Our philosophy is simple;

South Otago Kindergartens believe that high quality education is a right for all families — not just those who can afford it

By quality we mean …..

….. that we only employ 100% fully qualified and registered Teachers

….. that our Teaching Staff  have access to the latest Early Childhood Education training and development

….. that we have fully equipped kindergartens, including up to date Information Technology for our children to use

….. that children have space to run around in, freedom to express their views and ideas in a safe and caring environment

….. that learning through play is learning for life—matauranga mor te ao





A Child’s Plea

Today I did my Math’s and Science, I cut up a piece of bread.
I halved and quartered, counted, measured,
I added and subtracted on the way.
I used my eyes and ears and head.
I learnt about a rainbow and how to weigh.
I used the magnet, blocks, and memory tray.
So please don’t say.
“Anything in your bag today?”

You see. I’m co-operating as I play.
I learn to listen and speak clearly when I talk,
To wait my turn and when inside to walk.
To put my thoughts into a phrase, to guide a crayon through a maze.
To find my name and write it down.
To do it with a smile and not a frown, to put my pasting brush away,
So please don’t say,
“What?” Nothing in your bag today?”

I’ve learnt about a dog and a worm,
Remembered how to take my turn,
Helped a friend when he was stuck, Learnt that water runs off a duck,
Looked at words from left to right,
Agreed to differ, not to fight,
So please don’t say,
“Did you only play today?”

Yes, I played the whole day through.
I played to learn the things I do.
I seek an answer, find a clue, and work out for myself just what to do.
My teachers set the scene and stay nearby.
To help me when I really try.
They are there to pose the problems, and to help me think.
I hope they’ll keep me floating and never let me sink.
All this is in my head, not in my bag.
It makes me sad to hear you say,
“Haven’t you done anything today?”

When you attend your meetings and do your work today,
I will remember not to say to you,
“What? Nothing in your bag?
What did you do today?”

(Author unknown)