Pukeko Lounge

The Pukeko lounge is designed for children aged 3-4 years in the first main lounge designed for trust while working in partnership to seek knowledge.  Four teacher's support the lounge with a teaching ratio of 1:7.   The true strength of the Pukeko Lounge lies in the co-construction approach where the learner and the teacher build knowledge and skills together.

Responsive & Intentional Environment

The environment is designed to use space and materials to ignite learning in a manner that allows kaiako to be intune with the interests of each indivdual learner, where they can go on a journey of discovery together.  The kaiako are looking deep into what the child displays during their day of interactions -socially, mentally, spiritually and physically so they can foster a deep understanding of the underlying thinking, questioning and curiosities of the child. This is also communciated with families so they actively participate in building the interests of their child. Sharing aspirations.

Open Ended Learning Opportunities 

Open ended play gives your child the opportunity to be a leader and make decisions with materials that have endless opportunities. When children aren't handed a set of instructions they make their own asumptions and processes. Rather than telling a child how to do something, open ended play leaves the decision-making up to the child. Which promotes a helathy approach to learning in life. Many of our open ended materials are REAL recycled Materials - brass, stone, wire, nature, wood, shells etc

A Place of Home

Tuning into to each individuals needs and ensuring value and respect guides this approach is recognised as important in Weka.  Truly knowing our children and families so we can cater to their every need - days of sadness, days of  joy, family events etc. Making time for each other is how we become a family and Weka prides itself on the culture we uphold as a Weka Whanau - for some families Weka becomes their second home and we wish to make is a space that is full with aroha, relationships, time to just be and honest connection.

Strong Community Links

Drawing in what our community has to offer us, is recognised as so important.  Weekly outing's into the surrounding parks and reserves gives opportunity for the children to openly explore the wonders of nature, from fossicking in the forest, to jumping in the puddles, to following natural creatures.  Making sense of all that makes our community complete.  Encouraging and giving back to the community is recognised as important and guides the child's thinking to making a difference, not only for ourself but for others that support us. Baking to raise funds for our fire fighters, wellness gifts for those in need, to name a few.

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