Kindy visits dentist

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 404, 21 July 1992, Page 12

Kindy visits dentist

BYJANSAVELL Children from the Weir Tce Kindergarten opened wide for the dental nurse last week. Robyn Rewharewha, Dental Nurse for Waiouru Primary School, talked to the children about dental hygiene, showed them her equipment and gave rides in her special chair. The visit was part of the Kindergarten' s programme which focuses on health and safety this month. Other features include process cooking,

fire and earthquake drills, fire engine visits and new songs, stories and puppet shows. Being safe and developing good self-esteem are always given high priority at the kindergarten. Weir Tce continues to operate a vertical grouping (whanau) system which is designed to allow children to develop at their own pace in a family type environment. "Children growing up in the military environ-

ment often have an unsettled family life; Dad away on exercise, shifting house or other disruptions," said Sue Kumeroa, head teacher for Weir Tce Kindergarten. "We wanted to put something in place which would reinforce loving, caring and sharing values. We've found that the family environment created by the vertical grouping has done this. The children are respecting each other and

building good self-es-teem." Sue is enthusiastic about the role models that the older children provide and welcomes parents to the sessions at any-time. "Just having them there contributes to the family atmosphere. Parent help is not required, they can just put their feet up by the fire." Three teacher staffing allows individual and group activities to take place.