Whanganui Montessori Pre-School

15/06/2026

The Pink Tower is a favourite at Whanganui Montessori and used multiple times a day 😊

12/06/2026

✨ Matariki Community Connection ✨

This week seven of our tamariki enjoyed a special excursion to our local community centre, where we joined children from another early learning centre to celebrate Matariki together.

Our tamariki proudly shared the beautiful Matariki crafts they had created, enjoying the opportunity to connect with new friends through creative experiences. Together, the children explored art, conversation, and collaboration, celebrating the values of sharing, belonging, and community that are at the heart of Matariki.

This experience aligns with Te Whāriki, particularly the strand of Contribution | Mana Tangata, as children learn alongside others, develop social confidence, and experience the joy of contributing to a wider community. It also reflects Belonging | Mana Whenua, strengthening children’s sense of connection to people, places, and traditions.

From a Montessori perspective, the excursion supported our children’s understanding of themselves as part of a larger community. Through purposeful participation and meaningful social interactions, they experienced the Montessori principle of fostering respect, responsibility, and connection with others.

A wonderful morning of creativity, friendship, and Matariki celebrations! 🌟

“Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu.”
Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.

By nurturing children’s strengths and providing opportunities to contribute, they are empowered to grow and flourish.

30/05/2026

Art is so much more than creating a finished piece - it is a journey of discovery, creativity, problem solving, and self-expression.
Our tamariki loved exploring scrape painting recently, experimenting with colour, texture, movement, and technique as they carefully scraped paint across the surface to create unique patterns and designs.
Art experiences like these help to strengthen fine motors skills, encourage concentration and independence, support emotional expression and build confidence as ngā tamariki make their own creative choices. Most importantly, they remind children that there is no "right way" to create - every artwork is beautiful.🎨✨
We love watching tamariki engage their senses, imagination, and curiosity through open-ended artistic explorations.

11/05/2026

We had the wonderful Zappo at Whanganui Montessori today. Thank you for a wonderful show Zappo. It was enjoyed by all. See you next year.

09/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day to the incredible mums, and special mother figures in our community.
Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, cuddles and a little time for yourself too. 💖

07/05/2026

Today we had an Earthquake drill, throughout our drill ngā tamariki learnt some important life skills about safety, responsibility and caring for others as well as having an understanding of how being prepared helps us to feel safe. Ngā tamariki listened carefully and followed instructions confidently and calmly.

Mana Atua – Wellbeing: supports children learning strategies to keep themselves safe and develop trust in their environment.

Mana Whenua – Belonging: supports children experiencing being part of a caring community where everyone works together.

Mana Tangata – Contribution: supports children supporting one another to participate confidently in group routines.

This experience reflects Montessori principles of:

Grace and Courtesy: Practicing respectful group behaviour and caring for others during emergencies.

Independence: Children learning how to respond calmly and confidently in real-life situations.

Prepared Environment: Creating a safe, orderly environment where children know routines and expectations.

“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.”
With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

This whakataukī reflects the teamwork and cooperation shown during our earthquake drill today.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0L-YAIjkhJo&pp=ygUTc3RhbiBlYXJ0aHF1YWtlIGRvZw%3D%3D

30/04/2026

As winter approaches, we were pleased to host Public Health Nurse Maryanne today to deliver an informative session for our children on effective nose-blowing and hand washing techniques.
This learning experience aligns with our key focus areas, including Wellbeing | Mana Atua, by equipping children with the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining health and safety; Belonging | Mana Whenua, by fostering an understanding of their role in promoting collective wellbeing; and Communication | Mana Reo, by developing their language skills related to health, hygiene, and self-care.

Ngā tamariki participated and joined in a big group blow 🤧These essential skills will benefit them in our centre, at home, and within the broader community. We extend our gratitude to Maryanne for sharing her expertise.

23/04/2026

We have limited spaces available this term for tamariki aged 2½ years and over. If you’re interested in joining our Montessori community, we’d love to hear from you, get in touch to book a visit or find out more.

[email protected]

06 347 8886

47 Raine Street Whanganui East

24/02/2026

At our centre, our Montessori work cycle runs from 8.30am-10am each morning. This uninterrupted time is deeply valued as it allows tamariki to become fully engaged in purposeful learning before we break for morning tea and outdoor play.
During this time tamariki are guided by kaiako/ teachers to follow their own interests and explore the Montessori materials. The work cycle supports the goals of Te Whāriki : following routines, showing respect for self and others, and developing self management skills. Children practise sustained focus and concentration, build independence, and learn new skills at their own pace.
By honouring this protected learning time, we are nurturing confident, capable learners who understand the importance of respecting shared spaces, materials, and each other. 🌱

16/02/2026

Kia ora whānau

We will be open as usual tomorrow. Thanks for your patience during the weather closure.

Send a message to learn more