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Eden Campus
Early Learning Centre
Meet the Team
Our Mission
Side by Side
Being in the same building means we are a close knit team, and we make the most of opportunities to do things together.
Babies can start from as early as 6 weeks old. This means that you and your baby can continue to flourish and grow together while you complete your education.
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At Eden Campus we believe that things that could be seen as stumbling blocks, can be turned into stepping stones
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What courses can I do?All new students are assessed and put on an individual programme. Gaining literacy and numeracy is a priority, and achieving NCEA Level 2 is the minimum aim for all students. You will be encouraged to achieve as much as possible and many students at Eden Campus achieve NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance. There is a range of possible subjects, and we will try to ensure that students can continue with subjects studied at their prior school. Most students are enrolled with Te Kura (the Correspondence School) but they are supported by subject teachers on site who help them navigate their way through Te Kura courses, select suitable internal assessments, and draw on additional material where necessary. Where appropriate, students are also encouraged and supported to enter external examinations. Many other non-Correspondence School courses are also offered during the year, some of which offer NCEA credits. These include, barista and hospitality, early childhood care and education, high ropes, first aid, customer service and retail, travel and tourism, information technology, and budgeting.
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Can I see my baby during the day?Our school for young parents is upstairs, and the Early Learning Centre for children is downstairs. This means we can have a close connection between the two. You will be called downstairs when needed, for things such as breastfeeding, or if there are any questions or concerns regarding your child. You are also welcome to visit during your lunchtime and morning tea breaks. We find that this close connection also helps children transition smoothly into the centre.
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How much does it cost?We are virtually a fully funded unit which means that your course costs and childcare fees are covered by MOE & WINZ . This will rely on your regular attendance and making the most of the opportunities offered to you. There will be some small costs for some students during the year. These might include: * Lunch (Mon-Thurs): $8 per week * Lunch for your child once they are eating: $10 per week * Additional charges for activities and end of year expenses (some of which are optional) We can provide information about accessing financial support from youth providers via WINZ. You may also be entitled to a travel allowance.
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Is there a uniform?No, there is no uniform. We ask that everyone dresses appropriately and is neat and tidy.
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Is there a set timetable?Our days have a basic structure with class times running from 9am-3pm, and we follow the normal secondary school term dates. The Early Learning Centre is open from 8.30am so that you can settle your child before classes start. Our day is divided into three blocks - two in the morning and one in the afternoon. There are set times for morning tea and lunch. The timetable allows for flexiblitity and self-directed learning. Most of our teachers are part time and visit at least twice a week to provide subject support. This means there will be times when you are working with individual teachers, and on other occasions you will need to work independently. There will also be regular time allocated for special workshops and guest speakers.
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How many students are there?We are a small unit and can take up to 25 students. We tend to have between 18-20 students each year.
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How do I get started?The best way to find out more is to come for a visit and meet our team. Please contact Karen to make a time. Phone: (09)-638-3412 Email: kdonnelly@aggs.school.nz You are welcome to bring along family, friends, a support person or partner when you come to visit. Students can enrol at any time during the year (although babies should be at least 6 weeks old).
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How can I get there every day?We are situated in Mt Eden Village which is great for public transport - so it is easy to get here via bus and train. You may also be eligible for a transport allowance.
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Do I have to bring food for me and my baby?If your child is eating solids, we ask that you pay $10 per week towards the cost of your child’s food. We will provide them with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. For our student-parents, the cost is $8 per week for lunches Monday to Thursday. Please bring your own healthy snacks for morning tea. On Fridays, you are welcome to bring your own lunch or buy lunch in Mt Eden Village. Weetbix is always avalible for students thanks to the Kick Start Programme.
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Who are the teachers? When are they there?Upstairs, our Head Teacher, Karen Donnelly works full time. We also have an exceptional group of subject teachers who are with us generally two days per week: Rachel Stone for English Gyanesh Lal for Mathematics Karla Yorke for Sciences Jean Fletcher for Humanities Siobhan den Boogert provides Admin Support Downstairs with our children, we have a wonderful group of full-time teachers: Gosia Gryniewicz - Head Teacher Kathleen Ruston - Teaching Administrator Christine Fourie - Teacher
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What will my child be doing during the day?We have a beautiful Early Learning Centre on the ground level of our school. On a typical day, the children arrive between 8.30-9am and settle in to the care of our teachers. Morning tea is at 9.30am and lunch is between 11-12. After lunch, there is a sleep for the older children, followed by afternoon tea, and then it is generally home time. In our Centre, we provide a stimulating environment (both indoors and outdoors) where children are encouraged to learn and explore at their own pace. We respond to their play and their interests, and look to provide opportunities for uninterrupted learning. We follow the Te Whariki early childhood curriculum and have environments set up according to different age groups. Because most children are under 3, the main structure comes from mealtimes. The rest of the day we try to let the children set the flow and pace. During the summer months, we enjoy regular excursions in to our local community. Some Fridays we will have small adventures as a unit such as, trips to the local park, splash pad, and todder pool with the occasional ice cream. We also arrange mother and child activities during the year such as music and movement, and story time. We welcome wider whanau and friends to celebrate special occasions at our school - such as Matariki, Easter Party, Cafe Day, Mothers’ Day, and our Christmas Party.
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Will the teachers in the Early Learning Centre do what I ask? Or will they do what they think is best?We do our best to follow your routines from home. However, we are bound by MOE regulations, and health and safety laws. This means that there are some things we may have to do differently - and we will discuss these with you if they arise.
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What happens when I leave?In the time that you are at Eden Campus, you will have the opportunity to explore possible pathways for the future. We have access to AGGS careers advisor and Gateway programme. We offer help looking at different tertiary and vocational courses, and we also support students transitioning into employment. During your study there may also be opportunities for work experience.
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Do I have to come every day?Like any school, regular attendance is crucial to your success. You will be expected to attend unless you have a valid reason for being away. Our students have told us that having a regular routine really helps them to make progress in their studies, and for their child to settle in to the Early Learning Centre.
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Do we do things outside the classroom?To help bring your learning to life, we make the most of local events and have regular outings relevant to the curriulum e.g. - The theatre - Writers’ Festival, - Exhibitions - Cultral events - Local facilites - Netball tournaments We also offer general courses on topics such as self-defence, fitness, budgeting, parenting, quilting, grooming, nutrition, barista training, and crafts. We have regular visits from Plunket in the Early Learning Centre. Our Nurse visits every week and can assist you in a range of health needs.
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Who can come to the school?NZ residents of secondary school age (19 years and under) who are pregnant or who have a baby are eligible to enrol. Students over 19 years of age may be able to continue as adult students if they have shown good work habits and are achieving. Even if you have been out of school for a while, we will help you resume your education and support you to achieve your goals as quickly as possible.
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