Following the struggles of the war years, society had a newfound optimism in the 1950s and settled happily into a suburban lifestyle that seemed a utopia after the sacrifices and rationing of World War II.  

The quote below is from Rene Wilkie in the 1944 Christchurch Kindergarten Chronicle details this change in attitude as New Zealand entered the 1950s.

“As we enter 1945, the war news seems to give indications of the possibility of peace in Europe in the not-so-far distant future. So it is with optimism and trust that we look forward to a constructive year in our chosen work with little children.”

Kidsfirst Shirley, and other kindergartens at the time, were founded on the back of this increased optimism and part of the forward looking plan for not only children and early education but a larger plan for a peaceful society as well. 

In that same Chronicle, Rene Wilkie pondered on the War if only kindergarten had spread through Europe – we wonder how different the history books would read!

“If Hitler had gone to Kindergarten – if he and his likes had absorbed the Kindergarten atmosphere of comradeship and friendliness in their formative years – this war of cruel aggression would never have come to pass.”