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Difference between revisions of "Waiheke Montessori Centre"

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Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott and Kim Ngawhika. They established Waiheke Montessori Centre, which first opened it's doors to the public at the beginning of 1997. The Centre provided education, based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method, up until 2007.  
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The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_method Montessori Method] was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott. He established Waiheke Montessori Centre, to provide an education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, for his own children, and the local community.
  
The early childhood section operated as a licensed playgroup, and the elementary classes as a legal homeschooling group - accountable to the NZ Ministry of Education for curriculum monitoring. The 'grassroots', home-based feel, proved popular with a large number of families who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children.
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The Early Childhood section operated as a licensed Playgroup, and the Elementary class, as a legal Homeschooling Group - accountable to the Ministry of Education for curriculum approval. The grassroots, home-based feel, proved popular with a number of island personalities who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children. Complimenting the long established Wardolf - Steiner programme at Fossil Bay Farm, the Centre gave parents a second, alternative schooling option based on an humanist, holistic philosophy.  
  
The Centre existed in a number of locations, once occupying Hekerua Lodge, and needed to continually adapt to the needs of the enrolled body. With limited funding, the Centre relied heavily on parental contributions.
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During its existence, a number of additional programmes were promoted by the Centre, including: The After School Club (bussing students from Te Huruhi for after school care), The Adventure Project (providing an educational summer programme), and the Children's Film Academy (entering in the 48-hour Film Festival).
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Existing in a number of locations (once occupying [[Hekerua Lodge]]) the organization needed to continually cater to the needs, and size, of a fluctuating student body. With limited funding, and relying heavily on parental contributions, the Centre had to continually evolve and adapt.
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The eventual opening of a promising, second primary school on the island led to a drop in enrollments. That coupled with poor funding, meant that the Centre was no longer sustainable. The school finally closed its doors at the end of 2006.
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[[Category:Education]]

Latest revision as of 21:04, 1 April 2009

The Montessori Method was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott. He established Waiheke Montessori Centre, to provide an education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy, for his own children, and the local community.

The Early Childhood section operated as a licensed Playgroup, and the Elementary class, as a legal Homeschooling Group - accountable to the Ministry of Education for curriculum approval. The grassroots, home-based feel, proved popular with a number of island personalities who wanted a less institutionalized education model for their children. Complimenting the long established Wardolf - Steiner programme at Fossil Bay Farm, the Centre gave parents a second, alternative schooling option based on an humanist, holistic philosophy.

During its existence, a number of additional programmes were promoted by the Centre, including: The After School Club (bussing students from Te Huruhi for after school care), The Adventure Project (providing an educational summer programme), and the Children's Film Academy (entering in the 48-hour Film Festival).

Existing in a number of locations (once occupying Hekerua Lodge) the organization needed to continually cater to the needs, and size, of a fluctuating student body. With limited funding, and relying heavily on parental contributions, the Centre had to continually evolve and adapt.

The eventual opening of a promising, second primary school on the island led to a drop in enrollments. That coupled with poor funding, meant that the Centre was no longer sustainable. The school finally closed its doors at the end of 2006.