Intergenerational Montessorian
Being a young parent in the mid-1970s with my first child, Ceinwen Berry (parent to Bonnie and Jack in Waragal Cycle 2), I was convinced the early childhood education that I wanted was within a Montessori environment. I was inspired by Maria Montessori’s holistic learning environment where the child was treated with dignity and respect and would learn in a way that suited their nature and individuality.
After chatting with friends, meeting like-minded mums at local playgroups, an informal group met in June 1980 to discuss the possibility of a Montessori preschool in Canberra.
The group believed the time was right for a Montessori preschool within the public school system. We decided to work towards a public meeting in August where we would gauge interest in Montessori education for Canberra. When I left the meeting I had taken on the role of coordinator. Over the next few weeks, I wrote publicity handouts, promoted the meeting on community radio and wrote to the Chief Education Officer of the Schools Authority.
In August 1980 about 60 people attended a public meeting where speakers articulated the wonder of the Montessori approach to learning. By the end of the meeting we had established a constitution to form the Canberra Montessori Society. Its aim was to establish a Montessori preschool within the government education system. Fifty parents rushed to put their child’s name on the waiting list. There was so much excitement and enthusiasm. The energy to open the preschool was so positive.
By 16 February 1981 the Canberra Montessori School started with two fledgling part-time Montessori preschool (3-6) classes. These were set up under the auspices of the Canberra Montessori Society. Parent run and parent funded.
At the outset the Schools Authority provided limited access to space at two of its preschools. This proved unsatisfactory. However, finding suitable accommodation was difficult. A solution was found by the middle of 1981. Two church halls several kilometres apart facilitated five morning sessions each week.
As luck would have it there were two Montessori teachers, resident in the Canberra region both with pioneering spirits. They readily guided the parents as they sourced equipment and materials to create a Montessori environment.
By 1982 both classrooms were operating full time with teachers who were trained in the USA at Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Colleges. We were up and running. The contribution of Rita Johnson and Janet Roth went far beyond the classroom. Throughout 1982 they met regularly with committees for in-depth conversations in the exploration and understanding of Montessori philosophy, values and method. They also gave presentations at general meetings of the Society.
A strong Montessori community developed out of growing the classrooms. The parents contributed their time to support the teachers and each other. We made a lot of the Montessori equipment ourselves. We all had talents that brought value to the classrooms.
Michael, Ceinwen’s dad, made sets; cedar boxes for the colour tablets.
Another parent arranged for Huon pine tablets to be made and one of the mums wound the tablets with graduating colours of silk embroidery thread appropriate for each box. They were and still are absolutely beautiful.
For me the 1980s was almost total immersion in ‘things Montessori’, as attention focussed on how to ensure the integrity of the school’s Montessori programs; what foundations were needed for the school to grow and flourish. In addition the Society successfully lobbied for Montessori preschool education to be available in the public education system. A pledge made at the inaugural public meeting in 1981 was met at the beginning of 1982. During this time, I was president of the Canberra Montessori Society and later the coordinator of the Canberra Montessori School. Our family had also grown with the birth of Rhiannon in 1978 and David at the end of 1983.
We really had started a Montessori movement in Canberra. We believed the early years of education were preparation for life and we were dedicated to the cause.
We endeavoured to absorb Montessori philosophy and values into our parenting. We wanted to create a beautiful and interesting non-competitive environment for the classrooms. We believed, with the teacher's guidance, that we were creating environments that would foster self-discipline and allow children to flower and grow. I often referred to the analogy that a child is like an acorn; when you nurture the seed the acorn grows into a strong beautiful oak tree.
Four decades down the track, the School has its own purpose built home in Holder. Recently I attended a gathering of Montessori parents from across the decades for a tour of the campus as part of the School’s Festival of Nature. This year the School has four Cycle 1 classes, two Cycle 2 classes and one Cycle 3 class as well as an 18 months to 3 years long daycare and parent and toddler programs.
The original parents who started The Society still meet from time to time; still enjoying the community and friendships we built together.
It brings me great joy that my grandchildren, Jack and Bonnie are following in the footsteps of the dream I laid down for my daughter Ceinwen and her siblings. I’m looking forward to watching them flower and bloom.
Pic: Margaret Fleming with daughter Ceinwen Berry, and grandchild Bonnie on Grandparents Day 6 March 2025 at Montessori East