KINDERGARTEN

In the early 1980s, a group of parents and supporters established a Steiner kindergarten near Motueka. This initiative found a permanent home in a refurbished building at 33 Wallace St, in the centre of town, and in 2009 we completed the renovation of a brand new kindergarten in the adjacent building. The Kindergarten takes children between the ages of 3 and 6 1/2. It is a registered licensed early childhood centre participating in the Ministry of Educations 20 hours ECE programme.

These beautiful spaces provide all the facilities that the Ministry of Education requires, while still retaining the special feeling that makes Waldorf teaching spaces so warm and unique.

The Kindergarten offers morning sessions (9.00am – 1.15pm) Monday to Friday.

The programme has two keynotes; the creation of a daily rhythm and the fostering of imaginative play using natural materials. This daily rhythm balances periods of free play with times of more directed activity.

Each morning begins with imaginative play, after which artistic activities are introduced in a weekly cycle. Each day has its own special feature; for example, Monday might be baking day, Tuesday painting day etc. Sewing, weaving, bees’ wax modelling and drawing are also included and each activity has its special day. Little children, who may not yet know the names of the days, usually know when it is baking day or handcraft day! This rhythm is vitally important to the healthy development of the pre-school child.

After play, the children gather for Morning Circle – a time for movement through songs, poems, ring games and simple plays. This is followed by a shared morning tea; this social time is enjoyed by all, as we sit together and give thanks for our food.

Outside play in the garden and sandpit follows, and finally the children gather inside again for storytelling and goodbyes.

In the Kindergarten there are many festivals; we celebrate Easter, the Autumn Harvest, Midwinter, Spring, Michaelmas and Christmas. There are lanterns in Winter and a maypole dance in Spring. These festivals are times of magic and wonder for children and adults alike, and they feature as highlights of the yearly rhythm in our Kindergarten.

The Ministry of Education reviews the Kindergarten every three years. Its recent 'ERO Reports' can be viewed here:
2008 ERO Report
2005 ERO Report

Contact details:
Motueka Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten
33 Wallace St
PO Box 224
Motueka 7143
Email: mrss-kindergarten@clear.net.nz

PLAYGROUPS

Pioneer Hall, Riwaka

Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.30am – 12.00pm
The Pioneer Hall provides a beautiful environment, with natural floors and furniture, soft colours and a large number of Steiner toys and resources. The outdoor area features a large sandpit and a wonderful garden for the children to explore. There are flower beds, established trees, a fully fenced lawn and a beloved grassy knoll.
For any enquiries about the Riwaka Steiner Playgroup, please contact
Elinor Galbraith (03) 528 0189

Mapua/Ruby Bay

Wednesdays 9:30am – 12:00pm.
Contact: Doris Lindegger (03) 543 2472

Nelson Playgroup

The Nelson playgroup is held on Monday mornings at The Male Room, St Vincent Street, between 9.30 – 12 pm.

The space is fully fenced with a wooden playhouse, sandpit, large storage shed and kitchen facilities. If the weather is fine we generally spend most of the session outside. The morning starts with parents setting up the play space, followed by morning circle, where we sing songs and rhymes relevant to the season. We then gather inside or out at a low table and the children make their own bread roll from dough provided by the nominated parent for that week. While the bread bakes, children play and parents chat, prepare the morning tea, or participate in a craft activity. We gather together for a shared morning tea of fruit, and bread and honey. The session closes with a seasonal story and goodbye song. This year we have also taken trips to Natureland, the beach and a walk up to the Centre of New Zealand. These sessions are run through the co-operation and contribution of the parents. Enrolments for each term are taken in advance.

For any enquiries about the Nelson Playgroup, please contact Kirsten Syme on 03 547 9302.