How we work with parents

What stands us apart from traditional schools is the extend in which we involve parents in their children's education. We believe educating a child is in partnership with the parent and carer. Research indicates that children who receive a consistent message between home and school they learn faster. As parents and carers, you set the foundations for your child’s learning and we, 'the school', build on this foundation you have already established.

To support this evidence-based notion, parents are encouraged to develop a well rounded understanding of the unique Montessori approach by supporting the child to be fully independent in every aspect of their lives. We lead this at school, but reinforcing it at home is what can make the real difference. In addition, parents, who would normally feel connected to their child's learning because of their homework and test scores, bypass this need altogether as they are more engaged and across the school curriculum and how it is taught through attending parenting programs.

Parent Information Evenings

In order for parents and carers to fully embrace this style of education we invite parents to attend Parent Education (Parent Eds) throughout the school year. These take place regularly and are presented by a variety of speakers, including our staff, who talk on lessons and values taught in the classroom, children's development and emotional and social issues.

Topics can include anything from managing children's after school activity and how cultural studies are taught to how Montessori lays the foundations of learning alongside the child's developmental stage and how sensorial experiences help develop abstract thinking. 

We also run a Graduate Return information evening, inviting the children who graduated in Year 6 and are currently in Years 7 to 12 to share their experience of transitioning into high school after Montessori. This is often a very well attended event as parents and carers see first hand how confident and comfortable in their own skin Montessori children are. 

Parent Circles

No matter what stage of your parenting journey there are inevitably questions along the way. Questions can range from why do my children fight so much? How much is too much screen time? Am I a bad parent because I did this...? to why doesn't my child like to read? 

No matter the question, the answer is going to be of interest to many parents. So we have developed a regular parenting circle held by 1-2 educators to help answer questions and share interesting online tools and podcasts to listen to. Staying on top of new thinking, approaches and research gives parents peace of mind while offering an opportunity to meet other parents and swap notes. 

Parent Support Group

Formed in 2018, the family support group was created from the need to offer a safe space to families whose children have additional learning needs. Facilitated by our learning support staff, families share their stories, insights, personal challenges around specific issues and action plans they try to support their children on their journeys. The group meets twice a term with specialist healthcare practitioners like OTs, speech pathologists, psychologists and paediatricians.

Matrescence Group

After the birth of their child, parents often have questions around personal identity and growth, often leaving the parent split between the person they were before they became a mother (or father). We offer regular support groups as part of our KIN Under 3 parent and child program, to help mothers and fathers have space to feel the feelings they feel and find reconciliation with support, compassion and understanding. These groups are facilitated by our post-partum trained doulas and educators at Montessori East. For more information please email under3@montessori.nsw.edu.au