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 recognised and encouraged. 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.