coddiewompler
CentralCoastMontessori
Inthis Issue
45YEARSINMONTESSORI
WecelebrateJenniferWillsand her45yearsasaguide
CULTURALDAY
CelebratingAfrica
FAMILYFOCUS
TheFowler’s
FROMTHECOMMUNITY
RoadschoolingAcrossAustralia
LESSONSFROMUGANDA
PinkTowerMontessoriPreschool
FromthePrincipal
Welcome to the Summer edition of The Coddiewompler
As we close out Semester 2, it’s a joy to share another collection of stories, reflections and glimpses into the everyday life of our learning community This publication now sits comfortably alongside our weekly Sawubona newsletter, offering space for a slower, more thoughtful lookattheexperiencesthatshapeus.
ThespiritoftheCoddiewompler-travellingwithpurpose, evenwhenthedestinationisn’tfullyknown-continuesto mirror the Montessori journey beautifully Our children move through their days with curiosity, assurance and a sense of belonging, supported by guides, families and peerswhowalkbesidethem
In this edition, you’ll find moments of learning, collaboration and genuine wonder. Not grand events alone, but the small, steady things that give our community its character and rhythm It’s a chance to pause, to appreciate, and to see the thread that connectsourworkacrosscampusesandstages
Sawubona,
CYCLE3PARENT
Throughouthercareer,Jenfoundsatisfactioninwatching childrendirecttheirownlearning Shevaluedthecalm concentrationthatunfoldedwhenachildcommittedtoa taskandtheconfidencethatgrewastheymasterednew skills.Whetheritwasreadingtheirfirstbook,constructing theRomanArchorexploringthebinomialcube,Jen appreciatedthemomentswhenchildrenmade discoveriesforthemselves Shealsovaluedthe relationshipsformedwithfamiliesandtheshared commitmenttosupportingeachchild’sdevelopment
TheMontessorimaterialsremainedaconstantsourceof interestforher TheGoldenBeads,thenumberchainsand thebiandtrinomialcubeswereamongherfavourites Jenoftenspokeabouthowthesematerialsmade abstractideasgenuinelytangibleforyounglearners Onememoryshereturnedtooftenwasofafive-year-old who,afterworkingwiththebinomialcube,independently wroteoutthebinomialtheorem.Forher,thesemoments affirmedthedepthofchildren’scapabilitywhengiventhe righttools.
Jenalwaysdescribedherroleasthatofaguide She aimedtoobservecarefully,listencloselyandofferjust enoughchallengetosupporteachlearner’snextstep Shebelievedthatthegrowthofindependence, confidenceandcompetenceweretherealmarkersof progress
Afterforty-fiveyearsasaMontessoriguide,Jenhasnow steppedintoretirement Herfocusisshiftingtotimewith hersevengrandchildren,travelandthewelcomefreedom ofslowerdays.Herlongcareerhascontributedtothe learningjourneysofmanychildrenandfamilies,andher presenceformedpartofthefoundationonwhichseveral learningcommunitieshavegrown
WethankJenforhercommitmenttoMontessori educationandwishherease,enjoymentandnew experiencesassheentersthisnextchapter
CHRYSALIS
Chrysalishasbeenacalm,engagingspacewhereouryoungestlearnershavemovedthrough their days with curiosity and growing confidence The room has been filled with gentle chatter, purposefulmovementandthekindoffocusedplaythatmakesthisstagesospecial
Food preparation has remained a favourite ritual Small hands have sliced strawberries with great care, mixed dough for warm banana–cinnamon biscuits and taken real pride in helping preparesimplesnackstoshare.
Much of the children’s exploration has unfolded through touch, movement and repetition Pouring, sorting, arranging flowers, practising toilet learning, working with tongs and opening and closing everyday objects have all offered meaningful opportunities for coordination and independence Even putting on shoes and taking them off again became a small triumph repeatedmanytimes.
Language Cards, baskets of African animals and joyful drumming introduced new sounds, textures and stories into the room These materials invited quiet concentration as well as momentsofshareddelight,andthechildrenrespondedwithgrowingconfidenceandease Chrysalis continues to be a gentle beginning to the Montessori journey a place where independenceisnurturedthroughsimple,thoughtfulworkandwhereeachchildmovesattheir owncalmandsteadyrhythm.
SAKURA
SupportingGrowingIndependenceandaHealthyTransitioninto Preschool
Sakuramorningsbringagentlerhythmtotheweekend,with parentsandchildrenarrivingtogetherandsettlingintowork sidebyside Theroomholdsacalm,steadyenergyasfamilies exploreactivitieswithfocus,easeandgenuineconnection.
Thechildrenmovethroughthespacewithgrowingassurance: pouring,sorting,creatingandcompletingsmalltaskswithcare. Parentswatchquietly,offeringsupportwhenneededbutalso steppingbacktonoticethosequietmomentswhenconfidence unfoldsonitsown.
Thereissomethingspecialaboutthepaceofthesemornings Theroutinefeelsfamiliar,theenvironmentwelcoming,andthe learningunhurried Sakuracontinuestoofferathoughtful bridgebetweenhomeandPreschool,givingfamiliestimeto shareintheirchild’sindependencewhileexperiencingthe graceandsimplicityofMontessoriworktogether
FÉILEACÁN
Féileacánhasbeenaplaceofgentlegrowth, steadyrhythms,andthequietmagicthatunfolds whenacommunitytrulylearnstocareforone another Throughouttheyear,wehavewatched thechildrennotonlydevelopnewskills,butgrow intothemselves andintoacommunitythat works,learns,andlivesalongsideeachotherwith genuinerespectandwarmth
Eachmorning,theclassroomcomesalivethrough shared responsibility. Children moved with purpose as they prepared their environment folding napkins for lunch, wiping down tables, sweeping up crumbs, laying out placemats, and tending to the practical life work that makes the classroom feel like a home These daily tasks, carried out with small hands and big hearts, become a foundation for independence, cooperation, and pride. Making bread together became a much-loved ritual: kneading dough, taking turns, and sharing warm slices with friends and families at pickup These simple, beautiful routines teach patience, generosity, and the joy of contributingtoothers
As the year unfolded, we saw children step confidently into roles that reflected their growth. Some naturally became mentors quietly showing younger peers how to roll a mat, pack away their work, or hold a pencil with care Others found their place through gentle leadership, guiding without words, modelling calmness, kindness,andcuriosity.Andassomeofourfriends took their next steps into the Primary classroom, the younger children watched with admiration, excitedfortheirownjourneysstilltocome
Learningthisyearwasdrivenbythechildren’sown wonder. Our cultural exploration of Africa opened rich conversations, maps, drawings, and stories that flowed easily into the children’s daily work. Reading blossomed as children explored books independently, read with guides, or curled up with friends to retell familiar stories in their own words The joy of literacy deepened through Shared Story Day, where stories, costumes and imagination wove everyone together in laughter and connection.
The Hospital for Me incursion and First Aid session offered thoughtful insight into how we care for our bodies and respond to others with calmness and empathy. Fire drills strengthened this understanding of safety and responsibility, as the children practised moving with composure and supportingtheircommunity
Throughout the year, the children approached their work with increasing confidence and concentration whether threading beads, tracing letters, building with materials, or exploring sensorial activities. Their reading journeys, too, flourished in unique ways: some sounding out letters for the first time, others writing short words, reading phonetic books, or joyfully recognising familiar language in their environment. Every milestone, big or small, was celebratedbyfriendsandguidesalike.
Beyond the work itself, it was the relationships in Féileacán that shaped the heart of the year The gentle conversations, shared laughter, moments of problem-solving, and hands reaching out to helpafriend thesewerethethreadsthatwove our classroom family together. Guides and children built trusting relationships rooted in mutual care, respect, and a deep understanding of each child’s individuality We shared moments of quiet reassurance, bursts of excitement, and the everyday magic of watching the children grow not just academically, but emotionally and socially.
As we reflect on this year, we are filled with gratitude Gratitude for the children, who showed us day after day how capable, thoughtful, and compassionate they can be Gratitude for the families who entrust us with their children’s learningandwellbeing.Andheartfeltgratitudefor the guides, whose steady presence, patience, and dedication have nurtured this space with suchwarmthandintention
Féileacán has been a place shaped by community, kindness, and the steady confidence that comes from doing things with care. What a privilege it has been to walk alongside the children this year to witness their discoveries, their courage, their friendships, and their growing senseofthemselvesintheworld
We end the year with full hearts, inspired by all theyhavebecome.
CulturalDay 2025:Africa
CulturalDayhasbecomeoneofthemostlovedtraditionsinour learningcommunity.Nowinits16thyear,itcontinuestooffer childrenandfamiliesanimmersivewaytoexperiencetherichness ofadifferentcontinenteachyear.In2025,ourfocuswasAfrica,a continentshapedbyancientcivilisationsandvibrantcultural traditions,andhometoanextraordinarytapestryoflanguages, stories,artisticexpressionsanddiverselandscapes.
Throughouttheyear,childrenfrom PreschooltoCycle3exploredAfrican geography,wildlife,textiles,legends, languagesandhistory Theylistenedto storiesofancientkingdoms,exploredart andsymbolism,andstudiedthedeep culturaltiesthatconnectcommunities acrossthecontinent.Asalwaysin Montessorieducation,thechildren approachedtheirlearningwithcuriosity, opennessandrespect
Acrossthegrounds,familiesexplored craftstations,foodandbeveragesfrom manyAfricancoountries,games, instrumentsandhands-onactivities inspiredbyAfricantraditions.Children wove,sang,danced,made,tastedand played,realisingthatcultureis somethingexperiencedwiththesenses ratherthanstudiedfromafar.
Thisyear,ourthemeofUbuntu,meaning ‘Iambecauseweare’,satattheheartof thecelebration.Ubuntureflectsthe Montessoriapproachsoclearly It remindsusthatweareshapedby community,thatlearningis strengthenedthroughconnection,and thatcompassionandbelongingare essentialtohumandevelopment.
CulturalDayistheculminationof monthsofmeaningfulstudy.Itturns knowledgeintoexperienceandshows childrenthebeautyofglobalculturesin waysthatignitecuriosityand understanding.
AsMariaMontessorisaid,‘Thechildis bothahopeandapromisefor mankind.’CulturalDaysupportsthis visionbyhelpingchildrensee themselvesaspartofawiderworld,rich indiversity,storyandsharedhumanity.
Asfamiliesmadetheirway home,thefeelingacrossthe groundswasoneofwarmth andpride Theenergyof ourperformers,thequietwork ofvolunteersandthe enthusiasmofourchildren createdadaythatfeltvibrant, welcominganddeeply connected
CulturalDay2025wasa celebrationofAfricaanda celebrationofgloballearning Adayofmusic,colourand discovery.Areminderthat cultureisbestunderstood throughexperienceandthat ourchildrenthrivewheninvited tostepintothewiderworldwith openheartsandcuriousminds
TheFowler’s
WHATCHANGESHAVEYOUNOTICEDINYOUR CHILD'SBEHAVIOUR,CONFIDENCEOR LEARNINGSINCEJOININGAMONTESSORI ENVIRONMENT?
HOWLONGHASYOURFAMILYBEENPARTOF
THECENTRALCOASTMONTESSORI COMMUNITY,ANDWHATISONEOFYOUR FAVOURITEMEMORIESSOFAR?
We’vebeenpartoftheCentralCoastMontessori communityforsixyearsnow,andoneofmyfavourite memoriesiswatchingTori’sexcitementaboutstarting Stage1 I’llneverforgetherfirstdayofPreschool Iwas soemotional,andyetshewassohappyandconfident walkingin Seeinghowcomfortableshewaswiththe transitionbroughtmesomuchjoyandtrulyputmy heartatease
INWHATWAYSDOYOUFEELMONTESSORI EDUCATIONHASSUPPORTEDYOUR CHILDREN’SGROWTHANDDEVELOPMENT?
MontessorieducationhassupportedTori’sgrowthin suchmeaningfulways Ithasnurturedher independence,confidenceandcuriosity,whileallowing hertolearnatherownpaceandinherownstyle I’ve seenherdevelopagenuineloveoflearning,astrong senseofresponsibilityandarealrespectforothersand theirenvironment TheMontessoriapproachhashelped Torigrownotjustacademically,butemotionallyand sociallyaswell Ithasshapedthewayshe communicates,solvesproblemsandnavigates challenges I’mgratefulforhowmuchithascontributed towhosheisbecoming
SincejoiningtheMontessorienvironment,we’venoticed somanybeautifulchangesinTori’sbehaviour, confidenceandlearning Sheisindependentandselfmotivated Shetakesinitiative,makesherownchoices anddisplaysarealsenseofprideinherachievements Herconfidencehasgrownenormouslyovertheyears Sheapproachesnewtaskswithcuriosityandtrustinher ownabilitytolearnthroughexploration Sociallyand emotionally,we’veseenherbecomingcalmer,more considerateandmoreawareofothers,whichhas madeday-to-dayinteractionsathomemore harmonious
Anotherbigchangeisherloveforlearning Shecomes homeexcitedtosharewhatshehasdiscovered,and wecanclearlyseehowtheschoolnurtureshernatural interestsinsucharespectfulandengagingway Montessorihassupportedhergrowthnotonly academically,butasawholechild,helpingherbecome aconfident,capableandjoyfullearner
HOWDOYOUSUPPORTMONTESSORI PRINCIPLESATHOME,ANDHOWHASTHIS INFLUENCEDYOURFAMILYLIFE?
Themostmeaningfulexperienceforourfamilyhas definitelybeentheParentsNightandLearning Opportunityevents Theyhavegivenussuchvaluable insightintoMontessoriphilosophyandhowlearning unfoldsintheclassroom Beingabletoobservethe materials,understandthepurposebehindtheworkand seehowthechildrenareguidedhasreallydeepened ourappreciationforthemethod Ithasalsohelpedus bettersupporttheMontessoriapproachathome Havingthatclarityandconsistencyhasmadeabig differenceforourfamily Thoseeveningsalwaysleave usfeelinginspired,connectedandgratefulfortheway theschoolpartnerswithparentsinthechildren’s learningjourney
SupportingMontessoriprinciplesathomehashada reallypositiveinfluenceonourfamilylife Wetryto mirrorwhatToriexperiencesatschoolbyencouraging independence,givingheropportunitiestomake choicesandinvolvingherineverydaytaskssuchas cooking,cleaningandcaringforherenvironment We’vealsocreatedsimple,accessiblespacesathome whereshecanchooseactivitiesonherownandtake responsibilityforpackingthemawayafterward
Alongsidethis,weapplygentleboundariesthatare essentialforheremotionalsafety,andweallownatural consequencestoguidelearningratherthan punishment Thishashelpedherunderstand responsibilityinacalmandrespectfulway
Overall,incorporatingMontessoriprinciplesathome hascreatedacalmerrhythminourdailylifeand broughtmorecooperationandrespectintoour household
WearegratefultotheFowlersforbeingpartof FamilyFocus Yourstoryhighlightsthequiet, powerfulwaysMontessorisupportsfamilylife
WONNAI
Wonnaihasbeenalivelyhubofcuriosityand discovery,withthechildrenmoving confidentlybetweenculturallearning,handsonexplorationandcreativeexpression.
OurstudiesofAfricapromptedthoughtful conversationsandplentyofpractical experiences Ourworkculminatedinthe CelebrationofAfricaforCulturalDay,where thechildrensharedtheirlearninganda performanceandalsoenjoyedthemusic, foodandfestivalatmosphere.
MandarinlessonswithYanancontinuedto enrichourmornings.ThechildrenreadThe VeryHungryCaterpillarinChinese,prepared mooncakesfortheMoonFestivalandlearnt aboutthestoriesandtraditionsbehindthis celebration
SharedStoryDaysparkedastronginterestin narrativewriting,andWonnaihasbeen exploringthemanywaysastorycanbe crafted.Thisfocussupportedourrecent GoingOut,wherethechildrenspenttime whalewatchingandwanderingthroughthe bushbeforereturningtowritedescriptively aboutwhattheyhadseenandexperienced
Wonnaihasbeenaplaceofcuriosity, independenceandsharedexploration,with thechildrenexpressingthemselveswith growingconfidenceandembracingthe worldwithopeneyes
KANYINI
Kanyinihasbeenbuzzingwithactivity,withthechildrendivingintoprojectsthatencouraged carefulthinking,practicalskillsandplentyofteamwork.Theirgrowingindependencehasbeen especiallynoticeableasthey’vetakenonnewchallengeswithasenseofcalmconfidence Webeganbylookingcloselyatfreshwatermicro-habitats Thechildrensetupsmall ecosystemsandobservedmosquitolarvaeandyabbies,noticingchangesinlifestages, patternsinbehaviourandthewayeachpartofahabitatreliesontheothers.
OurBikeRidingProgramofferedanotherchancetostretchnewabilities Thechildrenpractised saferidingtechniques,learnttonavigatesimpletrafficlayoutsandgraduallybuiltcertainty andcontrolontheirbikes.Watchingtheirprideastheirskillincreasedhasbeenahighlight. SwimmingsessionsatMingarahelpedstrengthenwatersafetyawarenessandsupportedthe childreninfeelingmorecapableinthepool Alongsidethis,Kanyinicontinuedcontributingto ourwatertankfundraisingandbegantendingthenewgardenbeds,plantingtomatoesand strawberriesandtakinggreatcareinlookingafterthem.
Creativeexplorationplayedanimportantroletoo ForCulturalDay,thechildreninvestigated cultures,storiesandtraditionsbeforecomingtogethertocelebrateAfrica SharedStoryDay broughtadifferentkindofexcitementasimaginativecostumes,livelystorytellingandaburst ofFrenchenthusiasm,especiallywhencrêpeswereinvolved TheCBCABookAwardsalso sparkedthoughtfulconversationsaswereadeachoftheshortlistedtitlestogether Kanyinihasbeenaplaceofsteadygrowthandhands-ondiscovery.Weareincrediblyproud ofthechildren’seffortsandlookforwardtoallthatawaits
ROADSCHOOLINGACROSS AUSTRALIA:LESSONSFROMLIFE
BEYONDTHECLASSROOM
TheLogansalwayslovedtheirlifeontheCentralCoast,yettheycarriedasteadysenseof curiosityaboutwhatlaybeyond.Theywonderedaboutthelandscapes,peopleand communitiesscatteredacrossAustralia,andhowitmightfeeltoexperiencethemtogether asafamilyoffive.Withtheagesofthechildrenliningupperfectlyandasharedsensethat themomentwasright,theyputaplaninplaceandsetoff.
Theearlydayswerefilledwithamixofexcitementandquietanxiety Theyregularlyaskedthemselveswhethertheyhadmadetherightdecision.Movingfromthe predictabilityofdailylifeintothefluidrhythmoftravelrequiredtrust.Trustinthemselves,trust intheroadandtrustintheircapacitytoadapt
Withminimalplanningaroundwheretheywouldgoorwhattheywouldsee,thefirstweeks wereasignificantadjustment.Thereweremomentsofuncertainty,especiallyoncethey reachedthemoreremoteedgesofthecountryandrealisedthatturningbackwouldnotbe quickoreasy.Theseexperiencesbecamepowerfullessonsintrustingtheprocessandsitting withwhateverfeelingsarose.
therhythmoftheday.Withoutthe pressureofbeinganywhereataset time,theymovedmoreslowlyand withmoreintention.
Jennacaredfortheinsideofthe caravanwhileAlmanagedthe outdoorspaceandthetruck Without adishwasher,cleaningupbecamea familyritual Thechildreneachtook turns,turningasimpletaskinto teamwork
AFamilyRiteofPassage
Lookingback,theLogansdescribethejourneyasaninitiation. Removingallexternalsupportwithparentingwasbothexpected anddaunting Livingsocloselytogetherrevealedstrengthstheydid notknowtheyhad,individuallyandcollectively.
Theycametounderstandtheirchildrenmoredeeply:theirquirks, needs,sensitivitiesanduniquewaysofmovingthroughtheworld. Theclosenessforgedoverlongdrives,remotecampsitesand sharedchallengesstrengthenedtheirbondasafamilyunit Throughitall,theimportanceofclearfamilyvaluesbecame obvious.Thesevalueswerediscussed,revisitedandembodied daily.
Thesevalues,alongwiththelovingboundariesshapedalongthe way,arethegoldtheyhavebroughthome.
Care,ConnectionandMakingSpace
Beingeverythingforeveryone,allthetime, requiredthoughtfulselfcare
Jennawouldriseearlytocarveoutquiet momentsforherself.Theytookfamilywalks, madetimeforoneononeconnectionswiththe children,andoccasionallytookabreakthrough soloswagnightsortimeoutfishing.These smallactshelpedreplenishtheirenergyand maintainbalanceontheroad.
LearningEverywhereTheyWent
TheLoganswerenottrackingdays,andthere wasnotimetableorformalschoolwork.Evenso, learninghappenedconstantly
Theyexploredtheworldaroundthem, connectedwithCountryandspentlong stretchesimmersedinnature Observations naturallyledtodiscussions,questionsand sometimesdeeperdivesintohistory,ecology andculture
Museumsandinformationcentresbecame favouritestops.Thechildrenlearnedtolistento stories,interpretdisplaysandpiecetogether localhistories.Theyspokeconfidentlywith adultsandfellowtravellers,sharingtheirown storiesandaskingaboutothers
Theirtimeinnaturebroughtadifferentkindof peace,withhoursspentexploring,watching animals,fishingorsimplybeingstill
‘’THEROADBECAMEARITEOFPASSAGE, TESTINGUS,STRENGTHENINGUSAND BRINGINGOURFAMILYCLOSERTHANEVER BEFORE.’
FromtheKids
Riley:‘ReelinginaGTfishin Broomewasthebest.My favouriteplacewasCorringle Slips’
Willow:‘Myfavouritepartwas seeingAaliyah(friendfrom CCM)inTasmaniaandvisiting Nirvana(formerGuideatCCM) intheFlindersRanges’
Micah:‘OpalmininginCoober PedywasthecoolestthingI haveeverdone CooberPedy wasmyfavouriteplace.’
Familymemory: ‘Amancaughtaturtlebyhand inBitterSpringsanditbithim’
Gidgetontheroad ‘ShesleptunderMumand Dad’sbed,tookuptwoseatsin thetruckandmadedogfriends everywhere’–Willow
THREEWORDSTO SUMITUP: CHALLENGING. GROWTH. CONNECTION.
ComingHome
Theyearreaffirmedsomething theLogansalreadybelieved Parentsplayacentralroleintheir children’seducation.Atthesame time,theyfeeldeeplygratefulfor thestrongfoundationprovided byCCM.
Forthem,educationisa partnership.Thefamily,the learningcommunityandthe worldeachofferdifferentlayers thatenrichoneanother Thetrip strengthenedtheirdesiretostay presentintheirchildren’sgrowth andtoensurethatfamilyvalues remainatthecoreofhowtheir childreninteractwithothersand movethroughtheworld
Returninghomefeltlikeabig warmhug.
LessonsFroma SmallSchoolin Uganda
IamBry,dadtoJesseandLaceyinLaniakea,and atrusteeofacharitablefoundationcalledthe PinkUmbrellaFoundation Myfamilystartedthe foundationaboutfifteenyearsagowithasimple visionforafairerworld.Ouraimhasalwaysbeen totakeonsmallbuthighvalueprojectsin developingcountries,mainlyintheareasof healthcareandeducation Overtheyearsthere havebeenmanyprojects,buttheworkinUganda hasbeenthemostimpactfulandthemost meaningful
Ugandaisverymuchathirdworldcountry.Most peopledonotearnanincome.Familiessurvive onsubsistencefarmingandliveinhandmade mudhutswithoutrunningwater,medicalcareor accesstoqualityeducation Thegovernmentis stable,butcorruptioniscommon,andverylittle supportreachesthepeoplewhoneeditmost. UgandaisroughlyathirdthesizeofNSWand hometoabouteightymillionpeople.
Ourconnectionbeganwhenwediscovereda smallschoolofaboutfiftychildrenoperatingout ofamudchurchbuildinginatowncalled Buwampa,ontheoutskirtsofJinja.Jinjaitselfisa naturallybeautifulplace,sittingontheedgeof LakeVictoriaatthesourceoftheNile,butthecity issurroundedbycommunitiesfacing unimaginablepoverty
THREEHUNDRED CHILDRENARRIVED ONTHEFIRSTDAY. THEYWEREJUST WAITINGFORA CHANCE.
LIFEINUGANDAIS RAWANDREAL.THE PEOPLEACHIEVESO MUCHWITHSOLITTLE.
With four qualified teachers, we opened a new preschool in Kampala in 2025, called Pink Tower Montessori This small preschool, located in a relatively affluent area, is our attempt to create a selfsustaining Montessori school in Uganda We are also running another training program with five new trainees on a two year journey toward Kenyan Diplomas Meanwhile, our original teachers have now begun AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) training, which will eventually provide them with globallyrecognisedqualifications
Inthistime,anotherMontessorischoolhasopenedindependently.OliveAcresisrunbyacommittedselftaught couple who discovered Montessori for their own children They have joined our training program Lanam has also used his own funds to build a Montessori school in Northern Uganda, complete with teacher training The original school near Jinja is now operating independently and is about to open its thirdMontessoriclassroom Growthisbeginningtospread
The journey has been far from linear. There have been moments where it felt like everything was falling apart, and other moments where unexpected breakthroughs pushed us forward. I have travelled to Uganda about eight times now I love travelling, so there is always an element of fun, but it is not like a holiday Food and accommodation can be rough, traffic is chaotic, and the beer is often warm But the people are extraordinary They are hardworking, determined and deeply good spirited They live with a strong sense of community and achieve so much with so little Life is starkly different to ours Life expectancyistwentyyearslower Birthratesaretriple,evenwithinfantmortalityfifteentimeshigher Life israwandreal.
I hope to take Jesse and Lacey next year for the first time I am a little nervous, but I know it will be a powerfulandeyeopeningexperienceforthem
Ugandaalsooffersremarkablenaturalbeautyandwildlife AllthefamousAfricananimalslivethere The countryishometotheBigFive,alongwithchimpanzeesandmountaingorillas Theequatorrunsthrough Uganda,andthelakesandwaterfallsarebreathtaking.
So why Montessori, and why preschool? If you are reading this, you already know why Montessori It is simply the best way for children to learn And preschool because, by age six, many Ugandan children have already missed their chance If they fall behind early, they are far more likely to leave school Sixty eight percent of Ugandans do not finish primary school Ninety six percent do not finish high school Educationistheticketoutofpoverty,anditmustbeginearly.
Looking ahead, I believe training teachers is even more important than building schools. A trained Montessori teacher will influence thousands of children across their career In 2019, Uganda had two trainedMontessoriteachers Todaytherearesix Nextyeartherewillbeeleven Myhopeisthatin2027we willopenanotherpreschoolwithmultipleclassroomsandbegintrainingfifteentotwentynewteachers It is still small, but growth has the potential to snowball, lifting many young people out of the cycle of poverty.
‘THECHILDISBOTHAHOPEANDAPROMISE FORMANKIND’ MARIAMONTESSORI
@centralcoastmontessori
LANIAKEA
ThissemesterinLaniakeahasbeenfullof steadylearning,practicalexploration,and somememorablemomentsinandoutofthe classroom.
Ourculturalstudieshavetakenusacross Africa,withaparticularinterestinancient Egypt.Thestudentshavebeenlookingclosely athowpeoplelivedalongtheNile,howthe pyramidswerebuilt,andwhysymbolslikethe Ankhweresosignificant They’vebeen examiningearlywriting,farmingtechniques, andthesystemsthatsupporteddailylife
Seeinghowmuchinnovationcamefromthis civilisationhashelpedthechildrenplace EgyptandAfricamorebroadlyintothewider storyofhumandevelopment
Archeryhasalsobecomeanimportantpart ofourweek Thestudentshavebeenlearning howtomanagetheirstance,breathing,and focus,andthey’vetakentothechallengewith enthusiasm.Ithasgiventhemachanceto practiseconcentrationinaphysicalway,and manyhavecommentedonhowcalmthey feelafterasession.
Inwriting,we’vebeenworkingonhowto communicateideasclearlyandhowcareful editingstrengthensapieceofwork Students arebeginningtorecognisethatrewritingis notaboutfixingmistakes,butabout improvingsomethingstepbystep.It’sbeen rewardingtowatchtheirconfidencegrowas theyrevisittheirownwritingwithamore thoughtfuleye
WhenyouchooseaMontessorieducationforyour child,youarenotjustselectingateachingmethod. Youarechoosingawayofseeingyourchild Youare preparingthemnotonlyforschoolbutforlife
Montessorieducationtakesthelongview.Itisnot aboutshort-termresultsorrigidacademic benchmarks.Itisaboutnurturingthewholechildintellectually,socially,emotionally,andmorally. Hereisacloserlookatthequalitiesthatoftendefinea Montessorigraduate.
Thesetraitsarenotjusttheresultoflessons,butof yearsspentinacarefullypreparedenvironmentwhere respectandindependencearepartofdailylife.
IndependentandSelf-Motivated
Montessoristudentsareconfidentintheirabilityto startsomething,stickwithit,andseeitthrough.They arenotwaitingforinstructionsorrewards Theytake initiativebecausetheycareaboutwhattheyare doing.
Fromthebeginning,Montessorichildrenmakechoices abouttheirlearningwithinclearboundaries.That freedom,practicedovertime,leadstorealownership. Bythetimetheygraduate,theyareinternally motivated Theyunderstandthattheireducation belongstothem. T h e M o n t e s s o r i G r a d u a t e : W h o T h e y B e c o m e a n d W h y I t M a t t e r s
CuriousandEagertoLearn
Montessoristudentsdonotjustmemorizefacts.Theyaskbig,thoughtfulquestions.They wonderabouthowtheworldworksandwhythingsarethewaytheyare.
ThatisbecauseMontessoriencouragesexplorationanddiscovery Lessonssparkcuriosity, andlearningbecomesajoyfulpursuit.AMontessorigraduateoftenkeepsthatloveoflearning forlife.
ThoughtfulandCriticalThinkers
Montessorieducationinviteschildrentothinkdeeply.Theyaretaughttomakeconnections,to askwhy,andtochallengeideasrespectfully.
Whethersolvingamathproblemordiscussingamomentinhistory,Montessoristudentslearn howtoanalyse,reflect,andformtheirownopinions.Theyarenotjustlookingforthecorrect answer.Theyarelearninghowtothinkthingsthroughandfindclarityincomplexity.
EmotionallyAwareandKind
Montessoriclassroomsarecalmandrespectful,andthatisnotbyaccident Childrenare guidedinhowtomanagetheiremotions,resolveconflicts,andtreatotherswithdignity
Bythetimetheygraduate,Montessoristudentshaveastrongsenseofself-awareness.They knowhowtoexpressthemselves,listentoothers,andnavigatesocialsituationswithempathy Thesearenotjustnicetraits,theyareessentiallifeskills.
AwareoftheWorldandTheirRoleinIt
Montessoristudentsaretaughtfromanearlyagethattheyarepartofalargerworld.They learnaboutcultures,communities,theplanet,andtheuniverse.Theyareencouragedtosee themselvesasglobalcitizens
Thisawarenessleadstoastrongsenseofresponsibilityandcare.Montessorigraduatesoften wanttocontributetotheworldaroundthem Theyseekjustice,sustainability,and understandingbecausethatishowtheyweretaughttoseetheworld.
CollaborativeandCommunity-Oriented
InMontessoriclassrooms,childrenofdifferentageslearntogether.Theyhelponeanother, shareideas,andgrowincommunity.Asaresult,Montessoristudentslearnthatsuccessisnot aboutbeingbetterthansomeoneelse Itisaboutworkingtogetheranddoingyourbest They knowhowtocollaborate,leadwhenneeded,andsupportotherswithkindnessandrespect.
ResilientandResourceful
Montessorichildrenarenothandedalltheanswers Theyareencouragedtotrytostruggle, tomakemistakes,andtotryagain.
Thisbuildsrealresilience.BythetimetheyleavetheirMontessorischool,studentsknow howtofacechallenges.Theydonotfearfailure.Theyseeitaspartoftheprocess.They trusttheirabilitytofigurethingsout
SoWhatDoesaMontessoriGraduateLookLike?
Itiseasytopicturesomeonewithhighgradesandalonglistofaccomplishments.But Montessorisuccessoftenlooksdifferent Itisquieter Moregrounded
Youwillseeitinthestudentwho:
Choosestheirpathwithconfidence Approachesotherswithcompassion Thinksdeeplyandaskshonestquestions Workshardbecausetheworkmatters Seeksconnection,justice,andmeaning Knowswhotheyareandwheretheyaregoing
EveryMontessorichildisunique Thisapproachdoesnotproduceidenticaloutcomes It helpseachchilddiscoverandbecometheirtruestself.
Soifyouarewonderingwhetheritisworking,donotjustlookatthetestscores Lookatthe child Aretheyjoyful?Curious?Grounded?Kind?
Becauseintheend,therealpurposeofeducationisnotjustaboutwhatyouknow.Itis aboutthekindofpersonyoubecome.
AMontessorigraduatedoesn’tjustleaveschoolwithknowledge,theyleavewithwisdom,a senseofpurpose,andtheskillstothrivenotjustinthenextclassroom,butintherealworld
SharedStoryDay
Acelebrationofstoriesandimagination
SharedStoryDayarrivedinAugustwith classroomsbuzzingwithcostumesand creativity,evenastherainfellsteadily throughouttheday TruetoMontessorispirit,the weatherdidlittletodampenspirits
WehadsomefunvisitorsfromFrancemake crepesandtheBookSwaptableofferednew treasuresforfamiliestotakehomeandenjoy
Th P i t ’ d f ll i k Ali i !
plentyofcreativity.Costumesrangedfrom ancientgodstomythicalcreatures,with everyoneputtingimpressivethoughtand humourintotheiroutfits
AliveDJwithasurpriseguestsaxophonist addedabrightlifttothenight.Thankyouto everyonewhocameandhelpedmakethe WinterFeastsuchanenjoyableand memorablegathering
SharedStoryDayremindsushowstories connectus,sparkimaginationandcreate momentsthatstaywithus Thankyoutoallour familiesforthejoyandcreativityyoubrought, andtoourPreschoolandPrimaryguidesfor nurturingagenuineloveofliteracyinour community
BYGEORGIALIENEMANN
Legendary Lunchboxes
Simplechoices,realfoodandalittle preparationcantransformtheway childrenfeelandlearnthroughouttheday.
Anourishinglunchboxisnotaboutperfection, trendinessorperformance.Itissimplyabout offeringchildrenfoodthathelpsthemfeel steadyintheirbodiesandminds Whenwe choosewhole,simple,nutrientdensefoods,we givechildrenthebestchanceofmoving throughtheirdaywithcalmenergy,focusand emotionalbalance
Thefoundationofatrulynourishinglunchis qualityproteinandhealthyfats Ioften encouragefamiliestoanchormealsin traditional,nutrientrichfoodssuchasslow cookedmeats,boiledeggs,roastedchicken, brothbaseddishesortinnedfish.Thesefoods supportbraindevelopment,growthandstable bloodsugarfarbetterthanprocessedsnacks evercan
Bentostylelunchboxesworkbeautifully becausetheyinvitevarietywithoutexcess. Eachlittlecompartmentisanopportunityfor colour,textureandnourishment Afewslicesof leftoverroast,somecutvegetables,ahandful ofberries,cheese,olivesorasimple homemadeitemcanbecomeadeeply satisfyingmeal
Italsohelpstoseparatealightmorningsnack fromthemainlunch Childrenoftenneed somethingsmalltocarrythemthroughthe morningworkcycle,butnotenoughtospoil appetite.Thinkfruit,yoghurt,crunchy vegetablesorleftoversfromthenightbefore.
TheheartofagreatlunchboxisnotPinterest worthyvariety.Itiscare.Itisconsistency.Itis choosingrealfoodthatnourishes,connects childrentotherhythmsofhomeand supportstheirgrowingbodieswithwhat theyactuallyneed
TOPTENLEGENDARY LUNCHBOXTIPS
Whenwecentrelunchboxesonwhole ingredientsandsimplecombinations,wegive childrenthenourishmenttheyneedtomove throughtheirdaywithsteadinessandease Thesetentipsofferapractical,thoughtful approachthatworksforbusyhomes.
1.Startwithrealfood.
Build the lunchbox around whole, unprocessed ingredientsthatyourchild’sbodyrecognisesand canuse.
2.Letproteinlead.
Include a small portion of quality animal foods such as leftover roast, meatballs, eggs or slow cooked meats These form the steady, nourishing anchorofthemeal
3.Thinkinsimplecombinations.
A few honest foods offered thoughtfully will alwaysbeatabusylunchboxfullofclutter.
4.Usethebentoboxtoguideyou.
Each compartment becomes an invitation for colour,textureandvarietywithoutoverthinking.
5.Cookonceandrepurpose.
Letdinnerrollintolunch.Leftoversareoftenmore nutrientdenseandfarlessstressful.
6.Addcoloursfromnature.
Fresh fruit and vegetables offer brightness, fibre andenjoyablesweetness
7.Includehealthyfats.
Cheese, avocado, olives or butter help children feelsatisfiedandsupportfocusandmood.
8.Offerfoodchildrenknow.
Familiar meals and predictable rhythms help children feel emotionally settled during the schoolday
8.Offerfoodchildrenknow.
Familiar meals and predictable rhythms help childrenfeelemotionallysettledduringtheday
‘Simple,wholeingredientsdo moreforachild’sbodyand mindthananypackaged snackevercould.’
9.Avoidthenoise.
Highly processed snacks and sweets often lead to energy crashes, mood swings and distracted learning
10.Keepthewholeritualcalmandsustainable. Anourishinglunchboxisnotaboutperfection It is built through small, repetitive choices that supportyourchild’swellbeingeveryday.
WATERISVITALTOO AFILLEDWATERBOTTLE
SUPPORTSBOTHFOCUSANDMOODTHROUGHOUT
THEDAY ONESMALLBUTIMPORTANTTIPISTO
CHECKBOTTLELIDS,SPOUTSANDSILICONESEALS
FORMOULD THESETINYSPACESCANHIDEMORE THANWEREALISEOVERTIMEINBUSYHOMES.A REGULARDEEPCLEAN
CCMLunchboxGuidelines
Choosewhole,realfoods
Makequalityproteinthestar
Avoidprocessedandpackagedfoods
Nosweets
Includebothasnackboxandalunchbox
Snackboxshouldcontainalight,simplesnack
Provideafilledwaterbottleeachday
Checklids,strawsandsealsforhiddenmould regularly
Alwaysbeawareofanycurrentadditional guidelinesrelatingtoallergies
SupportingIndependenceatHome
InMontessori,foodpreparationisrealwork,not pretendplay Evenveryyoungchildrencan contributemeaningfullywhengiventime,gentle guidanceanddevelopmentallyappropriatetools Preparingtheirownlunchboxoffersawonderful opportunityforchildrentoexperience responsibility,confidenceandpride.
Forchildrenaged2to5,thiscaninclude: washingfruitandvegetables slicingsoftfoodswithachildsafeknife (banana,cucumber,strawberries) cuttingfirmerfoodswithanageappropriate serratedorMontessoriknife gratingcheeseorcarrotwithsupervision peelingboiledeggs choosingitemsforeachcompartment placingfoodneatlyintheirlunchbox wipingthebenchandtidyingtheirspace
Atthisstagethefocusisonprocess,notspeed. Thesesmall,realtasksbuildcoordination, concentrationandasenseofcontribution
From5upwards,childrenaremorethancapable ofindependentlymakingtheirlunch Perhaps, followingasimplefamilyguidesuchas‘one protein,onevegetable,onefruit,oneextra’. Parentscanquietlycheckthefinallunchbox beforeitgoesintothebagtoensureit isbalancedandnourishing Tomakethemorning rushsmoother,familiesmayfindithelpfulto prepareafewitemsthenightbefore,suchascut fruitorvegetables.
Involvingchildreninlunchboxpreparationhelps themunderstandthatfoodispartofcaringfor themselves Overtime,itbuildsindependence, selfrespectandpracticallifeskillsthatextend wellbeyondthekitchen
FROMTHEGUIDES:
WHATDOESLANIAKEAMEAN?
LaniakeaisaHawaiianwordmadeupoftwoparts:‘Lani’meansheaven,sky,orsomething celestial,and‘Akea’meansspacious,broad,orimmeasurable
Putthemtogether,andyougetLaniakea,abeautifulphrasethattranslatesto‘immense heaven’or‘openskies.’It’sapoetic,powerfulnamethatcapturesthevastnessandwonder ofwhatitrepresents
ThatnamewasgiventotheLaniakeaSupercluster,themassivestructureintheuniversethat includesourownMilkyWaygalaxy Mappedbyastronomersin2014,thissuperclusterstretches acrossamind-bending520millionlight-yearsandcontainsaround100,000galaxies It’s essentiallyourgalacticaddressinthecosmos.
ThenameLaniakeawassuggestedbyDr Nawa‘aNapoleon,aHawaiianlanguagescholar It wasn’tchosenjustbecauseitsoundsbeautiful(thoughitdoes)italsocarriesdeepcultural meaning.IthonoursthelongandrichtraditionofPolynesianastronomyandnavigation.
ForancientPolynesians,includingtheHawaiianpeople,thenightskywasmorethanjust stars,itwasamap,acompass,andacompanion Usingthestars,oceanswells,andnatural cues,theyvoyagedacrossthevastPacificlongbeforemoderntoolsexisted.Namingapartof theuniverseLaniakeaisapowerfulnodtothatlegacyofexploration,observation,anddeep respectforthecosmos
Bychoosingthisname,thescientificcommunityacknowledgedsomethingimportant:that knowledgedoesn’tjustcomefromdataandtelescopes,italsocomesfromstories,language, andgenerationsofwisdompasseddownthroughculture
Soinnamingthiscosmicenvironmentofours,wedidn’tjustlookoutwardtothestars We alsolookedinward,tohumanculture,memory,andmeaning,andfoundanamethattruly reflectstheawe-inspiringscaleandmysteryoftheuniverse.
EXCELLENCEINEARLYCHILDHOODEDUCATION WINNER-OUTCOMESFORCHILDREN
Fromthe WildHearts
With grateful hearts,
Toeveryparent,grandparent, caregiverandfriendwhoofferedtheir time,energyandpresencethis semester—thankyou.
Whetheryoupreparedameal,tended agardenbed,helpedwithsewing, joinedanexcursion,sharedastory, supportedanevent,orquietlystepped inwhereverneeded your contributionmadeadifference.
Thispageholdsthenameswe managedtogather,butweknow manygenerousactsgounrecorded.If yoursisn’tlisted,pleaseknowyour kindnesswasnoticedanddeeply appreciated.Thankyouforhelpingto shapeCCMintothevibrant,caring communityitis.
Youarethehandsbehindthescenes, thesmilesatdrop-off,thequiet supportthatremindsus—ittrulydoes takeavillage.
WealsoextendourthankstotheCCM
Lookingforwardto... KeyDiaryDates:
FREE Montessori Printable: Classification Cards
LandmarksofEurope—howmanycanyou recognise?
This sorting card set invites children (and curious adults!) to explore some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. From castles and cathedrals to ancient ruins and architectural wonders, this activity helps build awareness of geography, culture and the unique stories each place holds.
Instructions: Printonwhitecardstock,single-sided (printat100percentforbestresults) Cutoutthecardsandhavefun matchingeachlandmarktoitscountry: Scotland,France,Italy,Russia,Germany orSpain
