There's nothing like a sandpit!

Avonhead Kindergarten opened on the 8th of February 1967.  

The day the sand arrived for the new sandpit was a big day at our kindy...

The photo above is from 1989 when the Avonhead Kindergarten sandpit got a makeover and the digger arrived with (literally) a truckload of sand. Eager eyes watched as the sand filled up the empty space from the big mechanical arm that appeared from the other side of the fence.

The children could hardly curb their enthusiasm at the thought of getting in and playing in the fresh, golden sand.

Sandpits are so much a part of the kiwi way of growing up and a great memory from many of our childhoods. They've certainly been a constant at kindergartens in our community over the years (as the shots below from Phillipstown Kindergarten in the 1920s show!). 

“One of the highlights of the year was the advent of a load of sand for the sandpit. This arrived in a ‘tip-up’ truck, and great was the excitement! – the Jungle – gym was soon crowded with interested spectators who had a grandstand view of the proceedings!” 

Christchurch Kindergarten Chronicle, 1942

Our website uses material from the Canterbury Westland Kindergarten Association's own archives, Kindergarten Chronicles and other CWFKA publications, and those sourced from the kindys themselves. Unless otherwise noted, we believe all photographs are those of the kindergarten association and sincerely apologise if we have used any images inadvertently, without appropriate credits or permissions. If so, please advise us so we can rectify the situation.

KIDSFIRST KINDERGARTENS ARE A NOT FOR PROFIT ASSOCIATION THAT HAS DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED KINDERGARTENS IN CHRISTCHURCH, CANTERBURY AND ON THE WEST COAST FOR OVER 100 YEARS - AS THE PLACE LOCAL KIDS COME TO LEARN, PLAY AND HAVE FUN.