Welcome to
Montessori at Otari
Preschool & Playgroup
Our vision is to nourish the human spirit to create a better world.
Ka whāngaia te wairua o te tangata kia hangaia he ao painga atu
We do this by supporting the holistic development of each child who attends our Playgroup (ages 0 – 3) and / or Preschool (ages 3 – 6).
We offer high-quality, authentic Montessori Early Childhood education, with well trained, experienced and friendly staff. The Preschool follows the principles and practices of the Montessori philosophy as well as those outlined in Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.
Our hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to either 1pm or 2.45pm. We also offer an optional holiday programme for enrolled children, for the 6 weeks of school holidays during the year.
NEXT OPEN DAY
Saturday 15th March
2025, from 10am-12pm
Term Dates for 2025
Term 1
From Thursday 23rd January to Friday 11th April (Preschool closed for Waitangi Day- Thursday 6th February)
Optional Holiday Programme for Week 1 of the School Holidays
Term 3
From Monday 14th July to Friday 19th September
Optional Holiday Programme for Week 1 AND week 2 of the School Holidays
Term 2
From Monday 28th April to Friday 5th July
(Preschool closed for King’s Birthday - Monday 2nd June and Matariki - Friday 20th June)
Optional Holiday Programme for Week 1 AND week 2 of the School Holidays
Term 4
From Monday 6th October to Friday 19th December
(Preschool closed for Labour Day - Monday 27th October)
Areas of Practice
How we will achieve our vision
Supporting the holistic development of each child (physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual);
Encouraging each child to be a life- long learner with the confidence to positively contribute in their community;
Providing high quality, authentic Montessori Early Childhood education, with well trained and experienced staff;
Applying MANZ guiding principles, closely woven to TeWhariki , honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporating the Virtues Project;
Promoting the biculturalism of Aotearoa and embracing the cultural diversity of our unique community;
Facilitating the involvement of our whanau, staff, Council, Otari Primary school and the wider community to foster positive, respectful relationships
Values
Our values guide our Preschool. They support our decisions, lead our conduct and reflect the special nature of Montessori at Otari Preschool.
Akoranga: We promote independence, curiosity and creativity, in a Montessori prepared environment that allows individual freedom balanced with responsibility.
Kaitiakitanga: We support, nurture, protect and respect each other, our community and the environment, now and for the future.
Manaakitanga: We show kindness, respect and aroha in everything we do, to enhance the mana of tamariki, kaiako and whānau, where everybody feels welcome and valued.
Whanaungatanga: We collectively foster positive and meaningful relationships.
Kotahitanga: We provide a safe and inclusive environment that is equitable for all and celebrates diversity, to build unity within our community.
Montessori Education
The Montessori philosophy advocates the holistic development of the child. It is based on a belief in the child's innate potential. Montessori education from the earliest years will prepare your child for life by encouraging:
Independence
Concentration
Coordination
Self esteem
Inner motivation
Respect for each other
Respect for their environment
A love of learning
“Free the child's potential, and you will transform them into the world.”
– Maria Montessori