Building up the outside.

This photo is such an intimate shot of kindergarten life at Queenspark Kindergarten in days gone by. It reminds us of when photography accessibility wasn't what it is today, and teachers or parents couldn't take quick disposable snaps with the simple push of a button. 

These sorts of images give us a unique look back into a kindergarten day at Queenspark, as well as some of the fashions of the time!

What is most notable in this shot though, is how different our outdoor areas are today. The equipment and landscaping in all of our kindergartens have developed much beyond the somewhat bare environments we started off with.

But all the happy 'little people' in this photo, show that outdoor areas have always been right at the centre of the Kidsfirst philosophy regardless of their trappings.

Even before advancing technology saw creative climbing apparatus and innovative swing sets in our kindergartens, our Association has always emphasised the benefits to early childhood development by encouraging play and learning in natural, open spaces. 

In 1942, President Rene Wilkie, had a message that still rings true today...

"Play and scope for play are essential."

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.