Fourteen dedicated Montessorians from Tokyo to Fukuoko, Hiroshima to Osaka, visited Sydney for five days to see first-hand how Montessori principles are applied in environments for the beginning and ending stages of life.
The group comprised a chemist, representatives from the University of Osaka and Montessori trained early childhood workers. One woman runs her own Montessori school as well as a Montessori day care for the elderly.
The group was varied in experiences, training and age, however, their enthusiasm and interest in what they saw and where they went, was similar – very high!
After the successful Montessori Ageing and Dementia Workshop in Japan earlier this year, where presenter Anne Kelly spoke to over 100 delegates about the application of Montessori philosophy and principles in aged care facilities, interest in what is happening in Australia heightened.
Montessori Tours and Travel (MT&T) was thrilled to be asked to prepare an itinerary which included visiting Montessori environments for both the elderly and the young.
The long-awaited arrival day in Sydney dawned with fabulous weather. The group began their Sydney experience with sightseeing and lunch at Darling Harbour. They soon realized that there is so much to see and do, nature to connect with and new friends to make. Sunday was a great start to an amazing week.
Day Two was a visit to the aged care facility, ‘Elizabeth Lodge’ at Rushcutters Bay. This was interesting and an eye opener for us all. Montessori principles are applied to all aspects of the running of this care facility with great results. We saw lots of evidence of active residents, and happy and caring staff all in a positive atmosphere.
Lunch at ‘Bella Vista Cafe’ at North Head Scenic Drive, Manly did not disappoint us. It was quite the location with delicious Italian tucker. After we were well fed, AMI 0-3 Trainer, Sara Brady, talked us through the Nido and Infant Community environments that are part of the 0-3 training centre at Headland. Late afternoon shopping was followed by a feed of Aussie meats (beef and kangaroo) and seafoods at Darling Harbour with serious networking and new friendships formed.
Catherine Harding at Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS) welcomed us on Day Three, ensuring that our guests were well catered for. Each person had 2 observations in different environments and we enjoyed a delicious morning tea. Picnic lunch in the local park allowed time to watch the children from ISMS play and learn about Rainbow Lorikeets which came to check us out and hang around in the trees near where we sat.
After visiting the ‘Scalabrini Village’, a brand new aged care community, we spent time discussing the activities of the day. We were sorry to farewell two of the group who needed to go. They would have enjoyed the buffet dinner at the top of Sydney which ensured we all went ‘home’ well fed.
An interesting morning at ‘Headland Montessori’ at Manly on Day Four was followed by a visit to ‘Focus Home Care’ at Burwood. A lot of information was shared today by those working with our most vulnerable members of society - the young and the elderly. There were observations, discussions and lots of great questions with sharing from both hosts and guests.
No, it can’t be Day Five – that’s the day we leave…
Bags are packed. Everyone has checked out of the hotel. The last visit for the tour started out day.
Rebecca Dallam (AMI 6-12 Trainer) and Soula Lerantges (Course Assistant) welcomed us to the Sydney Montessori Training Centre at Rozelle, and walked us through the 3-6 environment which was set up for the Foundation Course earlier this year. Students wishing to complete the 6-12 Diploma Course, need to have either a diploma in the 3-6 course, or complete the Foundation Course. We moved to the 6-12 environment and Rebecca explained what were the different areas of this environment. Everyone was interested in what such an environment offered the children, and many great questions were asked.
‘Going out’ was the last activity with Taronga Park Zoo or Sydney Aquarium as the options. Be back in time... and they were.
What a fabulous week!
The group was varied in experiences, training and age, however, their enthusiasm and interest in what they saw and where they went, was similar – very high!
After the successful Montessori Ageing and Dementia Workshop in Japan earlier this year, where presenter Anne Kelly spoke to over 100 delegates about the application of Montessori philosophy and principles in aged care facilities, interest in what is happening in Australia heightened.
Montessori Tours and Travel (MT&T) was thrilled to be asked to prepare an itinerary which included visiting Montessori environments for both the elderly and the young.
The long-awaited arrival day in Sydney dawned with fabulous weather. The group began their Sydney experience with sightseeing and lunch at Darling Harbour. They soon realized that there is so much to see and do, nature to connect with and new friends to make. Sunday was a great start to an amazing week.
Day Two was a visit to the aged care facility, ‘Elizabeth Lodge’ at Rushcutters Bay. This was interesting and an eye opener for us all. Montessori principles are applied to all aspects of the running of this care facility with great results. We saw lots of evidence of active residents, and happy and caring staff all in a positive atmosphere.
Lunch at ‘Bella Vista Cafe’ at North Head Scenic Drive, Manly did not disappoint us. It was quite the location with delicious Italian tucker. After we were well fed, AMI 0-3 Trainer, Sara Brady, talked us through the Nido and Infant Community environments that are part of the 0-3 training centre at Headland. Late afternoon shopping was followed by a feed of Aussie meats (beef and kangaroo) and seafoods at Darling Harbour with serious networking and new friendships formed.
Catherine Harding at Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS) welcomed us on Day Three, ensuring that our guests were well catered for. Each person had 2 observations in different environments and we enjoyed a delicious morning tea. Picnic lunch in the local park allowed time to watch the children from ISMS play and learn about Rainbow Lorikeets which came to check us out and hang around in the trees near where we sat.
After visiting the ‘Scalabrini Village’, a brand new aged care community, we spent time discussing the activities of the day. We were sorry to farewell two of the group who needed to go. They would have enjoyed the buffet dinner at the top of Sydney which ensured we all went ‘home’ well fed.
An interesting morning at ‘Headland Montessori’ at Manly on Day Four was followed by a visit to ‘Focus Home Care’ at Burwood. A lot of information was shared today by those working with our most vulnerable members of society - the young and the elderly. There were observations, discussions and lots of great questions with sharing from both hosts and guests.
No, it can’t be Day Five – that’s the day we leave…
Bags are packed. Everyone has checked out of the hotel. The last visit for the tour started out day.
Rebecca Dallam (AMI 6-12 Trainer) and Soula Lerantges (Course Assistant) welcomed us to the Sydney Montessori Training Centre at Rozelle, and walked us through the 3-6 environment which was set up for the Foundation Course earlier this year. Students wishing to complete the 6-12 Diploma Course, need to have either a diploma in the 3-6 course, or complete the Foundation Course. We moved to the 6-12 environment and Rebecca explained what were the different areas of this environment. Everyone was interested in what such an environment offered the children, and many great questions were asked.
‘Going out’ was the last activity with Taronga Park Zoo or Sydney Aquarium as the options. Be back in time... and they were.
What a fabulous week!
When asked what was the best part of the week, group members responded with:
- Everything!
- Elizabeth Lodge.
- Headland Infant Community.
- Happy to see children working with the same materials that the children at home work with. That was very moving.
- The elementary teachers and the beauty – a high sense of beauty.
- Elizabeth Lodge, Focus Care and Headland 3-6.
- So touched by the Australian people – you guys are great
- Touched by the depth of the knowledge and philosophy of Montessori – incredible.
- Moved by Montessori’s idea that Montessori can be from 0 – 100
- Learning how life can be fully lived from 0-100, and elementary environment. Each stage of life so fulfilling.
- Really like us – the group, so touched by the single light bulb in the environment, to show how electricity is possible, and how to introduce the concept.
If you'd like me to help design a custom tour for your Montessori group, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
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