Off to Big School

Our 2012 preschoolers began school today.

They all approached their first day at Kindergarten with confidence and we are proud of them all for making their transition between preschool and 'BIG school' an easy one.

Our big kids after their first day...ready to go home, rest and absorb all the new information they have learnt at Kindergarten.
We are so proud of them all.

What is in a name?

 

What is Kids on the Rock???

 

 

Why is it also called Learning with a view???

 

 

The Montessori Kinderhaus had been running for 3 years on Norfolk Island.
At first it was just known as Montessori or as Kinderhaus. But the parents of last years students nicknamed it 'Monti' as Aussies, New Zealanders and Norfolk Islanders seem to shorten any name that is too long.
The previous Director wanted to rename it something special like Children's Paradise (which it is).

There were plenty of other names thrown around by parents such as these names in the Norf'k language. Hapi letl haus ~ Happy Little House
and Letl salan senta ~ Children's Centre

My own children came up with Minuscule (like the TV show) which they then transposed to 'Mini School' (which was still the fore runner in my mind, it was very cute).

I asked many of our parents and my family what sounded like the most fun place to come to and it kept coming back to the Rock.

"The Rock" is what Norfolk Island is affectionately known as by the locals as it is a small island of volcanic rock in the middle of the South Pacific.

So Preschool became Kids on the Rock.

The learning with a view tag line came from on of the infant teachers (and fellow blogger) here at Norfolk Island Central School while thinking of an appropriate name for the preschool.

"Learning with a view" is twofold in its meaning. It refers to how we have learnt in view of our Montessori beginnings and also to the Magnificent view we get to drink in each day from the preschool.

I feel so joyful coming here, wouldn't you?

What name would you have come up with?

you are invited

To find out more information about our preschool and the educational programme offered
please call Cristina on 51862
or email norfolkislandphotos@gmail.com

open day

Australia day theme

 

We are still enjoying the new themes each week at Kids on the Rock preschool.

This week we celebrated Australia day.

Everyone brought in Aussie icons and books to read, we had an amazing collection of books, songs and kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and kookaburras.



Our favourite tale was Wombat stew told with all the ingredients found at the preschool. We looked at the music, the map and states of Australia, the currency and the flora and fauna.

Then we had some fun with the flags with games and activities. Our favourites were soccer obstacle course around the flags and then some maths by counting the flags as well as using our times tables to add all the stars together.
 
 Being clever little Vegemite's, we made some Damper and then had to decide whether to put golden syrup or Vegemite on while it was still warm from the oven. It was yummy no matter what.
Another stamp for our preschool passports.
 Happy Australia day!

Farewell to The Montessori Kinderhaus, hello to new beginnings

Today marks the transition from the Montessori Kinderhaus to a new Preschool educational experience on Norfolk Island.

On Monday 17^th of December The Montessori Kinderhaus on Norfolk Island said goodbye to its founder and teacher Rauni Lange and her daughter Nalani as they begin their next big adventure.

The Montessori Kinderhaus began on Norfolk Island in 2010 and followed the principles of the teaching work of Dr.Maria Montessori. Rauni who has trained in the Montessori Method has offered her expertise to the families of preschool children for the past 3 years here on Norfolk Island. She has built up a vast array of educational materials and has seen many children bloom under her guidance. Without exception is this year’s preschool group as they transition to Kindergarten at Norfolk Island Central School with sound knowledge and confidence in themselves.

At the end of January 2013, The Montessori Kinderhaus will become Kids on the Rock Educational Preschool.

Using the new Motto ‘Learning with a View’, the Director Cristina McRitchie will use her previous experience and qualifications with pre-schoolers to continue on the early learning experience offered to families with 3-5 year olds here.

Learning with a view refers to its beginnings as a Montessori Kinderhaus and the view taken of how the children have learned in that style so far as well as the spectacular and ever changing ocean views we enjoy daily at Prince Phillip drive.

The new preschool offers the same fully equipped yet homelike environment. By keeping the numbers of attendees small, the teacher can spend time with each child individually to guide them to learning success.

Offering a year round education other than being closed for the 2 weeks over Christmas and public holidays, parents have their choice of 2,3,4 and 5 days of attendance for their child. Our hours are 9-3pm. Parents are updated regularly of their child’s progress and activities they have taken part in. At the end of their preschool journey, they will have a folder to keep of their achievements so far. We look forward to many excursions to discover and explore the island to satisfy curious minds and active bodies.

Cristina holds a Diploma of early education and has spent the last 3 years working with Rauni at the Kinderhaus learning the Montessori Method as well as using all the educational resources which will stay at Kids on the Rock. Cristina is also studying a Bachelor of early childhood studies (early learning management) externally at CQUniversity. With Mandy Ellem on the teacher team, the educational preschool journey continues for local families well into the future.

Thank you to all past and current families who helped to farewell and thank Rauni for all her contributions toward early education on this island and for making this transition an easy one for everyone.

Kids on the rock educational preschool is looking for community help for donations of scrap paper of packaging and craft materials, old towels or  face washers from accommodation houses and  spare size 2-5 clothing. Also offers to visit on excursions to local places of interest and businesses around the island.

There are very few places available at the preschool each day, if you wish to view the preschool at any time or need any extra information, please call Cristina on 51862.
Email norfolkislandphotos@gmail.com