Regular Outings to our Bordering Reserve

Regular hikoi (walks) to our bordering reserve are an integral part of the children's learning.  They are valuable for children’s health and well-being and to connect them with a natural environment that they get to know intimately through all the seasons and changes of weather.

• Children put on vests, shoes or gumboots, raincoats or warm jackets (if needed) before assembling in a group by the door.
• Documentation is filled out; names of the children and adults involved, adult/child ratios, the time, date, destination, method of travel, person responsible, contact mob number.
• All outings have a Risk- Benefit Analysis.  This is in the Regular Outings Log Book in the centre foyer. Person Responsible, ensure all adults have a clear understanding.
• Kaiako (teachers) and tamariki (children) will say karakia (Māori incantations and prayers, used to increase the spiritual goodwill of the gathering) together before the walk.
• Te reo is used; hikoi – walk, hikoi waewae – walking feet, Takirua – in pairs, Me haere takirua – come together in pairs, kia mau ringa – hold hands, kia mau ringaringa- hold hands.  Rakau – stick, tree, turangawaewae – habitat, harakeke – flax, raupo – bulrush, ti kouka – cabbage tree, manuka, papatūānuku – earth mother, Ranginui – sky father, tawhirimatea – wind, ngā wha hau – four directions, compass, whenua – land.
• The backpack containing; santizier, first aid kit, water and reuseable cups, spare clothes and nappy… and any other items needed is collected from the cupboard (i.e. traffic cones, books, blanket, toys)
• Annually we contact Bark NZ, to arrange a visit to the classroom to teach children how to approach dogs safely.