The CMS Board are powering forward…
Ms Christine Harrison President of the Montessori Australia Foundation shaking hands with Nick Willemsen President of the Moreton Bay Montessori Association – Caboolture Montessori School
Board meetings at CMS are strategic, effective and occasionally even inspiring. Last week was definitely exceptional, thanks to our special guests.
We were honoured by the visit of the President of the Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF), Mrs Christine Harrison. Christine Harrison has been involved in Montessori education since 1985 and was Principal of the Canberra Montessori School, one of the largest Montessori schools in Australia, for over ten years. She is the founding Chair of the Montessori Australia Foundation.
Today Christine travels the globe to carry the message of Montessori and last week we heard Christine recount the enterprising history of the Foundation and the services they offer to all ‘montessorians’ and their schools. We heard about programs MAF staff are developing with persons with dementia, indigenous children, quality assurance programs for schools, teacher training and much more.
Christine works incessantly with the Australian Government to promote Montessori education and adds a strong voice in the arena of early education and independent schools. MAF has come a long way in a very short time: from a few hard working volunteers to a considerable and professional team of approximately 20 staff members, still working hard. We acknowledge and thank Christine for taking time out of her busy schedule to share with CMS Board members her life’s work.
The evening continued with exciting information about progress achieved of our planned high school. Jay Bishop the Deputy Principal provided the Board with information about his role in supporting the Board’s Strategic Plan with the implementation of a CMS Middle Years Program. Jai spoke about the research he is working on with the Principal, in addressing a forward path to a Montessori secondary environment that includes the principles of Dr Montessori (The Erdkinder) and the contemporary and local needs of our students. Jai shared his experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and how conducive this program would be in a Montessori context.
Jai also spoke about the work he is doing in addressing CMS curriculum in the learning area of technology and the way we intend to differentiate by integrating and connecting thinking strategies to a hands-on environment. Jai’s passion and energy level was felt by all!
Both speakers were inspirational and enriched our knowledge and strategic direction.
We take this opportunity again to thank Christine Harrison and MAF staff for what they do in keeping Montessori alive; we thank Jai for coming onboard and supporting school growth and we thank our industrious and caring Board for the work they accomplish in leading our amazing school to a secure and sustainable future.
Yvonne Rinaldi
Principal
Caboolture Montessori School
