Our Philosophy

All parents want their child to grow into a mature, responsible and well-rounded personality that can engage well with others. This does not happen by itself; children require support to develop their characters, particularly in the crucial first few years of life, which lay vital foundations for a child’s progress into her or his future.

One of our key concerns in our work with children is to help them acquire positive character traits, which we call ‘good habits’. Each month, we focus on a different good habit, communicating it in a way children can understand (examples might be generosity – ‘I like to share’ – or politeness – ‘I say hello with a smile’) and teach in a play-centred manner with the help of stories, fairy tales and role plays.

Our daily life in the kindergarten is, of course, where our character education comes to life as our children engage with others, learning – for example – to listen, take turns and be friendly and encouraging. Shared meals are a further key aspect of our kindergarten community. As soon as children are able, they receive small tasks that help them gain confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Children learn best through the example of their educators. Our educators are aware of this responsibility and strive to model the good habits they teach the children.

Christian values are at the heart of our work. We consider the teaching of a living Catholic faith to be a significant part of education for the development of a well-rounded character. The foundations of a personal and positive relationship with God are laid at kindergarten age. We know that the values that underlie our work are ones which non-Christian parents also appreciate – this is why Stella is open to families of all faiths and none. Die Vermittlung eines gelebten katholischen Glaubens sehen wir als einen bedeutenden Teil einer ausgewogenen Persönlichkeitsbildung. Die Grundlagen einer persönlichen und positiven Beziehung zu Gott werden im Kindergartenalter gelegt.

Our living practice of our faith permeates day-to-day life in our kindergarten; we take joy in our shared community and do all things with love. Shared times of prayer and contemplation are a vital part of our community, and we give the children opportunities to voice their thoughts and concerns in prayer. We mark religious festivals by helping the children discover their deeper meaning. Bible stories, songs and role plays of Biblical events such as the visit of the Magi help the children experience faith through play. For example, we celebrate the feast of St Nicholas by encouraging the children to fill a ‘sack’ for people in need and give it to St Nicholas, who brings them a sweets in return. Rituals such as this help children to experience enjoyment in following St Nicholas’ example and doing something kind for others.

For the periods leading up to Christmas and Easter – Advent and Lent – we have developed a lovingly designed programme to build up to these important feasts over several weeks, gently introducing their deeper meaning to the children through appropriate passages from the Bible, crafts, and activities enabling them to experience the journey to the manger or the city of Jerusalem.

We have entrusted pastoral care at the Stella Kindergarten to priests of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church.

Erfolgreiche Erziehungsarbeit der Pädagoginnen ist nur in Zusammenarbeit mit den Eltern möglich. Eltern sind die ersten Erzieher ihrer Kinder. We aim to make Stella a place where parents can rely on our experience and our support as they bring up their children. We therefore work with the Society for Family Orientation (GFO) to offer parents:

• Regular meetings to discuss their child’s development
• Parent education courses
• Themed parent information evenings featuring topics around parenting and education
• Monthly parents’ newsletter including parenting tips

Our hope is that the whole family will benefit from their child’s attendance at Stella.

The education of parents plays an important role in the concept of the Stella Kindergarten.

In the development talk, you can talk to experienced parents of already grown-up children about your child’s development and address concerns and issues that are on your mind.

The monthly “Parents’ Café” takes place within the framework of the Parents’ Academy: Mag. Christina Schmidt and other moderators of the GFO talk about different topics of raising children, such as: “How can parenting succeed?”. The parents’ café offers a good opportunity to get information about child rearing in a cosy atmosphere in the morning and to exchange ideas with other parents. All parents whose children attend the Stella Primary School are also invited to the Parents’ Café.

A special service of the GFO are the courses that are run according to the Harvard Case Method. Analysing specific parenting situations helps parents to find their own solutions for their child and the respective situation. For parents of kindergarten children we recommend the “First Steps Course”. The “Elementary School Course” is suitable for parents of pre-school children.

For more information, as well as dates for lectures, family activities and other related events, please contact the GFO: www.familienorientierung.at.

On our website you will also find articles on raising children, tips for books, films, etc.!

You are welcome to contact the GFO: elternakademie@familienorientierung.at