Kidsfirst Vickery Street

Vickery Street

Vickery Street Kindergarten opened in 1980.

Getting dressed up and putting on a concert is a great combination for tamariki, as shown in this shot from 2014.

In the seventies, kindergarten was very different to the “kindy” format that was established at the beginning of the century. Free play had replaced the very structured timetable, with compulsory rest times, and the teachers embraced a more relaxed atmosphere and working relationship with the children.

Parents were encouraged to stay and participate rather than just drop their children at the door as had been the practice for decades before.

At that time, the kindergarten is remembered fondly as being a great addition to the community and our Association.

Te Ao Māori has always been a strong characteristic of Kidsfirst Vickery Street, with common occurrences such as hangi, different means of cultural inclusion and skill building and in later years the celebration of Matariki

The environment has also always been very important and the sandpit has been a central focus of the kindergarten and a place of lots of activity over the years. And it’s certainly proved popular for more than fifty years! You just can’t beat some lawn to run on and a great sandpit.

The big backyards at kindy are places of interest and entertainment, especially when it snows and they’re covered in white! The big snow of 1996.

1030x579 Gallery VICKERY_0005_93 tyre girls

Much of the fun of kindy is in time spent with friends, as shown with these tamariki in an old tractor tyre in 1993.

Memories from our kindergarten album:

Kidsfirst Vickery Street’s opening in 1978.
Celebration time at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.
Celebration time at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.
Celebration time at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.
In the backyard at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.
Tamariki line up beside the sandpit in the early 90’s
Balloon Day at Kidsfirst Vickery Street to celebrate the centenary.
Getting your hands dirty at Kidsfirst Vickery Street in 1989.
Hangi at Kidsfirst Vickery Street in 1988.
Kidsfirst Vickery Street contributed a large heart filled with multiple little hearts for the Kidsfirst Values project.
The kindy gathers at Kidsfirst Vickery Street in 2014.
The kindy gathers at Kidsfirst Vickery Street in 2014.
Young children enjoying Whånau Time at Kidsfirst Vickery Street in 2016
The kindergarten in 2016
Kidsfirst Vickery Street celebrate Matariki in 2016.
Matariki celebrations at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.
Kidsfirst Vickery Street celebrate Matariki in 2016.
Kidsfirst Vickery Street celebrate Matariki in 2016.
Kidsfirst Vickery Street celebrate Matariki in 2016.
Kidsfirst Vickery Street celebrate Matariki in 2016.
Vintage Car Day to celebrate the centenary, at Kidsfirst Vickery Street.