Irmgard Ritchie Kindergarten
Monday to Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm
About us and our programme
Irmgard Ritchie Kindergarten was named after a respected kindergarten teacher and director who played a key role in establishing a purpose-built kindergarten for the Upper Hutt community.
Our kindergarten offers a spacious outdoor environment with mature trees and an evolving garden that encourages children and whānau to learn about caring for the environment. We believe children learn best through strong partnerships with families in an inclusive environment that values cultural identity, relationships, and belonging.
We provide a rich and engaging programme guided by children’s interests, passions, and strengths. Children’s learning and development are made visible and celebrated through meaningful displays, online documentation through Story Park, and portfolio books that reflect Tamariki identity, strengths, interests, and learning journeys in partnership with whānau.
Guided by Te Whāriki, we support and scaffold tamariki to:
•express their ideas, feelings, cultures, and languages (Mana Reo)
•develop a strong sense of belonging and identity (Mana Whenua)
•become curious, confident, and active learners (Mana Aotūroa)
•feel safe, secure, and willing to take on challenges (Mana Atua)
•show respect, empathy, and positive relationships with others (Mana Tangata)
We encourage dispositional learning such as perseverance, responsibility, curiosity, and leadership. Our team of five fully qualified Early Childhood teachers and an administrator are passionate about providing a high-quality learning environment and programme where children are empowered to become confident and capable lifelong learners.
The team
Christi, Marguerite (Admin), Tania, Rowena (HT), Kelly, Saskia
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