Murchison Kindergarten 23 Hampden Street
Our Philosophy
Kua rārangi tahitatou he whāriki matauranga mō ngā rangatira a āpōpō.
Together we will weave an education mat for our leaders of tomorrow
Together we will weave an education mat for our leaders of tomorrow
Please click here to read our full philosophy
Murchison Kindergarten is nestled in the heart of a wonderfully caring rural community that puts people first.
Children at this kindergarten have common sense in spades and bring their agency and their marvelous working theories to their play, which supports creative thought and problem solving. Children have grown up at their parent’s sides helping out on the farm or in the community and their sense of connection is strong.
|
Once a well-loved home, the kindergarten is now a beautiful space for children to learn in the peaceful garden and home-like setting. Being a small community, in many cases of several generations, families know and socialise with each other, and arrival and departure times look like Sunday lunch at granny’s - a step back in time.
The kindergarten is supported by a dedicated and hard-working family liaison group who unstintingly give their time to ensure teachers are supported to grow a rich, high quality learning environment for their tamariki.
|
Murchison Kindergarten is led by enthusiastic, energetic teachers and support staff committed to the delivery of high-quality education and bi-cultural practice.
Teachers work with individual children as well as groups to korero about and support their interests and learning.
Teachers work with individual children as well as groups to korero about and support their interests and learning.
|
|
|
We wholeheartedly agree with the aim of Te Whariki that all children grow into competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.
|
|
The environment is equipped with a range of learning opportunities that encourage children’s investigation, curiosity, imagination, and exploration and opportunities for children to develop math, literacy and science skills and knowledge.
At Murchison Kindergarten children get to experience...
|
Cooking, as manaaki for our friends and helpers by using produce we have grown from our garden or from our whānau's surplus. It is also a tool for nutritional health knowledge and it's fun!
|
Gardening
|
Building and Construction
|
|
|
|
|
Science
|
Music
|
|
|
Dramatic Play
|
|
Art
|
|
|
|
Sand and Water Play
|
|
Storytelling
Pūrākau, traditional stories of our own and other cultures, and the children's own stories
Pūrākau, traditional stories of our own and other cultures, and the children's own stories
|
Tamariki are fortunate to have a group of delightful Story-grans who come and spend time reading, playing and enjoying rich conversations.
|
Kaiako have developed a relationship with Murchison Area School that supports tamariki in their transitions to their next learning journey.
Our kaiako and tamariki value manaakitanga to express respect and gratitude to our supportive community for their time and generosity and respect for people, places and things is a foundation of our programme.
And what do our whānau say?
"We have two children with the Murchison Kindergarten. Both have been there since their 2nd Birthdays and they are now almost three and five.
Initially we had no idea what was involved with Kindergarten life and really didn't have any expectations. We've watched this Kindergarten go from strength to strength in the last three years. The team there are incredibly approachable and to be honest have had a huge and valuable part in growing our children into the (mostly!) wonderful wee people they are today!
Our children are valued, respected, loved, delighted in and shown fair and reasonable boundaries. Their every learning whim is indulged, which really feeds their inquisitive minds. They are encouraged to give things a go which boosts their confidence. They care for people, animals and things more than we could ever hope for and we have seen for ourselves how much the Murchison team make all the kids a priority, not just ours.
We always feel a friendly and welcoming vibe on site and the team really make the effort to know our children and our family. We are so appreciative of the support we have received as a family over the years, it's always a blessing to know you have good people around your children when you aren't with them yourself.
We find this a very open and inclusive Kindergarten and feel privileged that our children have been able to attend and have this as their start in the education system."
Paul and Julia Sara
"We have two children with the Murchison Kindergarten. Both have been there since their 2nd Birthdays and they are now almost three and five.
Initially we had no idea what was involved with Kindergarten life and really didn't have any expectations. We've watched this Kindergarten go from strength to strength in the last three years. The team there are incredibly approachable and to be honest have had a huge and valuable part in growing our children into the (mostly!) wonderful wee people they are today!
Our children are valued, respected, loved, delighted in and shown fair and reasonable boundaries. Their every learning whim is indulged, which really feeds their inquisitive minds. They are encouraged to give things a go which boosts their confidence. They care for people, animals and things more than we could ever hope for and we have seen for ourselves how much the Murchison team make all the kids a priority, not just ours.
We always feel a friendly and welcoming vibe on site and the team really make the effort to know our children and our family. We are so appreciative of the support we have received as a family over the years, it's always a blessing to know you have good people around your children when you aren't with them yourself.
We find this a very open and inclusive Kindergarten and feel privileged that our children have been able to attend and have this as their start in the education system."
Paul and Julia Sara