21 February 2025
Contents
Update from the MIC Collective
From the Acting Co-Principals
The year started with a buzz of excitement! The initial energy has now become a hum as the community’s rhythm takes shape for the learning adventures that lie ahead for 2025.
We come together in this place to be curious, to learn, to be inspired, and to be challenged along life’s journey. Our dedicated staff craft each day with their children and adolescents in mind. Each individual in our community is respected, known, and supported in finding their world of possibilities and opportunities.
The Importance of Kindness and Respect in All Communications
At the heart of Montessori philosophy is the principle of nurturing the whole child and adolescent: mind, body, and spirit. One of the most profound ways we support this is by fostering kindness and respect in all forms of communication. While children and adolescents learn about kindness and respect in the classroom, they also look to adults to model these values in their daily lives. Whether the interaction is between children, adolescents, school staff, or families, our interactions shape the environment in which children and adolescents learn and grow.
Why Kindness and Respect Matter
Dr Maria Montessori emphasised the importance of creating a peaceful and supportive community where every child feels valued and respected. Kindness and respect in communication are not just about polite words; they are the foundation for building trust, empathy, and understanding. These qualities help children and adolescents feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and develop their unique potential.
In a Montessori classroom, children and adolescents are taught to express their thoughts and feelings respectfully and to listen actively to others. They learn that their words have power — not just to communicate ideas but to build relationships and solve problems. When we, as adults, model this behaviour in our own interactions, we reinforce these lessons and create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
We know that children and adolescents are observant, and they learn a great deal from the way the adults in their lives communicate. When they see respectful and collaborative communication, they internalise the importance of treating others with dignity and kindness. This behaviour reinforces our values of empathy, understanding, and grace, helping children to develop these qualities in their interactions with others.
Building a Culture of Kindness
At our school, we are committed to cultivating an environment in which kindness and respect are at the core of everything we do. Through grace and courtesy lessons, collaborative activities, and guided discussions, we are encouraged to practice these values daily.
We also recognise the importance of extending this culture into all channels of communication, including conversations between families and staff. By approaching every interaction with kindness and understanding, we set a powerful example for our children and strengthen the sense of community that makes our school so special.
A Shared Responsibility
Creating and maintaining a culture of kindness and respect requires a collective effort. Let us work together – parents, Guides, children and adolescents – to ensure that our words and actions reflect the values we hold dear. By doing so, we enrich experiences and foster compassionate and respectful citizens of the world.
Moreover, respectful communication between parents and Guides strengthens the partnership that is so essential for success. We create a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to work together for the benefit of the child.
Thank you for being a vital part of our community and for helping us create an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected.
Our Car Park
Continuing the theme of modelling positive behaviours, please remember that our school car park is a shared space, and it’s important that we all work together to ensure it remains safe and respectful for everyone.
By modelling patience, courtesy, and adherence to parking and traffic rules, we set a positive example for our children and adolescents to follow.
Please remember to:
- Drive slowly.
- Treat other drivers, staff, and families with patience and courtesy.
- Reverse to park only in designated areas.
- ONLY cross using the crossings, whether walking with or without your child.
A little extra care and consideration go a long way in creating a safe and welcoming environment for our entire school community. Thank you for your cooperation!
Learning Community
We are proud and excited to present a lineup of events and evenings to connect our community, spark conversation, and share knowledge. We are all active participants in our learning community, and all have a part to play.
As Montessori community members, we deeply believe in lifelong learning and our constant transformation through life. Get involved by attending the many events, reaching out to your Parent Ambassador and asking how you can help, and joining an upcoming education or conversation evening.
Of course, you can find all of these dates in the School Stream app. Please register, come with a friend, and connect with others; every event is tailored for our families. We will also share other learning opportunities with families through the app; you’ll find these by clicking on the Community and Parent Learning tab. If you haven’t jumped into downloading the SCHOOL STREAM app, please do so now – we want to connect with you.
Remember that we have a Parent Handbook. This is filled with all of the information needed to answer your questions. Click HERE to view a copy.
Here’s to an inspiring and impactful year ahead! Whether you’ve returned to school this year or are joining us for the first time, we’re excited to see familiar faces and warmly welcome new friends; know that you are an essential part of our community.
Together, we continue to nurture a love of learning, kindness, and respect. Thank you for entrusting us with your child and adolescent’s journey – we look forward to a wonderful year ahead, and to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Larissa and Rael
Celebrating the Class of 2024
We wanted to briefly reflect on our graduates of 2024.
Central to the success of these young people has been the Future Pathways Program, which offers personalised mentoring and guidance during the final two years of schooling. The program empowers students to select subjects and courses that align with their interests and individual career aspirations. The 2024 graduates’ study programs included general subjects such as General Mathematics, General English, Biology, and Business, complemented by distance education courses in Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, and Psychology. Students engaged in applied subjects such as Visual Arts in Practice, Essential Mathematics, Essential English, and Social and Community Studies, catering to a diverse array of interests and endeavours.
All seven graduates achieved their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), showcasing their commitment to completing their high school education. We enthusiastically share that students have achieved an average ATAR of 83 or higher for the last three years. This cohort successfully completed five Certificate III qualifications, including areas such as Screen and Media, Fitness, and Business, alongside one Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation, and two students completed Headstart University courses.
In addition to their academic accomplishments, three graduates were awarded the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Adventurous Journey award. This accolade recognises their commitment and dedication to completing service hours, building new skills, and engaging in physical recreation, which are all components of the international program.
As they step into 2025, each graduate has embarked on their next learning journey:
- One graduate has been accepted into flight school, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
- Another is off to Texas to explore the media industry in Houston.
- Two graduates were accepted into UniSC and QUT and are pursuing careers in computer animation.
- One is investigating options in Medical Science at QUT.
- One graduate is taking a gap year and travelling in Europe.
- Two students have entered the workforce while considering their next career moves.
We are so proud of each and excited that they are now paving the way for their future endeavours. We celebrate them as young adults and wish them well in their journey.
Update from the MIC Collective
The MIC Collective Committee have kicked off the year with a meeting to discuss the exciting opportunities ahead in 2025. We hope this year will bring us all together to connect and grow our beautiful community – for the betterment of our children’s and all families’ experiences during their time at MIC. Every child, adolescent, parent and staff member is a valued and important part of our wonderful Montessori community.
From very little things to very big things, it is only by everyone’s joint contribution that we can make a powerful impact.
How can you get involved?
Do you have legal knowledge and/or experience setting up a registered charity?
A major priority for the Collective at the moment finalise a new constitution and charity registration for the Collective. BUT we need a bit of advice on whether the constitution we have created is compliant AND the steps we need to go through to set the Collective up as a charity with the ACNC.
We know our parents have fantastic experience in so many diverse areas so thought there must be a parent with this kind of experience! If you can help with advice please EMAIL US!
Can you join our sub-committee to help bring back the amazing Pumpkin Party?
We’re seeking anyone who would like to help us organise the much-loved Pumpkin Party for 2025. If we can form a small committee we’ll be able to each take a small piece of the pie (see what we did there! ;)) and create a wonderful event for the community. We can’t do it without you! Please EMAIL US if you could support this fabulous event.
Thanks!
The MIC Collective Committee
Parent Learning
MSCA invites parents to this foundational introduction to Montessori at Home.
WHEN: Monday, 31 March 2025, 6.30 pm (online)
‘Montessori Basics at Home: A Parent’s Guide’, will be an enlightening online webinar tailored for parents eager to understand and integrate Montessori principles into their daily routines without the stress and costs often assumed necessary.
This session will dispel common myths and highlight easy, practical ways to foster a Montessori-friendly environment using simple resources you likely already have at home.
Other news
School Photos
Don’t forget that next week are our School Photos, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February.
- Early Years, Prep, and Junior Primary are being photographed on the morning of Wednesday 26 February.
- Senior Primary and the Adolescent Community are being photographed on the morning of Thursday 27 February
To purchase your child/children’s school photos, packages are available directly through Portrait Patch.
- Single child photo packs: Order before Thursday 6 March.
- Sibling photo packs: Order before Sunday 23 February. Sibling photos will not be taken if an order has not been placed by this time.
Tea & book covering – mindfulness practice in the library
This year we invite parents once again to participate in some book covering, enjoy a cup of tea and take some calming time out of your busy life. Yes, this would be a huge help to our Library but also an opportunity for you to steal a little time for some quiet mindfulness.
See available times HERE and put your name down.
How to apply
Make an enquiry