A Note from Sherryll

Welcome to the first Connect of 2023.

Can you believe we're already a couple of months into what promises to be a very busy year?

We are hoping that the crest of the Omicron wave is over, as things seem to be slowly settling down on that front. However, there is far from plain sailing, as so much of the country has been devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle, and the continuous bouts of rain in the Central and North of the North Island. Our thoughts are with those so badly affected.

This is likely to have a flow on effect to inflation, and the cost of living.

We know that it will be a tough time for many of our families and, I am so aware, for those in our Kidsfirst whānau, too.

Kidsfirst experienced a downturn in enrolments in 2022, and we all have much work ahead to bring us back to pre-Covid numbers – just like the rest of the country.

This is the time to make the most of the Get More initiative, if you are a kindergarten that offers it, by promoting extra hours whenever you can, to families who can benefit from it.

You, our kaiako, are experts at explaining the advantages for tamariki of more hours at kindergartens when it's appropriate, so please have that conversation with your whānau.

Open Day got remarkable coverage online, however, we were somewhat thwarted by the horrible weather on the day. It is encouraging, however, to see the interest it generated.

Our newest kindergarten at East Rolleston is almost ready to open, with nearly 80 tamariki waiting to become kindy kids! Our Glacier Country building has been transformed into a wonderful new space in this fast growing district.

There's lots planned, including our Hui (once again in person), the introduction of a new set of Kidsfirst values, our AGM, and much more – and that's just in the next few months!

So here's to a great 2023!

Sherryll

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