More than half of New Zealand’s schools are now working together in Communities of Learning, Education Minister Hekia Parata announced today.
“An additional 31 Communities of Learning have now been approved, taking the total number of Communities of Learning to 148, and including more than half of the schools throughout the country,” says Ms Parata.
“This is fantastic news – these communities will bring together local schools and early learning services to help boost student achievement.”
Along the way young men and women have led much of this discussion, in public spheres and on social media. Understandably it has been with great feeling. Young women are saying they don’t want to be on the receiving end of sexual thuggishness, and many young men are speaking out, saying they want to make it clear to their peers that this isn’t okay.
So what is the education system’s responsibility in all of this? Are schools teaching about consent? What are they required to teach? What should parents be doing?
Teaching children and young people respect for others is a responsibility for all of us, particularly those of us who are parents. We pass on values through our words and our actions.
The New Zealand Curriculum recognises that schools have a special responsibility to work with children and young people on the skills they need to navigate the often difficult waters of interpersonal relations and sexual identity. That goes well beyond the mechanics of sex.
Sexuality education is a compulsory part of our health and physical education curriculum, which schools must deliver in Years 1 to 10. We expect schools to follow the guidance we issued in 2015, which spells out in detail what should be covered by sexuality education. For secondary schools, that detail sets out a clear pathway through topics that include consent, coercion and sexual violence.
This is tricky terrain, and one in which schools need to work in partnership with parents. Our guidance puts sexual identity and sexuality firmly in the context of relationships with others. It covers the skills of self-knowledge, assertiveness and caring that are central to healthy relationships. These are also skills they are learning at home, both in what they are told, and what they observe around them. Students also learn about personal boundaries in sexuality education. From the beginning, we expect schools to teach children to identify safe and unsafe touching and the importance of respect. By Years Six to Seven, students are identifying pressures from others and developing assertiveness strategies.
Any teaching programme must also tackle the fact that to understand consent, first you need to grasp empathy and respect for others’ feelings. So at the heart of sexuality education, again from a young age, is material on affirming the feelings and beliefs of others. Threaded through the New Zealand Curriculum as a whole is respect and caring for others.
Our guidance to schools tackles these difficult issues.
Schools told us they needed guidance of this kind, and the feedback we are getting is that they are tackling these issues in their health curriculum. That’s not to say that teaching consent in itself will prevent every single instance of unacceptable behaviour. . The recent discussion about consent was initiated by online comments by a student at a boy’s school who discussed taking advantage of girls whilst drunk. That school had been teaching its students about consent. But while teaching consent in schools isn’t a silver bullet, it is an essential part of addressing unacceptable behaviour.
Should we go a step further and make teaching of consent compulsory? In our view, schools and parent communities need to jointly address young people’s health and wellbeing if that is to be more than just compliance with a regulation. We can provide the guidance, schools and parents make it real.
We encourage all schools to look at what they are doing on sexuality education with their parent communities. Equally this is a very good time to discuss consent at home, uncomfortable though it might be.
And if you’re not sure what your school is teaching on consent, and how closely it is following sexuality education guidance at each year level, then it’s a good time to talk to them too and ask for more information.
Schools are required to consult with their school communities every two years, or more often, about how they teach sexuality education. It is one of the reasons there is variation from school to school in teaching on this.
Find more information on what the school community’s role is in what is taught at your school.
Finally, I want to thank those young people who are displaying impressive leadership in leading this debate, and making it meaningful. We can be sure this conversation will continue.
Karl Le Quesne, Deputy Secretary for Early Learning and Student Achievement
Students, whānau and educators joined the Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Education, along with others, to mark the occasion in Rolleston.
Around 100 students started the school year at the $12 million Lemonwood Grove School, which is located on a 4 hectare site near the recently opened Rolleston College.
Earlier in the month Christchurch’s Year 1-13 Haeata Community Campus was also officially opened.
Ministry of Education Head of Education Infrastructure Service Kim Shannon says these projects are part of a large investment in education infrastructure in Canterbury.
“Lemonwood Grove School and Rolleston College have been built to cater for anticipated population growth in the Rolleston area,” Ms Shannon says.
“Haeata Community Campus is part of the Government’s $1.137 billion Christchurch Schools Rebuild programme. The programme includes building or redeveloping 115 schools in greater Christchurch, 23 of which are brand new schools. Eight of these have already been built.”
Ms Shannon says the three schools all have ‘state of the art’ facilities that will inspire learners and educators for years to come.
Lemonwood Grove School will cater for Year 1 to 8 students across 17 teaching spaces.
Around 100 students are currently enrolled at the school, however the current facilities will provide for up to 400 students. A future second stage of building will take capacity up to 750 students.
Facilities at the new school include a multi-purpose space, library, technology ‘maker spaces’ in each learning landscape, outdoor teaching spaces and an adventure play area.
The flexible learning environment focuses on students’ engagement and motivation, and creates space for learners to work independently or collaboratively.
Collaborative spaces extend to teachers who have access to resources in the administration building called The Grove, but otherwise share the learning spaces with the students.
As set out in the New Zealand School Property Strategy 2011 - 2021, we are working toward ensuring that all schools have good lighting, acoustics and ventilation, are a comfortable temperature and meet our ICT requirements.
Lemonwood Grove School was finished 6 weeks ahead of schedule. This is a feat largely attributed to the Innovative and collaborative way that the school, the Ministry, consultants, and local contractors worked together on the project.
The new school is located near the brand new Rolleston College and West Rolleston Primary School, which opened in January 2016.
iEd (Integrated Education Data) is all about using data and information to raise student achievement and wellbeing. It will be rolled out for at least the next 5 years and uses data and information so that resources go to where they’re needed most in the education system.
A vital part of the iEd programme is ensuring that data and information about students is managed and used in a safe and transparent way. Any sharing and reporting of this information will be done carefully with only those with a recognised need being given access to the data.
iEd will also support Communities of Learning | Kāhui Ako to set achievement challenges, evaluate progress and share information to improve student performance.
The first part of iEd is an initiative called SISI (Student Information Sharing Initiative) which has been put together by the education sector and the Ministry. When SISI is implemented, all educators will have accurate and reliable information so they can better support student learning and wellbeing.
Critical information about each student will arrive at their school with them on day one. This reduces the burden on teachers to re-test to see where their students are at and means they don’t need to go to previous schools for student information. SISI will start with schools and then be expanded so that information is shared between early learning services, schools and tertiary institutions.
As iEd develops the Ministry will continue to work with schools as well as a range of other important stakeholders, to ensure information is useful, relevant and can be safely shared. To learn more about iEd and SISI and get involved, email us on iEd.programme@education.govt.nz
John Paul College Principal Patrick Walsh has, by his own admission, been on a great learning curve as the lead principal for Rotorua Catholic faith-based Community of Learning. He talks about their journey over the past 2 years, and the benefits and challenges of working in this new, collaborative way.
Read the full story on the Education Gazette website.
The cutting-edge building now under construction will be 4 storeys high, with capacity to go even higher, to 6 storeys, if needed in future.
Construction on the $10.4 million project is due for completion in late 2017, and the design makes good use of the school’s limited land - one hectare - in a densely populated inner city area, while preserving valuable outdoor space.
There will be 11 extra teaching spaces, which are needed to accommodate rising student numbers. By building up to 4 storeys, the school is making best use of its tight site, which is on a slope and extends over 3 levels separated by volcanic rock retaining walls.
As a key retail and business zone in Auckland, Newmarket is expanding fast, with the skyline rapidly changing as apartment blocks multiply to house its growing population.
The new building will contain the new school hall and incorporates smart design features, such as a bridge walkway at treetop height to connect 2 levels of the school, enabling staff and students to walk under cover from the top of the classroom building, which will be on the lowest part of the site, directly on to the play grounds.
Principal Dr Wendy Kofoed says the new classroom block fits the school’s central city context superbly. “The block works around the school site’s building constraints, preserving the special character and features of this small and interesting multi-levelled site.”
The Newmarket Primary project is part of extensive work underway across Auckland to upgrade and expand the capacity of the city’s schools.
With heavy rain forecast to hit much of the country we’re advising parents to keep in touch with their local school or early childhood service in case of flooding.
Last month several schools and early childhood services in Auckland, Northland and Coromandel were forced to close due to flooding and road closures – and given the forecast for the next few days a fresh round of closures is possible
The best information will come from schools and early childhood services themselves as they make decisions in the morning. We suggest parents check their school or early childhood service’s website, Facebook page, or ring them directly.
All schools in the Whanganui District and Rangitikei District are closed today, as a result of the state of civil emergency declared by its two district councils, says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
“School closures are automatic whenever a state of civil emergency is declared. All early childhood education (ECE) services in these districts were advised to also close. The 68 Schools and 76 early learning services affected will remain closed until the state of emergency is lifted.
“Schools and early learning centres in other areas have also closed including: nine schools and five ECEs in Waikato, five schools in Auckland, five schools and one ECE in the Bay of Plenty, one school in Northland, one school in the Hawkes Bay, and one school and two ECEs in the Wairarapa.
“There have been no reports of major damage. However, one school has reported possible damage and three others have minor issues.
“Our regional teams are continuing to monitor the situation and are keeping in touch with schools and early learning services in affected areas.
“Given the severe wet weather is forecast to continue in many areas until early Thursday, further closures are possible.
“For schools outside the civil emergency districts, the best information will come from schools and early learning services themselves as they make decisions about closures. Parents are advised to check their websites or Facebook pages or contact them directly,” Katrina Casey says.
(please note many of these closures are due to flooding on roads)
Northland/Te Tai Tokerau – Pakotai School.
Auckland – Tomarata School, Kaipara Flats School, Brookby School, Clevedon School, Kaiaua School.
Waikato – Tokirima, Coromandel Area School, Hikuai, Opoutere, Te Wharekura o Manaia, Matatoki, Matiere, Piripiri School and Pukemiro School. Closed ECEs – Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Whenuakite Country Kids, Central Kids Kindergartens Tairua, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten.
Bay of Plenty/Waiariki – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruatoki, Tawera Bilingual School, Te Kura Mana Māori o Matahi, Otakiri School and TKKM o Te Paroa. Closed ECE – Matariki Early Childhood Centre.
Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti – Mohaka School.
Wairarapa – Dalefield School. ECE closures – Holyoake Kindergarten and Ruahine Early Learning.
Māori education in Northland is getting a substantial boost in resources with two large building projects in the latter stages of design.
The upgrades represent a $19 million investment. One is a transfer to a new site and the other is a redevelopment of an existing kura, but each will include flexible teaching spaces to enable teachers and students to work in a modern learning environment, plus 21st Century technology to connect students to the world well beyond their isolated Far North locations.
Both will include facilities for remote learning either in a dedicated suite or utilising mobile technology within the learning areas, providing video conferencing facilities. This remote technology can be used by specialist teachers who live away from the kura, as far away as the South Island.
Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Tonga o Hokianga is being relocated from its current site to a new permanent site at Koutu Point, Hokianga, with all new facilities.
The existing kura at Whirinaki is made up predominantly of temporary buildings on a leased, undersized site prone to flooding, and lacks specialist learning facilities that senior students need for subjects such as science.
The new kura is being built on a more suitable site on flat land adjacent to the Hokianga Harbour, as part of a $12.4 million project comprising new classrooms, library, administration, gymnasium/ multipurpose space, remote learning suite and other features. The existing school will continue operating until the new kura is complete.
It will accommodate up to 150 students and can be expanded to cater for up to 200 (the maximum permitted by the designation).
Detailed planning is continuing and construction will begin late 2017, with the build to take approximately twelve months.
Another school, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Taumarere, is also starting a new chapter in its evolution. It is being redeveloped to provide improved facilities to provide quality education resources for both senior and junior students, with a combination of new buildings, extensions and upgraded existing facilities.
Currently, the kura is a mix of new, old and temporary buildings which reflect the changes over its 22-year history. Originally, it was for junior students only.
Until 2010 the kura provided education for students in years 1-8 but a subsequent change of class to years 1-13 requires a substantial upgrade in facilities including specialist teaching areas for science, technology, art and design, a gymnasium and cultural space associated with its new wharekura status.
The $6.9 million project has been designed to allow further expansion for future growth in student numbers, as well as upgraded facilities. Since the project was approved there has been substantial (and unpredicted) growth in student numbers. Options for accommodating further growth are allowed for in the agreed master plan.
Once the project is complete, senior students will have permanent teaching spaces suitable for senior students through conversion of existing buildings into innovative learning environments suitable for their needs.
There will also be five new permanent learning spaces for junior students to replace existing temporary buildings.
All schools in the Whanganui District and Rangitikei District closed today, as a result of the state of civil emergency declared by its two district councils.
“While the state of civil emergency remains, the Whanganui District and Rangitikei District Councils have advised us that it is safe to open schools and ECEs in their areas with the exception of those in the evacuation zone,” says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
The schools and ECEs in the evacuation areas are as follows:
“Some schools and early learning centres in other areas have also closed. (See full list below)
“Several schools have reported damage.
“Our regional teams are continuing to monitor the situation and are keeping in touch with schools and early learning services in affected areas.
“Given the severe wet weather is forecast to continue in many areas until early Thursday, further closures are possible.
“For schools outside the civil emergency districts, the best information will come from schools and early learning services themselves as they make decisions about closures. Parents are advised to check their websites or Facebook pages or contact them directly,” Katrina Casey says.
(please note many of these closures are due to flooding on roads)
Northland/Te Tai Tokerau – Pakotai School, Mangakahia Area School, Maromaku School. Closed ECE - Ka Tui Early Learning Centre.
Auckland – Tomarata School, Kaipara Flats School, Brookby School, Clevedon School, Kaiaua School, Te Kohanga School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Puaha o Waikato. Closed ECEs – Clevedon Kidz ECE, Clevedon Kidz Get Set 4 School Centre.
Waikato – Tokirima, Coromandel Area School, Hikuai, Opoutere, Te Wharekura o Manaia, Matatoki, Matiere, Piripiri School and Pukemiro School. Closed ECEs – Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Whenuakite Country Kids, Central Kids Kindergartens Tairua, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten.
Bay of Plenty/Waiariki – Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruatoki, Tawera Bilingual School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Matahi, Otakiri School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Paroa, Waimana, Te Wharekura o Huiarau, Taneatua School, Kutarere, Galatea School, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi, Kaingaroa School, Tarawera High School, St Joesphs (Matata). Closed ECE – Matariki Early Childhood Centre.
Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti – Mohaka School. Closed ECEs – Pirimai Kindergarten, Bette Christie Kindergarten, Wharerangi Kindergarten, Sunny Days, Te Kohanga Reo Waiohiki.
Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu (these schools are outside the Whanganui District and Rangitikei District Councils) – Waituna West, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāti Rangi, Orautoha School, Waitotara and Marco. Please note: Awatapu College has made a decision to close tomorrow (Thursday).
Wairarapa – Dalefield School. Closed ECEs - Holyoake Kindergarten, Ruahine Early Learning.
“A state of civil emergency has now been declared in Whakatane but we have been advised this impacts only on the Edgecumbe area, and schools and ECEs that are currently open across greater Whakatane do not need to close,” says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
“Our regional teams are also keeping a close eye on the developing weather situation in the Nelson-Marlborough, West Coast and Canterbury regions.
“The majority of these schools and early childhood centres (ECEs) have been closed because of flooding on nearby roads. There has been no reports of major damage although several schools and ECEs have reported minor damage.
“Those closed include three schools in Auckland, 19 schools and 10 ECEs in the Waikato, 17 schools and two ECEs in the Bay of Plenty/Taupo area, one ECE in the Hawkes Bay, eight schools and six ECEs in the Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu area and two ECEs in the Wairarapa. (please see detailed list below)
“As the severe wet weather and subsequent flooding is a developing situation, further closures are possible.
“The best information will come from schools and early learning services themselves as they make decisions about closures. Parents are advised to check their websites or Facebook pages or contact them directly,” Katrina Casey says.
Auckland: Te Kohanga School, TKKM o te Puaha o Waikato and Onewhero School.
Waikato: Piopio College, Benneydale School, Centennial Park School, Aria School, Coromandel Area School, Hikuai School, Mapiu School, Piopio Primary School, Rangitoto School, Matiere School, Opoutere School, Piripiri School, Pukemiro School, Pukenui School (Te Kuiti), St Joseph's Catholic School (Te Kuiti), Tai Wananga, Te Kuiti Primary School, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto and Tokirima School. Closed ECEs: Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Whenuakite Country Kids, Central Kids Kindergartens Tairua, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten, Te Kuiti Childcare Centre, Central Kids Kindergarten Mercury Bay, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Kapanga, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Awamarahi, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Kaha Raumati and Grasslands Kindergarten.
Bay of Plenty/Taupo: Otakiri School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruatoki, Te Kura kaupapa Māori o Te Paroa, Tawera Bilingual School, Waimana, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Matahi, Te Wharekura o Huiarau, Taneatua School, Kutarere, Galatea School, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi, Kaingaroa School, Tarawera High School, St Josephs Matata, Edgumbe school, Edgumbe College, TKKM Tawhiuau, Murupara Area School and Kaingaroa Forest School. Closed ECEs: Matariki Early Childhood Centre and Edgumbe kindergarten.
Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti: Bette Christie Kindergarten.
Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu: Awatapu College, Opunake High School, St Anne’s, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui-A-Paparangi, Waitotara, Whanganui Girls’ College and Upokongaro School. Note: Whanganui Girls’ College has evacuated its Hostel to the Collegiate Motor Inn. ECE closures: Kaiwhaikī, Mere Te Aroha, Parikino, Putiki Kindergarten, Te Kōhanga Reo o Pūtiki Wharanui, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Heti and Whanganui East Kindy.
Wairarapa: ECE closures: Holyoake Kindergarten and Ruahine Early Learning.
For further information: media@education.govt.nz
A total of 67 schools and 52 early childhood centres were closed by severe wet weather, all in the North Island, says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
“The state of civil emergency in Whakatane has this afternoon closed a further 16 schools in the area. Another school has closed in Opotiki and one in Wairoa.
“A further 23 ECEs this afternoon closed in the Bay of Plenty – many in Whakatane – three in Waikato and three in the Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu area.
“Our regional teams are also keeping a close eye on the developing weather situation in Canterbury.
“Those closed include 3 schools in Auckland, 19 schools and 13 ECEs in the Waikato, 34 schools and 25 ECEs in the Bay of Plenty/Taupo area, one ECE in the Hawkes Bay, 11 schools and 11 ECEs in the Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu area and two ECEs in the Wairarapa.
“As the severe wet weather and subsequent flooding is a developing situation, parents are advised to keep in touch with their schools and early learning services as they make decisions about closures. Parents are advised to check their websites or Facebook pages or contact them directly,” Katrina Casey says.
Auckland: Te Kohanga School, TKKM o te Puaha o Waikato and Onewhero School.
Waikato: Piopio College, Benneydale School, Centennial Park School, Aria School, Coromandel Area School, Hikuai School, Mapiu School, Piopio Primary School, Rangitoto School, Matiere School, Opoutere School, Piripiri School, Pukemiro School, Pukenui School (Te Kuiti), St Joseph's Catholic School (Te Kuiti), Tai Wananga, Te Kuiti Primary School, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto and Tokirima School. Closed ECEs: Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Whenuakite Country Kids, Central Kids Kindergartens Tairua, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten, Te Kuiti Childcare Centre, Central Kids Kindergarten Mercury Bay, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Kapanga, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Awamarahi, Te Kohanga Reo O Te Kaha Raumati, Grasslands Kindergarten, Creative Kids Preschool, Te Kuiti Playcentre and Curious Keas Ltd.
Bay of Plenty/Taupo: Otakiri School, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruatoki, Te Kura kaupapa Māori o Te Paroa, Tawera Bilingual School, Waimana, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Matahi, Te Wharekura o Huiarau, Taneatua School, Kutarere, Galatea School, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi, Kaingaroa School, Tarawera High School, St Josephs Matata, Edgecumbe school, Edgecumbe College, TKKM Tawhiuau, Murupara Area School and Kaingaroa Forest School, Murupara Area School, Nukuhou North School, St Joseph's Catholic School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Orini ki Ngati Awa, Te Kura Maori-a-Rohe o Waiohau, Te Kura o Te Teko, Te Kura o Waikaremoana, Te Mahoe School, TKK Motuhake o Tawhiuau, Trident High School, Waiotahe Valley School, Whakatane High School, Whakatane Intermediate and Whakatane S D A School. Closed ECEs: Matariki Early Childhood Centre, Edgecumbe kindergarten, Central Kids Kindergartens – Apanui, Central Kids Kindergartens - Te Akoranga, Coastlands Early Childhood Learning Centre, Nga Rito Homebased Childcare, Seedlings Preschool, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kokohinau, Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Tamariki O Te Kohu, Te Kōhanga Reo o Patutaatahi, Te Kōhanga Reo O Ruatahuna, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ruātoki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tāwhaki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kiriwera Hana, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Puna O Te Aroha, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Teko, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Whare Aroha o Te Hūmārie, Te Kōhanga Reo o Terere, Te Kōhanga Reo o Waikaremoana, Te Puna Reo O Waione, Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty and Waiapu Kids - St Georges.
Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti: Bette Christie Kindergarten.
Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu: Awatapu College, Opunake High School, St Anne’s, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Atihaunui-A-Paparangi, Waitotara, Whanganui Girls’ College and Upokongaro School. Note: Whanganui Girls’ College has evacuated its Hostel to the Collegiate Motor Inn. ECE closures: Kaiwhaikī, Mere Te Aroha, Parikino, Putiki Kindergarten, Te Kōhanga Reo o Pūtiki Wharanui, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Heti, Whanganui East Kindy, Halcombe Playcentre and Terrace End Playcentre.
Wairarapa: ECE closures: Holyoake Kindergarten and Ruahine Early Learning.
A local state of civil emergency remains in place in Whakatane and the Ministry of Education’s regional staff are working closely with the principals of Edgecumbe School and Edgecumbe College, says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
“We will continue to work with both Edgecumbe principals over the weekend. We understand this is a tough time for students, parents and teachers. Our national team is on standby to assist local staff as needed.
“With the cordon still in place, the Edgecumbe schools are unlikely to be assessed until Monday at the earliest. But early signs are that the schools haven’t been badly damaged as they are on higher ground.
“Of the schools and early childhood centres (ECEs) that remain closed today; one school is in Auckland, 9 schools and 13 ECEs are in Waikato, 18 schools and 20 ECEs are in the Bay of Plenty/Taupo area, one ECE is in Hawkes Bay and four ECEs remain closed in the Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu area. (see the full list)
“Schools, ECEs and their communities have shown real resilience during a difficult week,” Katrina Casey says.
Auckland: TKKM o te Puaha o Waikato.
Waikato: Coromandel Area School, Hikuai School, Matiere School, Opoutere School, Pukemiro School, Centennial Park School, Te Wharekura o Maniapoto, Whareorino School and David Henry School. Closed ECEs: Central Kids Kindergartens - Mercury Bay, Central Kids Kindergartens – Tairua, Curious Keas, Grasslands Kindergarten, Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kapanga, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Mokopuna o Te Awamarahi, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kaha Raumati, Te Kuiti Playcentre, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten, Te Kuiti Childcare Centre and Whenuakite Country Kids.
Bay of Plenty/Taupo: Edgecumbe College, Edgecumbe School, Galatea School, Kaingaroa Forest School, Murupara Area School, Otakiri School, Te Kura o Waikaremoana, Taneatua School, Tawera Bilingual School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Orini ki Ngati Awa, Te Kura Mana Maori o Matahi, Te Kura o Te Paroa, Te Kura o Te Teko, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-nui-a-Toi, Te Mahoe School, Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, TKK Motuhake o Tawhiuau and TKKM o Huiarau. Closed ECEs: Central Kids Kindergartens – Edgecumbe, Matariki Early Childhood Centre, Nga Rito Homebased Childcare, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kokohinau, Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Tamariki O Te Kohu, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Whetu o Tawera, Te Kōhanga Reo o Papaohaki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Patutaatahi, Te Kōhanga Reo O Ruatahuna, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ruātoki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Taahuna, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tanatana, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tāwhaki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kiriwera Hana, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Teko, Te Kōhanga Reo o Waikaremoana, Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty and Waiapu Kids.
Hawkes Bay/Tairawhiti: Bette Christie Kindergarten.
Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu: Tai Wananga – Tu Toa. Closed ECEs (due to roading issues): Parikino Te Kohanga Reo, Te Matariki Te Kohanga Reo, Te Kōhanga Reo o Pūtiki Wharanui and Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Heti.
This includes Edgecumbe School, Edgecumbe College, Central Kids Edgecumbe Kindergarten, Te Kohanga Reo o Patutaatahi, Edgecumbe Playcentre, Thornton School and Paroa School.
Other schools and early learning services in the region may also decide to close tomorrow. Parents who are unsure if they are open are advised to contact them directly or visit their websites or Facebook pages for the latest information.
Ministry of Education representatives, who met today with the Whakatane District Council and Civil Defence, will be available all day tomorrow at the Whakatane War Memorial and Rautahi Marae in Kawerau to answer any questions families may have about the education of their children - including alternative schooling options for this week.
Uzabus has confirmed that the majority of school buses will be running as usual tomorrow, however there may be delays. Your school will be able to confirm any changes to the normal runs.
We’ll provide further updates when we can.
Go to our information for parents and schools about how to talk to children following a traumatic event such as a flood.
Minister Parata has just approved 17 new Communities of Learning, involving another 50,000 children and young people, 119 schools and 11 early learning services.
These new communities are in Tai Tokerau, Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Canterbury. Many of these Communities have high numbers of Māori and Pasifika children and young people. These are two groups in our education system at greatest risk of underachievement.
The number of early learning services joining Kāhui Ako has almost doubled to 184 in just four months with 11 joining these new Communities of Learning and an additional 78 joining existing Communities of Learning; 1,630 schools are now in Communities, alongside four tertiary providers.
Twenty percent of Kāhui Ako now have early learning representation indicating growing recognition of how quality early learning contributes to achievement challenges, by laying foundations for lifelong learning and enabling a smoother transition to school.
The Ministry is actively working to encourage more early learning and tertiary representation within Communities of Learning. New figures also show that 1,100 teachers and principals have been appointed to new positions in Communities of Learning│Kāhui Ako across the country.
Communities of Learning – the numbers as at April 2017:
Te Whāriki, which has shaped early learning in New Zealand for the past 20 years, now better reflects the context of children’s lives in the 21st century as well as changes in early learning theory and practice.
The updated Te Whāriki includes 2 documents in one flip book: Te WhārikiHe whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum and Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo. This presentation clearly shows the unique indigenous curriculum pathway for children in kōhanga reo alongside a bicultural pathway for children in early childhood education.
A strong and well constructed curriculum is essential to ensuring children have the best possible start in life, giving them confidence as they move from one learning environment to another, keeping them engaged and eager to learn.
Te Whāriki 2017 will enable early learning services to collaborate with parents and whānau to provide a rich curriculum that reflects local priorities and interests.
While the overall structure of principles, strands and goals of Te Whāriki remain the same, Te Whāriki now has fewer learning outcomes – reduced from 118 to 20 - and links early learning to the learning that happens at school and kura.
Professor Grant Schofield is Auckland University of Technology’s Professor of Public Health and is also the director of its Human Potential Centre. His research focuses on disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition health promotion (see biography below).
Secretary for Education Iona Holsted says Professor Schofield will be working across Government agencies to help New Zealand learners achieve their full potential through the use of international and national health and nutrition research.
“The Government is committed to combating childhood obesity. The 2015 Childhood Obesity Plan developed by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman acknowledges that education settings are an important environment for influencing children’s physical activity and food choices,” she says.
“The Ministry has tasked Prof Schofield with lifting the quality of public debate around health and nutrition education. He will also bring together analytical, research and policy experts to assist the Ministry.”
Professor Schofield, along with the Ministry’s Chief Education Science Advisor Stuart McNaughton, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman and other education advisors, will work with a number of key government agencies and researchers in New Zealand and around the world.
“He will also help foster good practice within the Ministry, build bridges to academia and the profession to lift overall performance,” Ms Holsted says.
The role of Chief Education Health and Nutrition Advisor is a part-time secondment from the Auckland University of Technology to the Ministry of Education. Professor Schofield will continue his research programme at the Auckland University of Technology and work for the Human Potential Centre.
The 8 recipients are undergraduates - Ezekiel Raui, Jack Potaka, Kaahu White, Tekiteora Rolleston-Gabel, Tipene James and Masters scholars - Ana Montgomery-Neutze, Arena Williams and Maia Wikaira
The Ngārimu VC and 28th Māori Battalion Memorial Scholarship Fund Board awards scholarships to students who demonstrate education excellence and embody the characteristics of the Battalion – including commitment, service and leadership.
The 5 undergraduate scholars will receive $10,000 per year for up to 5 years. The 3 winners Master’s scholars will receive $15,000 per year for up to 2 years.
In total 94 schools and 130 early childhood centres (ECEs) have been advised to close tomorrow, says the Ministry of Education’s deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey.
“All 57 schools and about 80 ECEs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty have been contacted and advised to close tomorrow. Another 13 schools and 17 ECEs on Great Barrier Island, Waiheke and in the Franklin area, and a further 24 schools and 33 ECEs in Thames and Coromandel have also been contacted and advised to close tomorrow – meaning they will all be closed until the end of the school holidays.
“We did not take this decision lightly but with weather conditions set to continue, concerns are centred around the ability for students to make it safely to and from school.
“We are mindful that for school communities in the Eastern Bay of Plenty – those in the Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau districts – this is a second day of disruption for students, their parents and staff but with the information we have available we consider this to be the right call.
“Our focus will now go on supporting schools to ensure they are able to effectively operate at the beginning of Term 2 and to ensure parents who are displaced from home have got appropriate schooling options available for their children.
“Parents whose children go to schools in other parts of the Bay of Plenty or elsewhere in the country where there is a significant impact from the weather should check their schools websites or facebook pages,” Katrina Casey says. As at 9:00pm a further 12 schools and 2 ECE from Western Bay of Plenty have also voluntarily made the decision to close.
Eastern Bay of Plenty schools: Allandale School, Apanui School, Ashbrook School, Awakeri School, Edgecumbe College, Edgecumbe School, Galatea School, James Street School, Kawerau Putauaki School, Kawerau South School, Kawerau Teen Parent Unit, Kutarere School, Maketu School, Matata School, Murupara Area School, Nukuhou North School, Ohope Beach School, Omarumutu School, Opotiki College, Opotiki School, Otakiri School, Otamarakau School, Paengaroa School, Pongakawa School, Pukehina School, Rangiuru School, St Joseph's Catholic School (Matata), St Joseph's Catholic School (Opotiki), St Joseph's Catholic School (Whakatane), Taneatua School, Tarawera High School, Tawera Bilingual School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Orini ki Ngati Awa, Te Kura Mana Maori Maraenui, Te Kura Mana Maori o Matahi, Te Kura Mana Maori o Whangaparaoa, Te Kura Maori-a-Rohe o Waiohau, Te Kura o Te Paroa, Te Kura o Te Teko, Te Kura o Te Whanau-a-panui, Te Kura o Torere, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-nui-a-Toi, Te Mahoe School, Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, Te Whata Tau o Putauaki, Thornton School, TKK Motuhake o Tawhiuau, TKKM o Huiarau, TKKM o Waioweka, Trident High School, Waimana School, Waiotahe Valley School, Whakatane High School, Whakatane Intermediate, Whakatane S D A School, Whakatane Teen Parent Unit and Woodlands School (Opotiki).
Eastern Bay of Plenty ECEs: Seedlings Preschool, Ngā Ririki Early Learning Centre, Kawerau Preschool Learning Centre (Incorporated), Te Manaaki Educational Pre-School Trust, Maketu EduCare, Matatā Early Learning Centre, Murupara Educare Centre, Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatohea ECE Centre Ki Buchanan Street, Opotiki Community Childcare Centre, Opotiki Rose Garden Preschool, Te Whare Kohungahunga o Nga Whetu Tiaho Shining Stars Preschool, Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatohea ECE Centre Ki Richard Street, Happy Feet Preschool, Pukehina EduCare, Little Orchard Preschool - Douglas St, Little Orchard Preschool Douglas St 2, Waiapu Kids - St Georges, Matariki Early Childhood Centre, Coastlands Preschool
Little Orchard Preschool - Douglas Street 3, Little Sprouts Montessori Pre-School, The Tree House, Little Orchard Preschool Alexander Street, Little Orchard Preschool - McGarvey Road 2, Little Orchard Preschool - McGarvey Road 1, Ohope Beach Montessori Preschool, Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia, Pohutukawa Preschool, A Kidz World Home Based Childcare & Education Service, Nga Rito Homebased Childcare, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Bizzy Buddyz Ltd, Bizzy Buddyz (2), Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Edubase In-home Childcare, Bizzy Buddyz (3), Play Homebased Early Childhood Education, and all Kohanga Reo and kindergartens in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Thames and Coromandel schools: Coromandel Area School, Colville School, Coroglen School, Hikuai, Hikutaia, Karangahake, Mercury Bay Area, Opoutere, Te Rerenga, Whenuakite, Waikino, Whangamata Area, Tairua, Moanatairi, Parawai, Tapu, Matatoki, Thames South School, Puriri School, St Francis Catholic School, Thames High School, Te Puru, Te Wharekura o Manaia and TKKM o Harataunga.
Thames and Coromandel ECEs: A Fun Place To Be Childcare, Barnardos KidStart Childcare - Turua/Hauraki Early Learning Centre, Colville Bay Early Learning Centre Inc, Coromandel Community Preschool, First Steps Whangamata, Kauri Learners Early Education, Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Mercury Bay Preschool, Milly's Educare Limited, Peanuts Childcare & Education Centre, Pukekos Educare Thames, Rainbow Connection Childcare, Rainbow Cottage, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Rose's Montessori, Sealey Street Childcare, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten Inc, Thames Early Childhood Education Centre, Whenuakite Country Kids, Central Kids Kindergartens – Tairua, Central Kids Kindergartens – Thames, Central Kids Kindergartens - Mercury Bay, Coromandel Playcentre, Tairua Playcentre, Thames/Parawai Playcentre, Turua Playcentre, Whangamata Playcentre, Whitianga Playcentre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kapanga, Te Kōhanga Reo o Matai Whetu,
Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Tonga o Hoterini, Puriri Playgroup and Thames Baptist Churches Ministries Playgroup.
Frankin area, Great Barrier and Waiheke schools: Clevedon School, Brookby School, Orere Point School, Kaiaua School, Maraetai Beach School, Beachlands School, Hunua School, Kaitoke School, Okiwa School, Mulberry Grove School, Waiheke Primary School, Waiheke High School and Te Huruhi School.
Franklin area, Great Barrier and Waiheke ECEs: Fossil Bay Kindergarten, Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten, Tots on The Rock, Clevedon Kidz Early Childhood Centre, Clevedon Kindergarten, Aotea Island Playcentre, Kaiwaka Playcentre, Small Pukeko's Early Learning Centre, Kawakawa Playcentre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kawakawa, Te Mirumiru Early Childhood Education Centre, Waiheke Community Childcare Centre, Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Piritahi Childcare, Waiheke Island Kindergarten, Waiheke Island Playcentre and Hunua Playcentre.
Western Bay of Plenty: Te Kura O Matapihi, Greenpark School, Greerton Village School, Kaimai School, Oropi School, Pongakawa School, Selwyn Ridge, Tauranga Primary School, Tauranga Waldorf School,Te Puna School, Tauriko School, Welcome Bay School, Greerton Early Childhood Centre (Infants and Toddlers), Greerton Early Childhood Centre (Toddlers and Young Children)
Severe wet weather caused by Cyclone Cook has now closed 137 schools and 133 early learning centres across the North Island, affecting 34,232 school children and 4339 pres-schoolers.
Those closed include: 10 schools and four early childhood centres (ECEs) in Northland, 16 schools and 11 ECEs in Auckland, 24 schools and 33 ECEs in the Waikato, and 87 schools and 133 ECEs in the Bay of Plenty/Taupo area.
Schools and ECEs in the already sodden Eastern Bay of Plenty – those in the Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau districts – as well as those in Thames, Coromandel, and some coastal areas of Auckland were yesterday advised to close today, Ministry of Education deputy secretary of Sector Enablement and Support Katrina Casey says.
“With the worst of the weather expected to hit Western areas of the Bay of Plenty from late this afternoon or early evening, we have also advised schools and ECEs those areas to close by 1pm today. A number of schools have chosen to voluntarily close ahead of this and parents are advised to check with their schools.
“Decisions around school closures are not made lightly but with weather conditions set to continue, the ability for students to make it safely to and from school is everyone’s paramount concern,” Katrina Casey says.
* The Ministry’s website will be updated as the situation unfolds during the day.
Auckland schools: Ahuroa School, Ararimu School, Beachlands School, Brookby School, Clendon Park School, Kaitoke School (Claris), Mulberry Grove School, Okiwi School, Orere School, Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School, Sancta Maria College, Te Kohanga School, Te Huruhi School, Waiheke High School, Waiheke Primary School, TKKM o Te Puaha o Waikato.
Auckland ECEs: Kawakawa Bay Kindergarten, Clevedon Kidz Early Childhood Centre, Aotea Island Playcentre, Clevedon Kindergarten, Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Fossil Bay Kindergarten, Piritahi Childcare, Tots on The Rock, Waiheke Community Childcare Centre, Waiheke Island Kindergarten, Waiheke Island Playcentre
Bay of Plenty/Rotorua/Taupō schools: Allandale School, Apanui School, Arataki School, Ashbrook School, Awakeri School, Brookfield School, Edgecumbe College, Edgecumbe School, Fairhaven School, Galatea School, Gate Pa School, Golden Sands School, Greenpark School (Tauranga), Greerton Village School, James Street School, Kaimai School, Katikati College, Katikati Primary School, Kawerau Putauaki School, Kawerau South School, Kawerau Teen Parent Unit, Kutarere School, Maketu School, Matata School, Merivale School, Mt Maunganui College, Mt Maunganui Intermediate, Mt Maunganui School, Murupara Area School, Nukuhou North School, Ohope Beach School, Omanu School, Omarumutu School, Opotiki College, Opotiki School, Oropi School, Otakiri School, Otamarakau School, Otumoetai College, Otumoetai Intermediate, Paengaroa School, Papamoa Primary School, Pongakawa School, Pukehina School, Rangiuru School, Selwyn Ridge School, St Joseph's Catholic School (Matata), St Joseph's Catholic School (Opotiki), St Joseph's Catholic School (Whakatane), Taneatua School, Tarawera High School, Tauranga Primary School, Tauranga Waldorf School, Tauriko School, Tawera Bilingual School, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Orini ki Ngati Awa, Te Kura Mana Maori Maraenui, Te Kura Mana Maori o Matahi, Te Kura Mana Maori o Whangaparaoa, Te Kura Maori-a-Rohe o Waiohau, Te Kura o Matapihi, Te Kura o Te Paroa, Te Kura o Te Teko, Te Kura o Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Kura o Torere, Te Kura Toitu o Te Whaiti-nui-a-Toi, Te Mahoe School, Te Puke High School, Te Puke Intermediate, Te Puke Primary School, Te Puna School, Te Ranga School, Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, Te Whata Tau o Putauaki, Thornton School, TKK Motuhake o Tawhiuau, TKKM o Huiarau, TKKM o Waioweka, Trident High School, Waimana School, Waiotahe Valley School, Welcome Bay School, Whakatane High School, Whakatane Intermediate, Whakatane S D A School, Whakatane Teen Parent Unit, Woodlands School (Opotiki).
Bay of Plenty/Rotorua/Taupō ECEs: A Kidz World Home Based Childcare & Education Service, Kawerau Preschool Learning Centre (Incorporated), Central Kids Kindergartens - Edgecumbe, Ngā Ririki Early Learning Centre, Te Manaaki Educational Pre-School Trust, Happy Feet Preschool, Opotiki Community Childcare Centre, Opotiki Rose Garden Preschool, Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatōhea ECE Centre Ki Buchanan Street, Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatōhea ECE Centre Ki Richard Street, Te Whare Kohungahunga o Nga Whetu Tiaho Shining Stars Preschool, Edubase In-home Childcare, Maketu EduCare, Pukehina EduCare, Greerton EC Centre (Infants & Toddlers), Greerton ECC (Toddlers & Young Children), Awakeri Playcentre, Bizzy Buddyz (2), Bizzy Buddyz (3), Bizzy Buddyz Ltd, Central Kids Kindergartens - Apanui, Central Kids Kindergartens - Garaway, Central Kids Kindergartens - Strathmore, Coastlands Early Childhood Learning Centre, Edgecumbe Playcentre, Galatea Playcentre, Karamuramu Kindergarten, Little Orchard Preschool - Douglas St, Little Orchard Preschool - Douglas Street 3, Little Orchard Preschool - McGarvey Road 1, Little Orchard Preschool - McGarvey Road 2, Little Orchard Preschool Alexander Street, Little Orchard Preschool Douglas St 2, Little Sprouts Montessori Pre-School, Mananui Playcentre, Matatā Early Learning Centre, Murupara Educare Centre, Ohope Beach Montessori Preschool, Otakiri Playcentre, Pohutukawa Preschool, Port Ohope Playcentre, Seedlings Preschool, Te Kōhanga Reo o Apanui ki Whakatāne, Te Kōhanga Reo o He Maungarongo, Te Kōhanga Reo o Nau Mai, Matariki Early Childhood Centre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Rangitahi, Te Kōhanga Reo o Rangitihi, Nga Rito Homebased Childcare, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tama Ki Hikurangi, Te Kōhanga Reo o Taneatua, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Ao Mārama, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Paroa, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Tane nui a Rangi, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Timatanga Hou ki Whakatane, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Whaiti-Nui-A-Toi, Te Kōhanga Reo o Toroa, Te Kōhanga Reo o Wairaka, The Tree House, Waiapu Kids - St Georges, Wairaka Playcentre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kokohinau, Te Kōhanga Reo o Nga Tamariki O Te Kohu, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Whetu o Tawera, Te Kōhanga Reo o Papaohaki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Patutaatahi, Te Kōhanga Reo O Ruatahuna, Te Kōhanga Reo o Ruātoki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Taahuna, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tanatana, Te Kōhanga Reo o Tāwhaki, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Kiriwera Hana, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Teko, Te Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty, Waiapu Kids - Homebased Bay of Plenty
Tai Tokerau schools: Mangamuka School, Maromaku School, Matauri Bay School, Oruaiti School, Peria School, Te Kura o Waikare, TKKM o Taumarere, TKKM o Whangaroa, Waima School, Whananaki School.
Tai Tokerau ECEs: Creative Minds (Kaeo) Ltd, Te Ōhonga Reo o Matangirau, Totara North Early Childhood Centre, Kaiwaka Playcentre, Okaihau Playcentre, Kaeo Playcentre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kawakawa, Small Pukeko's Early Learning Centre, Te Mirumiru Early Childhood Education Centre
Waikato schools: Colville School, Coroglen School, Coromandel Area School, Hikuai School, Hikutaia School, Matatoki School, Mercury Bay Area School, Moanataiari School, Opoutere School, Karangahake School, Parawai School, Puriri School, St Francis School (Thames), Tairua School, Tapu School, Te Puru School, Te Rerenga School, Te Wharekura o Manaia, Thames High School, Thames South School, TKKM o Harataunga, Waikino School, Whangamata Area School, Whenuakite School.
Waikato ECEs: A Fun Place To Be Childcare, Central Kids Kindergartens - Mercury Bay, Central Kids Kindergartens - Tairua, Central Kids Kindergartens - Thames, Colville Bay Pre-School, Barnardos KidStart Childcare - Turua/Hauraki Early Learning Centre, Coromandel Community Preschool, Coromandel Playcentre, First Steps Whangamata, Kauri Learners, Early Education, Whitianga, Turua Playcentre, Mercury Bay Preschool Ltd, Peanuts Childcare & Education Centre Whitianga Ltd, Pukekos Educare Thames, Rainbow Connection Childcare, Rainbow Cottage, Rose's Montessori, Sealey Street Childcare, Tairua Playcentre, Te Kōhanga Reo o Pukewa, Te Kōhanga Reo o Paeroa, Te Kōhanga Reo o Matai Whetu, Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Tonga o Hoterini, Kuaotunu Kindergarten, Thames Early Childhood Education Centre, Thames/Parawai Playcentre, Riverlee Early Learning Centre, Whangamata Playcentre, Milly's Educare Limitied, Te Kōhanga Reo o Kapanga, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten Inc, Whenuakite Country Kids, Whitianga Playcentre
