Barrenjoey Montessori School.  Nurturing the individual and community.

Welcome to BMS

One of my earliest memories is reaching for a puzzle map at my Montessori preschool. I can still picture the map cabinet under the big classroom window and the way the morning sun would stream through. I remember an older child gently helping me pull the puzzle out, and the pride I felt knowing I was ready for such a "big" piece of work. That small moment left a lasting imprint, a feeling of belonging, purpose, and excitement about learning.

That little Montessori preschool was started by a group of parents who wanted something different for their children. My mum was one of them.

Now, to be part of Barrenjoey Montessori School, a community-based, independent Montessori school founded in a similar way, feels like coming full circle.

I recognise the passion behind a school like this: the founding families who sought an alternative approach to education and had the courage and tenacity to make it happen; the teachers and staff who are deeply committed to guiding children in a respectful and meaningful way; the Board members who volunteer their time to uphold the school’s vision; and most of all, the children, who arrive each day with joy and curiosity.

There is something powerful about a Montessori classroom. It offers a place where each child is seen, heard, and valued as an individual. It is rich with sensory experience, intellectual challenge, and emotional growth. This is what I experienced as a child, and it is what I see at BMS every day.

For over 40 years, Barrenjoey Montessori School has been delivering an authentic Montessori education to children on the Northern Beaches. The community here is one that people are proud to be part of, it is strong and lasting. I’m honoured to be part of its story.

As a Principal, I believe in leading with heart, staying connected to what matters most: the children, the values of Montessori education and the relationships that make up our school community. Leadership in this context is about working alongside others, listening deeply, and supporting a shared mission with humility and care.

I am honoured to work alongside a passionate, dedicated and skilled team, and together we contribute to something greater than ourselves: a global movement that honours peace, independence, and the potential of every child.

Montessori invites us all, educators, children, and families alike, into a way of being that is intentional, respectful, and profoundly connected to both our local and global communities.

I invite you to visit, to see what makes this such a special place, why so many children and adults look back on their time here as among the happiest of their lives. And when you come, I’d love to show you where the puzzle maps are.