Te Puke Kindergarten children and staff are eager to sparkle at today's 60th jubilee commemoration.

The kindergarten officially opened in March 1963 – seven years after the community began raising money for the purpose-built facility.

'Our kindergarten is a real home away from home for our families,” says head teacher Melissa Stevenson.

'We work really hard to make sure this is a place that belongs to the community. We're the kaitiaki who look after the place but it really is for the community.”

It was in 1956 that a meeting was held about the need for a pre-school in Te Puke. 'We're very proud that 60 years later, we're still a free kindergarten,” says Melissa. 'We provide quality education and a place where children can play deeply, creatively and imaginatively.”

She admits it's been a fun exercise looking back through history. 'We've found old class photos and newspaper clippings and the children are really excited,” says Melissa.

'Two parents are cutting the cake; one was a former student whose children attended the kindergarten; the other's first three children have been through. We're waiting on the fourth who hasn't even been born yet! We also have a lot of former teachers coming along and our senior management team will be here.”

Some historic shots of people at the kindergarten, which is celebrating 60 years' existence in Te Puke. Photos: supplied.

After speeches, the gathering will enjoy a barbecue lunch reminiscing. 'The children have run with the ‘diamond jubilee' idea and have got their bling on. We'll also plant a weeping rosebud cherry tree to mark the occasion.

It's actually a double celebration with one of the kids turning five and heading off to school.

'This really is the best job in the world. It's very rewarding,” says Melissa. 'We really honour our position in the community. We're very proud of our tamariki and our role of nurturing them here in Te Puke. We're a whanau.”

Anyone can drop in today to join the commemoration. Te Puke Kindergarten is part of the Tauranga Regional Free Kindergarten Association network, known as Inspired Kindergartens. A not-for-profit with 25 community-focused kindergartens.