Campbell Street welcomes new head teacher
February 2011

Campbell Street Kindergarten's new head teacher, Jocelyn Dahm, is delighted to be back in a hands-on role after working in China as an early childhood principal for the past two years.

Jocelyn has extensive experience in the ECE sector and credits Ruahine Kindergartens with her initial decision to train.

"I joined the Foxton Kindergarten parents' committee when my children were there. I'm mother to a special needs child and I just found it to be such a great environment. It really inspired me to go further", she said.

Once qualified, Jocelyn worked as a teacher and then as a professional service manager for a Wellington childcare association.

Her most recent role, in a Chinese international school, saw her work to change the ECE programme from teacher-directed to a child-initiated project approach in order to gain international accreditation.

Jocelyn returned to New Zealand to be closer to her newborn granddaughter and is enjoying being part of the Ruahine Kindergartens' community again.

"It's great to be working as part of a teaching team. Children at Campbell Street have been really accepting and helpful, showing me where things are and telling me the routines", she said.

Campbell Street Kindergarten currently has spaces available for three-year-olds. Give the Campbell Street team a call on 06 356 4078 to enrol your child today.

Moving to the mainland
December 2010

After three and a half years as Campbell Street Kindergarten's Head Teacher, Jeanette is preparing for sunnier weather as she makes the move to Blenheim with husband Ian.

Jeanette's been an integral part of the Ruahine Kindergartens community since beginning her teaching career at Roslyn Kindergarten in 1977.

She has worked for the association as a reliever, been a member of the Campbell Street Kindergarten Committee and served on the Ruahine Kindergartens Council. Her children attended Campbell Street Kindergarten and she says her 11-month-old granddaughter is likely to attend the kindergarten as well.

Renovating the kindergarten's building has been a huge project during Jeanette's time at Campbell Street and she's pleased to see it completed. She's also really enjoyed getting to know children and their families and loves the enthusiasm children have for learning.

The change of scene comes as Ian completes his training as a Methodist Minister and Jeanette plans to continue teaching in Blenheim once she's settled in.

"There're not many jobs where you can go around singing and dancing and it's considered completely normal", she said.

Jeanette's positivity and enthusiastic nature will be missed by all within the association, but she promises to return saying, "I'll definitely be back to check on those newly planted veges and sunflowers". 

Open Day a huge success!
June 2010

Campbell Street's Community Open Day held on Saturday June 26^th drew an impressive crowd despite the weather.

The smell of sausages sizzling on a barbeque outside wafted through the centre as a team of talented face painters transformed children into butterflies and spiderman.

MacDonald School of Dance students, Maddy, Zoe and Matt, wowed an audience of children, parents, teachers and members of the wider community with their jazz and ballet performances.

Other features of the day included a magician, bubble machine, bouncy castle, popcorn and a hangi that fed over 100 people.

As well as celebrating the completion of extensive renovations, the open day provided an opportunity to thank the community that has supported Campbell Street Kindergarten over the years.

Campbell Street was one of the first kindergartens in Palmerston North. Grandmother, Jeanette Green, described it as a privilege to return to the kindergarten her son attended and granddaughter now attends.

Although the aesthetics have changed, Ms Green said the atmosphere remains unchanged. "The kindergarten is still full of enthusiastic parents and happy children."

Above: Face painting at Cambell Street Community Open Day

Come one, come all to the Campbell Street Community Open Day 
June 2010

All are welcome at the Campbell Street Kindergarten Community Open Day to be held Saturday June 26 from 1 to 4pm.

Head Teacher, Jeanette Boddy, describes the day of fun, food and festivity as a "chance to thank a community that has given so much to the kindergarten over the years."

Features of the open day include face painting, a bouncy castle, a sausage sizzle, a pre-order hangi, dance performances and a magician.

Campbell Street was one of the first kindergartens in Palmerston North and has recently undergone major structural renovations to create a more spacious learning environment.

The open day allows ex-students, ex-staff, people in the street and members of the wider community to see how the kindergarten has developed.

Ms Boddy describes the renovations as "welcoming and functional". A new entranceway provides plenty of space for pushchairs, lost property and a children's locker area.

Other renovations include an extended office area, new bench for parent information, a quiet/library room and storeroom alterations.

As well as thanking the community and revealing renovations, the open day also provides opportunities for parents to see the environment in which their children play and learn.

"Some working parents don't get a chance to see their children at kindergarten so this is a great opportunity for them" says Ms Boddy.