Noisy Ted returns from holiday
March 2011

Noisy Ted from Hokowhitu Kindergarten recently returned from a well-deserved holiday, meeting new friends and exploring the Horowhenua region as part of Koputaroa School's Bear's Big Holiday fundraiser.

Owners of teddy bears and soft toys from all across New Zealand purchased tickets via Trademe for their furry friends to participate in a week of activities and fun hosted by the school. Funds raised will go towards purchasing technology equipment.

The Hokowhitu teaching team saw the venture as a great way to support another education group and build children's communication skills.

In the lead up to Noisy Ted's departure, children developed a list of items he might need. Teachers even created a nametag for him, just like the teachers wear, and made him a new top. 

Each child suggested one item Ted could take like a tent, some soap, a bike, some sun block, his sunhat and a map.

Children said their goodbyes to Noisy Ted and tracked his progress via Teddy's Blog on the Big Bear's Holiday website.

He returned to kindergarten with three photos of his adventures and his very own passport.

Noisy Ted is a much-loved member of the Hokowhitu Kindergarten community, but teachers say he can be a bit mischievous.

In his song Noisy Ted from Kids Music Company album Echo Fred, Noisy Ted wakes up in the middle of the night to make different sounds, which children are encouraged to imitate as they sing along.

"It really assists with language development and understanding patterns", the teaching team said.

Above: Sam, Kendra and Noisy Ted play it sunsafe on the swing

Noisy Ted's big adventure
February 2011

Noisy Ted is off on a big adventure around the Horowhenua region as part of Koputaroa School's Big Bear's Holiday fundraiser.

Click here to track Noisy Ted's progress via the Koputaroa Teddy's Blog.

Above: Libbie, Lynn and Hazel give Noisy Ted a goodbye hug 

Jumble Sale a success!
November 2010

Hokowhitu Kindergarten's Jumble Sale, held November 20, was a huge success thanks to community support and fantastic weather.

Kindergarten committee member, Linda Huges, says the kindergarten raised around $2,000 as a result and donated all remaining items to the Salvation Army. 

Thank you to everyone who supported the Hokoehitu Kindergarten Jumble Sale. Watch this space for updates about the new area, which will enhance children's learning through play and exploration. 

Above: Setting up the bottle stall for the Hokowhitu Jumble Sale

Kindergarten's new game plan
November 2010

It's all swings and roundabouts at Hokowhitu Kindergarten as teachers, parents and children plan and fundraise for improvements to their outdoor learning environment.

Despite being a much-loved feature of Hokowhitu Kindergarten, the current playground, built in 1984, has seen better days, with a recent safety inspection prompting teachers to move ahead with the redesign.

Planning for playground improvements included a questionnaire sent home with children to determine their favourite play equipment.

Committee member, Linda Hughes, described this questionnaire as "yielding some interesting results", but teachers were able to narrow it down, with swings, slides and trampolines coming out on top.

After visiting local play parks and other kindergartens, including Victoria Esplanade and Ashhurst Domain, teachers also added a swing bridge and different types of safety surfacing to the wish list

Having spent many weeks brainstorming and working closely with families, teachers now feel it's time to bring the community on board and kick off fundraising activities with a fun-filled jumble sale.

The jumble sale will be held at the kindergarten on Saturday November 20 from 8.30am - 11.30am with toys, clothes books and household items up for sale as well as a sausage sizzle, face painting, a raffle, plant stall and a mystery bottle stall.

As a member of the not for profit Ruahine Kindergartens association, Hokowhitu Kindergarten relies heavily on fundraising activities to ensure children receive the best possible start.

Teachers hope to see plenty of sun, smiles and selling on November 20 and look forward to a new outdoor area that will enhance children's learning through play and exploration.

Click here to read the Manawatu Standard's account.

Above: Emma and Hazel play on the slide at Hokowhitu Kindergarten

Hokowhitu Kindergarten celebrates in style
May 2010

Hokowhitu Kindergarten celebrated the completion of major renovations in style late last month with a community grand opening.

On the evening of Thursday 20 May, kindergarten committee member, Viv Storrier, welcomed children, families, teachers and representatives from E3 Architects, Isles Construction and the Ruahine Kindergartens' Board to join in a shared dinner, grocery raffle and disco to celebrate the opening.

Head Teacher, Jill A. Ellis, cut the official ribbon accompanied by Angelina Cariga (4) and Sophie Hinde (3).

Following the formalities, children got down to the important business of dancing to music they had chosen. Disco lights, glow sticks and creative ensembles added to the novelty of being at kindergarten after dark.

1.7 metres has been added down the length of the kindergarten building over the past three months, with extensions to the block area, children's and adult's kitchens and the office.

Teacher, Megan Wilson, said the extensions allowed "more choices to be available for children all the time".

"There's a lot more space to spread out" Ms Wilson said.

The added space means more resources are readily available, allowing children to engage in sustained, self-directed learning.

Parents described the renovations as "seamless" and children elected the lockable toilet door as their favourite addition.

Above: Angelina Cariga (4) and Sophie Hinde (3) assist Head Teacher, Jill A. Ellis in cutting the official opening ribbon