MEMORIES: Former pupils and teachers returned to Anne West kindergarten to rekindle memories of years past when 60 years of kindergarten in Kaitaia was celebrated.
MEMORIES: Former pupils and teachers returned to Anne West kindergarten to rekindle memories of years past when 60 years of kindergarten in Kaitaia was celebrated.
Sixty years of kindergarten in Kaitaia (and at Doubtless Bay) was celebrated last month, many teachers past and present, committee/association and kindy kids of years ago reacquainting themselves with their kindergartens, and gathering at Te Ahu later in the day to reminisce.
Memories of their pre-school years might have dimmed for some, but it was very clear that the kindergarten story went far beyond mat time and morning teas.
A huge effort went into acquiring the various approvals, a site and the money needed to build Kaitaia's first kindergarten, since re-renamed in memory of Anne West, which opened in 1955.
CONSTANT: Much had changed since Raewyn Jackson began teaching in 1966, but not the love of seeing children learn. PICTURE/LEE GAMBLE
Raewyn Jackson (nee Steed, formerly Martinac) recalled her introduction to a career that would span some 40 years when she arrived at Kaitaia (Anne West) Kindergarten as a newly qualified teacher in 1966. The first thing that impressed her was the fundraising.
"Jigsaw puzzles were made and sold throughout New Zealand, and some Pacific countries, all done by volunteers," she said. "Anne West cut out every puzzle with a fretsaw. They were then sanded, painted, varnished, packed and posted, a mammoth task for a small number of people."
A lot of the money raised went into the building of Kaitaia's second kindergarten, Mission Place, in 1976, followed a year or two later by Doubtless Bay, at Taipa.
"Kindergartens have made many changes since then, but the love of children, seeing them learn and enjoy life, remains a constant," Mrs Jackson said.
GENERATION GAP: Thomas Russell, a pupil at Doubtless Bay Kindergarten, was there to see Phyllis Tailby, a member of the original founding council, cut the cake.
Highlights for her included seeing the first children become parents themselves, then grandparents, some choosing to enrol those children and grandchildren at Mission Place, others simply visiting, proudly, giving her the chance to touch their lives once more, and to share hers.
"As spring nears I remember the children's delight as monarch butterflies laid their eggs and their lifecycle began once more. I remember my trepidation when I tagged my first butterfly and released it, then supporting the children as they learned to do the job, so gently," she said.
"When I make soup I think of the winters when we picked the vegetables we had grown, and how many fingernails were grated (mine too) as we prepared them. And the children who announced that they didn't like soup, but braved a small spoonful of what they had made and went back for a cupful.
"We managed to be involved in the community; a student ringing the bell at St Saviour's, visits to and from schools, the Switzer Home, the ambulance, fire and police stations, the butcher's shop. If the children thought we could and should do it we would give it a try.
"Children have few inhibitions; perhaps we as adults could learn a lot from observing them," she added.
"I know I gained a lot of pleasure and knowledge from working with them, and I thank you all for that. Long may we smile, laugh and enjoy each other."
- Full sets of Lee Gamble's photos are available (for $25) on DVD or USB from association manager Lynda Maskell, phone (09) 409-8280, email kdkainc@xtra.co.nz
