The staff and children at Brookfield Kindergarten are eager to hear stories from former students at the facility's 50th birthday celebrations this Saturday, November 12.
It's holding an open day and inviting people who've attended in the past to bring their photos and memories.
'We'll have speeches and a cake along with a sausage sizzle, outdoor games and face painting,” says head teacher Kerry Neas. 'We're really excited to look through old photos and chat about the history of the kindergarten.”
Brookfield Kindergarten opened in 1972 and was immediately popular.
'It had a waiting list of over 100,” says Kerry. 'It was very much needed and wanted in the community and has always been community-focused.
'When I saw this job advertised three years ago, that's exactly what I was excited about. The place that we have in Brookfield is an inclusive and diverse community with different cultures and ages. Just like a family, I just love it.”
While that remains a strong focus for the kindergarten, the facility itself has moved with the times.
'The environment that the children play in has changed through the years,” says Kerry. 'We're now much more conscious of sustainability. It's a more natural playground with trees and vege gardens. It's been a lovely journey to go through.”
Kathy Griffiths and her family had just moved into the area when she put her then two-year-old into Brookfield Kindy in 1979.
'We didn't know anyone but the staff and other parents at the kindy were so friendly and welcoming,” says Kathy. 'I remember they had budgies that the kids loved. My son spent hours playing with trucks and digging in the sand pit. It's nice to know other parents are getting the support with their kids that we did.”
Brookfield Kindergarten is part of the Tauranga Regional Free Kindergarten Association network, known as Inspired Kindergartens. A not-for-profit with 25 community-focused kindergartens.
Brookfield Kindergarten's 50th birthday celebration Open Day is 10am-midday Saturday, November 12.