Teachers at Waimea kindergarten in Nelson had a special surprise for the children returning to kindergarten in Alert Level 3.

They created a magical fairy garden in the front entrance, so it was the first thing that tamariki saw when they arrived.

“We recognise that after five weeks at home, the children might’ve been feeling a little anxious about their return, and we wanted to provide something special to welcome them back,” said Head Teacher Rebekah Senior.

“The children have been exploring the fairy garden further and discovered something different each time.  Our tamariki have been adding their own creations to the fairy garden too. They’ve made picnic rugs, tables and rainbows for the fairies using scissors, pens and paper.”

“We’ve missed having these conversations and seeing the children, and it’s so lovely to be back at kindergarten with them. The tamariki are also very happy to be back and to see each other again.”
Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association CEO Craig Vercoe says that it’s been fantastic to be able to support whānau as they returned to work in Alert Level 3.
“We have provided a fun, safe and familiar environment for our tamariki to play and learn with and alongside their friends. We were able to design and plan our curriculum which enabled us to follow the tamariki’s interests while protecting and nurturing their health and well-being at this level. Our strong relationships with our tamariki and whānau have supported their smooth transitions back to kindergarten.”
“Our Kaiako who are working from home are continuing to support tamariki and whānau at home with distance learning on Storypark.”

NZK CEO Jill Bond says right around the country children are loving being back at their kindergartens.

“This is what the kindergarten movement is all about, a partnership between us and our communities and supporting and helping each other.”

“We’ve had very small numbers of children across the country return, but we are hoping that more will start coming. The ones who have come back have loved getting back to normal and our teachers have been wonderful in making sure all the health and hygiene protocols are followed.”

“Kindergartens are wonderful places to support parents and care-givers right now, especially when times are tough and it’s important our communities know we will care for their children and keep them safe.”

For more information please contact NZK CEO Jill Bond on 0274950282