Margaret River Montessori School

[EduCativ]

The Margaret River Montessori School was established in 1992, founded by Sue Gaunt and Di Littlewood. They shared a vision of a school that would nurture the environment and decided that the educational system developed by Dr. Maria Montessori offered a highly comprehensive approach to child development. The school opened its doors to a 3-6 class of 14 children in 1993 at the Old Baptist Church in Tunbridge Street Margaret River. Enrolments quickly grew, and in 1997 following a great deal of effort and commitment, a new site was procured, 4-6 Clarke Road Margaret River.

2010 saw a school hall, library, and another classroom under the Federal Government's Building Education Revolution program. In 2013 we proudly celebrated our 20th Birthday (the same year that Montessori education celebrated 100 years!) with a luncheon held at Voyager Estate and a whole school celebration Sundowner.

Our school is set on 2 acres, nestled amongst tall trees and natural wetlands and bushland. The setting reflects our love of and interest in nature and our focus on harmony and peace. Students enjoy bountiful outdoor spaces with the right balance of grass, trees, sand, hardcourts, bare earth, and shaded spaces. Our classrooms are openly spacious with lots of windows for natural light and ventilation. Each is equipped with an age-appropriate kitchen. All classrooms provide an outdoor learning area as well.

Today we have approximately 130 enrolments and continue to offer an outstanding Montessori educational program. Above all, we are committed to providing an education for life connecting with the environment and the wider world. Our students are aged from 3 to 12 years. We have students attending from as far north as Busselton and south from Augusta. Many of our students use the School Bus service.

All students have the right to feel safe. Margaret River Montessori School is committed to safeguarding and promoting children and young people's safety, welfare, and well-being. It expects all staff, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment. This commitment extends beyond academic success to intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development. Our school recognizes students' fundamental right to be protected from neglect and physical, emotional, or sexual maltreatment, whether at home, at school, or in the community.

Everyone working in our school is responsible for the care and protection of the students. All staff is responsible for reporting neglect or emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. All staff needs to be able to recognize the indicators of abuse and neglect in order to take appropriate action. The School Council, the Principal, and all staff members must protect students in circumstances where abuse or neglect is suspected or when allegations of maltreatment or assault are made against employees, students, or other people in the community.

MRMS has adopted the Keeping Safe Protective Behaviors Curriculum materials designed for each level of schooling. This comprehensive, realistic, and age-appropriate curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills that will enable them to manage their safety, report abuse, understand the power in relationships and develop protective strategies, including seeking help. Staff is trained in the use of the curriculum materials. The safety, protection, and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We value working together with our Parents, Carers, and School Community to ensure this.

Situated close to town and surrounded by bush on Clarke Road, Margaret River, the school's picturesque outlook is a delightful setting for the outstanding Montessori educational program it delivers. As an Independent school offering quality education, we are part of the global Montessori system and have close ties to other Australian Montessori schools, particularly those in Western Australia. Also, we hold membership through the Montessori Australia Foundation and to the Association of Independent Schools of WA (AISWA). We are outward-looking with healthy environmental and peace outcomes and work in partnership with local community groups. We have after-school sports and cultural activities program and guests to provide a wide range of exciting topics to motivate and challenge our students.

Margaret River Montessori School is committed to safeguarding and promoting children and young people's safety, welfare, and well-being. It expects all staff, volunteers, and visitors to share this commitment. Above all, we are committed to providing an education for life that combines and supports all intelligence and integrates academic learning with social/emotional learning and connecting with the environment and the wider world.

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