Dear Families,

What are the indicators that a Montessori classroom is truly flourishing? In her inspiring book The Montessori Potential, Paula Lillard Preschlack shares a simple but powerful answer: respect, joy, and concentration. These three qualities are not just ideals—we can see and feel them every day in a well-functioning Montessori environment. When they are present, we know that children are thriving.

Respect is the foundation. In a Montessori classroom, respect flows in every direction—between adults and children, among peers, and toward the materials and environment itself. Respect is taught and encouraged through lessons in grace and courtesy and through modelling by the adults in the environment. Respect can look like: children using quiet voices, treating materials with care and walking around other children’s work. It means listening deeply, trusting the child’s capacity to make choices, and nurturing kindness in every interaction. When respect is alive in a classroom, it creates a culture of dignity and responsibility.

Joy comes from meaningful engagement. Montessori classrooms are designed to spark curiosity and invite exploration. True joy occurs when a child is developing self-discipline and the ability to control their impulses, allowing them to make productive choices. At this point, children have the freedom to follow their interests, work at their own pace, and experience the satisfaction of mastering new skills. This deep sense of joy is not loud or performative—it’s often quiet, focused, and deeply fulfilling.

And then there is concentration—that magical state where a child is completely absorbed in purposeful activity. Whether carefully pouring water, writing a story, or solving a maths problem, this concentration is where real learning and growth happen. Dr. Montessori observed that when children reach this state regularly, they develop independence, self-discipline, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.” — Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

This quote beautifully illustrates the deep connection between joy and concentration that Montessori observed.

As educators and families, when we walk into a Montessori classroom and witness these qualities—respect in relationships, joy in discovery, and concentration in work—we are seeing the Montessori potential in action. These are signs that children are not only learning—they are flourishing.

Student Reports – A Window into Your Child’s Learning Journey

Over the past few weeks, our dedicated teachers have been thoughtfully preparing student reports, which will be sent home on the last day of term. These reports are designed to offer you a meaningful snapshot of your child’s learning journey—highlighting their growth, interests, and achievements within the Montessori environment.

We hope you find your child’s report both informative and engaging to read. Our goal is to provide reports that genuinely support your understanding of your child’s development, and we warmly welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions about how we can continue to make these reports as helpful and relevant as possible, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

With kind regards,

Heather Mclnerney (Principal)