Celebrating Community at BestStart Elles Road Last week, our tamariki were lucky enough to experience a very special community moment as the Tour of Southland, an annual cycling event, passed right by our centre.
With excitement building, our children gathered safely at our gates, ready to wave, cheer, and be part of something happening beyond our centre walls.
As the cyclists sped past, our tamariki clapped, called out, and shared big smiles with one another and the riders. It was a joyful moment of connection, showing our centre priority of whanaungatanga — building relationships and a sense of belonging with others in our wider community.
Even more excitement followed when the support vehicles, including ambulances and police cars, drove past and kindly turned on their sirens, much to the delight of our children! These shared moments of wonder created lots of conversation, laughter, and learning long after the event had passed. Experiences like this are so valuable for young children. They help tamariki understand that they are part of a bigger world, full of people who work together and care for one another. It also strengthens our focus on community, where children feel connected not just within our centre, but with the people and events around them.
At BestStart Elles Road, we love creating opportunities for children to engage with real-life experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and strong relationships. Moments like these remind us how powerful simple community connections can be in supporting children’s sense of belonging and wellbeing.