Rachel Dawson

Chairperson

I am a mother of two girls who have been Montessori educated since age three. Over the past three years our family has discovered the magic of Montessori and the long term benefits associated with the philosophy. It is an extremely rewarding experience being part of the trust and achieving our goal of having a montessori primary class in Matakana.

Lianne Maric

Secretary

I came to know Montessori through my children's preschool when we moved to the Matakana area 4 years ago. Having watched two of my three children flourish in the environment, I committed myself to assisting in the establishment of a Montessori class within our local primary school. To see the class now operating, the students enjoying their new environment and the class integrated within the school is a truly wonderful achievement.

Leeanne Robertson

Treasurer

We were led to Montessori through the wonderful learning experiences our son had with his Montessori preschool teacher. We were very excited to hear a group of dedicated parents were establishing a Montessori unit at Matakana Primary. We feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful choice of education and we are delighted to be involved in its continuing success. To see our son and the wider Montessori class flourishing is truly a great thing to watch.

Stephanie Lane - Trustee

It is a real pleasure to have my son attend the Montessori class at Matakana School and have him learn and develop with children of differing ages, abilities and strengths. The care of the children towards the younger ones has been amazing and I get the impression that the children feel part of an extended family rather than a classroom.

The trustees to date have done a sterling job in founding and establishing the Montessori class. Their determination and commitment has been outstanding and I feel privileged to be part of such a dynamic team.

Teresa Durrant - Trustee

I am an AMI Montessori 3-6 teacher at Totara Hill Montessori. We have been operating for 6 years now and we are one of the feeder pre schools to the Montessori Primary class. I moved to Matakana in 2002 with my husband, Jason. I have three children who have enjoyed the benefits of a quality montessori education. My eldest two now attend the Montessori class at Matakana and my youngest attends Totara Hill. I am passionate about Montessori and look forward watching the montessori unit grow at Matakana.

Jude Collings - Trustee

I have lived in the area for nearly ten years. I am primary school teacher and have two boys aged 4 and 6 who have both attended Montessori preschool. My eldest is now in Room 15. They love it and I have been inspired by the Montessori philosophy ever since. It is amazing how having children really makes you think about what is important and what kind of world you want for your children. The more I learnt about Montessori, the more sure I was about it being the best choice for my children. Montessori is more that just learning information – it is about respect for the child and building life long learners with a passion for the world. As a mum, what more can I ask?

Karen Grice

Communications Manager

Our two boys, aged 6 and 9, are Montessori educated. We couldn't be happier to have our boys in the Montessori Unit at Matakana school. I love that my children are allowed to work independently, according to their own levels and have individually fostered a real love of learning. We feel very fortunate to be involved in this amazing process and are excited to see the continuing success of the class.