At BestStart Dey Street, we are committed to honouring biculturalism by actively integrating te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our everyday learning environment.
Through daily greetings, waiata, stories, and meaningful activities, our tamariki become familiar with Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori that form an essential part of Aotearoa’s identity.
While biculturalism forms the foundation of our practice, we place strong emphasis on a culturally responsive approach. We acknowledge and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds that our tamariki and their whānau come from, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where every tamariki feels seen, valued, and a true sense of belonging.
Throughout the year, our centre celebrates important festivals that bring our community together. In addition to key celebrations such as Matariki and Christmas, we also recognise and celebrate a range of cultural festivals, including Chinese New Year and the Indian festival of Holi. These experiences allow our tamariki to explore traditions, stories, colours, and customs from around the world.
Our teachers encourage tamariki to use their creativity and curiosity through engaging crafts, activities, music, and storytelling that celebrate cultural diversity. By celebrating a range of cultural festivals, we help our tamariki build on their aroha and develop respect, and appreciation for the many cultures that make up our community.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi. With your contribution and mine, the people will thrive.