AtCentralCoastMontessori,webelieve educationisnotsimplypreparationforthe nextstage itisalivedexperiencethat shapeshowwethink,feel,act,and connect.
Whenchildrenaregiventhefreedomto explore,thetoolstounderstand,andthe guidancetogrow,theydon’tjustacquire knowledge theydevelopcharacter, purpose,andalastingloveoflearning.
ThisistheessenceofaMontessori education
Thisiseducationforlife.
DearStakeholders,
As a Board, it is both a privilege and responsibility to uphold the vision and integrity of Central Coast Montessori. Each year, we witness the continued strength of our learning community one that places thechildatthecentre,honoursindividuality, and builds towards a more compassionate andcapablefuture
In 2024, we supported the learning community through strategic planning, policy review, compliance monitoring, and the strengthening of long-term sustainability initiatives We also continued our commitment to governance that is transparent, responsive, and aligned with thevaluesofMontessorieducation.
We are deeply grateful to the Principal and leadershipteamfortheirtirelessdedication, and to our educators for their daily presence, care, and professionalism To our families and community members thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your belief in what we do. The contributions of volunteers, friends, and families enrich ourcommunityinmeaningfulways
Aswelooktothefuture,weremainfocused oncultivatinganenvironmentthatsupports curiosity, responsibility, and connection thefoundationofaneducationforlife.
Warmregards,
TheCentralCoastMontessori BoardofDirectors
DearStakeholders,
At Central Coast Montessori, we believe education should do more than prepare childrenforthenexttest itshouldprepare them for life. This belief continues to shape everythingwedo.
Montessori education invites children to become active participants in their own growth It recognises that true learning is not simply the acquisition of facts, but the cultivation of curiosity, capability and compassion. When children feel connected to themselves, to others, and to their environment they begin to understand notonlywhattheycando,butwhotheyare becoming
Throughout 2024, this vision continued to guide us. Whether it’s in a moment of quiet concentration, a spontaneous collaboration,orashareddiscovery,wesee daily evidence of learning that lasts The kind of learning that builds character, encourages thoughtful contribution, and prepares children for a future of rapid and constantchange.
It’s no secret: education needed to change a long time ago Dr Maria Montessori answered that call over a century ago and the relevance of her work is only becoming more widely understood today. Her vision reminds us that education and schooling are not the same Schools must now become something more communities of learning, dynamic ecosystems, living exchanges of ideas, perspectivesandpossibility.
At CCM, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement We offer a distinctly enriching educational experience one that supports independence, fosters adaptability, and encourages the kind of purposefulworkthatbridgesaspirationand achievement Our team of passionate guides remains focused on the whole child Our families continue to contribute with trust, insight and encouragement. And our students continue to amaze us with their imaginationandwillingnesstoengage.
Montessori called education ‘a natural process carried out by the child’ That process is as relevant today as ever Our role is to support it with intention, care and vision and to provide an education that empowers every child not just to succeed, buttothrive
Sincerely,
DimitriNicolaou Principal Dimitri Nicolaou
ImagineFreely
Belimitlessinthepursuitofpossibility Explorationis encouraged,solongasithonoursself,others,andthe environment.
InquireBoldly
Approachtheunknownwithcuriosity Inquiryisthe foundationofconnectionandunderstanding
ExperienceBroadly
Seekoutdiverseexperiences.Eachoneaddsrichnessto thepalettefromwhichself-constructionispainted.
PracticeDeeply
Engagemeaningfullyandwithintention Deeplearning requirestime,context,andpresence
RelishChallenge
Stretchintodiscomfort.Growthcomesthroughstruggle, andwewelcometheprocessofbecoming
CreateResponsibly
Imaginationmustbemetwithawareness Eachactof creationholdsthepotentialtobenefitothersandthe world.
ContributeMeaningfully
Offeryouruniqueperspectiveinwaysthatupliftthe collective Ourdifferencesareourstrength
Try,Fail,Learn&TryAgain
Mistakesaremilestones.Afriendlyattitudetowarderror opensthedoortoresilienceandwisdom.
AtCentralCoastMontessori,educationis morethanapathwaytoacademic achievement itisacalltolifeitself Our learningcommunityexiststonurtureeach child’sjourneyofbecoming:of constructingtheadulttheyaretobecome throughmeaningfulexperience,deep inquiry,andauthenticconnection
RootedintheprinciplesofMontessori pedagogy,webelieveinlibertythrough learning inenvironmentsthatfoster independence,valorisation,and purposefulengagement.Eachclassroom becomesamicrocosmoftheworld,a dynamicspacewhereresponsibilityand freedomco-exist,andwhereevery experiencecontributestothechild’s understandingofthemselvesandtheir placeinsociety.
CentralCoastMontessoriPrimaryisanindependent,non-denominationallearningcommunity located in Bateau Bay, NSW, serving children aged 6 to 12 years (equivalent to Years K–6) We offeragenuineMontessorieducationgroundedinrespect,independence,anddeepinquiry
Our classrooms are multi-age, mixed-ability environments designed to meet the developmental needs of the Primary years a time of growing intellectual curiosity, social awareness,andethicalreasoning.Wecurrentlyoffertwolearningcycles:
Cycle2(YearsK–3)
Cycle3(Years4–6)
Ratherthandeliveringaone-size-fits-allcurriculum,weprovideadeeplyintegrated,hands-on approach. Literacy, numeracy, cultural studies, science, art, and physical education are interwoven into purposeful learning experiences that reflect each child’s interests, needs, and developmentalstage.
In2024,ourstudentcohortcomprised55children(27boysand28girls)representingadiverse and engaged group of learners from across the Central Coast and surrounding regions The school continued to experience strong interest from families seeking a respectful, child-led approachtoeducation,withsteadyenrolmentssupportedbyacleartransitionpathwayfrom ourMontessoriPreschool.
Our learning environment supports children to become independent thinkers and confident contributors Through rich materials, open-ended inquiry, and strong relationships, students aresupportedtodevelopnotonlyacademicskills,butalsoresilience,empathy,andasenseof purpose
Today, Central Coast Montessori stands as the only authentic Montessori Primary program on the Central Coast a vibrant, future-focused learning community where each child is supported to grow with confidence, clarity, and care With a strong foundation in independence, curiosity, and meaningful work, our students are not just preparing for what’s next theyarelearninghowtolivewithpurposeandintegrity
AtCentralCoastMontessori,ourapproachtoassessmentisgroundedincontemporary educationalresearchandcloselyalignedwithMontessoriphilosophy.Ourfocusison formativeassessment,supportingacontinuouscycleofobservation,reflection,andplanning thatrespondstoeachchild’sindividuallearningjourney.
Educatorscarefullyobservestudentengagement,examineworksamples,gaugecompetency withcarefullydesigned,purposefuldidacticresources/aidsandusetheseinsightstoguide meaningfulnextsteps Feedbackisongoingandthoughtfullytailored,offeringdetailed insightsintoeachstudent’sprogress,growth,andemerginginterests.
ParticipationinNAPLANisfacilitatedandsupportedforyears3and5.Beingasmallschool someyearsseeusonlyhaveasmallnumberofstudentsparticipate
However,whenviewedcumulativelyovertime,studentoutcomesinLiteracyandNumeracy demonstratestrong,consistentperformance
Forbroadercontextandinformation,visittheMySchoolwebsite:www.myschool.edu.au
NotApplicable
CentralCoastMontessoriPrimaryisaK–6learningcommunity Aswedonotcurrentlyprovide secondaryeducation,thisreportingareaisnotapplicable
AtCentralCoastMontessori,webelievethatthegrowthofoureducatorsdirectly enrichesthelearningofourstudents Professionaldevelopmentisnotonlyencouraged it’sembeddedintothecultureofourlearningcommunity
Thisyear,allstaffparticipatedinregularprofessionaldevelopmentsessions,which included:
MontessoriAustraliaevents
NESA-accreditedcourses
ChildProtection&FirstAidtraining
Workshopsfocusedonliteracy,childdevelopment,andwellbeing
OurGuides/Teachersalsoengagedinreflectivepractice,peermentoring,and curriculumdevelopmentplanning,ensuringalignmentbetweenMontessoriprinciples andNESArequirements
Allteachingstaffheldappropriatequalificationsandparticipatedinongoing professionaldevelopmentrelevanttobothMontessoripedagogyandNESAcurriculum requirements.Thelearningcommunityissupportedbyastableandcollaborativeteam, withstrongalignmenttotheschool’svaluesandeducationalapproach
6staffmembersmaintainProficientTeacherAccreditation
WecontinuetosupporteducatorstocompleteandenhanceboththeirMontessoriand teachertraining,ensuringthateachlearneratCCMisguidedbypassionate, knowledgeableprofessionals
Ourteamremainscommittedtostayingcurrent,connected,andinspired notjustto meetregulatoryexpectations,buttomodellifelonglearningforthechildreninourcare
AsofDecember2024,CentralCoastMontessori
Primaryemployed3full-timeand3part-time teacherswhoareresponsiblefordeliveringthe curriculum.Thefollowingisabreakdownoftheir qualifications:
In2024staffparticipatedinfortnightlyprofessional learningsessionsinconjunctionwithstaffmeetings Discussionsincludedbutnotlimitedto,Workplace Health&Safety,childprotection,communication andcurriculum Eachteacherisinvolvedin classroomobservationswherefeedbackto improveisgiven
In2024,theaveragestudentattendancerateatCentralCoastMontessoriPrimarywas83%.
AtCCM,wecontinuetoprioritisestrong,supportiverelationshipswithfamiliesandtakean individualisedapproachtounderstandingeachchild’scircumstances.Wemonitorattendance closelyandcommunicateproactivelywithparentsandcarerswhenattendanceconcerns
TheCentralCoastMontessoriPrimarySchool(CCMPS)isasmallnon-denominationalandcoeducationenvironmentforchildrenfromKtoYear6 ItcurrentlyoffersPrimaryMontessori Programforchildrencommencingatorcloseto6yearsofage.Commencementatthe Primarylevel,at6yearsofage,issimilartocommencementinKindergartenofatraditional school.TheprogramatCCMPSoffersablendedMontessoriStage2environment(6-9yrs)and aMontessoriStage3environment(9-12yrs) EnrolmentintoCCMPSispendingtheapplication process Allenrolmentapplicationsareprocessedinorderofreceipt,withtheexceptionof:
ChildrentransitioningfromtheCentralCoastMontessoriStage1environmentandthathave committedtotheprocess Currentsiblings
ChildrentransferringfromotherMontessorischools ConsiderationisalsogiventotheapplicantandfamiliessupportfortheMontessori pedagogyandtheapplicantandfamiliesdesiretocommittoa12yearMontessoriprimary andsecondaryeducation
TheapplicationprocessforentryintoCCMPSincludes,butisnotlimitedto;attendinga DiscoverySessionpriortoExpressingInterestintheschool,makinganapplicationfor enrolment,completinganapplicationforenrolmentformalongwithrequiredattachments (schoolreports,teacherreferences,specialist/medicalreports),completingtheIntentional GuideSeminar,attendingaclassroomobservation,attendinganinterviewwiththePrincipal and/orHeadGuideandthestudentattendingtrialvisitday/s
Pendingreviewandanalysisbytheenrolmentcommitteeofeachoftheserequirementsofthe applicationprocessandaplacebeingavailableanofferofplaceletterwillbesentout,along withaninvoiceforanon-refundableenrolmentplacementfee.Anofferofplacelettercannot besentoutuntilalloftherequirementshavebeenmet,however,ifCCMPSisunabletooffera placefortheapplicanttheycanbenotifiedinwritingatanystageoftheapplicationprocess
EnrolmentConditions
At Central Coast Montessori, continuous reflection and improvement are embedded in our practice In2024,ourkeyfocusareasincluded:
1.SupportingTransitions
We prioritised the refinement of transition processes from Montessori Preschool into the Primaryenvironment,andbetweenCycles2and3 Ouraimwastoreduceadjustmentfatigue andpromoteanaturalprogressioninlearning,independence,andclassroomculture
2.StrengtheningSchoolManagementSystems
Webeganinvestigatingcomprehensiveschoolmanagementsystemstosupporttheevolving needs of our community This work focused on platforms and processes to streamline administration and ensure compliance Key areas included management of student and family records, tracking staff qualifications, licences and clearances, attendance monitoring, family communications, facilities oversight, curriculum documentation, staff allocation, NESA compliance, and centralised reporting. Our aim is to improve operational efficiency and free educatorstofocusonguidingthechild.
3.ExpandingVisibilityandCommunityAwareness
We initiated efforts to strengthen our presence within the Montessori and wider education communities This included marketing and communications planning to better share the strengths and values of our learning community. We worked to more clearly express our approach highlighting our environments, the professionalism of our Guides, and the developmental outcomes for children with the goal of building understanding and welcomingincreasedenrolmentsalignedwithourculture
4.StrengtheningtheFamily–CCMPSPartnershipFramework
In 2024, we focused on clarifying and reinforcing the shared understanding of the partnership between families and Central Coast Montessori Primary. This included reviewing and actively managing our Community Code of Conduct to ensure alignment with the respectful, collaborativevaluesthatunderpinourlearningcommunity Weworkedtoensureexpectations were clearly communicated and consistently upheld supporting parents to engage positively and constructively with the school Just as importantly, we maintained open and professional channels for concerns to be raised, including formal grievance processes that respect the dignity of all involved and encourage resolution through mutual understanding. Thisongoingworkreflectsourbeliefthattrust,transparency,andsharedpurposeareessential tosupportingthebestoutcomesforchildren.
5.PlanningforSustainableGrowth
Webeganlong-termstrategicplanningforsustainablegrowthandfutureenrolment,including a review of facilities, staffing and succession planning to support the school’s continued development.
REPORTINGAREA11:InitiativesPromotingRespectandResponsibilities
AtCentralCoastMontessori,respectandresponsibilityarenottaughtasisolatedvalues they arelivedexperiencesembeddedinourdailypractice.Theseprinciplesarefosteredthrough thestructureofourmixed-ageclassrooms,sharedenvironments,andtheMontessori philosophyitself,whichplacestrustinthechildandnurturesindependencewithaccountability.
In2024,ourinitiativestosupportthesevaluesincluded:
–Guidedsociallearning,wherechildrenaresupportedtoresolveconflictpeacefully,use respectfullanguage,andtakeresponsibilityfortheiractions
–Careoftheenvironment,wherechildrenactivelyparticipateinlookingaftertheirclassrooms, gardens,animals,andsharedspaces
–CommunitycelebrationsandculturaleventssuchasCulturalDay,whichpromoteinclusion, empathy,andunderstandingofdiverseperspectives
–Ongoingemphasisongraceandcourtesy,whichsupportrespectfulbehaviour,social confidence,andawarenessofothers
–Family–CCMPSpartnershipconversations,whichreinforcesharedvaluesandencourage consistencybetweenhomeandschoolexpectations
Thesepracticeshelpcreateaculturewherestudentsfeelsafe,respected,andempoweredto contributepositively bothwithintheschoolandinthebroaderworld.
Central Coast Montessori Primary School was founded through community initiative and continues to thrive because of the strong relationships between families, educators, and students.
In 2024, the school maintained a strong emphasis on community involvement Parents were regularly invited to participate in classroom activities, school events, and feedback opportunities Our regular touchpoints including termly parent gatherings, Show Me Showcase events, Intentional Guide seminars, and Cultural Day encouraged collaboration andopencommunication.
While no formal satisfaction survey was conducted during the year, feedback was collected through a variety of channels, including parent/guide collaborative reflection documents and associatedmeetings,directcommunications,guidedandunguidedobservationbookingsand classroom conversations This feedback consistently reflected high levels of satisfaction with the school’s child-centred approach, the dedication of its educators, and the positive and respectfullearningenvironment.
Guides reported feeling well supported professionally and personally, citing strong collegial relationships, a shared sense of purpose, and meaningful engagement in curriculum development and decision-making processes Students demonstrated high engagement, pride in their learning environments, and a strong sense of belonging within the learning community.
Ongoing reflection and improvement are central to our Montessori approach, and we will continue to seek regular and diverse forms of feedback from our community to ensure our practicesremainresponsiveandinclusive
S o l i d G r o w t h ,
S u s t a i n a b l e P r o s p e r i t y
Andweare committedto sustainable prosperity:athriving, resilientcommunity wherepeople not justnumbers comefirst.
CCMPSremainscommittedtothe carefulandresponsiblemanagement ofresources,ensuringthecontinued deliveryofahigh-qualityMontessori educationwhileplanningsustainably forthefuture
Thefollowingisasummaryofthefinancial informationforCentralCoastMontessori PrimarySchoolforthe2024schoolyear, presentedasrequiredundertheEducation Act1990(NSW).Itoutlinestheallocationof incomeandexpenditureacrosskey operationalareas.
AtCentralCoastMontessori,2024wasayearofmeaningfulprogress,quiettransformation, anddeepenedconnection Wecontinuedtostrengthenourpractices,clarifyourpurpose,and createanenvironmentwherechildrencangrowintocapable,curious,andcompassionate contributors.
WeofferourheartfeltthankstotheBoardofDirectorsfortheirthoughtfulgovernanceand steadfastsupport TheircommitmenttoMontessoriprinciplesandfuture-focusedleadership ensuresthatourlearningcommunityremainsstrong,sustainable,andvisionary
ToourdedicatedstaffandGuides,weextendourdeepestappreciation.Yourprofessionalism, warmth,andunwaveringbeliefineachchildaretheheartofeverythingwedo.
Wearealsogratefultoourfamilies,volunteers,andthemanyFriendsofCCMwhocontributein countlessways fromcommunityeventstoclassroomsupport,workingbeestomorningteas Yourgenerosity,presence,andspiritofserviceenrichourcommunityandstrengthenthe sharedfoundationweofferourchildren
Aswelooktoward2025,wedosowithclarityandconviction honouringourmissiontoguide eachchildnotjustinthemoment,butforlife.
Withgratitude,
TheCentralCoastMontessoriPrimaryLeadershipTeam