Kidsfirst Beckenham

Beckenham

Beckenham Kindergarten was opened on the 12th of March 1955 by Mabel Howard, New Zealand’s first female MP, who was joined by local families and kindergarten staff from the Beckenham area.

An outdoor mat time at Kidsfirst Beckenham. Date unknown.

50 years after its official opening, the kindy celebrated its birthday by welcoming back past pupils and staff in addition to the present kindergarten community.

The birthday celebration brought together generations of families who had a connection to the kindergarten. The photo below shows Simon Greening Christian who was a past Beckenham kindy kid, and his son Obie (on the right) who was attending Beckenham at the time. They were honoured to cut the anniversary cake, and Obie helped plant a commemorative tree for the occasion. It’s not unusual for multiple generations of the same family to come to our kindergartens, and we’re always delighted to renew connections with our extended kindergarten family.

Beckenham was also one of the kindergartens featured when we did a photoshoot for our Kidsfirst promotional material in 2009 and was featured heavily in the advertising of the day.

1030x579 Gallery Beckenham_0014_Whare Blessing 2014

A local tohunga came to bless the Beckenham whare, along with Richard Herangi-Harrison, a relative of one of the children and regular collaborator on the project.

Simon Greening Christian, and his son, Obie, cut the kindy’s 50th birthday cake in 2005.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

Though times may have changed, much about kindergarten has remained the same.
A pair of wings is always a popular addition at kindergarten.
Many kindergartens have pets – like birds – who help teach tamariki about responsibility.
Embracing creativity is something that hasn’t gone anywhere from an average kindergarten day.
Tamariki can express themselves in so many unique ways, and have always loved to do so.
Kindergarten’s big backyards are always a hub of joy and activity.
Whether you’re having a turn on the tire swing…
Or playing inside with a few favourite toys…
Kindergarten is a fantastic place to embrace the fun, and get stuck in to whatever is going on.
Cooking and baking – whether it’s in the mud kitchen, or the real one – has always been a great way to involve everyone.
Beckenham’s big backyard blooms throughout the year, and even has a feijoa tree nearby.
The kindergarten walls tell the story of generations of tamariki.
Friendship happens naturally at kindergarten, and tamariki are always excited to help one another out.
Kaiako are such an important part of kindergarten life, too, and tamariki gain so much from their skilled guidance.
At one of their many kindergarten celebrations over the years, Beckenham welcomed a newly built whare.