BETHLEHEM COLLEGE KINDERGARTEN
Why Choose Our Centre?
WE HAVE A BIG HEART FOR CHILDREN.
We honour each child as a gift to be discovered and developed.
We believe each and every child is created in the image of God, uniquely talented and gifted. Our passion as educators and carers is to nourish, nurture, affirm and encourage each child in his or her uniqueness. And, we want them to have fun in the process!
As an educational trust we’re not-for-profit, we’re for children.
Children are our priority, our reason for existence, our primary focus and our delight. When business decisions have to be made such as teacher:children ratios it’s the well-being of our children, rather than the bottom line, that guides our thinking. Our greatest desire is to see your child thrive and get the best possible start in life. We believe we can support our community by building positive relationships with the children and families who call that community home.
WE WELCOME PARENT INVOLVEMENT.
Our door is always open.
Parents/whānau are very welcome to be involved in our daily programme at any time. We believe that parents are the primary educators and we count it a privilege to partner with and support you in that important role. When teachers and parents work together for the good of each child, everybody wins.
You can count on us to care.
Our teachers have become a trusted support system for many children and their parents or caregivers. Family life can be demanding and we are here alongside you as partners in your child’s early learning journey. It’s our pleasure to offer a listening ear during daily routines, and support during times of crisis.
WE HAVE AN ESTABLISHED TRANSITION PATHWAY TO BETHLEHEM COLLEGE FOR OUR OLDER CHILDREN.
We effectively prepare our older children to attend any local primary school. However, for families who wish to send their children to Bethlehem College, sending your child to Bethlehem College Kindergarten gives them the advantage of a well-established and supportive transition pathway to ‘big kids’ school.
We maintain close communication with the new entrant teachers at Bethlehem College and children have regular opportunities to become comfortable with the campus through our swimming pool and school library visits and participation in campus events.
Please note that children who attend Bethlehem College Kindergarten are not guaranteed at place at Bethlehem College and have to go through the standard enrolment application process.
OUR CHRISTIAN VALUES CREATE A LOVING ENVIRONMENT.
At the heart of our Christian faith is the belief that God has a big heart for people and for the world he created. By receiving his transformational love we are empowered to reflect that love to the people in our lives, and especially to the little ones in our care.
We have a heart-felt and faith-filled desire to respect, affirm, nurture, support and develop your child. It is our privilege to enjoy their uniqueness, to develop their gifts and talents and to bring them into a positive experience of God’s love.
Our programme may include reading Bible stories, singing Christian songs and saying grace, karakia, before meals. Christian themes are sometimes explored in our teaching and learning, and relevant Bible verses may be included in learning stories. However, our Christian ethos is mostly reflected in the loving and respectful relationships we have with one another and in the integrity and character of our teachers.
Bethlehem College Kindergarten ERO Report, 2011
Children develop a sense of belonging at the kindergarten. They develop a belief in themselves as capable, competent learners, and their emotional wellbeing and independence are strongly promoted.
Bethlehem College Kindergarten
Teachers have established close, trusting and respectful relationships with children and their families. Communication is open and transparent, and families are welcome to stay and participate in their child’s education.
Bethlehem College Kindergarten
Transition-to-school processes are managed well by the teachers, and children enjoy access to the school pool, library and reciprocal visits between the kindergarten and school.
Bethlehem College Kindergarten
My rambunctious, full of life, four year old can't get enough of this kindy! The teachers and staff are very attentive and meet the needs of each child very well through patience, loving words and gentle guidance.
Beryl Bishop
I appreciate that the teachers take the time to get to know Hamish. They seem to spend individual quality time with him which is evident in his learning stories.