Press Release 8th March 2011

Kindergarten embarks on new journey

After 65 years of providing quality Early Childhood Education to the New Lynn community New Lynn Kindergarten is on the move once again.

The kindergarten was opened in 1946 in Saint Thomas’s church Hall and was moved to the present site at 1 Totara Avenue in 1956 to form part of the war memorial community centre in the heart of the New Lynn Village.

Initially the children Cambridge Clothing Factory employees provided the majority of the children attending the kindergarten; this strong parent/teacher connection was symbolised by the donation of the bricks to form the exterior of the building. The Parent Teacher partnership has continued over the years reflecting the importance of the kindergarten as a community asset. Parent committees fundraised to provide essential services and resources for the kindergarten and Teachers facilitated parent contact by presenting the kindergarten as a community centre, welcoming and involving families in the kindergarten life.

Over the years the makeup of the community has changed from a majority of European families to currently approximately 24 different cultures being represented in the kindergarten. However because of the roading changes the kindergarten is to move, initially to temporary premises briefly then to its new home in Ambrico Place in August of this year, where it will continue to provide quality early childhood education to the New Lynn community. A ceremony to recognise the significance of the kindergarten and its relocation will be held on; Saturday 12th March at the kindergarten; 1 Totara Avenue between 1—3 pm. Everyone who has a current or previous connection, or is interested in the kindergarten is warmly welcomed to come and visit, see and reminisce about their experiences to the teachers, children and parent community.

“While there is some documented history and photos; the teachers are keen to hear personal stories about the kindergarten to add to our history”, said Jan Hornblow, Head Teacher at New Lynn Kindergarten.

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