What we believe
Our philosophy
Every child is precious like a pearl.
Aroha
We believe education should be given with aroha — with love — to children. Ngā hononga, relationships, are the key to forming quality education.
Children as capable learners
Children are capable, competent and active learners. Respect is the basis of the Little Pearls approach: respecting a child means treating even the youngest infant as a unique human being, not as an object.
A partnership with whānau
Education is a partnership between whānau, parents and the centre. We celebrate that partnership through parent-teacher meetings, family whānau days, dinners and seminars.
Bicultural practice
We are in a bicultural country living in a multicultural society. We aim to promote te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in daily practice.
Our environment
Quiet where it needs to be
We are committed to ongoing professional development for our kaiako, and to an environmental and sustainability focus in what we do day to day.
The curriculum
Te Whāriki
Our programmes are guided by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, and in our infant room by the Pikler and RIE approaches and the schema concept.
Where we are heading
What we want to be known for
- We are diverse. Our children are unique, our team is unique and our centre is unique.
- We are free to be and to express ourselves. We want to see you, and for others to see you too.
- We form bonds and make friendships. The families are part of our family.
- We play, learn and grow together. We take our learning wherever we go.
- Respect is fundamental to our practice.
Our values
- Whakamana
- Empowering all learners to reach their highest potential.
- Manaakitanga
- A welcoming, caring and creative environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity.
- Pono
- Acting in ways that are fair, honest, ethical and just.
- Whanaungatanga
- Positive, collaborative relationships with our learners, their families and whānau, our colleagues and the wider community.
Our values draw on the Teaching Council’s Code and Standards.