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A small Christian early learning centre in Papakura is celebrating 20 years this month.
Little Sunbeams sits next to the Redhill Community Centre and offers early childhood services for children aged two to five.
Luisa Lyth helped set up the centre 20 years ago and was the first head teacher, working alongside one other staff member, Annette Hattie.
“We started with eight children with our first day in October 2005. Now the centre is licensed for 30 children. I’m pleased that we’ve kept it as a small centre. You get to know children better, not just keeping an eye on them.”
They later added Connie Howell as a third teacher, and she is now the administrator for the centre.
While Lyth no longer works at the centre, she said it was “incredibly rewarding” seeing how much Little Sunbeams has grown over the years.
“It’s just lovely to see both the children and the centre develop and grow. I’ve always felt that children need to be happy, they need to be in a happy environment to be able to learn.“
Head teacher Genelyn Reyes said that partnerships between parents, families, whānau, and the community were key to a child’s success.
“We aim to provide a variety of interesting, challenging, and educational play choices for your child to have fun with, to learn through their play, and acquire self-help skills to prepare them for school.
“Little Sunbeams has a wonderful community who have supported us over the past 20 years, and I’m sure they will continue to do so in the future. We hope to celebrate with you on December 19.”
- Little Sunbeams 20th celebrations, 11am to 2pm, December 19, 163 Dominion Road, Papakura.
