WHO ARE WE?

Moriah Kindergarten is a private kindergarten, serving the families of the Jewish and non-Jewish community of Wellington.  It promotes a firm belief in the importance of Early Childhood Education, the role of the family and community, and encourages children to develop a strong sense of values. 

Moriah Kindergarten is located at 80 Webb St, Wellington.  The centre’s close proximity to the central city is convenient for working parents and also for families in a variety of surrounding suburbs. 

WHAT DO WE DO?

Trained teachers at the kindergarten are committed to providing an outstanding programme designed to extend and empower children.  This programme is embedded within the wider framework of Te Wh?riki – the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum – and is comprised of both emergent curriculum which follows individual children’s interests and a strong emphasis on Jewish culture.  

A balance of structured and free-play activities gives the children the best of learning opportunities.  Structure is provided by regular activities, such as shared morning tea and lunch times.  Each day of the week has its own special feature.  This includes Israeli dancing with a visiting dance teacher, stories with the local librarian and also regular music sessions run by each of our own teachers who offer a variety of music and dance experience. The older children receive focused attention on early literacy, numeracy skills, group work and science as part of a daily ‘Four Year Old Group Time’.  

At other times, Moriah is a-buzz with children engaging in the various activities available.  The children learn and explore through different media, such as music, art, dramatic play, baking, physical and tactile experiences, shared reading, water and sand play, woodwork and construction.  

The programme encourages children to develop an understanding of early literacy, mathematical and science concepts, creative skills and the use of technology.  It also promotes social learning, such as being part of a group, how to be a friend and the art of negotiation.

Teachers work with children to set individual learning goals.  Their progress is closely observed and assessed in the children’s ‘profile’ books.  The programme is also displayed visually as the term evolves, for children to revisit experiences and families to share.  Family feedback and contribution to the programme is greatly encouraged.

When?

Moriah Kindergarten operates during the four school terms and is closed during school and Jewish holidays.  

All children are enrolled for five sessions a week.  Sessions run each week day from 8.00am – 1.00pm.  Children may come to Moriah Kindergarten from two and a half years (toilet trained) however the average starting age is normally three. Children can attend until they start school, aged five.  

Cost

The cost is $25 per session for children under three years old. All children aged three and four are eligible for 20 hours free ECE Education funded by the Government and pay a fee of $50 per week for the remaining hours.   

MORIAH’S SPECIAL CHARACTER

Jewish culture, traditions and festivals are integrated into the programme and give the kindergarten a special character.  Jewish story telling, language, songs, dance, creative arts and food, provide reinforcement of the identity of Jewish children and an introduction to Judaism for all other children.  This promotes a sense of belonging and community, as well as promoting appreciation and understanding for cultures different from their own.

These unique characteristics make Moriah Kindergarten a special place that is warm, welcoming, nurturing and caring. 

Teachers and Parents – working together

Part of the reason Moriah has a strong ‘family’ feel is because it actively welcomes family involvement in the kindergarten.  

The Parent/mishpacha/family/whanau help is two mornings per term.  This means you get to see exactly what happens during the kindergarten day. You are involved in your child’s education and are able to make suggestions about new ideas or improvements.  Parents may also choose to be part of the committee that manages the kindergarten.

Moriah’s four teachers are all trained [in either early childhood or primary education] and have many combined years of teaching experience in New Zealand and overseas.  At each session, three teachers work with a maximum of twenty five children, giving an excellent ratio of one teacher to around eight children.  

ERO REPORT

Moriah Kindergarten has received positive reports from the Education Review Office on the quality of education it provides.  The 2005 report notes that,

“Teachers know the children well.  They interact effectively with them in their dramatic play, recognise their emerging interests, and are able to facilitate sustained discussion and engagement with activities.  Skilful questioning challenges children’s thinking and encourages problem solving.  Social, personal and religious values are modelled, affirmed and encouraged.  Established centre routines facilitate the smooth operation of the programme and are well understood by children and adults.  Children are cheerful, respectful and purposefully engaged in group and individual play according to their preferences.  This contributes to a calm and settled atmosphere throughout the session.” (ERO report 2005)

The 2008 report adds,  

“The centre fosters a partnership approach between teachers and parents.  There is a commitment by families to participate in management, developing policy and in providing rostered parent help.  As a result there is an inclusive approach.  Children and parents are warmly greeted on arrival, there is a high adult to child ratio that contributes to a good level of supervision, small-group interactions and a sense of belonging amongst children and families”. 

Also, “Teachers are calm, gentle and work respectfully with children at their eye level.  Sound teaching practices include teachers:

• promoting positive cooperative play, firmly redirecting less desirable behaviour, acknowledging children’s feelings and fostering interpersonal skills and their sense of empathy for others;
• entering appropriately into imaginative, socio-dramatic play; and
• engaging in sustained conversations and effective questioning with children to encourage language development and problem solving, and help them to explore and extend interests and ideas.

As a result the children are nurtured in a structured caring environment”.

(ERO report 2008)  

To view our latest ERO Report, please click on the following link. www.ero.govt.nz  

ENROLMENT FORM

To enrol your child, please contact us by email or phone (see contact details below) and ask for a pre-enrolment form for your child to be placed on our waiting list.  Then please return the form with the enrolment fee of $35 to Moriah Kindergarten, 80 Webb St, Wellington.    

CONTACT US

Want to find out more?  Please feel free to contact us:

Head Teacher 80 Webb St, Wellington

Phone: (04) 384-7585

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