Kidsfirst Kindergartens 100 Years Young

100 Years Young

Kidsfirst’s centenary commemorations proudly proclaimed that we were 100 Years Young!

There were as many different ways that our kindys used their ballons as there were kindergartens.

Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association, as it had been called in the early days, with a calendar of events under the banner of 100 Days of Kidsfirst.

The celebrations were delayed by the earthquake sequence that devastated Christchurch and Canterbury during 2010/11, which meant things were largely postponed until the following year.

There was a Vintage Car Day where classic automobiles visited every kindergarten, transporting guests special to that kindy. Every kindergarten was sent 100 balloons of varying colours which they put up on Balloon Day in a myriad of ways. There were archive boxes to store items for the future. A Quiz Night was held for kaiako and Head Office staff about our history. The Kidsfirst Book was launched and a copy given to everyone who worked for Kidsfirst Kindergartens. There was so much more (including 100 days of emails with interesting facts about our past).

And, of course, there was cake. At kindergarten there’s almost always cake to mark a special occasion.

Kidsfirst Kindergartens held a special Balloon Day which saw communities bursting with colour. Check out how your kindergarten showed its balloon style.

Children were fascinated by the old automobiles on Vintage Car Day. And they delighted in special guests who arrived in classic cars. See more.

Some images from our centenary:

Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! A pic from Quiz Night.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! A flashback in print.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! The tree decorated with ribbons at Kidsfirst Hargest Crescent.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! Vintage Car Day saw a Morris Minor from Lord Nuffield’s car company attend the kindergarten named after him.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! There were a set of cards with 100 ideas for fun and learning, new and old.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! Everyone got in the spirit for Balloon Day.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! A special morning tea was held at Sunbeam, the oldest kindergarten.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! A special morning tea was held at Sunbeam, the oldest kindergarten.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! A special morning tea was held at Sunbeam, the oldest kindergarten.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days!
Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrated the 100th anniversary in a wide variety of ways – for 100 days! The Morris Minor at Kidsfirst Nuffield Street on Vintage Car Day.