As part of BestStart's Set for School programme, we have been visiting several primary schools over the past few months to help familiarise our tamariki with their new learning environments.
During our visits, all kaiako (teachers) and familiar hoa (friends) warmly welcomed us. The tamariki had the opportunity to explore classrooms and playgrounds, meet school staff and experience the school environment in a relaxed and positive way.
Our approach is to support tamariki as they learn about primary school and prepare for their transition to kura (school). By visiting schools in small groups alongside trusted hoa (friends) and kaiako, the tamariki can build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and feel excited about taking their next step in their learning journey.
Many of our school visits also involved travelling by public transport, including buses and trains, so the tamariki practised safe travelling, walked up steep hills, navigated busy community spaces and enjoyed exploring their local neighbourhoods. These experiences are especially important, as some tamariki will need to travel longer distances to their new schools and may not be able to walk there each day like others.
Along the way, we also stopped at supermarkets and other community locations to drop off our collected plastic caps and lids, as well as soft plastic items, reinforcing our commitment to caring for te taiao (the environment) and our community.
We are grateful to the schools that have generously welcomed us and made time for these valuable visits.