Our philosophy
Shalom Kindergarten is honoured to faithfully continue welcoming and providing inclusive care and support for the learning and life journeys of tamariki, parents, whanau and kaiako from a Christian worldview.
From this perspective we are growing in our acknowledgement and value of the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua and mana whenua. We honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi, New Zealand’s bi -cultural heritage and our ever -changing multi -cultural society.
It is a privilege to provide a local curriculum in collaboration with tamariki, parents and whānau underpinned by Te Whaariki and Shalom’s values of mahira (curiosity), atawhai (kindness), manaakitanga (respect), aumangea (resilience) and mahi tahi (teamwork)- a process that continues throughout their life- time.
Our Christian values
Shalom Kindergarten’s Christian philosophy centers on cultivating a holistic early learning environment rooted in biblical "Shalom"—the ultimate peace, wholeness, and right relationship with God, others, self, and creation. As a community-based service in Aotearoa New Zealand, our philosophy intertwines a distinctively Christian worldview with the bicultural framework of Te Whāriki, honoring tamariki (children) as precious, God-given gifts.
Our curriculum is structured around the living examples of truth, love, and service. We intentionally cultivate core learning dispositions that double as lasting life foundations:
Kindness (Aroha) - We actively model the unconditional love, compassion, and grace demonstrated by Jesus Christ. We encourage tamariki to use helpful hands, speak gentle words, and show empathy, ensuring every family experiences a deep sense of belonging and manaakitanga (hospitality).
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Resilience (Manawaroa) - We believe that emotional and spiritual strength is developed in a safe, supportive environment. We build a secure identity in God's love, giving children a firm foundation to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence, viewing mistakes as opportunities to grow.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13
Curiosity (Aha Ngākau) -We view the world as a classroom designed by a creative God, sparking a lifelong love for discovery. We foster wonder and imagination by encouraging children to ask deep questions, nurturing a desire to study, explore, and care for God’s creation.
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” — Psalm 111:2
Teamwork (Kotahitanga) - We celebrate the joy of community and the power of working together as the body of Christ. We create spaces where children learn to share, communicate, and solve problems together, encouraging tamariki to use their unique, God-given strengths to uplift their peers.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Respect (Whakaute) - We teach tamariki to honor the inherent dignity of every individual as someone made in the image of God. We value the unique backgrounds and voices of all families, faithfully weaving te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into our daily routines to honor Māori as tangata whenua.
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers…” — 1 Peter 2:17
We view early childhood education as a sacred partnership between the home and the kindergarten. By working collaboratively alongside parents and whānau, our kaiako (teachers) provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. We walk alongside families to empower every tamaiti (child) to confidently step into their purpose on life’s journey.