The main strength in this kindergarten is our commitment to the community of learners approach.  Through this the children are viewed as capable and competent learners, and valued contributors and leaders of the programme.  Alongside the children, teachers, parents/whanau and the wider community are also valued as integral participants in the children’s learning journeys.

The use of ICT, both the children and teachers, strongly supports and enhances all of the above taking learning to a higher level.  Children have supervised access to computers, laminaters, faxes, email, digital cameras, telephone and binders.

Evidence of this can be seen in:

• each child’s portfolio which documents their learning journey
• documentation of planning
• the way children plan trips
• children planning special days for the group
• wall displays
• created environments that support interests.

An interest that has evolved has become our long term vision  is that of “sustainability” and care of the environment.  To date we have a worm farm, a rotating compost bin, vegetable gardens, recycling of paper, food scraps and food wrappers.

Highland Park Kindergarten was recently reviewed by ERO:
“Children are powerful learners and instigators of the programme, and are very competent in using information and communication technologies (ICT).”

“Children demonstrate a high level of ownership of their portfolios.  They actively contribute to these and are extremely proud of them.”

To view our latest Education Review Office Report please click on the link below.