Manaia Kindergarten is set overlooking the picturesque inlet of Parua Bay on the Whangarei Heads. Children at Manaia Kindergarten explore their interests with support from enthusiastic teachers who encourage and challenge their learning. Substantial portfolios with stories and movies of children’s learning and development are valued parts of our curriculum.
Our Kindergarten blog began in 2006 - breaking new ground for early childhood teaching, learning and collaborating. There are many amazing stories tucked away in this blog about building relationships with our community, family/whanau throughout the world, connecting with other Kindergartens and early childhood centres, schools and educators.
Children at Manaia Kindergarten have access to all technologies available in our budget and programme. Manaia Kindergarten participated in the Early Childhood Education ICT Professional Learning Project facilitated by Core Education and funded by the Ministry of Education. Information and communication technology is incorporated into our curriculum and children use digital storytelling as a means of sharing their learning and development with their families, community, and the wider world.
Stories on our blog, are not only about ICT. Our teachers are dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles. Our current team is dedicated to sustainable living and children are actively involved in creating and maintaining a substaintial vegetable garden. Chickens in the playground provide us with eggs. And on special days we can see dolphins in the bay. Our supportive community keep us informed. They share their skills and help to cook delicious food with the veges from our garden, or they bring in something new to sample.
We have amazing support from Leanne, who works 15hrs (or longer) to support the teachers with all the administrative requirements of the kindergarten. Leanne is often the first person our families chat to before starting kindergarten.
We have a dedicated team of parents and whanau who work together to ensure the smooth running of the kindergarten and organize popular social family events.We are all on a journey of life long learning - children, teachers, parents and siblings alike. The children at Manaia Kindergarten would love you to hear their stories, share your ideas, and contribute to this learning community. Come and join us - virtually online, or pop in for a visit.
We strongly encourage new families to come in for a visit a few times before starting at Kindergarten. Lets spend some time getting to know each other, and encouraging the children to find their place in this community.
