Visit to Kumeroa Hopelands School
June 2011

On a cold and foggy morning, 25 children, parents and teachers set off on a much anticipated excursion to Kumeroa Hopelands School. For some of the children, it was their very first time on a bus!

When the group arrived the school, they were warmly welcomed by the principal, Mrs Gibbs, before joining in a music and dancing session with the new entrant class.

Everyone had lots of fun doing the Pukeko Stomp. There was even time for a story before they took a grand tour of the school.

Children joined in a Jump Jam session on the courts, which was a great way to warm up! The group then stopped for morning tea before exploring the school's play area.

Then it was off to the library for some reading with new-found friends, before the busy morning was brought to an end with musical instruments and singing.

Children and teachers from Holyoake Kindergarten would like to say a big thank you to Kumeroa Hopelands staff and children for their hospitality, and to all the parents who joined them on the trip.

Colours of kindness
March 2011

Holyoake Kindergarten turned red and black on Thursday March 3 in support of quake-stricken Canterbury kindergartens.

Children wore red and black and participated in red and black activities. They baked red and black muffins, experimented with red volcanoes in the sandpit, and remembered how to keep themselves safe with earthquake and fire drills.

Members of the kindergarten community donated money to be forwarded to Canterbury kindergartens and teachers would like to thank everyone for their generous support.

Above: Children experiment with red frothing volcanoes in the Holyoake Kindergarten sandpit

Fired up for safety
December 2010

Children from Holyoake Kindergarten know how to get down, get out and stay safe in case of fire, thanks to a recent visit to the Pahiatua Fire Station.

Pahiatua's fire brigade is comprised of volunteers and is of huge interest to children at Holyoake Kindergarten. Children often see fire engines go past when the siren goes off and many of their parents are involved in the service.

Fire fighting role play and discussion is commonplace at the kindergarten, which led teachers to arrange the special visit.

Charlie's dad, Gareth, and Fireman Corey, met the children upon arrival at the station and began with a talk about fire safety, including how to escape safely during a fire.

This talk was followed by a fire safety story and song, before the group went to investigate the different equipment used by fire fighters, and explore the fire engine. Equipment included helmets, special shoes and oxygen tanks, all of which fire fighters use to keep themselves safe.

Teachers Kerry, Tara and Fiona described the visit as a great learning experience, with Tara saying, "the opportunity to squirt the fire hose at the end of the visit was a definite highlight for children".

When the visit came to an end, firemen handed out information about being fire wise for children to share with family and friends, helping create a more fire savvy community.

Above: Trying on gear at the Pahiatua Fire Station