Te Rotomāra ō Ngā Tamariki Khandallah Kindergarten have been part of the Te Whanganui a Tara Enviroschools network for many years. In fact, their local facilitator remembers attending a ‘Find out about Enviroschools’ hui at Khandallah when she was a new kaiako! Like many ECE centres and schools, their Enviroschools journey has followed the cycles of te taiao with shifting seasons of capacity and energy, ebbs and flows like an awa but what has never waned is their commitment to being part of the kaupapa. When their new facilitator visited them for the first time two years ago the lead kaiako shared openly and honestly about where they were at and that they were inspired by the possibilities with a newly formed teaching team.
This new part of their Enviroschools journey began with connection to place. With views out to Tarikākā maunga, a kaiako new to the team led tamariki in honouring this maunga using its original name. This was the start of building a deeper connection to this special place. Kaiako and tamariki shared this name and its meaning with whānau, at mat times and with waiata each morning to greet Tarikākā maunga. Together they created a sculpture of te maunga with stories of visiting her shared by tamariki and whānau.
Tamariki, kaiako and whānau singing Tarikākā maunga waiata
Tamariki , kaiako and whānau share stories and create artwork of their connections to Tarikākā maunga
From this new starting point, kaiako jumped back on the waka and signed up to be part of our local kaupapa immersion cluster rōpū , including hosting the first hui. They have taken up many offerings to learn and connect with the Enviroschools Kaupapa, with other kaiako and of course sharing te taiao with tamariki and whānau Enviroschools | Whaitua nature connection events for local schools and ECE. They have also helped to make ikawai taura (fish ladders) for their local awa Enviroschools | Hands on learning and action in urban streams in Te Whanganui a Tara.
Khandallah Kindergarten hosting the first Enviroschools Kaupapa immersion cluster hui for ECE
This year we had the privilege of being part of their very special holistic reflection celebration. Together with whānau, we were guided by tamariki around the spaces that are important to them, where they connect with nature and where they care for Papatūānuku and her tamariki. The Enviroschools Ngā Mātāpono – Guiding Principles are embedded in everyday teaching practices across the Kindergarten – Empowered Learners share their voices with kaiako and whānau, leading to action across home and learning spaces. One tamaiti proudly shared about his bug hotel, bird feeder and compost “in nature” and he is leading this action at home. His whānau shared how excited he is to be leading this mahi at home and how he teaches his younger sibling about where recycling goes and how to look after nature.
“I asked my mum not to put rubbish in my lunchbox, and she listened!”
Tamariki proudly led manuhiri on a tour of their kindergarten, showcasing their bird feeders, worm farm, māra, recycling station and gardens
Tamariki leading a tour of their māra with whānau
A visiting kaiako from another centre – part of our local ECE cluster rōpū shared:
“I noticed the vibrancy of your centre and how welcoming you all were.”
We appreciate the connection of kaiako from different ECE settings who tautoko through our kaupapa immersion cluster rōpū.
Kaiako reflected on their connection to the kaupapa being deepened through their collective understanding and embracing of their own strengths and interests. This understanding supports empowerment of all tamariki across diverse ages and interests. Knowledge of sustainable practices is strengthened through tamariki leading and sharing understanding through tuakana teina relationships.
Left and Right: Kaiako reflect on their connections to the Enviroschools Kaupapa through the awa reflection process. Middle: Waitohi awa – one of the local awa kaiako and tamariki are building connection with.
There was much to be celebrated as well as a clear sense of calm as kaiako were guided through the awa reflection process. They now sit confidently within the kaupapa, the direction and flow of their Enviroschools journey and collectively hold the hoe as they continue on the waka together.
Banner image: Part of Khandallah Kindergarten’s Philosophy. Click on the thumbnail below to see the complete image.
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