This kindergarten operates all year, from mid-January until just prior to Christmas. We close for statutory holidays and five teacher-only days during the year. To accommodate families who need a longer day, we accept bookings from 8:30am – 5pm Monday-Friday.

At Richard Hudson Kindergarten we believe in the importance of:

• Te Akoranga (Essence of Learning)
• Whanaungatanga (Relationships)
• Tikanga Rua (Biculturalism)

By way of these pou (structures) we support children to become autonomous beings through the provision of holistic child-driven learning opportunities. We facilitate the development of positive, respectful relationships between children, whānau, team members and the wider community. This is encircled within an inclusive environment which demonstrates our commitment to the bicultural nature of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Teachers provide a quality, well-planned programme. Our spacious grounds allow our children to explore the natural world, experience caring for animals as well as learning about sustainability

Our History

The Kindergarten opened in Caversham Presbyterian Church Hall in 1908 and later shifted to a City Council Cottage. In 1926 the Hudson family gifted the building for Richard Hudson Kindergarten as a memorial to their father. We value our place in the Caversham community and in January 2020 welcomed the return of children to the Rutherford Street site after a short stay at the Lockerbie Street site. April 2020 also marks a new milestone in the history of Richard Hudson with a new look and new hours.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Our Philosophy - Working together as a team of passionate teachers who:

Take a holistic approach to children’s’ learning recognising the cognitive, social, physical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of human development.  The importance of the holistic approach is that children learn different things at different stages.

​We are committed to their own on-going learning - believing and practising Ako - where adults are both teacher and learner.

We achieve this through:

Sharing the same values and beliefs

Theorist that underpin our teaching and learning practice are:

Bronfenbrenner – nothing exists in isolation, we need each other to learn from each other.

Vygotsky – each child has a level of learning challenge that is appropriate for them, and are supported to achieve success as a learner.

Pikler – practising respect is vital for us all – in what we do, what we say, how we value people places and things.

Promoting Partnership with parents

Strong relationships are built on responsive, and reciprocal relationships.

Open communication is vital in building these relationships and this is achieved on a daily basis and through both informal and informal conversations. 

Demonstrating our commitment to Te tiriti o Waitangi

The centre acknowledges the dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and through partnerships, policies and practices provide an environment and curriculum experiences that enable children to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the bicultural nature of our land. 

Working together as a team of passionate teachers who:

Take a holistic approach to children’s learning recognising the cognitive, social, physical, cultural and spiritual aspects of human development.

Are committed to their own on-going learning - believing and practising Ako - where adults are both teacher and learner.

Sharing the same desired outcomes for children’s’ learning

Our centre curriculum is designed using the framework provided by the Principals, Strands, and Goals of Te Whāiriki - He Whāriki Matauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aoteroa – The Early Childhood Curriculum.  Our strengths lie in providing an environment that is rich in opportunities to help all children:

• Understand and practice sustainability
• Become skilled in technology 
• Experience mathematics and literacy in meaningful contexts

Children have the opportunity to build confidence in their own culture whatever that may be.

Through play children feel a sense of fun, playfulness and laughter as they learn to develop social competence with and alongside their friends and teachers.

Outcomes for children are strengthened by respecting and valuing parents’ aspirations and contributions to their child’s learning journey while at Jade Star.

Our aim is for children to grow up as confident and competent learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.