Kidsfirst Rutland Street

Rutland Street

It’s hard to believe today, but 40 years ago there were no male teachers in any of our kindergartens.

Tamariki show off their hand-made Christmas outfits at Kidsfirst Rutland Street.

It wasn’t until 1975 that male teachers were introduced into the kindergarten teaching profession. Mrs W.I Haggit, Principal of the Kindergarten Teachers College at the time said in the 1974 Annual Report…

“In 1975 Hadfield House will ring with the voices of men as well as women…”

“For Kindergarten it is truly the end of an era and the opening of a promising new one.”

It was a timely change that has brought great benefits to our kindergartens and the children. Tahu Loper, a teacher at Kidsfirst Rutland St says a little bit of Māori culture and a bit of ‘blokey’ culture is what he brings to the kindergarten.

Male teachers in early childhood education are no longer an exception and Kidsfirst has been proactive in the area from the seventies onwards.

1030x579 Gallery RUTLAND_0014_george adams blockbuilding rust 1997

The children, the learning, and the laughter are ever present at Kidsfirst, which hasn’t changed throughout the years.

1030x579 Gallery RUTLAND_0000_feb 1986 corn

Corn grown in the garden of Rutland Street, proudly displayed by the children, date uncertain.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

Outside in the playground at Kidsfirst Rutland Street in 1986.
Kidsfirst Rutland Street in 1983.
Playing with conflour gloop in 1997 at Kidsfirst Rutland Street.
1982 Head teacher Annina Damiano with Mary-ann the lamb and some of the children.
Kidsfirst Rutland Street’s Head teacher Miss Diamiano as Little Bo Peep in 1987.
Dressed for fun at the 1984 Christmas Party at Kidsfirst Rutland Street.
1984 Grandparents’ Day at Kidsfirst Rutland Street.
Dressed up for the Christmas party in the eighties.
Drafted into the Fire Brigade at Kidsfirst Rutland Street in 1982.
The 1996 Big Snow at Kidsfirst Rutland Street.
Reading on Grandparents’ Day in 1997.
Grandparents’ Day at Kidsfirst Rutland Street 1997.