We provide Montessori education for primary school years 1-8 (ages 6-12) delivered within the framework of the New Zealand National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Comprised of two classes, Eastern Suburbs Montessori is fully integrated into Glendowie School, providing access to school-wide programmes and facilities including cultural and sporting activities, the arts, an extensive library and IT suite.
Our teachers:
Left to right: Hugh, Hiranthi, Tesneem, Oliver, Rose, Rob
Our history
Our Montessori unit was started in 1996 by a group of parents with a common interest at heart. They saw their children thrive both socially and intellectually in the Montessori preschool environment which prompted them to explore the possibility of continuing Montessori education for their children through their primary years. Their proposal was accepted by the Principal, Board of Trustees and community of Glendowie School. At this stage funds were required to provide a classroom and equipment. Thanks to the generosity of local charitable foundations, businesses and continuous fundraising ventures by parents, the first class opened in July 1996 with a small group of eight 6 year olds and one teacher. Our roll has grown steadily since then to more than 70 students between the ages of 6-13, taught by six qualified teachers with Montessori training.
Our location
We are integrated within Glendowie School, situated in the beautiful Eastern Suburbs, about 15 minutes from the centre of Auckland. Our school is surrounded by parks, reserves and overlooks the Tamaki Estuary. It is close to the Eastern Bay beaches and the neighbouring suburb of St Heliers. The school is surrounded by quality high schools and early childhood centres.
Our classrooms
Our classrooms provide specialised Montessori learning resources and equipment in an atmosphere that is pleasant and attractive. Children learn at their own pace and interact in multi-age classrooms over periods of three years (ages 6-9 and 9-12), enabling teachers to identify and understand each child’s unique learning style. Complementing academic independence, children become masters of their environment and are responsible for managing their classrooms. The curriculum fosters the Montessori idea of an education for the development of the whole child.
Integration with Glendowie School
Montessori classes are fully integrated into Glendowie School, providing access to school-wide programmes and facilities including cultural and sporting activities, the arts, an extensive library and IT suite. Our Montessori learning environment is enriched by our participation in programmes and events within Glendowie School. In 2006 Glendowie became the first state primary school in NZ to be authorized to implement the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB). The Montessori curriculum sits comfortably under the school-wide framework of the PYP, which complements the Montessori philosophy, resources, content and method of teaching.
Term dates
2021 TERM DATES:
Term 1: 2 February – 16 April
Term 2: 3 May – 9 July
Term 3: 26 July – 1 October
Term 4: 18 October – 14 December
Our school is closed over the two week holiday breaks in April, July and September, as well as the six week summer holidays over Christmas.
2021 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS:
Auckland Anniversary Day – Monday 1 February
Waitangi Day observed – Monday 8 February
Good Friday – Friday 2 April
Teacher only day – Tuesday 1 April
Easter Monday – Monday 5
Easter Tuesday – Tuesday 6 April
Anzac Day observed – Monday 26 April
Queen’s Birthday – Monday 7 June
Labour Day – Monday 25 October
Job vacancies
We do not currently have any vacancies, however if you are a qualified Montessori teacher, feel free to forward your CV to us for future consideration: Michelle O’Connor, Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School, PO Box 25503, St Heliers, Auckland 1071 info@montessoriprimary.school.nz