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Difference between revisions of "Waiheke Montessori Centre"

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m (Kim Ngawhika wishes not be named on the site and felt she was a teacher rather than a co-founder)
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Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott. He established '''Waiheke Montessori Centre''', which first opened its 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.