Kindy 3.5 - 5 YEARS
Our Kindy caters for children from approximately three and a half years until they leave for school.
- We promote children’s self-help, curiosity, self-expression, self-esteem and independence.
- We provide a learning environment that is stimulating, developmentally appropriate and fun.
- We aim to provide a broad range of experiences that will cater for all children as individuals ie physical play, dramatic play, building and construction, manipulative and fine motor play skills, problem solving skills, cognitive thinking, language, sensory play, science, maths, nature, creative expressions and school readiness.
- We believe in Play-based learning where children can learn by doing.
- In our environment we provide a large variety of resources to cater for every individual.
- We deliver a careful balance in the programme between structure, routine and free play.
- Teachers develop programmes aimed at extending the children’s learning and development through their interests, we welcome whānau involvement during this process.
- Children are encouraged to develop social skills and build relationships that value and respect their peers and teachers, develop an ability to resolve issues, take responsibility and make appropriate decisions.
- Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori is an inclusive part of our programme. We use Te Reo in our daily routines, mat times, and activities as well as in communication with children.
Meet the Teachers
ABBEY
Team Leader & Qualified Kaiako
Abbey has her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from The University of Waikato and has been teaching since 2017. She is passionate about ensuring tamariki are seen, heard, and respected. Abbey enjoys following each tamaiti on their own learning pathway and providing support and encouragement where needed. She finds it most rewarding when tamariki reach their own goals and feel a sense of mana (pride) within themselves.
JASON
Kaiako
Jason is a very caring and fun kaiako who is loved by all the tamariki. He has worked throughout the Centre with all three age-groups, and is currently a kaiako in the Kindy where the older tamariki really enjoy having a male role model around. Jason is passionate about Nature and continues to provide lots of amazing opportunities for the tamariki with the incredible creatures he brings to live at Midcity. He is also a wonderful encourager of gross motor development and is often found extending the tamariki in this valuable area of our curriculum.
JO
Qualified Kaiako
Jo has a lot of experience as a kaiako. Prior to graduating from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childcare, she had spent 21 years primary teaching in the Bay of Plenty.
Jo recently transferred to Kura Iti having spent many years working on our Infants’ Side.
Jo has a very peaceful, calm manner. She feels strongly about putting the needs of our tamariki first and believes that the caring and respectful relationships we develop and share with them are crucial to their happiness and future success.
DIANNE
Qualified Kaiako
Dianne is of Tainui and Maniapoto descent, from Waikato and Taumarunui. She is blest to be ‘Nan’ to seven mokopuna, has 26 years teaching experience and holds a Bachelor of E.C.E. Dianne has also taught in kohanga reo, primary school and worked as a social community worker supporting and assisting vulnerable families. Dianne values and respects the mana/dignity and individuality of our tamariki. To encourage and nurture the potential within, that they may grow to be confident learners, to embrace their uniqueness; to be the amazing, creative future leaders is both an honour and a privilege for Dianne ‘Ko ngā tamariki o ēnei rā, hei rangatira mo apōpō’ ‘Today’s generation, tomorrows leaders’.