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.
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