We are delighted to welcome you to the very first update from Wonderwood Montessori School. As we continue building our school community here in Cairns, it’s a pleasure to share the progress taking place behind the scenes and introduce the values that will shape our learning environment.
I am honoured to be leading Wonderwood Montessori as its inaugural Principal. I have worked in education for nearly 30 years, across a range of leadership roles and school settings. Most recently, I served as Principal at Australia’s longest-running Montessori school, The Montessori School Kingsley in Western Australia. Prior to that, I had the privilege of helping Melbourne Montessori grow their Adolescent Program through to Year 12.
My journey in Montessori began with several pivotal experiences that shaped my belief in experiential learning — learning that is hands-on, purposeful, and connected to real life. Of all my professional learning, Montessori training has had the most profound impact. It strengthened my conviction that children thrive when they are respected as capable, independent individuals who learn through exploration, curiosity, and responsibility.
On a personal note, I grew up in Melbourne and remain closely connected to family across Australia and around the world. Outside of education, I enjoy sport, especially cricket, and music — both listening and playing (albeit quietly, as I’m a shy guitarist!). I also have a passion for woodworking, and I’m proud to have hand-built an acoustic guitar from scratch.
I look forward to meeting each family personally as we grow this new school together.
Wonderwood Montessori School will be located at 156 Irene Street, Mooroobool. While our original vision began with land in Stoney Creek, construction timeframes led us to secure an alternative site that already housed an educational facility.
This location provides us with an excellent foundation to develop inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments, designed to support independence, creativity, curiosity, and engagement. Renovations and school preparation are now underway, with builders working to support an opening in 2026.
Montessori education is deeply rooted in respect for the child. Rather than focusing on teaching through instruction alone, Montessori environments provide freedom within structure — spaces where children learn through doing, observing, experimenting, and contributing to their community.
If you are new to Montessori learning, we recommend beginning with The Absorbent Mind by Dr Maria Montessori. This foundational text shares how young children naturally learn from their environment, and how we, as adults, can best support that process — both at school and at home.
As we grow, we will provide:
We believe that Montessori is a whole-community journey — and we look forward to guiding it with you.
Wonderwood Montessori School has been supported by the Montessori Children’s Foundation (MCF) — a charitable organisation created to ensure Montessori education is accessible to children who may otherwise be unable to receive it.
MCF’s mission is to enhance the dignity and quality of life for Indigenous children by providing supportive learning environments that foster independence, cultural strength, and lifelong curiosity.
Their work aligns closely with our values at Wonderwood, and we look forward to sharing more about their history and impact in future updates.
Our application with the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board (NSSAB) is progressing well. Once accreditation is confirmed, we will be able to announce our official opening date — expected in Term 1 or Term 2 of 2026.
A key feature of Montessori education is the use of Practical Life materials — tools and activities that mirror the tasks of everyday living. These materials help children build independence, coordination, confidence, and a sense of capability.
Examples include:
These activities are small in appearance, but powerful in forming focus, responsibility, and self-belief.
All Expressions of Interest and waitlist submissions have now been recorded. Families will be contacted for enrolment interviews in due course.
School hours and fee schedules will be published following our upcoming Board meeting.
We also plan to host an Open Day where families can tour the campus, meet key staff, and learn more about Montessori education. The date will be announced soon.
Follow our updates as we continue to build Wonderwood Montessori School:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577686941767
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/company/wonderwood-montessori
Email: admin@wonderwoodmontessori.com
Phone: 1300 329 122
“The attitude of humility is an element of patience.”
— Dr Maria Montessori
Thank you for joining us at the beginning of this exciting journey.
The future is bright — and we look forward to growing it together. ????
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