About Us
WE HELP CHILDREN FLOURISH
Vision
“Receive the children in reverence, educate them in love, let them go forth in freedom.”
Rudolf Steiner
Steiner Education is based on the understanding that every human being is a spiritual being on a purposeful life journey.
Our overarching priority is to support every child to fulfil his or her unique destiny and to provide him or her with firm foundations so that they can develop into a free, morally responsible and integrated person. We aspire to be part of this journey, creating a space that cherishes early childhood, within which:
• The whole child is recognised and accepted
• The process of learning is unhurried
• Whanau are an integral part of every day
• Relationships are respectful, responsive and reciprocal
• Every child is empowered to develop and sustain their own self-directed play
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Te Reo
Oromahoe Kindergarten is an equitable learning environment that acknowledges the roles of all cultures within our community. As part of this, Tikanga (culture) and Te Reo Mãori are deeply ingrained in our daily curricula to help children embrace the spirit, uniqueness and heritage of Aotearoa and its people.
Sustainability
Sustainability and environmental care are highly valued at Oromahoe Kindergarten. They are woven throughout the curriculum and deeply entrenched in the centre’s operational practices in a variety of
ways. Our aim is to teach children how to respect, take responsibility for and protect the natural world so that it can be preserved for generations to come.
Nutrition
We take pride in nurturing a deliberate eating culture, where home-cooking and the enjoyment of sharing meals in a harmonious environment is always emphasised. We provide high-quality, seasonal, vegetarian food, sourcing organic and fair trade items wherever possible. Food is prepared daily with the assistance of the children.
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Philosophy
At Oromahoe Kindergarten, we provide a holistic learning environment that is underpinned by Rudolf Steiner philosophies. We focus on protecting and respecting the dignity of childhood, laying the foundations to support later learning and healthy development. This includes cognitive (hinengaro), physical (tinana), emotional (whatumanawa), spiritual (wairua), social and intellectual development. We strive to provide an atmosphere of loving warmth and guidance – an environment that feels secure, promotes joy, wonder and reverence – all of which support the healthy development of a child.
Play
In line with Steiner philosophies, self-directed play is an essential and valued element of childhood and, as such, is central to our unhurried curriculum. This means allowing children to learn through real life experiences, as opposed to learning from screens.
Rhythm
Our daily life at Oromahoe Kindergarten is underpinned by rhythms and routines that protect Mãuri (life energy). A central part of Steiner teaching, these rhythms build a sense of security, continuity, wellbeing, belonging and wholeness of life within each child.
Nature
Nature is another integral part of our center. We value Papatuanuku as an important teacher – nature herself provides the possibilities to learn and grow, and her wisdom has no limits. We teach the children to cherish the natural world and embrace sustainability principles.
Inclusion
We acknowledge the contribution of parents and whanau, and see their input as an essential part of our curriculum and daily practices. These interactions with trusted adults allow children to learn through imitation, as they experience new movements and sensations.
Curriculum
The curriculum and pedagogy (approaches of teaching) reflect our philosophy and align with Te Whãriki (the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, MOE 2017). The principles of this curriculum are based on the four foundation principles of Te Whãriki:
• Empowerment / Whakamana
• Holistic Development / Kotahitanga
• Family & Community / Whãnau tangata
• Relationship / Ngã hononga
The additional principles below embody what is held to be
important in a Steiner/Waldorf early childhood environment.
• Curriculum and pedagogy based on child development
• Education of the whole child
• Acknowledging an education for head, heart and hands
• The unhurried curriculum: readiness for learning
The strands and goals arise from the principles and are woven into Oromahoe Kindergarten’s curriculum to reflect diversity and the philosophical choices of our Steiner community. They spell out the basic needs and rights of all children and complement our commitment to Steiner pedagogy.
Our Staff
Kaimahi
Here to guide, nurture and inspire
Christiane
My family of five originated in Germany. We travelled extensively before settling
in New Zealand in 1998.
I found my passion within the Rudolf Steiner philosophy and it has been my dream to build a kindergarten that provides a warm, secure and homelike environment for children;
a place in which childhood is honoured and children are given the gift of time.
Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood,
NZ Steiner Teacher Dip - Early Childhood,
NZ Steiner Teacher Cert - Early Childhood
Christiane
Teacher / Center Manager
Mara
Mara
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Mara and I am originally from Germany where I trained and worked as a journalist for many years. However, upon coming to New Zealand in 2010 I found a new passion in working with children.
I am now a fully qualified ECE teacher with several years of work experience. I have spent the last few years providing home-based childcare in a rural setting in Whangarei and was also president of a local Playcentre there.
Oromahoe very much resonates with my own teaching philosophy. I believe that free, uninterrupted play is the driving force behind children’s development, enabling them to explore the world around them in their own time and unfold their full potential. I prefer natural, open-ended resources and love to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood
Teacher
Grace
Grace
My daughters and I were welcomed into the Steiner community through both the playgroup and Oromahoe Kindergarten, and we have been embraced and supported by it for over 6 years now. When my youngest started at Oromahoe, I was lucky enough to be offered a relieving role at the Kindergarten. I have enjoyed learning from the amazingly knowledgeable kaiako, community, whānau and children involved with the Kindergarten – so much so, that I decided to study Early Childhood Education.
I absolutely love watching children grow and thrive, and I am looking forward to meeting you all and supporting your children.
NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education & Care, Level 4
Teacher
Geraldine
Geraldine
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Ko maungatere te maunga
Ko Rakahuri te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Tuahiwi me Otangaroa ngā Marae
Ko Ngai Tahu me Ngati Kahu ki Whaingaroa ngā iwi
Ko Geraldine tōku ingoa
Kia ora all, I have been part of the kindergarten community as a parent, as a reliever, and it's now a pleasure to be working in our wonderful Rangiatea (nursery) room.
I am a registered teacher, with qualifications in primary school teaching, and am currently studying towards a certificate in Steiner education.
My interest in Steiner education, arrives out of an interest in education that puts the child at the heart. I look forward to connecting with you over the coming weeks, as I get to know your tamariki.
Master of Teaching (Primary),
Steiner Education Primary Teaching Foundation
Teacher
Rose
Rose
Hello!
I am originally from the UK and have lived in beautiful Aotearoa for almost 3 years now.
I grew up in Wales and attended a Steiner School during my primary education. I went on to study Marine Biology at university later in my life and currently volunteer with local Marine Conservation groups here in the Bay of Islands. I am also an artist.
I am thrilled to be a part of the community here at Oromahoe. I have always resonated with the Steiner philosophy and continue to do so.
Administrator
Join the team
email us at info@oromahoekindergarten.co.nz
Oromahoe Kindergarten || info@oromahoekindergarten.co.nz || 09 4059 336