Paparārangi Kindergarten, and Paparangi School, are neighbours in the Northern suburbs of Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington. Both have been connected and committed to Enviroschools for a number of years.
In 2022, they collectively developed Te Ara a Tāne, a space that connects their two locations that was re-envisioned with shared art and native planting created by kaiako, tamariki and whānau.
This year-long project created closer connections between the school and kindergarten, and there were numerous conversations between kaiako during working bees and mural painting, focussed on sharing knowledge and supporting transitions for tamariki and whānau between the two learning communities, especially using a Te Ao Māori lens and the Enviroschools Transition framework.
In 2023, with support from their Enviroschools Facilitator Amanda, kaiako became familiar with the resource, Supporting Transitions in Enviroschools. Kaiako met and reflected on their current processes with the aspiration to develop a transition process that more deeply reflected their commitment and connection to the Enviroschools kaupapa. Together, they were excited and intrigued to explore and see what more it could offer as they mapped out the steps and changes needed to focus on an Enviroschools-based transition.
As part of this process, kaiako from both the school and kindergarten, along with their Facilitator Amanda, used this document to place each phase of the transition process on a continuum from no reference/connection to Enviroschools within the transition at one end, through to full immersion in Enviroschools kaupapa.
Transition Continuum Activity
Kaiako then placed actions they could take together onto the continuum. This included joint PD opportunities, regular collaborative hui, documentation linking the spaces, shared nature exploration trips and projects, and kaiako from school attending poroaki ceremonies for Kindergarten tamariki who are transitioning.
Combined school/kindergarten planning meeting
Taking the time to establish these new processes and relationships has continued to enhance the strong connections between kaiako, tamariki and whānau across the Kindergarten and School. Ongoing hui further deepens kaiako commitment to creating a safe and supportive transition process for tamariki and whānau.
Kaiako meet regularly to reflect on how Ngā Mātāpono, the Guiding Principles are reflected across their Wāhi (place), Tikanga (practices), Kaupapa Ako (programmes) and Tangata (people and participation,) as well as how they fit within the Kindergarten’s kawa and the School values. At their most recent hui, kaiako worked on ways they can be introducing and supporting each other’s values alongside the Guiding Principles, to further support tamariki feeling at home, empowered and valued across both places. Rebecca, The Junior syndicate lead and Isabel, Head Teacher both shared the same Professional Growth Cycle goal to further support this mahi and ensure consistently and connectivity between both environments – they met regularly to share ideas and discuss ways to move forward. This also included them meeting with Amanda, their Enviroschools Facilitator and looking in more detail at the things that share in common, how to enhance these and next steps going forward.
Using Enviroschools resources and processes to strengthen connections
Kaiako from both School and Kindergarten agree that this approach has supported tamariki to be able to confidently move across these two areas knowing that what they
Kindergarten tamariki exploring the adventure zone
bring is both valued, celebrated and acted upon. Kindergarten tamariki have regular opportunities to explore and play at the school and school friends visit the Kindergarten to share activities, performances and celebrations, along with the year 6 Eco Warriors sharing their mahi with the kindergarten tamariki.
This Enviroschools transition process has been developed with flexibility to meet the individual needs of each tamaiti. Before going to school, children have their school visits across different parts of the day, often supported by their Kindergarten kaiako. Their new school kaiako also visit them at Kindy and once starting school, Kindy kaiako are available for extra support if needed. Regular check-ins between kaiako means this process is gentle and supportive. School values, Kindergarten kawa and Enviroschools Ngā Mātāpono (Guiding Principles) connect and weave throughout this collaborative kaupapa.
Kaiako leading this are passionate and committed to the process. They are currently developing the area between the school and Kindergarten and have recently build a waharoa as part of Te Ara a Tāne, marking the physical point where these two places meet. They continue to provide joint celebrations throughout the year and opportunities to explore te taiao together.
Waharoa and combined art on connecting wall
Joint Matariki Art project
He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka
Even if the sea is rough it can be crossed by canoe
Our interpretation: Transition can be hard but with the right support and core skills it will be successful
– quote from Paparārangi Kindergarten holistic reflection document
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