top of page

OUR BOARD OF GOVERNANCE

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A THRIVING PRESCHOOL

PARENT INVOLVEMENT & SERVICE INFORMATION

We warmly welcome and value parent involvement in all aspects of our centre. Whānau are encouraged to take part in our daily programme, special events, and centre projects, as well as share their ideas, culture, and talents with us.

 

We are a not-for-profit community service and strive to remain as affordable as possible. Any fees charged are outlined in our enrolment information and are used to support the daily running of our preschool.

 

As part of our commitment to transparency, we share information about how Ministry of Education funding is used to support our tamariki and enhance our learning environment. A summary of this expenditure is hanging above the dough table.

 

We also regularly review our service to ensure we are meeting the needs of our children, whānau, and community. Consultation with parents and caregivers is a valued part of this process and we will always let you know when a review is planned and how you can be involved. We often leave Policies at the front table for you to read and comment on.

 

​

St Albans Community Preschool is proud to be a not-for-profit Incorporated Society, governed by a dedicated Board of volunteer parents and whānau. This Board plays a vital role in the life and future of our preschool – without it, we simply couldn’t exist.The Board is responsible for the long-term health, vision, and prosperity of the preschool. Working closely with our kaiako (teachers), whānau, and wider community, the Board ensures we continue to provide high-quality early childhood education in a caring, well-resourced environment. They also support the centre with strategic planning, self-reviews, policy development, and fundraising initiatives.

 

Our Board is accountable to both the Ministry of Education – from whom we receive our bulk funding – and to you, the parents and caregivers of our children. All funding we receive is used directly for the benefit of the children, including teaching salaries, equipment maintenance, learning resources, and the day-to-day running of the centre. Audited financial statements are on display for anyone wishing to learn more.

 

Board meetings are held once a month at preschool – usually at 7pm on the second Thursday. These meetings are open, and we warmly welcome new members at any time. You don’t need special experience – just a passion for community and a willingness to contribute. Perhaps a grandparent, friend, or colleague might be interested too – we’re always grateful for fresh ideas and extra hands. Joining the Board is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s learning journey, to help shape the future of our preschool, and to connect with other local families.

 

​

SUPPORTING OUR PRESCHOOL -

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”—and at St Albans Community Preschool, we deeply believe in the strength of our community. It also takes a village to run a high-quality, not-for-profit early childhood centre, and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our whānau and wider community.

 

We are proud of our strong culture of community involvement. Fundraising plays an essential role in helping us maintain and improve our preschool environment—while continuing to keep our fees low and our teacher-to-child ratios higher than Ministry requirements.

 

Two to three times a year, we reach out to our whānau and wider community to support fundraising events. These include initiatives like raffles, sausage sizzles, and family events. We’re incredibly grateful for the contributions of time, energy, and donated goods—everything from bread, onions, and sauces, to raffle prizes and organising support—helps make these events successful.

 

In addition to community fundraising, we also apply for funding grants through agencies such as Rātā Foundation, Christchurch City Council, Pub Charities, and others. If you or your workplace may be in a position to support us with sponsorship, vouchers, grants, or equipment donations, we would love to connect with you.

 

Your generosity and involvement—big or small—strengthen our preschool and help us offer the very best for all our tamariki.Our Fundraising Committee plays a key role in these efforts. If you have ideas, skills to share, or would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you! Meetings are held online (after the tamariki are tucked into bed) around four times per year.

 

​

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT US

There are many simple but powerful ways you can support our preschool:

 

  • Donations of supplies such as boxes of tissues, or playdough ingredients (oil, salt, flour, cream of tartar) are always appreciated

  • Able to fix a resource

  • Join our Fundraising Committee or volunteer for events throughout the year

  • Spread the word! Every time a family recommends us in a community Facebook group or to a friend, it makes a big difference—word of mouth is one of our most valuable tools for welcoming new families

 

Your support—big or small—helps us continue offering a warm, enriching, and high-quality early learning environment for all tamariki. Thank you for being part of our village. 

bottom of page