Philosophy of Levin Baptist Kindergarten
Mission statement
Our service exists to provide a quality, inclusive, respectful environment that is welcoming, caring and that nurtures the excitement of learning. Tamariki (children) and their whānau (families) will experience God’s love and receive manaakitanga from a biblical foundation.
Karaitianatanga (Christianity)
We believe that every tamaiti (child) is a precious, unique gift created by God. Tamariki and whānau will experience an environment where stories and values from the Bible are an integral part of our holistic learning environment. Through their relationships with kaiako (teachers) and as they explore their environment, tamariki will gain an understanding of God’s love, His amazing creation, the Bible and how special they are to Him. We are committed to weaving our Christian values and principles with Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Whanaungatanga (reciprocal relationship)
We believe that whānau are a vital part of a child’s life and kaiako will work in respectful partnership with them to ensure positive outcomes for their tamariki. Whānau are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning journey and in kindergarten life. Partnership with whānau is fostered as we endeavour to build strong links between home and kindergarten to support learning. We value a safe, playful, healthy, and inclusive environment. We ensure trusting, empathetic relationships and procedures that will strengthen the ability of kaiako, whānau and tamariki to develop relationships that are in harmony with partnership, participation, and protection. We value and encourage positive transitions into, within, and out of our Kindergarten. We value the differing cultural backgrounds and values that whānau bring and we celebrate the diversity and richness that this contributes to our kindergarten.
Manaakitanga (showing respect, kindness and care for others)
We support children to be confident communicators, developing their social and emotional awareness. We encourage them to be kind, caring, and respectful of themselves, each other, and the environment. We will provide experiences that develop strong, capable, resilient learners and to instill in each tamaiti a love for learning and a sense of wonder and curiosity for God’s world around them. Kaiako will work collaboratively to enrich daily experiences for tamariki through their enthusiasm, passion, inspiration and up to date knowledge of current theory to support and develop children’s strengths and interests.