans. Tamariki planted seeds and were able to observe and nurture their growth. Towards the end of term, they were rewarded with fresh produce from the garden like strawberries and peas. The bean house is also starting to take shape and be a great enclosed cool space for the summer.
Rock Art: At the beginning of the term Donna introduced the tamariki to another form of process art fostering tamariki imagination and creativity. Tamariki chose rocks from the garden and they began by painting the rock using metallic colours then allowing them to dry. The next day they used metallic pens and glued on eyes. When they were happy with the finished product they covered the whole rock with Mod Podge (sealer). When the rocks were dry the tamariki placed them in the critter garden. I often see tamariki looking at their rocks and showing them off to whānau members.
Story Stones: During term break Donna made story stones and the tamariki loved using the stones to make up their own stories, or create different games using their imagination.
National Anthem: Towards the end of term we began reflecting and evaluating the third component of the Hikairo Schema, “Kotahitanga”. Kotahitanga refers to working together respectfully, developing feeling of connection and team unity. Learning the National Anthem in the three official languages of Aotearoa is a great way to support unity and connection not only within our kindergarten but also the wider community. The tamariki have embraced learning the National Anthem and are working hard to learn the words in Māori, English and Sign L
anguage.
Being Kind: Our being kind focus worked so well last term we continued with it this term with the incentive of a water day when the board was full. Teachers took photos of tamariki being involved in random acts of kindness. These photos were celebrated at mat time then placed on the board. Tamariki delighted in this board showing whānau and discussing what they did to be kind. I have already mentioned two particular areas where we noticed tamariki demonstrating kindness. This focus has worked really well helping tamariki develop empathy and the importance of being a kind person helping each other out.
Relationships – Strong sustained relationships and partnerships:Community Engagement: Pumanawatanga, transition to school visits, trips, visitors into the kindergarten, special events, etc.
Transitions to School: This term we have hosted a visit from the new entrant room from Hukerenui school. Kim Hanley and whānau brought the entire new entrant room of around 20 tamariki it was lovely to see tamariki who have just transitioned there and have a catch up with Kim.
Whānau event:There have been two whānau events this term. We held a mini gala day on the 28th of October which was named the Fun Friday Fence Fundraiser and was held to raise money for our front fence and gate.This was a really successful evening.We hired a bouncy castle and had motor bike rides thanks to Rouse Motor cycles who donating their time and two buggies. We also had a sausage sizzle and quick fire raffles. Thanks to all the donations and with the support of our wonderful whānau we raised $900.
On the 9th of December we held our Christmas party. This was in conjunctionwith our water day which was an incentive for filling our being kind wall. After the success of our being kind strategies from last term, we continued them through term four. We have noticed a huge increase in empathy towards others. The fun began at 12 o’clock with pizza for all then the water fun began. The water day was a huge success and tamariki had lots of fun with a water slide and lots of water guns. The tamariki got changed at 2pm and then presents were handed out from under the tree. The Christmas party was well supported and a great time was had by all.
A big welcome to all our new whānau who have started this term, we have also said goodbye to many whānau as their tamariki move onto the next phase of their education.
Promotion – Lifting the profile of the kindergarten within the community: newspaper stories and photos, open days, kindergarten out in the community, promotional flyers sent.
Finance – Financial Stability: Management and administration (roll numbers, variation report explanation, fund raising, grant applications etc.
Services –Services delivered that are relevant to the communities they serve: Ensure our services meet our communities’ needs. Working alongside of NKA: PPM, speech and Language therapist, Pou Whakarewa Tikanga Maori visits.Environmental sustainability,
Speech Therapy: Gay has continued working with a couple of children this term. We are working alongside those children with their speech.
Pou Whakarewa –Roimata has visited this term and is supporting us in the area of tikangamāori, and our Self review on the Hikairo Schema.
Acknowledgements:At the end of this term we said good bye to our lunch cover Rachel Beazley our new lunch cover is yet to be appointed.
We would like to thank whanau for your fantastic support of us, tamariki and our kindergarten. Thank-you for all your involvement with fund raisingendeavours this term really appreciated.
Finally, we wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New year, we will see you all back on the 23rd of January 2017.
Ka kite anō
Rika, Donna, Katrina, Rachel and Kelli
Aroha mai, aroha atu,
Love towards us, love going out from us