What's been happening in Porirua

We have had a busy and positive start to the year here at Porirua Early Learning Centre, welcoming everyone back into familiar routines while supporting new tamariki and whānau as they settle into our learning community. It has been a time of reconnection, new friendships, and gentle transitions as everyone finds their rhythm again.

Throughout the month, there have been many opportunities for our tamariki to develop important social skills such as turn taking, sharing, and collaborating with their peers. These moments of connection are woven naturally into everyday play and group experiences, helping tamariki learn how to work together and support one another. 

Literacy has also been a strong focus, with letter and number recognition thoughtfully included in both planned and spontaneous learning experiences. Tamariki have shown a growing interest and curiosity, often pointing out letters, recognising their names, and engaging in early counting through play.

Kaiako have spent time during mat times and throughout the day having meaningful conversations that support positive guidance. Tamariki are being encouraged to use their words to express their feelings, solve problems, and navigate social situations with care. These daily interactions help build confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging. 

Aroha Week 
As part of Aroha Week (our Valentine’s celebration), a small group of tamariki were asked a simple but meaningful question: ‘how do we show aroha and kindness to each other?’ Their thoughtful responses reflected the caring environment they help create each day.

Some of their ideas included using manners and saying please and thank you, helping one another, showing love and kindness, and caring for friends who are hurt or feeling upset. Tamariki also shared the importance of using kind words when speaking to each other. These conversations supported their understanding of empathy, respect, and the many ways we can show care in our learning space. 

 
Waitangi Day 
To commemorate Waitangi Day, tamariki explored te ao Māori and learned about partnership, respect, and caring for one another. They created their own korowai (flax coat) using feathers and paper, while kaiako explained the significance of korowai in Māori culture as treasured garments representing protection, leadership, and mana.

Tamariki also discussed our centre values and rules, linking them to the idea of a treaty. They added their handprints to a centre treaty to show their promise to care for each other, our space, and to uphold kindness, respect, and kotahitanga in their daily learning. 

 
 
It has been a meaningful and joyful start to the year at Porirua, filled with learning and play. From strengthening friendships and building social skills to exploring literacy, culture, and kindness, tamariki have continued to grow in confidence and curiosity each day. We are so proud of the way they support one another, show aroha, and take part in our shared learning journey. We look forward to the many moments of discovery and celebration still to come.