About our Programmes

Our community built centre has two areas:
The Tipu area (meaning "seedlings")
The Kaho area (meaning "saplings")

Tipu (seedlings)

Offering a nurturing, caring home like environment, this special area caters for a small group of infants and toddlers from three months of age to two and a half years of age. Read More >>

Kaho (saplings)

This stimulating area offers a programme of child and teacher led learning opportunities for children over two and a half years of age. Read More >>

Environmental Awareness

A distinctive part of our programme is our commitment to sustainability and taking responsibility for our environment. This was acknowledged by Wanaka Wastebusters who awarded us winners of the QLDC zero waste school award for 2009.
The children partake in our everyday practices of composting, recycling, gardening and caring for our animals.  We have a large garden area where the children go to visit the chicken's, collect the eggs and harvest produce grown from the tunnel house.  This produce is then included into our daily menu plan. Leftovers are fed to the worms or added to our compost.  Ruby, our pet rabbit, spends most of her day freely exploring the playground and the guinea pigs, Bubble & Rosie, enjoy a cuddle from the children.

Communication and Whanau Involvement

Our families are the centre of Aspiring Beginnings.  The teachers and staff are proud of the strong relationships built on honest communication with our families.  Because of our centre ratios, teachers have the time to liaise with you regarding your child and welcome any information you wish to share to support your child's education and care.

Please take the time to read the notice boards, programme books and newsletters as they document the group learning opportunities for the children.

Individual learning and assessment is recorded in your child's very own "journey of learning" booklet.

We are proud of our open door policy and welcome visits from whanau and care givers.

Teaching and learning 2011 review

This year our teachers will continue to ask the question:

"How do our programme and practices extend individual childrens learning?

As always your input is appreciated.