Our philosophy
We underpin our childcare and education practices with a strong philosophy in order to deliver high-quality outcomes for our children.
Purpose
To provide whānau with high-quality care and education for children that positively promotes learning outcomes for all.
Vision
We strive to be a centre that creates a respectful, nurturing environment where kaiako and whānau work collaboratively to ensure each child is empowered to reach their full potential. We celebrate the diverse nature of our community through both language and culture, valuing what they bring to the centre.
Aligning with the vision of Te Whāriki, (our early childhood curriculum) “To support children to become competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society” (Ministry of Education, 2017).
Philosophy
At Rutherford Street, Kindergarten we whole-heartedly, agree that:
He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea.
A child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to
Manaakitanga: Tamariki are empowered to be curious, creative and courageous learners, seeking excitement, exploration and imagination in everything that they do.
Ako torowhānui: Kaiako instil respect and resilience while developing and strengthening social and emotional skills. This will be done in an encouraging, aroha driven environment that promotes learning through play where everyone comes together to celebrate our diverse community.
Whanaungatanga: Tamariki and whānau are at the heart of our RSK values, fostering strong reciprocal relationships through working together to scaffold a strong sense of belonging, respect and community.
Kotahitanga: Tuakana – teina is a strategy we adopt and encourage in our mixed ages space to build an environment where all tamariki feel valued and supported not just from their peers but from their kaiako.
Kaitiakitanga: Inspiring our tamariki to be guardians of our world through teaching about the interconnectedness of our people, places and things. Using a lens of environmental impact when planning for our daily routines, activities and teaching and learning.
Glossary:
Ako torowhānui – holistic learning.
Kaiako – teacher(s).
Kaitiakitanga – guardianship, environmental stewardship.
Kotahitanga – unity, togetherness, solidarity, collective action.
Manaakitanga – the process of showing respect, generosity, hospitality and care for others.
Tamariki – children.
Te Whāriki – Te Whāriki he whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa; Early Childhood Curriculum.
Tuakana-teina – senior and junior siblings, used where an older or more knowledgeable child supports the learning of a younger or less knowledgeable child.
Whanaungatanga – kinship, sense of whānau connection – a relationship through shared experiences and working together that provides people with a sense of belonging.