Fire Drill

In preparation for our first fire drill for 2016, fire warden Mary prompted discussions around fire safety using pictures, and asking questions during circle time. We also revisited our song, "Hurry hurry where's the fire?"

We were so proud of how well our tamariki responded to the sound of the fire alarm, the way they followed instruction, and how they walked calmly to our designated area.

Overall, our fire drill was a success due to good preparation and planning from our fire wardens- Mary & Faith.

Our Build Up to Easter

Tamariki worked alongside teachers in a variety of experiences to gain understanding and knowledge about concepts surrounding the meaning of Easter.

Papa Apii & Papa Tere planned a circle time story that provided tamariki with the biblical meaning of Easter. Beforehand, Papa Apii set up a weekly carpentry experience for tamariki to create their own wooden crosses.

Our teacher Rave worked on a 2 week project which encouraged lots of patience, sharing, and fine motor skills for tamariki, as they transformed plastic bowls into creative Easter bonnets.

Overall, tamariki are gaining an understanding that Easter is not only about chocolate, but also a deeper meaning and purpose for this holiday period.

Happy Easter..😀

Happy Easter to all our family/whanau. Keep safe to those that are travelling far and near.  Bless weekend everyone. 

Deidre started off the morning baking cookies with the children. 

Easter egg hunt in the Avaikinui room. 

Many mini chocolate eggs were hidden around the room. Another good day at apii with our children. Meitaki Maata to the teaching team for an awesome day.. 

Professional Development

Tonight some of our team attended a 'Self Review' workshop. 

In a nutshell, Self Review is a deliberate process of continuous improvement- attempting to find out why things are they way they are in areas of - 'Learning & Teaching, Collaborative Team Work & Governance. 

Elements of effective Self Review include:

R-relationships

E-evidence 

V-vision 

I-integrity 

E-evaluate 

W-wisdom

Overall, teachers found the workshop to be informative, motivating, and a good opportunity to network and share experiences with others.

Our Water Babies

Our Under 2 tamariki were provided with an opportunity to work and strengthen their little muscles today when their teachers took them for a dip in Glen Innes Primary's pool. 

With discussions and planning between teacher Faith, and grounds man Mr Sean, our tamariki enjoyed a water learning experience this afternoon. 

Coordination, balance, and water confidence were just a few learning outcomes for our small group today.

'As they explore their world, children gain confidence in the control and use of their bodies' (Te Whariki-Exploration).

Parent Contribution Fosters a Sense of Belonging

Building relationships with our local community is always an important part of developing a sense of belonging for our families/whanau & tamariki & staff within our apii.

One of the ways we encourage this is by displaying pictures of buildings that surround our centre.

When Hemi & Jasmine's mum (Esther) saw a photo of their church on our apii wall, she kindly offered to set up a visit for our tamariki. Esther even offered her time to walk with our small group down to the church for the visit.

During our time at the church, tamariki and teachers were invited in by Dez, who kindly gave us a tour, and explained the church's purpose in our community. 

Jasmine and Hemi were also keen to share their experiences with their church, with their apii friends.

Meitaki Esther! Thank you so much for making this trip possible. We truly appreciate your support.