Arriving in late May with a loud “BOOM” and a “CLICK”, and disguised as Aotearoa’s native kākāpō, Jo Wood arrived at Greenmeadows Kindergarten to facilitate the newly formed team’s Holistic Reflection. With her story of inspiration, Jo started the process speaking passionately about this critically endangered species with an estimated 235 remaining in the wild at the start of this breeding season. Due to the success of DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery scheme however, the hatching of the programme’s 105th egg has just been celebrated. The largest number since records began 30 years ago! Jo adopted her very own kākāpō, Mārama, over a year ago through Kākāpō Recovery. Mārama has since raised 2 chicks in her very own nest. In her role as a kaiako, Jo has also become a strong advocate for the flightless bird in her own kindergarten. Through the story of Mārama, Jo is inspiring tamariki to appreciate, learn about, and care for the environment in which they live.
Now back to the reflection! Since undergoing their first Holistic Reflection using the new framework one year ago, kaiako have made numerous improvements to strengthen the programme within the kindergarten. Guided by the Action Learning Cycle, a year long internal evaluation saw changes include the purchase of sustainable glitter made from plant-derived cellulose, a catering set for whānau/community events to minimise single use products, providing whānau with wet bags, and establishing visual sensory sculptures around the environment (made by upcycling and reusing milk bottle tops and yoghurt lids).
Reflecting on their Enviroschools journey
Raising the height of the vege gardens to make them more accessible
Current development includes the recent raising of the vegetable garden, to make it more accessible for the mixed ages of children that are attending. Kaiako are now looking forward to engaging the tamariki in a process of growing, sharing, and sustaining healthy kai within these garden beds – not only for themselves, but also for their community.
Through significant changes to the teaching team, and additional challenges that have arisen over the last year, Greenmeadows Kindergarten has ridden the waves to uphold the integrity of the Enviroschools Kaupapa. Jo’s entrance on that day symbolised a metaphor that signified even when Enviroschools mahi feels endangered, given all of the pressures on early childhood education, there is still hope that with effort and passion it can continue to thrive. Taking the time to pause through the process of holistic reflection enabled shared engagement between kaiako also, together making a stronger team and strengthening their committment to the kaupapa moving forward.
Greenmeadows Kindergarten Team and Jo the Kākāpō/Facilitator – Ka mau te wehi!
Written by Teresa Redington (Kaiako and Enviroschools Facilitator), Greenmeadows Kindergarten, Ahuriri.