Orapa (Waitara)

Teaching and Learning

At Orapa Kindergarten teaching practices and learning experiences for children are guided by the cultures, values, beliefs and aspirations of families and whānau. Warm and trusting relationships are built in a welcoming, nurturing and safe environment where whanau participation in the programme is welcomed.

Tamariki/children are encouraged to:

• support each other (tuakana-teina), and become socially confident and competent.
• drive their own learning, explore and make discoveries
• develop positive attitudes to learning i.e. perseverance, responsibility, independence, confidence to take on new challenges

A strong emphasis is placed on promoting the physical well being and safety of children.

• Tamariki/children are encouraged to develop healthy eating choices to maximise productive learning.
• The expansive outdoor play area provides opportunities for tamariki to develop physical well being through activities i.e. athletics, sports, yoga, skipping, creative movement and more
• Tamariki learn skills such as turn taking and sharing, problem solving, negotiating in an environment where rules and boundaries are fair and safe.

At Orapa Kindergarten children learn with and alongside others in a warm, friendly supported environment where they:

• Are safe in a secure environment
• Have fun while learning

Orapa Kindergarten:

• Has a large well equipped indoor and outdoor play area, with an expansive all weather veranda
• Encourages the development of independant learning skills
• Is committed to providing an up to date learning environment
• Teachers are committed to professional development
• Welcomes visitors and enquiries

“Interactions are warm, encouraging and inclusive. Children play and learn cooperatively. Adult conversations with children are respectful and affirming.”

“The well-resourced and inviting environment is highly conducive to children’s wellbeing, exploration and engagement in learning. Children are motivated, involved and challenged. They are encouraged to make decisions, take responsibility and become independent.
Child initiated, imaginative play is very evident. Children take advantage of regular opportunities to engage in sustained independent and small group activities. Literacy and numeracy concepts are effectively integrated within the daily programme.”

“A bicultural perspective is positively reflected throughout the kindergarten. Regular use of te reo Maori and practices that incorporate tikanga Maori successfully promote Aotearoa’s dual heritage.”

Awards:

• NZ Kindergarten Cultural Award
• Heart Foundation Healthy Heart Award
• Jump Rope for Heart

“The team at Orapa Kindergarten consistently promote and support healthy heart messages in a non-judgmental, supportive and realistic manner. They ‘walk the talk’ by role modelling and being all inclusive. Orapa is an exceptional kindergarten.”

Anne Berrie: Heart Foundation Health Promotion Coordinator

“It has been an absolute pleasure reading about all of the amazing activities you have been doing around food and movement. The efforts you have made around whānau engagement and collaboration are some of the best I have seen. You should be extremely proud. Congratulations.”

Ainslie: Heart Foundation ECE Programme Manager