our philosophy

At Kew Pacific Island Early Learning Centre, we provide a learning environment that is rick in Pasifika language, culture, and identity. Cultural values such as love, spirituality, respect and tautua (service) are strongly reflected throughout our curriculum. We acknowledge and implement Pasifika ways of knowing, being and doing.

Establishing positive relationships with whanau and the wider community is at the heart of our philosophy. We believe working together in partnership with whanau builds the mana of the child and respects their own funds of knowledge. Kaiako work collaboratively to generate a sense of belonging and well-being for tamariki and whanau alike.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our commitment to our practices so that all children are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of Aotearoa. Kaiako integrate kaupapa Māori concepts and te reo Māori through the curriculum.

The curriculum provides a combination of ‘child lead’ and ‘teacher led’ learning experiences, where our tamariki learn through play and exploration. Kaiako honour children’s curiosity and creativity, physicall challenges, active thinking, and risk-taking are promoted within a safe environment. Music, movement, Pasifika and Māori myths and legends are a vital part of our curriculum and how we embrace and teach Pasifika language and Te Reo Māori.

The pedagogical knowledge of kaiako around cultural leadership drives our teaching practice. The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum ‘Te Whariki 2017’. Tapasa 2018 (cultural competencies framework for teachers of Pacific learners), Tataiako (cultural competencies framework for teachers of Māori learners), and the Four baskets of cultural leadership are values, and what we believe to be the foundations of our curriculum.

Because we value tamariki as active learners, Te Whariki and it’s guidelines , support us to provide a holistic and responsive curriculum context that helps tamariki express and develop their feelings, interests, and knowledge; encouraging and empowering them to contribute to their own learning.

Kaiako understand the rights of our tamariki to a respectful, unhurried and supportive learning environment. Tamariki have opportunities for uninterrupted play to explore and discover independently.

Mana Atua-Wellbeing is promoted through creating an environment that integrates the emotional with the cognitive, the social and the physical. Kaiako acknowledge that mana Atua-the wellbeing of our tamariki includes mind, body and spirit.

We have a commitment to ongoing improvement through the use of internal evaluation. This is supported by ongoing professional development for our teaching team which helps foster the knowledge and skills to create ongoing positive outcomes for tamariki.

It is essential for our tamariki to develop a strong foundation and positive learning dispositions. We endeavour to prepare our tamariki for successful learning through their educational journey and life, becoming successful, engaged, and contributing members of the community.