Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith Street

Edmonds Smith Street

Edmonds Smith St Kindergarten first opened on the 3rd of May 1951, but it wasn’t until nearly 20 years later that it was operating on the site it has today.

The kindy was originally known as Woolston but in the 1950s it was reopened and renamed as Edmonds Park.

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Over the years, the kindergarten’s collection of trees in their big backyard has grown, and now, it looks very different to here!

We are very ‘colourful’ indoors with our pastel walls and furniture, and look forward to the day when our garden gets underway and our climbing roses climb busily up our cyclone fence. We know it is only a matter of time when our lovely garden is also “Sure to Rise”. – Christchurch Kindergarten Chronicle, 1951

Like many of the developments that have seen our Association grow, it was the generous contribution of a community member that saw the kindy take residence in Smith St.

In 1970, TJ Edmonds approached the Association with the proposition that the kindergarten in Edmonds Park be moved to two sections it had purchased in Smith Street.

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Though their big backyard has grown more nooks and crannies over the years, tamariki still love it for the same reason – it’s a great place to have some fun and explore.

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Kindergarten has always encouraged diverse interactions – between children of different ages, cultures, and walks of life, and at Edmonds Smith St kindy, sights like this have always been common.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

In modern days, Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith Street has remained a stable hub of it’s community.
Over the years, the natural area surrounding the kindergarten has been allowed to thrive, meaning their big backyard now has tall trees, and lots of nature to explore in.
Tamariki at Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith St move their feet in the kindergarten’s big spaces. Date unknown.
At Edmonds Smith Street kindergarten, tamariki are always afforded their independence, and encouraged to follow their interests.
This shot was used in promotional images for a number of years, as it really captures the joy kindergarten tamariki get the opportunity to experience every day.
Kaiako, David, plays his guitar for tamariki in the kindergarten’s big backyard. Date unknown.

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betterbecause@kidsfirst.org.nz
03 338 1303
0800 KIDSFIRST (0800 454 373)
Kidsfirst Kindergartens, PO Box 8089, Christchurch 8440