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Difference between revisions of "Waiheke Montessori Centre"

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(Kim doesn't wish her surname to be used in the article. When I established the school, Kim was pregnant and did not play an active role, and was yet to attain Montessori qualifications.)
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Montessori education was first brought to Waiheke in 1996 by Lee A Elliott (trained at St. Nicholas Montessori Teacher's College, having formed his first school in Sweden). Waiheke Montessori Centre was formed by Lee, along with the support of his partner Kim, to provide education based on Dr. Maria Montessori's method to the local community. But, also to provide a basis for the educational experience they wished for their unborn child.
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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. Complementing the Wardolf - Steiner programme at Fossil Bay Farm, the Centre gave parents a second option based on a humanist, holistic approach to education.  
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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. The Centre eventually closed its doors at the end of 2006. The opening of a second primary school on the island led to a drop in enrollments. That coupled with poor funding, and the schools founder moving overseas, meant that the Centre was no longer sustainable.
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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.