At our centre, we are proud of the way our localised curriculum brings life, peace, and purpose to our learning spaces.
Our environment is not just a backdrop - it is a living, breathing part of our teaching and learning journey.
Through intentional design, cultural connection, and child-led care, our classrooms reflect the values of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Manaakitanga (care), and Rangimarie (peace). Bringing the Outdoors In Both the Sunflower Room and the Rainbow Room are filled with thriving plant life, lovingly cared for by our tamariki. These plants are propagated, watered, and repotted by the children, creating a sense of responsibility and connection. When the weather prevents outdoor play, the greenery indoors provides a calming, peaceful atmosphere and a direct link to nature. The children take pride in their role as kaitiaki, learning about growth, life cycles, and sustainability through hands-on experience.
The Sunflower Room, named for its warm, north-facing light, once nurtured sunflowers that grew tall and bright - symbolising the growth and warmth within. The Rainbow Room, filled with crystals and glass ornaments, reflects light in vibrant patterns, creating dancing rainbows that inspire joy and wonder.
Our Environment as Curriculum
Our classroom environments are meticulously prepared. There is a space for everything and everything has its place. It is divided into curriculum areas – Practical Life, Sensorial Exercises, Science, Geography, Language and Maths. Everything is clean, complete and beautifully maintained. Our Montessori materials are intentionally and meticulously designed to support the natural development of children. Each material aligns with specific developmental stages, fostering independence, concentration, and a deep love for learning. Central to our Montessori philosophy is the belief that children learn best through hands-on experiences and self-directed exploration. These materials invite children to engage with their environment in meaningful ways, encouraging repetition, mastery, and self-correction.
By offering purposeful, tactile learning tools, Montessori environments empower children to take ownership of their learning journey, nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for discovery. Our local curriculum is deeply rooted in our surroundings. When staffing and weather allow, especially during the summer months, we take hikoi to Terikaka Maunga (Mount Kaukau), connecting children to the land, its history, and native flora and fauna. These excursions foster a sense of belonging and stewardship, as tamariki learn to identify native trees like Rangiora and listen for the call of the kaka - deepening their understanding of biodiversity and their role in protecting it.
Our pūrākau links us to Johnsonville’s farming history and the native bush of the Maunga, grounding our learning in place and story. Our whakatauki - Peace to the Sky, Peace to the Land, Peace to Everyone. Behold, this is life - guides our daily interactions and reinforces our commitment to peaceful, respectful learning.
Living Our Values Through Practice
Our centre’s kawa and tikanga reflect our commitment to independence, respect, and community. Children have freedom of choice in a prepared environment, where they are empowered to care for their space and each other. This aligns with Dr Montessori’s vision of independence through environment, and our own philosophy of nurturing peaceful, connected global citizens.
Transitions and Whānau Involvement
We honour transitions through visits that introduce children to our indoor and outdoor environments. Home visits help us mirror familiar routines and cultural practices, strengthening the child’s sense of belonging. Whānau photos and mihimihi displays further connect children to their identity and community. Our whānau are active participants in our excursions and learning, supporting our goal of inclusive, culturally responsive education. As Te Whāriki states, we actively facilitate whānau involvement to enrich our teaching and learning programmes. Flora and Fauna (Plants and Animals) We value our natural environment, including the animals within it—one of our classrooms is home to two male frogs, Ralph (a golden bell frog) and Pablo Escatoad (a Southern bell frog), who are cared for by the children and fed with both monthly insect deliveries and flies caught by the children.