TUHURA - PRESCHOOLERS

‘Tuhura’ means to explore, and in our room, every child is seen as a capable, curious learner. We foster learning through play in a rich environment that acts as the third teacher, sparking ideas and new skills. Our diverse teaching team brings unique strengths to our curriculum, building strong, respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau. We celebrate cultural diversity and family involvement, and focus on school readiness by nurturing independence, social competence, and self-care to support a confident transition to school.

Two young boys playing with toy fishing rods at a table covered with a blue surface simulating water, indoors.
Adult and young girl making arts and crafts with scissors and paper at a table in a classroom.
ENROL NOW
Three children playing with slime outdoors under a shaded area.

Paige Hamilton

Paige is the Head Teacher in Tuhura.

“I am passionate about fostering meaningful relationships and creating a sense of belonging where children feel valued, capable, and confident to be themselves. I love supporting children’s curiosity and celebrating the unique learning journey of each tamaiti.”

Leandri Van Der Westhuizen

Leandri is 2IC in Tuhura.

“I believe in building strong loving and caring relationships with children. I enjoy encouraging children to use different ways of thinking to help expand their own ideas. My goal is to inspire and motivate them to do the best of their abilities.”

Rebecca Steer

"I enjoy promoting strong social ethics that empower tamariki to play in harmony together. It is rewarding to build joy and wonder through modeling and discovery. "

Gurpreet Kaur

Fixed Term Reliever

“Every child is unique and my passion is to nurture their individuality through creativity, kindness and impactful learning experiences by fostering a warm and engaging environment that helps them build skills and confidence.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE

A daily schedule timeline with times and activities, including welcome at 8:00 AM, two morning mat times at 9:40 and 9:50 AM, lunch at 11:45 AM, afternoon mat time at 2:20 PM, and transition to Te Ruma Ako at 3:30 PM, with self-directed play spanning the day.
A backyard playground with shade sails, a slide, and various outdoor play equipment, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.

THE FIRST STEP OF AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

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THE FIRST STEP OF AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY *

  • KAI

    Children are supported to eat from their own lunchboxes and encouraged to begin with a healthy choice first along with some friendly reminders and guidance to save food for the remainder of the day. Meals and food that are required to be heated for children are welcome.

  • SELF DIRECTED PLAY

    Children select from music, stories, puzzles, dress up, physical activities both inside and outside, sensory exploration, and construction activities. Tabletop activities are set up according to children's interests, especially at the end of the day, to support them winding down before going home.

  • MAT TIME

    Teachers plan mat times to incorporate Bible stories as part of the term planning. At the beginning of mat time, we sing a welcome song or action song. Teachers engage the children in games, board stories, and storybooks. Each mat time is concluded by a prayer giving thanks to the Lord.