Cascades Kindergarten

Welcome to Cascades Kindergarten, located in the picturesque Lloyd Elsmore Park on Lady Marie Drive in Auckland, New Zealand. Our institution is not just a school, but also a point of interest and an establishment that offers a unique learning experience for children aged 2 to 5 years old.

Situated amidst the serene beauty of nature, Cascades Kindergarten is truly blessed with its surroundings. Surrounded by lush trees and parklands, our kindergarten provides a tranquil and peaceful environment for children to learn and grow.

At Cascades Kindergarten, we take pride in our commitment to sustainability. We are part of the Enviroschool programme and follow the Enviroschools Kaupapa, which promotes a healthy, peaceful, and sustainable learning environment. Our aim is to inspire individuals and the wider community to make positive choices for a sustainable future.

Our values of Manaaki - Kindness, Compassion, and Empathy - are at the core of everything we do. We encourage our students to show kindness and consideration towards each other, our surroundings, and the Earth. This creates a peaceful and calm atmosphere, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.

Diversity is another aspect we celebrate at Cascades Kindergarten. Our kindergarten families and teachers come from various ethnicities and cultures, making us a true reflection of our community. We recognize and celebrate special occasions with our families, promoting cultural understanding and pride in one's heritage.

Learning together is an integral part of our philosophy. Children of different ages learn alongside each other, supporting and role modeling. Through playful learning, they engage with one another, fostering collaboration and cooperation.

Our dedicated kaiako (teachers) are skilled in implementing the Incredible Years Teacher Programme, which supports young children with self-regulation and their social, emotional, and academic competence. They provide specialist care, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention and support.

We believe in the power of knowledge sharing. We actively involve our whānau (families) and the local community to engage and inspire our children. We invite them to share their skills, knowledge, and resources, creating a rich and diverse learning experience. From learning about rockets and satellites to exploring fossils and dinosaurs with 'Willow the bone lady,' our children are always eager to expand their horizons.

Education connections are an essential part of our kindergarten. We are active members of our Kahui Ako (Community of Learning) and engage in professional development with local school teachers. We work closely with our local primary schools to ensure a seamless transition to school procedures.

Family involvement is highly valued at Cascades Kindergarten. We have a Parent/Whānau Support Group comprising our kindergarten parents who collaborate on fundraisers to support our institution. We also enjoy celebrating special events together and encourage families to spend time with us, helping out and having fun.

We welcome you to visit Cascades Kindergarten and experience all that we have to offer your child. Our teachers foster inclusive partnerships with families, benefiting children's learning. With extended periods of uninterrupted play and a well-resourced environment, children have ample opportunities to make choices and solve problems.

Our kindergarten hours are from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, and our office hours are from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.45 pm. We are closed during term breaks and public holidays.

To stay updated with the happenings in our extended network, head over to our AKA blog. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Cascades Kindergarten, where learning and growth flourish in harmony with nature.