Te Kāhui Toetoe
PHILOSOPHY
These are the values that shape the Te Kāhui Toetoe Philosophy
Our Family & Community
Whānau
Education at Three Trees Learning Centre is a collaborative process. Tamariki, kaiako, whānau and the community constantly engage to reflect on the aspirations for all Tamariki. Our TTLC team are
passionate about authentically communicating in a culturally responsive way that embeds a sense of belonging for all of our learning community. We recognise the importance of taking time to establish meaningful relationships with our families and affirming our community connections. We value the knowledge that whānau bring with them to our setting and encourage all members of the learning
community to play an active role in our curriculum.
Our Environment
Taiao
Our learning environment is enriched with love and the atmosphere is calm and nurturing. At Three Trees Learning Centre, we foster the tamariki’s innate tendency to seek connections with nature and
other forms of life. We value the environment as the third teacher and are committed to creating spaces that are reflective of the children’s learning. The children enjoy the freedom of leading their
own learning; exploring and discovering within our environment. Children learn most effectively when they are connecting deeply with nature through play experiences. The concept of sustainability is introduced through hands on learning experiences with a focus on growing knowledge as to what it means to be a Kaitiaki of the land and environment.
Our Children
Tamariki
Our tamariki are respected and trusted as capable, creative, confident learners and are celebrated for who they are and where they come from. The children are supported to be active participants in their own learning journey through purposeful child-led play and respected for their capacity to investigate, explore and maintain curiosity in the world around them. We value the benefits that the
connection and immersion in nature can offer in supporting a child’s holistic well-being. We recognise the importance of fostering opportunities for developing social interactions with peers,
the learning environment and teachers. By placing a high priority on these relationships, it provides the foundation for establishing emotional safety, self-awareness, self-motivation and self-regulation.
Our Teachers
Kaiako
All our kaiako encourage and support tamariki to explore and discover the world around them. Our kaiako develop learner focused relationships with tamariki and remain true to their role of nurturing, encouraging and inspiring the holistic development of all children. We place high importance on fostering trust, respect and connection, while acting as advocates for all children and their families.
Three Trees Learning Centre kaiako are committed to being lifelong learners who thoughtfully and intentionally strive to provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment. Our teaching team
engage in reciprocal and collaborative relationships with tamariki, whānau and community to ensure our learners feel confident in their identities, abilities and culture.
TE KĀHUI TOETOE
The Gathering of Toetoe
Toetoe are our largest native grasses. They are hardy, abundant and commonly found around wetlands and across the Kā Pākihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha, the Canterbury Plains, from the mountains to the sea.
Traditionally the kākaho or stems were harvested for lining and decorating the walls and roofs of whare. They were also used for making kete, whāriki, kites, darts, torches and spears. Both the kākaho and pua or flowers were used for medicinal purposes.
Fast growing, toetoe is quick to establish lower shelter to protect seedlings and smaller plants. It is frequently found growing in clumps in close proximity to harakeke and tī kōuka, providing the perfect combination of weaving materials for clothing, mats and construction.
Te Kāhui Toetoe recognises the important role toetoe plays in the environment as a nurturer and provider.
The traditional name of Rolleston, Tauwharekākaho also recognises the significance of the kākaho in the construction of whare.
Three Trees Learning Centre is the whare which provides the shelter, framework and care for the young seedlings in the Rolleston community much like the toetoe does in nature.
"Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati."
Alone we can be broken. Together we are invincible.
This whakataukī or proverb by Kīngi Tāwhiao of Waikato, talks about the strength of unity.
Together we can create a better future for our people and our environment.