About Us
Relationships are the foundation of our practices and the culture of Pīwaka Early Learning Centre. We value all interactions that take place and the learning experience that come with these interactions.
Through regular reflections we are able to analyse and critique our practices. This enables us to adapt to the ever changing and diverse needs of the children in our care. We are a community of learners that recognise that not only children benefit from collaborations and consultation, but families and teachers alike.
Our Philosophy
Pīwaka is a loving, engaging and inspiring place of learning for our infants,toddlers young children, as well as whānau and kaiako.
We create a culture and teaching and learning environment
where children flourish
where children and teachers are active explorers with a passion for learning and growing
where children and families feel a sense of community and belonging
OUR VALUES
Whanaungatanga
We strive to build on-going learning focussed relationships with whānau, children and each other
Aroha
We show love to all others. This includes demonstrating empathy, withholding judgement, being encouraging and caring for the emotional wellbeing of others
Manaakitanga
We protect and nurture the mana of each child. We are respectful and we celebrate that everyone is different and has their own unique ways of being. We encourage children to express themselves and showcase their personalities and talents.
Kaitiatitanga
We are guardians of our environment. We look after what we have and teach children to do the same. We value our natural environment and give children opportunities to build their relationship with Papatuanuku
Our Curriculum
The basis of our planning is determined by the children's ever changing emergent interests, thinking, dispositions and social learning.
We do this by:
Actively listening
Observing and recording
Reflecting and analysing
Consulting and thinking with and alongside parents, teachers and children
Active involvement
As teachers we provide learning opportunities that are:
Fun
Challenging
Child initiated
Collaborative
Fostering Social Competence
We believe that emotions are a vital pathway to learning and we support children in recognising, working out and understanding their emotions.
We endeavour to achieve this through:
Respectful guidance
Positive language
Parent and team communication
Knowing and understanding there are specific positive guidelines connected with the centre that we encourage children and parents to respect and understand
Viewing children in a holistic way that encompasses individual families, their culture and their personal values
Accepting all children as individuals with differing capabilities, needs and expectations
Our Environment
We are constantly reviewing the centre environment and teaching practice as professionals and as a team.
At Pīwaka we take pride in our learning environment and believe that encouraging respect and care will enable children and parents to take pride in it also. We do this by regularly changing our classroom environment so that it remains stimulating, well maintained and safe. We endeavour to create a homely environment that is warm, friendly and welcoming.
