Bette Christie Kindergarten

Welcome to Bette Christie Kindergarten, a warm and inviting institution located in the heart of Napier, New Zealand. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac on Hurst Avenue, our kindergarten is conveniently located within a 1 kilometre radius of 4 primary schools, making us accessible to many families in the area.

At Bette Christie Kindergarten, we take pride in providing a positive learning environment for both children and families. Our well-resourced program focuses on promoting creativity and independence, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive and grow. We understand and value the important role that each child's whânau (family) plays in their learning, and we work closely with families to ensure their involvement and support.

One of the unique features of our kindergarten is our extended year service. We are open for up to 50 weeks per annum, offering families flexibility and convenience throughout the year. This allows us to provide consistent care and education to our children, ensuring their needs are met.

Our philosophy revolves around promoting peaceful play and respectful relationships, upholding the mana (dignity and respect) of each child. We empower children to develop confidence and competence through planned and purposeful activities, nurturing a sense of belonging through whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) and manaakitanga (hospitality and care). We also emphasize tiaki taiao, teaching children to care for our whenua (land) and the natural world around us through sustainable practices.

At Bette Christie Kindergarten, we honor the diverse aspirations of our whanau (extended family) and learning community. We believe in the power of mindfulness, manaakitanga, and whanaungatanga (relationships) in promoting children's social competence. Our focus on wellbeing and belonging supports children in forming positive relationships with adults and each other.

We highly value family and whānau contributions to their children's learning. We respect and acknowledge their involvement as they work alongside our teachers, engaging with the curriculum and taking on leadership roles to support and promote the kindergarten within the community.

Our curriculum also includes a range of experiences that promote children's knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of science. While we are yet to evaluate the impact of these activities on outcomes for children, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning.

Te ao Māori (the Māori world) is woven positively throughout our environment and curriculum. We embrace and nurture the cultural identity of all our children, following protocols and continuously building our knowledge and understanding of planning, assessment, teaching, and learning practices through a Māori lens.

When you visit Bette Christie Kindergarten, you will meet our dedicated and passionate staff. From Danielle McCleland, our Support Worker, to Mitra Macpherson, Stacey Trotter (Head Teacher), Tracey Brenssell, Jane Pickering, and Sue Bryant, our team is committed to making learning a joyful and meaningful experience.

Our vision is that learning is child's play and teaching is a passion. Our mission is to ensure that children and parents look forward to their kindergarten experience, fostering a love for learning and setting the foundation for a bright future.

Come and join us at Bette Christie Kindergarten, where every child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.