Our infant community is made up of two nurturing learning spaces, Kākano and Rito, where our youngest tamariki are supported to develop secure relationships, a strong sense of belonging, and confidence as they begin their learning journey.
Kākano means Seed and symbolises new beginnings, potential, nurturing, and strong foundations. Rito means Young Flax Shoot and represents protection, connection, growth, and emerging identity. Just as the Rito sits protected at the centre of the harakeke plant, our youngest children are nurtured within caring relationships that support their wellbeing and development.
Our Kākano and Rito classrooms provide a calm, loving environment where secure attachments and trusting relationships are at the heart of learning. Through responsive caregiving and intentional teaching, children are encouraged to explore, communicate, and discover at their own pace.
Guided by Te Whāriki, teachers support children's developing sense of belonging, wellbeing, and identity through meaningful interactions, sensory experiences, and play-based learning opportunities.
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Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to provide children with welcoming environments where they can explore, play, discover and learn. Each space offers opportunities for children to develop their confidence, independence and curiosity through age-appropriate experiences, both indoors and outdoors. From their first discoveries as babies to getting ready for their next learning adventure, every space is designed to support children as they grow.
Kākano & Rito(Infants | Heart of Learning)
Pihi & Tipu(Toddlers | Growing Through Exploration)
Our toddler community includes two vibrant learning spaces, Pihi and Tipu, where tamariki are encouraged to explore, discover, communicate, and grow in confidence through meaningful play and relationships.
Pihi means Sprout and symbolises curiosity, exploration, movement, and discovery. Tipu means Growth and represents confidence, communication, independence, and capability.
In our Pihi and Tipu classrooms, tamariki are encouraged to actively explore their world, ask questions, solve problems, and develop their own theories about how things work. Te Whāriki and Kōwhiti Whakapae guide learning, supporting children to build strong learning dispositions while following their interests and passions.
Teachers create rich opportunities for inquiry, collaboration, and exploration, fostering leadership, resilience, creativity, and communication. Through connections with our local curriculum, children develop a deeper understanding of the whenua, community, and their place within it.
Rākau & Ngahere(Preschool | Ready for School and Beyond)
Our preschool community consists of two purposeful learning spaces, Rākau and Ngahere, where children develop the confidence, skills, and learning dispositions needed for a successful transition to school and lifelong learning.
Rākau means Tree and symbolises strength, resilience, knowledge, independence, and strong roots. Ngahere means Forest and represents belonging, community, connection, and collective growth. Together, these learning spaces support tamariki as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey while remaining deeply connected to their identity, culture, and community.
Guided by Te Whāriki and Kōwhiti Whakapae, our curriculum supports children to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and learning dispositions they need for a confident transition to school and lifelong learning. We recognise that school readiness is about much more than academic skills. It is about nurturing confident, resilient learners who can communicate effectively, think critically, work collaboratively, and manage themselves in new environments.
Our integrated Set for School Programme is thoughtfully woven into everyday experiences and learning opportunities. Through purposeful play, inquiry, project work, and leadership opportunities, children build confidence in literacy, communication, mathematical thinking, problem-solving, self-regulation, and independence. They are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, make decisions, contribute ideas, and develop the resilience needed to navigate challenges and new experiences. Strong partnerships with whānau and local schools help ensure smooth, meaningful transitions, so each child feels capable, confident, and excited for their next learning journey.