As we settle into 2026, I’d like to warmly welcome you back to a new year at Montessori International College. A new year always brings fresh energy with new beginnings, steady growth, and the quiet continuity that supports children to thrive.
It is with this fresh energy that I would like to welcome two new directors, Yvonne Rinaldi and Chas Eichmann, to the MIC Board.
Yvonne is a highly respected Montessori educator and leader. Yvonne’s professional journey spans roles as a haematologist and counsellor through to Director of Studies at Brisbane Montessori School and Principal of Caboolture Montessori School. She is known for her warmth, collaborative leadership, and deep commitment to nurturing people and learning communities. With a Master of Education, multiple
diplomas, national teaching awards, and published research, Yvonne brings a thoughtful blend of
educational depth, strategic capability, and genuine care that sits beautifully within the Montessori ethos.
Chas brings strong experience in financial governance, strategy, and risk oversight, alongside a clear and
thoughtful approach to complex decision-making. He is a senior finance executive and company director,
and just as importantly, a MIC parent. Chas lives on the Sunshine Coast with his wife and their two children, Milo and Sage. His connection to the College both as a professional and a parent brings a grounded, values-led perspective that reflects the heart of our community. Chas will step into the role of MIC’s Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee.
As we welcome new members, we also pause to offer our sincere thanks to Dr Amanda Bell, who has
concluded her time on the MIC Board. Amanda has served MIC with extraordinary generosity, both as
Chair and as a Director. Her expertise, passion, and steady guidance have been instrumental to the College over many years, and her contribution has left a lasting imprint on our community with significant
achievements such as championing the new Facilities Master Plan and securing MIC’s Non-State School
Accreditation Board (NSSAB) re-accreditation for the next 5 years. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and for the care she has brought to her role.
Maintaining a Board that is fresh, relevant, and thoughtfully balanced is an important part of supporting a
healthy school community. Our Board is a volunteer, skills-based group of exceptional humans who care
deeply about Montessori education and about MIC as a living, evolving community.
Montessori reminds us that strong communities are built over time through care, balance, and shared responsibility. We are grateful to all who serve MIC, past and present, and to the families who place their trust in this shared journey.
In line with our Constitution, we will continue to thoughtfully strengthen the Board through the
appointment of additional non-executive Directors in the coming months, and we will keep the
community informed as this progresses.
For those who would like to learn more about the people who serve on the MIC Board and within our
leadership team, profiles are available on the College website.
With appreciation for our school community,
Kate Hemat-Siraky
Board Chairperson (GAICD)
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