SHINE MONTESSORI
A connected learning journey from infancy to school
We believe childhood is a journey. Every stage of development brings new opportunities for children to grow in confidence, independence and capability. Our centres are intentionally designed to support this journey from infancy through to school transition.
Avalon Nursery
(0-2 YEARS)
Building Security, Trust and Independance
In our Avalon Nursery, infants and toddlers experience nurturing care and build secure relationships.
Our focus is on safety, belonging and increasing independence through age-appropriate opportunities.
Key foundations:
- Emotional security
- Trusting relationships
- Independence
- Communication skills
- Curiosity and exploration
- Sense of belonging
These foundations prepare children for the next stage in the journey.
Lambs
(2-3 YEARS)
Discovering Routine, Confidence and Early Learning Skills
The Lambs classroom provides a gentle transition into a preschool environment. Children learn routines, build confidence, and develop key self-help and social skills through caring relationships and Montessori materials.
Key focus:
- Larger learning community
- Self-help skills
- Social expectations and routines
- Concentration
- Meaningful learning experiences
- Emotional expression and needs
The Lambs classroom lays the foundations for greater independence and social awareness as children move into Doves.
Doves
(3-4 YEARS)
Growing through Collaboration, Creativity and Social Learning
Children bring confidence and routines from Lambs, and develop greater independence, friendships, language skills and curiosity.
The Doves environment combines Montessori principles with creative, collaborative and play-based learning.
Key focus:
- Resilience
- Friendships
- Emotional management
- Problem-solving (together)
- Creative thinking
- Responsibility for their learning
These experiences help children develop the confidence and emotional competence needed for Eagles.
Eagles
(4-5 YEARS)
Leadership, Independence and School Readiness
Eagles is the culmination of the Shine learning journey before children transition to primary school. The programme builds on independence, concentration and confidence while introducing greater challenge, responsibility and leadership opportunities.
Key experiences:
- Literacy and numeracy (Montessori)
- Practical life activities
- Fine motor development
- Problem-solving
- Leadership experiences
- Group discussions and collaboration
Our goal is for children to leave Eagles as confident, capable learners, excited about their next educational journey.
Atrium
(3-5 YEARS)
Nurturing Spiritual Growth
Children in the Doves and Eagles classrooms can participate in our Atrium programme.
It provides a gentle introduction to Christian teachings through hands-on and age-appropriate exploration of faith.
Participation is based on parental choice, and children not attending continue with alternative learning experiences.
This programme contributes to our commitment to supporting the holistic development of each child.
A foundation for all stages
Our learning environments are one connected pathway, not separate centres and classrooms. Each stage builds on the previous one, ensuring continuity, consistency and a sense of belonging.
Our Vision
We see every child as capable, competent and full of potential.
Our goal is to nurture the whole child — helping them develop confidence, independence, resilience and a love of learning that will support them throughout their lives.
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”
Maria Montessori
The foundation underneath the whole flow is:
Te Whāriki + Montessori philosophy + High-quality teaching practice.
The flow in its simplest form:
Avalon Nursery 0–2 years
Security • Trust • Independence
Lambs 2–3 years
Routine • Confidence • Early Learning Skills
Doves 3–4 years
Collaboration • Creativity • Social Learning
Eagles 4–5 years
Leadership • Independence • School Readiness
Atrium sits alongside the Doves → Eagles stages as an optional programme supporting spiritual growth.