Kindergartens

We have 24 kindergartens throughout Southland placed at the heart of rural and urban communities.

We work hard to ensure all children at every kindergarten experience the best teaching and learning environments.

Our kindergarten locations are listed below.

Spaces available now at Bluff, Clarendon, Elston Lea, Grasmere, Kew, Northern Southland, Ranui, Rockdale

Rockdale Park Kindergarten

Open: Monday to Friday 8.15am – 4.15pm

Session times: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 2.45pm

Address: 18 Farrar Street, Invercargill 9812

Phone: (03) 216 0011

Email: rockdale@ska.co.nz

Teachers: Leonelle Springford, Alison Grumball, Amy Packer, Laura Newland

Number of children: 20

Rockdale Park Kindergarten awhi mokopuna and whānau to develop a true sense of belonging and partnership.

Alongside whānau we aspire for ākonga/learners to develop a strong sense of mana and to become confident and competent communicators, explorers, problem solvers, decision makers, creators and kaitiaki. A sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity is fostered, discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary.

We participate in local cultural events such as Polyfest and value the contribution of whānau to enhance our performance and our art instillations.

We are committed to ensuring we meet our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and draw inspiration from the 100 Languages of Reggio Emilia.

Our kindergarten operates a full year model and only closes for an extended break over the Christmas/New Year period.

To find out more about our ataahua Kindergarten please feel free to pop in anytime or contact us via phone or email.

The Cottage Kindergarten

Open: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.30pm

Session times: Monday to Friday 8.15am – 3.30pm

Address: 74 Bowmont Street, Invercargill 9812

Phone: (03) 218 8269

Email: thecottage@ska.co.nz

Teachers: Aletta Reid, Kerrie Peterson, Abbey dos Santos, Kim Howden

Number of children: 30

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The Cottage Kindergarten is an all-day facility for 2 to 5 year olds. We are open from 8.15am to 3.30pm and offer flexible hours of attendance within this, which allows us to cater for parents who work or study. Our kindergarten operates a full year model and only closes for an extended break over the Christmas/New Year period.

We have a real sense of whanaungatanga/family relationships, which is very important to us as many of our children begin kindergarten when they turn two years of age. We offer a nurturing and inclusive environment with learning programmes specifically developed to be meaningful to each and every child, regardless of their age.

As a teaching team we value parents’ learning aspirations for their children, and will work with them to achieve their child’s goals.

We often take spontaneous walks around the community visiting local businesses, parks and reserves where the children can take part in active movement sessions or large group games.

We are also part of the Taiao Tūhura/Discovering Nature programme. As part of this we take our eldest ten children out to the Kindergartens South native bush section on Myross Road every Thursday morning to explore and learn in nature.

We have an onsite cook who prepares wholesome and nutritious meals for a low daily cost.

If you are interested in your having your child attend The Cottage Kindergarten, you are welcome to bring them to have a look around and play while you meet our friendly team; contact us to arrange a suitable time. We will endeavour to find a space for your child as possible.

Waikiwi Kindergarten

Open: Monday to Friday 8.15am – 4.15pm

Session times: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 2.30pm

Address: 25 Durham Street, Invercargill 9810

Phone: (03) 215 8297

Email: waikiwi@ska.co.nz

Teachers: Paula McDonald, Kerrie Morrison, Leanne Hartley, Emma Piggott, Rebecca Ferguson, Ange Buchanan

Number of children: 40 in the morning, 30 in the afternoon

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Waikiwi Kindergarten offers a physically challenging environment to assist in children’s development with an amazing outdoor space that allows for busy tamariki to explore at their own pace. We support tamariki to develop their social competency skills through play, encouraging friendships based on manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.

We are passionate about supporting our tamariki to become kaitiaki for the natural environment. We participate in the Enviroschools programme and every Monday morning we have some tamariki out at Taiao Tuhura/Discovering Nature programme.

Community participation is at the heart of our learning, we love to get out and about and explore our local community and learn from the experts that are among us. We attend Polyfest, and this is always a highlight of our year.

We have tamariki attending from both rural and urban settings and value the role that our whānau play in shaping our kindergarten. Whānau are encouraged to visit and participate in experiences at any time.

We offer both full day or morning sessions, ensuring that there are options to suit families needs.

To find out more information we warmly welcome you to make contact and come along to meet our team.

Waverley Kindergarten

Open: Monday to Friday 8.15am – 4.15pm

Session times: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 2.45pm

Address: 195 George Street, Invercargill 9810

Phone: (03) 217 7080

Email: waverley@ska.co.nz

Teachers: Sheree Condon, Lynn Millar, Jess Mortimer, Judy Hayward, Emily Wilson

Number of children: 40 in the morning, 30 in the afternoon

At Waverley Kindergarten we have a strong emphasis on social learning, including caring for and instilling empathy in each other.

We strive to care for Papatuanuku (mother nature) and te ao Maori (the Maori world) in everything we do. We have reached Green/gold reflected in the Enviroschools programme, and through this programme we teach children that what we do makes a difference to the environment.

We are also part of the Taiao Tūhura/Discovering Nature programme. As part of this we take our eldest ten children out to the Kindergartens South native bush section on Myross Road once a week to explore and learn in nature.

Through outdoor play and planned physical activity we provide opportunities for children to be active and develop their motor skills.

Our teachers use their interactions with children to challenge and extend higher level thinking strategies. Opportunities to develop literacy and numeracy skills are interwoven into all aspects of the programme, in meaningful contexts.

We see our relationships with parents and whanau as integral in working together to provide the best learning outcomes for children.

Our kindergarten operates a full year model and only closes for an extended break over the Christmas/New Year period.

To find out more and arrange a time to meet our friendly team, please contact us.