The Victor & Odette Ades Memorial Kindergarten has recently introduced the Reggio Emilia philosophy and practice of education into its daily program. We believe that it is possible to join education, culture and quality to help pre-schoolers find and reach their potential.

The Reggio Emilia educationalists suggest that children have “a hundred languages” – or one hundred ways of being. It is our role as educators to read and understand these languages and encourage this expression from the children. The educators from Reggio have done much to transform thinking about early childhood education, to allow us to see that children, even the very young, are more competent, more intelligent and more capable than they are usually understood to be.

At the VOA Memorial Kindergarten we focus our educational programs on ways that engage and generally respond to children. We understand and value that PLAY is a young child’s avenue to learn, to become social and to comprehend the world.

The VOA Memorial Kindergarten is a secure, relaxed and warm environment, created to help free our children from the strain of competition and the pressure of achievement, but also to introducing basic skills as numeracy, communication, literacy and creative expression.

Importantly at VOAMK our philosophy and practice

• protects against tiredness and over stimulation
• is open, affectionate and caring
• sets limits and establishes clear understandings of acceptable behaviour

Naturally, there is a Jewish dimension to our program. Here we lay the foundations for future Jewish learning and living through integrating and creating a beautiful Jewish atmosphere using symbols, art, books and music. We introduce Hebrew songs, prayers and conversation. We weave Jewish rituals, traditions celebrations and a love for Israel into the everyday routines.

We invite all children to share in the philosophy and focus that is the Victor and Odette Ades Memorial Kindergarten.