Back to Centre: New Beginnings, Old Friendships, and Endless Possibilities!

Kia ora whānau! The summer holidays have come and gone, for most of us, without sun-soaked memories or sandy shoes as the weather wasn’t that friendly!  Now, it’s time to get back into the swing of things – routines, packed lunches, and all those special moments we love about ECE life.

Coming back after a break is always a bit of a mixed bag, isn’t it? There’s excitement about seeing friends again, but also a little hesitation about stepping back into familiar spaces. It’s totally normal – for both tamariki and parents! What’s amazing is how quickly our little ones settle back in, diving headfirst into play, rediscovering their favorite toys, and proudly showing off their holiday stories (or, in some cases, new words they’ve picked up!).

Historically, the start of a new year has always been about renewal. Whether it was ancient communities gathering to learn from each other or whānau passing down stories and pūrakau during key seasons. In a way, we’re doing the same thing here. Every day at the Centre is about building on what tamariki already know while giving them space to explore new ideas, try new things, and grow at their own pace.

We’ve already seen so many lovely moments – big smiles and hugs for friends and tamariki keen to try something new. It’s heartwarming to see them reconnect with their friends and start fresh adventures. And while they’re busy learning through play, we’re here to cheer them on, guide them gently, and celebrate every little milestone along the way.

So here’s to 2025!  A fresh start, full of laughter, learning and plenty of sandpit creations.  We’re so happy to welcome you all back and we can’t wait to see where this year takes us all.

Ngā mihi nui,
Whaea Sarah and the CHELC Team 🌟