If your question is not answered below feel free to comment and we will provide an answer shortly.
VACANCIES / WAITING LIST
Please contact the kōhanga to find out about our current waiting list or vacancies.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
- Whanau contact us (telephone, visit or email) and arrange a visit to the kōhanga for an induction. This is conducted by a parent or kaimahi and involves coming to the kōhanga for an introduction to our philosohy, policies and procedures. You will also get the chance to meet the kaiako/ kaimahi, the tamariki and sometimes other parents. In the induction you will see how the kōhanga is run and be informed of whanau responsibilities.
- An enrolment form will also need to be completed, this requires information such as parent and emergency contact details, bank account information for the direct debit of weekly fees, and important medical information.
- Following the induction, new whanau are asked to come to the following Whanau Hui. This is usually held once a month on the second Tuesday or Wednesday at 6pm. At the Tono you will introduce yourself and your tamaiti and ask for a place in the kōhanga reo. It is an opportunity to meet the other parents and share your expectations of the kōhanga, as well as to confirm your understanding of the whanau commitment. Following the tono your tamaiti/ tamariki can begin at kōhanga as soon as staffing is confirmed. This may be immediately or may require a wait until extra kaiako, or places are available.
FEES
Fees are paid in advance either by direct debit or an automatic payment, depending on the most current financial Policy. Fee levels are set annually by the whanau and are currently $120-$130 per child per week. Childcare subsidies and funding may be available to your whānau, please contact WINZ directly to find out about this.
KŌHANGA ROLL
Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Mokopuna is licensed for 20 Tamariki (age 2-5) / Mokopuna (under 2′s). Mokopuna can begin from age 4 months (usually after the 4 month immunisation). It is the intention that our Tamariki graduate to Te Kura Kaupapa o Ngā Mokopuna in Seatoun at the age of 5. Eventually the kōhanga and kura will be on the same site in Seatoun. Once your Mokopuna are enrolled, you become part of our kōhanga whānau.
WHĀNAU COMMITMENTS
Every whānau is involved in the running of the kohanga. Whānau Hui are held monthly, – each whānau must have at least one representative at every whānau hui. Ohu reports or updates are presented and general business is discussed. Kaimahi sometimes present their work for their studies, and Kaimahi also give a monthly report on the curriculum planning. Upon enrolment each whānau elects to be on an Ohu, or committee for involvement in that area. Current Ohu include: Ohu Kaimahi (staffing issues), Ohu Putea (Treasury), Ohu Tiaki Whenua (groundskeeping and whare), Ohu Marautanga (Cirriculum), Ohu Kohi Moni (Fundraising). All whānau help at regular working bees to maintain the whare and grounds.
Whānau help is also required for trips away from the kōhanga, and whānau are also welcome to help and learn alongside their Tamariki/ Mokopuna in the kōhanga.
WHAT LEVEL OF ‘TE REO MĀORI’ DO I NEED TO HAVE IN MY WHĀNAU?
As expressed by Iritana Tawhiwhirangi (Trustee Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust) “Kōhanga Reo was set up for those who do not have te reo Māori”. Our Kōhanga has a vision of Manaaki Mokopuna, which encapsulates many facets of our Tamariki/ Mokopuna’s development including Te Reo me ona tikanga Māori, and their special presence within the kōhanga and whanau. ”He taonga te reo, he tino taonga te mokopuna” (The language is a treasure, the Mokopuna a special treasure). Our whānau range in abilities with their usage of te reo Māori from absolute beginners to competent.
If you are considering a Kōhanga Reo enrollment you are expressing a desire to have Te Reo me ona tikanga within your whānau. The kōhanga supports this kaupapa no matter what your level of te reo Maori is already. Whanau are encouraged to use what reo they have, and learn or extend their knowledge on a day-to-day basis in their interactions with tamariki and kaimahi (staff) in the kōhanga. Kaimahi will predominantly use Te Reo Māori in their interactions with mokopuna and tamariki. Monthly whānau hui are opened with a karakia and mihi in Māori, though the general business is discussed in English. Kaimahi will speak with you about your tamariki in the appropriate reo for your level of understanding.
KŌHANGA HOURS
The Kōhanga is open Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm. Tamariki/Mokopuna are welcome to arrive from 8.30am. Morning karakia is held at 9.30am and all Tamariki/Mokpuna should have arrived by then. Afternoon karakia is held at 2.30pm, after which time Tamariki/Mokpuna can be collected. All Tamariki must be collected prior to 4pm. From time to time the kōhanga hours may change.
KAI
The kōhanga has a healthy eating policy in place. Whānau need to provide kai for their Tamariki/Mokopuna every day. This includes clean bottles and formula for Mokopuna. The Kōhanga has a kitchen so that kai can in some instances be heated up or simply prepared. Kaimahi ask that whanau provide kai in plastic containers (eg do not bring an unopened can of food). Whānau must inform kaimahi of all food allergies or foods to be avoided by Tamariki/Mokopuna, as from time to time the kaimahi will prepare shared kai or fruit.
NAPPIES AND WIPES
Each whānau must supply their own nappies, wipes, creams etc for their Tamariki/Mokopuna. These are stored in individual boxes in the wharepaku. It is the responsibility of each whānau to ensure there is sufficient supply. Kaimahi should be notified if Tamariki/Mokopuna require special creams or care. Each whānau also has a box which should be kept supplied with a change of clothes.
