Our Values
Whakawhanaungatanga
Whakamana
Kotahitanga
Kaitiakitanga
- Tamariki and whānau feel a sense of belonging at Giggles – they see pictures of themselves, they hear their languages, they know the routines and expectations of behaviour at Giggles.
- Tamariki and whānau are encouraged to share things from home. Whānau aspirations for tamariki are acknowledged and acted on.
- Visitors are always welcomed and introduced to staff/tamariki/whānau – whakawhanaungatanga.
- Regular excursions and visitors to the centre support the establishment of our identity within the community.
- We encourage open communication between whānau/kaiako/tamariki.
- Kaiako understand the home context of each tamaiti.
Whakamana
- We provide a curriculum that responds to the interests and strengths of ngā tamariki.
- Tamariki are supported to contribute to decisions about their learning and are offered opportunities for leadership within the programme.
- Planning and assessment focus on building the identities of ngā tamariki as successful learners.
- Tamariki and whānau Māori see and hear ‘themselves’ at Giggles, supporting tamariki Māori to achieve success as Māori.
- Learning is displayed so it can be revisited, shared, celebrated and extended on.
- Tuakana/teina relationships and the concept of āko are valued. Kaiako accept that they are not always the experts and embrace opportunities for learning from and with tamariki and whānau.
Kotahitanga
- There is a shared understanding between kaiako and whānau of the Giggles vision, philosophy and goals.
- Kaiako work collaboratively, allowing each other opportunities to lead in our own areas of passion or expertise.
- Kaiako and whānau work together informally and formally to achieve positive learning outcomes for tamariki.
- Tamariki, whānau and where appropriate community, are involved in decision-making about the programme.
- Kaiako are focused on meeting whānau aspirations for their tamariki – including their voices in learning stories and encouraging whānau participation in the programme.
- Giggles tautoko whānau as well as tamariki to achieve their goals including support for whānau to access appropriate agencies for support.
Kaitiakitanga
- Giggles is an enviroschools centre. We aim to develop a shared respect for our environment and an understanding of our role in caring for it.
- Tamariki and kaiako work together to care for our māra (garden).
- We encourage a sense of responsibility for ourselves, our belongings and our world.
- Giggles kaiako role model sustainable habits such as recycling and reusing.
- We are developing an understanding of cause and effect – for example, if we use all of the water we will run out.
- Tamariki are supported to develop social competence as they work with and alongside others – taking turns, sharing, being kind, thoughtful, using manners, saying hello to people who say hello to them.