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Community Connections With The Police at BestStart Shelly Bay Road
At BestStart Shelly Bay Road, we recently had the privilege of welcoming Constable Pauline and Constable Matt to our centre. Constable Matt and Constable Pauline, an aunty to one of our boys here at Shelly Bay Road, provided an invaluable experience for our preschool room.
This visit embodied our commitment to fostering connections with our community and supporting our children's understanding of the wider world, as outlined in Te Whāriki. From the moment Constable Pauline and Constable Matt arrived, the excitement in the room was palpable. The children were eager to dress up in the various police uniforms and hats, feeling the weight of the big vests and the thrill of wearing genuine police attire.
They explored a police patrol car, listened to the sirens, and learned about the different aspects of police work, including the fascinating roles of police motorbikes, helicopters, and water patrols. This hands-on learning experience was not only educational but also empowered the children. Their faces lit up with delight and a sense of importance as they role-played being police officers, sharing their newfound knowledge and experiences with their friends.
This playful engagement allowed the children to internalize safety messages and recognize the police as "safe people" in their lives. The visit was a wonderful opportunity for the children to ask numerous questions, showing their genuine interest and excitement. Through these inquiries and role-play, the children exhibited their curiosity and capacity as competent learners. Our connection with Constable Pauline and the broader community has enriched the children’s learning journeys, providing them with stories they eagerly shared with their families.
This visit highlighted the significance of community partnerships in educating our tamariki, ensuring they feel valued and connected to the world around them (Te Whāriki - Belonging, Community). We are grateful for these experiences that make learning so memorable and joyful for our children.