|
|
|
|
|
Aubert Childcare CentreHead
Teacher/Manager - Maria Marseca BeginningsSuzanne Aubert founded the congregation of the Sisters of Compassion in Jerusalem/Wanganui River, 1892. She was a pioneer in her time with her understanding and humane approach towards caring for children. Originally many of the children taken in at Jerusalem were abandoned, disabled or orphaned. They were fully cared for in the institution until circumstances allowed them to go back to their parents or to another family home. Some remained with the Sisters until they were able to live independently, some needed lifelong care. The Island Bay (Wellington) Home of Compassion was opened in 1907, with provision to care for babies and disabled children as well as ‘incurables’ (elderly and physically handicapped adults), in a less remote location than Jerusalem. This ministry was founded in Wellington at 22 Buckle Street, the very first Home of Compassion in New Zealand. Suzanne Aubert had a vision for a facility which could care for, educate and eventually provide gainful employment for those ‘poor and abandoned little ones’ she and the Sisters took in. As part of the ‘formation’ process novice Sisters of Compassion nearly all took their turn at working with the babies in the Island Bay Home of Compassion Nursery. There was also the crèche for children of low income working mothers at Sussex Street, Wellington. This was in operation from 1903 to 1996. Of course, times have changed since Suzanne Aubert began her extraordinary work and ministries in Aotearoa/New Zealand. But she is not forgotten, and has a special place in the history of caring for children in our country. Throughout Early Childhood teacher training students are introduced to and expected to become familiar with Suzanne Aubert and her teaching philosophies. Today at Island Bay we run a modern and well-appointed centre for the day care of children. We are a fully licensed centre with qualified staff. We cater for 40 children from the age of 8 months through to 5 years. We have a pleasant and roomy facility. This includes a generous outdoor play area, some of which has cover to increase the range of activities available in wet weather. Our times of operation are weekdays from 7.45am to 5.15pm We are closed from 23 December through to 7 January approx. We hold annual parent conferences We have spaces to accommodate children from less advantaged backgrounds, or are in need of respite care. Our waiting list is approximately 12 months We have a progressive and professional teaching team The children and teachers make use of the wonderful grounds and our local community to develop relationships with the folk of Island Bay. For enquiries please contact the Centre Manager. Please click here to read: about Aubert Childcare Centre’s teaching philosophy a article written by Aubert Childcare teacher, Aubert - The Spirit Lives On |
|
|
|||