Love  -  Care  -  Faith  -  Learning

Stella Maris Catholic Early Childhood Centre is available to all families seeking Christian-based values for their precious tamariki.  We recognise that every child is an individual, therefore each child will be encouraged to develop at their own pace and according to their own capabilities. Each child is unique with God-given potential, and alongside parents we will help discover the child's gifts and develop them.

Stella Maris offers quality care and education in a nurturing, faith filled environment for children aged 2 - 5 years. Our teachers are all fully certified and registered with over thirty years of combined Early Childhood experience. We aspire to provide a warm, welcoming and homely environment where children have fun.  We are open from 8.00am - 4.00pm. 

The meaning behind...

Stella Maris Catholic Early Childhood Centre
Te Aho Tāhuhu O Te Mā tauranga Katorika

"Stella Maris" = Latin for "Star of the Sea". (Our parish church is named "St Mary’s Star of the Sea".)

"Te Aho" = Weaving the garment, line/link/genealogy. (Also means bright light.)

"Tāhuhu" = The first cross weaves in the making of a korowai - symbolising weaving the first strand of education.

"Tāhuhu O Te Mātauranga Katorika" = The formal Catholic education of a person.

(Our thanks to the foundation Committee and Pa (Father) Gerard Paterson for creating this name.)