3 March 2026
Contents
Dear MIC Families,
I hope the beginning of the school year has started well for you and your family. In 2026, we will be bringing you 8 newsletter editions made up of 2 in each term.
Each newsletter will be themed and what a fitting one to start the new year with – Beginning and Belonging.
Life is made up of a series of separations and attachments. Beginning with the separation of an egg from an ovary, to combining with a sperm to form the miracle that takes place each time, then attachment of the fertilised egg attaching to the uterus – the uterus becomes the perfect environment (the first prepared environment) to grow and nurture a human being.
At a certain point in time though, the foetus outgrows this first prepared environment and needs to separate again, and is born into the world we know. Ideally, the baby reattaches but this will be in a different way and one that is more independent.
The series of separations and attachments continues throughout life, through different phases of independence, from functional (0-6), to moral and mental (6-12), to social and economic (12-18). As parents we can observe and reflect on this through the young child’s first days, or often longer, in Children’s House when we do not want to leave them, or when adolescents start pulling away as their second, non-biological family (their peers) become their most preferred and important family.
This is developmentally normal, natural and we need to be able to trust our children/adolescents, their environment and adults in their care. As Montessori prepared adults, the MIC team understands your child’s developmental needs and characteristics and are here to mentor, guide and support their journey, safely at all times.
As Dr Montessori wrote “The greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
You can dive deeper into Montessori concepts of Independence and Interdependence, and view a great article on how they complement each other, here.
Warm regards,
Chris
Chris Peach – Principal
Our littlest children have been busy settling into the routines and daily rhythms of our community. They are forming attachments with the guides and assistants and goodbyes to parents in the mornings are becoming easier. We are working hard to ensure each child and family knows they are welcomed at Montessori and that they are developing a strong sense of belonging. We have been celebrating Lunar New Year and as part of the experience, some of our children were delighted to explore wearing traditional Chinese clothing.
The Montessori Method has been designed for children to develop a sense of significance through responsibility and capability. A sense of belonging forms the basis of this significance, where children, at each stage of development, are encouraged to experience connection within a social group, their family, and the wider community.
The beginning of this year has already offered many opportunities for our Primary children and families, for belonging in action. Our Welcome Back BBQ brought families together in reconnection before the start of the school year, while last week’s Lion Dance gathered Children’s House and Primary with celebration and cultural appreciation in light of Chinese New Year. In Junior Primary, children commenced their Gymnastics and Swimming program, building confidence, coordination and cooperation. Senior Primary children have engaged in Surf Skills, encouraging teamwork and providing opportunities for social connection beyond the school environment.
Across all classrooms, community meetings and collaboration continue to ground children in our Montessori three-year cycle, where shared responsibility, contribution, cooperation, kindness and respect for themselves, one another and the environment, all nurture a deep and lasting sense of belonging.
“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation…there is a respect for the environment and for the individuals within it.” – Maria Montessori
At the start of each year, we prioritise social connection and belonging as members of our community. Our 7/8 Couplet embarked on their Odyssey adventure, providing time to connect, get to know each other, step out of their comfort zones, and share mutual support. In the 9/10 and 11/12 couplets, the group reconnected, welcomed their new members, and completed a week of induction activities in preparation for the year ahead.
Over the past few weeks, each Couplet has discussed and refined a code of civility. The code of civility outlines the expectations for how we (Guides and Students) will work within the community to ensure a respectful, supportive, and inclusive environment. Each code emphasises respect for self and others, as well as compassion and kindness. Both guides and students are expected to take personal responsibility and be accountable for their words and actions. At a time when adolescents are questioning their identity, future roles, and how they will become economically independent from their family, it is essential that they observe, learn and develop the social skills needed to successfully participate as members of a community.
Chemistry!
We completed a chemistry practical where we constructed a galvanic cell using Zinc Sulfate (ZnSO4) and Copper Sulfate (CuSO4) dissolved in distilled water to make solutions. We constructed a salt bridge using filter paper soaked in Sodium Chloride (NaCl), placed a zinc anode and a copper cathode, and measured the voltage with a multimeter. Sean helped us complete equations and conduct the experiment safely, while ensuring that we understood the chemistry being applied in the experiment. This hands-on practical gave me a better understanding of chemistry and allowed me to apply it to real-life.
Carlyn – Year 11
Bush Dance – This Friday!
Are you coming to this great community event?
The whole family is invited to this fun-filled evening of dancing and connecting with fellow MIC families.
Where: Palmwoods Hall
When: Friday 6 March 4.30 pm – 8.00 pm
RSVP: Please RSVP by Thursday 5 March BOOK HERE
PIZZA: MMUN students are offering Pizza for sale as part of their fundraising efforts ORDER HERE
Trivia Night
We need your feedback please!
In planning great community events for the year ahead, it’s important to gather feedback from all MIC parents on what YOU want!
The Collective would like to plan a Trivia Night for parents to enjoy, so please let us know if this is something you’d like to attend?
MIC Collective Committee
Human Tendencies
At MIC, we regularly share reflections on Montessori philosophy with our community in the spirit of collective knowledge and growth. These are our Montessori Moments which you will find in your School Stream app every couple of weeks.
In our latest Montessori Moment, we explore what Dr Maria Montessori described as Human Tendencies, the innate and universal drives that guide human development throughout life.
These natural tendencies, to explore, orient, order, imagine, work, communicate, perfect oneself, and more, are present from early childhood through to adulthood. They shape how we interact with our environment and with one another.
Understanding these tendencies helps us better support children at each developmental stage. For example, during the Primary years (6–12), the tendency to communicate and associate with others becomes particularly strong, which is why collaborative, group-based learning is so important at this age.
Montessori education continually invites us as educators to observe more closely, prepare more thoughtfully, and respond more respectfully to the developmental needs of the child.
Read the full article HERE.
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