Fostering our teams own personal and Professional Development is vital to the growth and development of Gems environment. Providing meaningful PD which reflects our philosophies and enhances our teaching practices is overseen by Tash Doyle our multitalented Curriculum Coordinator.

Most years we set the team a challenge whereby we allocate a set amount of cash for the challenge, set teams, and sometimes a theme. The idea is to create a resource that is needed, useful and beautiful for their environment. There is of course, in true Gems style, a focus on the natural, up-cycling and recycling.

We all have times when we are stumped! We find ourselves wondering "where do we go from here". For first time parents, or even around the block second or third time parents each child can challenge us with something new, something that makes us pause and wonder how do I approach this. 

It was in my last week at Gems Lake Hayes Estate before moving to the new centre at Shotover Country that it dawned on me that the four years that I had been at the centre were the longest I had worked at one location in the twenty five years since I left University. I started to reflect on what had kept me so engaged and motivated?

We recently had our annual Night Farm School. This event is a highlight on our Gems calendar for our four year olds, and is eagerly anticipated. This year we incorporated our Matariki celebrations into the evening. 

In collaboration with Shotover primary School we are working together to restore a wetland on the lower tier of the Shotover Country Subdivision. Work on the wetland will be ongoing over the next ten years and gives opportunities for children to explore this important ecosystem, along with highlighting a range of wider ecological issues.

Norman is our tame alpaca. He was rejected by his mother as a tiny cria (baby alpaca) and has been hand reared ever since. He loves coming to Gems and tearing round the playground with the kids. Even better stretching his legs at Farm School. Its hilarious watching the older kids trying to catch up with him.

Here are a few shots from Farm School last week, hilarity at the mud puddle again with a full face plant by one of our small people.  A wonderful example of getting out in the winter and enjoying some fresh air - our days are starting with sub zero temperatures.

With recent transitioning to The Hive, The Nest tamariki and kaiako farewell Molly, Sophie, Jenna, Ryder and Lachlan to their next learning journey. During this time we are also preparing to say goodbye to Chloe who is heading back to China in a couple of weeks with her family.

The last few weeks we’ve been focusing on Mindfulness, Wetland, Giant Atlantic Growing Competition, and Anzac Commemorations. Read on to find out more.

This video illustrates how children learn mathematics in our play based, child led, emergent style curriculum. Not a work book in sight!