“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” — Maria Montessori
This term began with reflection, connection, and purpose as staff from The Hills Montessori School joined with colleagues from Southern Montessori School for a collaborative professional learning day. The session was led by Dr Anne Knock and focused on how we can respond to the evolving landscape of education with clarity, curiosity, and care.
Together, we explored meaningful questions about the role of education in a rapidly changing world. Anne prompted us to reflect on our own ‘Aha!’ moments — those sparks of insight that can transform our thinking and practice. We considered the “Messy Middle,” especially around the thoughtful integration of technology, and the importance of discernment in an age of information overload.
Anne shared the five 'conditions' that she has determined through her research, that she beleives need to be present in education to set young people up for success at school and in life. In the afternoon, staff from both schools got into cycle groups to discuss Anne's five conditions and to discuss and debate if they are incorporated and encompassed within the eight key principles of Montessori education.
It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our purpose as educators, share experiences across our Montessori community, and centre ourselves around what matters most: preparing children and young people not just for school, but for life.
