Krystal has also recently been awarded the Kupe Scholarships for Māori and Pacific High Achievers. Our kaiako are anchored in love and relationships and this guides our practice and binds us with our community. WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY? Quality care and education for children in a setting that is a safe haven and nestled in nature – this is at the core of our philosophy. This belief, along with the statements below demonstrates the true essence of the values that drives us all at Ruru to be the best kaiako we can be. We are committed to the guidelines and principles of Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum document. Our curriculum and environment provide tamariki with opportunities to build strong and respectful relationships and learn alongside both kaiako and other tamariki (manaakitanga). Rangatiratanga (the right to exercise autonomy, ownership, and authority) is strongly advocated for our tamariki, ensuring their right to explore social skills, and problem-solving and develop independence at their own pace. We believe children will develop as independent thinkers, and agents of exploration through a play-based programme where children are free to explore, socialise, communicate and wonder. Nature and our connectedness to our surroundings are a magical part of Ruru. While exploring our natural environment, tamariki embark on endless opportunities to develop self-awareness/risk management and explore how to keep themselves safe through taking calculated risks. Through their exploration of our natural playscape, tamariki embark on real-life, authentic and unhurried experiences to receive and develop aroha, respect and empathy for the earth, and those who share its space and to share a deep and spiritual connection to their land (wairuatanga). This connection leads to an understanding of how to care for Papatūānuku (katiakitanga), and to be advocates and guardians for all creatures big and small. As a community we discover how to make sustainable choices, preserving the wonders of nature for ourselves and also future generations to come. We honour the role of whānau as children's first kaiako and encourage whānau to become active members of our Ruru home, sharing with us their knowledge and experiences. A sense of whanaungatanga (partnerships with whānau and our community) is essential and influential to a child's sense of belonging to our learning community. Strong connections between whānau and Ruru show tamariki that they belong here, their whānau belong here and we are their home away from home. We strive to create a diverse learning environment, which encourages imagination and keeps a child's natural curiosity alive. WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the aspect of kaitiaki, ensuring my team is cared for so that they can care for others. I also love being able to bring my youngest with me to Ruru. This is a privilege to be able to work and not be too far from him. Having a group of people that love what they do and will laugh and cry alongside you is pretty amazing. WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING? A good strong coffee, no but really, the drive to do a good job. Ruru is part of who I am, so I am innately driven to try and do my best which is a huge motivator for me. August 2023 { 22 }
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