Expanding the bubble to the Garden
Kia ora koutou, as we come to the end of an interesting, challenging and uncertain month of rāhui (noun: a prohibition against a particular area or activity, typically one in force temporarily in order to protect a resource), we begin the slow and carefully planned transition back into our new ‘normal’ for the time being. We don’t underestimate the challenges and hardships that our whānau have faced over this month and are likely to continue facing over the coming months, knowing for some there may not have been any silver linings during this time. However, for some whānau we also take away from this experience the unexpected extra time together, the slowing down to smell the roses, the family walks and bike rides to destinations not known and agendas not required, the movie nights and family dinners. It has given us the opportunity to reconnect and ‘permission’ we somehow often need to be content just to stay home. I’m sure we have all learnt something new about each other during this time. A new level of respect, kindness and understanding has also been reached during rāhui, one that I hope we can all take forward with us as we continue to fight this battle together.
As we move into this new chapter of living and learning, we have had a chance to really reflect on our teaching practice and our environments. The kaiako at The Garden have been soaking up free online webinars, digging out old articles and readings and really thinking about what their vision and purpose is, what they can fill their teaching kete with. We have enjoyed the development and progression of our private Facebook page, solely for current families as a way to stay connected. Kaiako have stretched their knowledge to create videos, sing songs and read stories to publish in an online forum which, for some of them, was a learning experience in itself. Not only did they do it, but they did it with so much love and thought into what the tamariki would enjoy and what their interests were before their sudden departure.
At The Garden, we have prepared and refreshed our environment to really capture the essence of who we are. Our spaces are natural, inviting, warm and homely. We want to provide a true sense of home away from home, even more important in this time of change and uncertainly. Our tamariki need somewhere to spend their days where they feel welcomed and comfortable, a home filled with aroha. From this sense of belonging, tamariki will be empowered and confident to explore, investigate, inquire and tinker; this is the greatest form of learning through play. Our kaiako are ready and waiting to welcome tamariki back into The Garden whānau, as time and health and safety regulations permit of course. We are incredibly grateful to be able to take our time to slowly settle the tamariki back in small bubbles, ensuring that not only their physical wellbeing is being taken care of but also their mental wellbeing, as they continue to process just what is going on in their world right now.
We normally operate an open-door policy and are still welcoming enquires from families wishing to join The Garden whānau. However, during this level of increased awareness of social distancing, we welcome you to first either phone on 07 548 2036 or email info@thegarden.co.nz and then we will make suitable arrangements according to your questions and needs from there. You can also visit our Facebook page or our website www.thegarden.co.nz to learn a bit more about us.
Until next time, take care and keep safe in your little bubbles. Hei konā mai.