TRUST WAIKATO

We had a successful grant application of $1,500 to go towards the cost of providing a shade sail over the climbing box area, as our two beautiful pepper trees that had provided shade for many years,had died due to disease and had to be removed. Hope you enjoy the photographs of the awesome shade our tamariki now enjoy.

GENESIS

- Genesis supports our Kindergarten by providing us the opportunity to man the BBQ at their annual Children's Christmas Party.

In 2008 some small metal frames were purschased to provide the children with opportunities to develop their gross motor skills particularly climbing and balancing on the grassed area.

THE CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

In 2008 the Central North Island contributed to the cost of a new boundary fence( neighbours also contributed) and extension of the teachers and administration office. With four teachers the extra space was needed. Photos of the office extension will be posted soon.

TELECOM

Thanks to parents support through the Telecom connection points we were able to purchase an mobile phone so that parents can now text absences to the kindergarten, the kindergarten only had to contribute $19.00 towards the cost of the phone. Telecom have unfortuneatley discontinued the connection points so this was our last purchase.

Events at Huntly Kindergarten 2008/2009

Rainbows End 2nd  March 2009

On the 2nd March 2009 we made our way to Rainbows End for our annual pilmagrage.We had a fantastic day and there were lots of parent helpers which the teachers really appreciated. This year there was a new attraction the plasma cars, whcih the children had lots of fun riding on. 

Kindergarten Garden

During the term break the garden which was originally around the back of the kindergarten was moved onto the bark area by PD workers. The kindergarten staff are always very appreciative of this service as it is at no cost. The bark and sand in the sandpit were also dug over.

 Korean Exchange

On June the 14th Heather went on a four week trip to Korea. This was organised by the Association and the Korean Kindergarten Association. We were not able to recriprocrate with hosting a Korean teacher at Huntly as only two teachers came to New Zealand and both were hosted by Rotorua/ Taupo and Thames kindergartens. Heather really enjoyed the experience of teaching Korean children and learning about a totally different culture. Heather stayed with two host families over the four weeks and she was treated to many different visits such as a tofu factory, a korean wedding, museums, buddist temple, and a visit to the border between North and South Korea. Every Wednesday the seven teachers from New Zealand got together and were taken on many exciting excursions by the principals and head teachers of the various Korean Kindergartens. She came back with many presents for the kindergarten that were given to her from Yoon Seo kindergarten where she was teaching.

Powhiri For Julian Watene

On the 4th August 2008 we held a powhiri to welcome Julian to our kindergarten team. Arama Koopu and Tristan Wallace joined us to represent the Associaton and many parents joined us for the occasion which finished with a morning tea for all. We were very privilaged to have the kapa haka group from Huntly Collage come and support the powhiri with a performance. Thelma Subritsky from Huntly Primary School and Roy Willison  from Huntly Collage provided support for the existing team at Huntly Kindergarten by performing the Karanga, greetings and speeches.

Kelly Tarltons 9th September 2008

This year after holding a vote amoungst the parents, i the majority of children and parents wanted to have an excursion to Kelly Tarltons. Thanks to the 20 free hours funding the bus was able to be heavily subsidised by the kindergarten reducing the cost for our parents. It was a fun filled day and the children talked about their experience for many weeks afterwards.

Domain Walk and Picnic

On the 19th of September the children, parent helpers and teachers went for a walk and sports day picnic to the Huntly domain. First we walked through the garden created by Huntly Collage.  Then we crossed the road and the children had lots of fun exploring the playground equipment. Apart from a short shower of rain which had us all huddled under a large tree the children were only still long enough to have a quick snack.

Ruban the Road Safety Bear

The 17th October saw the kindergarten treated to a visit from Ruban the Road Safety Bear and his helpers. During the previous week the children had been learning Rubans Road safety song and had been watching the DVD and reading Rubans Road Safety book. Ruban taught us all the rules for crossing the road, what to do at pedestrian crossings and at traffic lights and also about 'sneaky' driveways. Many of our children loved Ruban and had a cuddle before he left. His song and DVD were a firm favourite for many weeks after his visit. We will have to make sure he comes back to Huntly Kindergarten in 2009!

Happy 50th Birthday Huntly Kindergarten

On the 14th November we celebrated our Golden Jubilee, although research could not determine that actual date the kindergarten was open, it was decided to celebrate it on this date. The event was well advertised throughout the community and in local papers. We had a wonderful attendance from founding members, ex committee, staff, students and parents as well as current parents, committee members, children and of course staff. We had a lovely shared lunch after which a plaque commenderating the event and a flowering cherry tree were planted. THree mosaic pavers that Heather had designed and the children had helped make were also presented to the kindergarten. Arthur our wonderful cleaner was able to attend and kindly performed the karakia kai and blessed the tree before it was planted by Mrs  Porteus and our two youngest kindergarten children Dante Devoe and  Zac Berney. In the evening many past and present employees, parents and committee members had dinner and a dance at the Cock n Bull. We wonder if the 100 yr celebration will be as much fun!

                                                The Jubilee cake