Diamond Harbour

OUR MĀNUKA ROOM Ages 0-2yrs

He iti, he iti mānuka

Although small it is mānuka.

Infants, toddlers and their families are warmly welcomed into their own, calm place by our fully qualified teachers. With great child: teacher ratios and a small overall group size, infants and toddlers can receive the individual attention they need. Our teachers understand the special ways of our youngest children and respect the rhythm and needs of each child.

Children can explore, independently move through, and find wonder in our thoughtfully created inside and outside spaces. Through teacher-guided play, they develop skills to co-operate with others and express their emotions in peaceful ways. As valued members of our kindergarten community our tamariki meet up with their bigger friends regularly, creating plenty of opportunities for ako- shared learning. 

He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea.

A child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish.

OUR KAHIKATEA ROOM Ages 2-5 years

E tū kahikatea
Hei whakapae ururoa
Awhi mai awhi atu
Tātou tātou e

Stand like the kahikatea tree
To brave the storms
Embrace and receive each other
We are one together

In the Kahikatea Room our qualified kaiako/ teachers work hard to ensure that our tamariki view themselves as confident and capable learners. Tamariki are given lots of time and space to make choices in their day and to play, explore and make sense of the world in their own way.

We provide open ended opportunities, beautiful spaces, natural resources and experiences that children can revisit over time. Kaiako introduce provocations and use intentional teaching strategies to explore curriculum areas such as literacy, numeracy, scientific thinking, the arts, and a wide ranges of physical and pro-social skills.  We recognise that each child is unique and develops these skills and abilities in their own time and with the care and guidance of the special adults in their life.

The programme planning is carefully considered, flexible and has a focus on both individual learning goals and shared learning that is assessed over time.  We have a strong focus on manaakitanga and social competency that promotes positive relationships, ako and tuakana/teina relationships.

Aroha tatou ki te takaro!

We love to play!

Whānau are always welcome to a cup of tea, come and play and spend time with their tamariki. We know that a sense of belonging for our tamariki is further supported when they see that their whānau time and contributions are valued. We feel very lucky that we have whānau and visitors who regularly spend time with us to bake, read, visit the school, plant, create and share their knowledge and skills.  Kanohi-ki-te-kanohi, face-to-face relationships are extremely valuable to us here and these happen daily in order to respond to and support the learning and needs of our tamariki.

Diamond Harbour School is an important part of our learning community and we really value the relationships that we share. Regular visits between settings provide us with strong foundations to support transitions to school and offer highly valued opportunities for ako, mixed aged and reciprocal learning.

We would recommend that you enrol initially for at least two days per week – building up to five days at your child's pace.  This gives our teachers time to really get to know your child and gives consistency around supporting their learning.  

Nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time, we’ll show you around and make you welcome!