Newsletter No.3 July 2025
- admin41969
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Kia Ora Whānau and Families,
I hope you are all keeping warm and fighting off the inevitable colds and flu bugs that seem to be around this time of year! Here at KidzWay, lots has been happening, not least the changeover of governance from the Church on the Way Trust to Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association. This has mainly been a seamless changeover. Even though it is early days, we feel enheartened that, like the trust, this new team has our best interests at heart, and is eager to continue to serve the community with an awesome Kindergarten for you and your Tamariki to belong to.
Ka Kite, Michelle Nicol (acting Head Teacher,) Alison Sim (Curriculum Leader,) Sally Beattie, Olivia Bradley, Fiona Dawson, Vanessa Thomas (Teachers,) Manja Hellewell (Administrator)
Lantern Festival 6th June
We held our annual Lantern Festival on Friday the 6th of June this year but, unfortunately, my optimism about the weather did not pay off, and the few light showers predicted turned into a downpour! We did walk with our lanterns around the church a few times, but lots of Whānau walked around their own places sending us lovely pictures of the lanterns in the dark. Next year, it is back to looking at the full moon dates for less chance of rain!
Galaxiids native planting protection / June
Your Tamariki had lots of fun colouring in the sleeves for the reinstatement of bush to protect the Galaxiids at the end of Kent Street. You can go for a walk to see your Tamariki’s awesome drawings which are protecting the native plants.
Latest Events at KidzWay / Events coming up
Last Friday, 25th July, we had a small ceremony with Nicky's whānau and a few parents (thank you to the parents who joined us) to unveil Nicky's plaque, which you can see on our seat outside. Thank you to the KidzWay Trust for providing the plaque. It was lovely to share some waiata and karakia with everyone, and a shared afternoon tea.
Our annual Pyjama Days are this week on Monday (28th), Tuesday (29th) and Thursday 31st of July. You can leave your Tamariki in their pyjamas for the day and bring sleeping bags and special bed time toys, so they can snuggle down to watch a short movie in the afternoon. We will be serving toast, weetbix and Milos for morning tea!
Wig Wednesday is on Wednesday, 10th September this year where we wear our crazy hair or wigs to support child cancer. We will send out an email with further information closer to the day.
Annual Kindergarten Conference
KidzWay will be closed for three days in October; so Teachers and Staff can attend the Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Conference in Wellington. These dates will be:
Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd, and Friday the 3rd of October. This conference is an important event for Teachers and auxiliary staff to come together, be educated on what is happening in the Early Childhood sector, and for us to gather exciting new ideas to use back here in the center.
Our new sign
To recognise our new Governance at KidzWay, you will have seen a new temporary sign out the front. This will soon be replaced by a permanent sign that reflects the ethos of our center and surrounding area. We have a big sheet of paper in the entrance way for you to write down what you value about Tapanui. I have put up some other signs that Whānau Manaaki have made for other centers to give you ideas. Please feel free to scribble down your thoughts for this new sign!
Fundraising income and expenditure update:
So far this year, we have raised $1125 from our Quiz Night. A BIG Thankyou to parents who gave raffle prizes and attended on the night. Your support is much appreciated! We have also been informed that we are recipients from the annual Hay & Baleage Competition. We hope this will cover some of the equipment the teachers want to purchase. This includes a safe place / cosy nook, a sensory light box, a new stove and microwave for the playdough area, lots of exciting outdoor equipment to upgrade broken pieces, and adding pieces to our obstacle courses. You will have seen we have already purchased a new large mat inside! We will keep you posted on this as we make the purchases.
Thank You…
To all the Trust that have steered KidzWay through the last 17 years, giving the center a rock solid foundation, with your governance through Covid, changing legislation, as well as the unwavering support of the staff and families. KidzWay will be having a family fun day in October to farewell the trust, and officially welcome Whānau Manaaki to our community. More updates to come.
General News and Reminders.
With a change of seasons, please make sure your child has appropriate clothing and changes of clothes. They, in particular, need hats, gumboots and jackets, as we go outside no matter the weather! Thank you for being so awesome at putting up your child's name, so they can hang up clothes on the right hook!
Big shout out to parents who are on time for Ngahere Explorers in the morning. This helps us all to get going by 9 o'clock and to get as much adventuring in as we can!
Dates for your Calendar
Monday 28th, Tuesday 29th & Thursday 31st July: PJ & Movie Days
Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October: KidzWay is CLOSED for the annual Kindergarten conference
Monday 27th October: Labour Day - KidzWay is CLOSED
Quote: “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children” Charles R Swindall
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