The Bays

1 McCormacks Bay Road, Mt Pleasant
8:30am to 2:30pm,
Monday to Friday.
2 years to school age

Our amazing new Kindergarten is nestled on the McCormacks Bay Reserve, under a hill by the name of Tauhinu-korokio, named after native shrubs that were once plentiful there.  With our large, tree-filled back yard and state of the art playground, this is the latest addition to the Kidsfirst family with a distinctive character all its own, that draws inspiration from its wonderful setting and the iconic kindergarten philosophy. 

Our teaching team

Marjorie Kittelty
Head Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Mel Nevin
Teacher
Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Suzy Arnold
Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE)
Jessie Latter
Teacher
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (ECE)

 

When you come to Kidsfirst The Bays there’ll be a warm welcome from our friendly tamariki and teaching team.  Kidsfirst Kindergartens The Bays was specifically designed for its coastal setting with open-plan indoor spaces that take in beautiful views across the estuary. The inside environment is large, light and warm, beautifully decorated with many examples of our children’s wonderful learning and artwork.  

 

Our unique outside environment is a magical garden with lots of natural shade and inspiring spaces for stories, games or quiet times.  It’s a wondrous space filled with native plantings, ideal for curious learners and creative imaginations.  There’s a variety of challenging climbing and physical play equipment inviting active exploration.  We’re right by the sea, surrounded by bush echoing the sounds of native birds. Expansive decking, a boardwalk and stepping stones through a native forest walk and large climbing rocks surrounding a huge sandpit, are just some of the many great outdoor features.

Our program for children aged 2 – 5 years places significance on our three curriculum priorities of ako (inquiry learning), rangatiratanga (leadership), and holistic development. A sense of spontaneity, humour and joy is woven throughout our programme every day. We place a strong emphasis on sustainability, caring for our three kindergarten hei hei (chickens), and our natural environment plays a large part in our daily programme – supporting the children to develop eco-awareness and to understand their role in it.

 

Our teaching team has a strong commitment to creating partnerships with our families and whānau. We want to get to know you and your family well, nurturing authentic and trusting relationships. Whanaungatanga - family, relationships, history, traditions – all these things help us to support your child with their learning. 

 

You're always welcome here - community and connectedness are at the heart of what we do. We love it when whānau come and share their skills, knowledge, language and culture - enriching our programme.

 

You'll see us out and about visiting in our local area,  exploring this magical setting in our role as caretakers (kaitiaki) of our environment. At Kidsfirst Kindergartens The Bays your child will learn to ask questions about their world, helping them to make sense of it. Strong links with our local primary school help to support the transition to school for you and your child, as he/she moves on from kindergarten.

 

We would recommend that you enrol initially for at least two full days - building to five days at your child's pace.  This gives our teachers time to get to know your child and gives some consistency around supporting their learning.  

 

Nau mai, tauti mai - come in and see us any time, we’ll make you welcome!

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