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Rockingham Montessori School Teacher Staff Group Picture

Our Staff

Rockingham Montessori School Female Faculty Vanessa Atkins profile picture
Vanessa Aikins

Principal

Birthplace?

Subiaco Western Australia

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through my Bachelor of Education course firstly and then through parents in my baby group.

Where did you take your training?

Hershey Montessori School in Ohio USA

Three things you can’t live without?

My family, a walk in the mornings along the beach, our beautiful children’s smiling faces every day at school

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Sailing in the Swedish archipelago with the Swedish family whom had my son on student exchange and we had theirs.

Favourite local treat?

Time on Rottnest Island

One rule you live by?

Mutual respect

Favourite quote?

We all cast the same shadow

Rockingham Montessori School Male Faculty Tony Gillespie profile picture
Tony Gillespie

Deputy Principal Adolescent Program

Birthplace?

Collie, Western Australia

How did you learn about Montessori?

A little spark from a discussion with Vanessa which evolved into a special interest and lots of further research.

Where did you take your training?

Completed the Adolescent Orientation at Montessori International College, Sunshine Coast, QLD 2016.

Three things you can’t live without?

Friendships and connections to people, good quality, nutritious, tasty food, my bikes

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Any of my long distance cycling tours. I love the freedom and the chance to connect with local people and their culture wherever I go.

Favourite local treat?

Our beaches are the best in the World (Shhhh, don’t tell everyone).

One rule you live by?

Focus my thoughts and energy on positivity, peace and kindness.

Vince Barsolo
Andrew Wollstein

Adolescent Program Teacher

Birthplace?

Toowoomba, QLD

How did you learn about Montessori?

University & Life experience

Where did you take your training?

QLD

Three things you can’t live without?

Air, Water, Food

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

No. 10, Waxwelton, Moree NSW

Favourite local treat?

Fish and Chips on the Foreshore

One rule you live by?

Let people be themselves

Favourite quote?

“Play is the highest form of research” -Albert Einstein

 

Vince Barsolo
Ayesha Meer

Children’s House Program Coordinator & Teacher

Birthplace?

South Africa

How did you learn about Montessori?

From a friend who was a Montessori teacher

Where did you take your training?

South Africa and Australia

Three things you can’t live without?

Good books, the beach and chocolates

Favourite trip?

Budapest and Prague

Favourite local treat?

Pavlova

One rule you live by?

Exercise and prayer

Favourite quote?

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” ― Oprah Winfrey

Vince Barsolo
Carla Darcy

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Mapumalanga province South Africa

How did you learn about Montessori?

I first heard about Montessori while in a sales marketing career and had no opinion about education at that time. I remember thinking that if I grew up with a Montessori education then perhaps I would not have hated school so much.

Where did you take your training?

I completed a Montessori diploma for infants, toddlers & two’s as well as the Children’s House diploma for age 3 to 6 years old while living in Laos PDR and while working at a brand new Montessori pre-school.

Three things I can’t live without?

Adequate sleep!, Chocolate and my family

Favourite trip?

I lived on Zanzibar island (Tanzania) for a year- that was a pretty good life!

Favourite local treat?

Lemon sorbet on Rocky beach

One rule you live by?

A place for everything and everything in its place

Favourite quote?

Same Same but different

Vince Barsolo
Deb Dwyer

Children’s House Teacher

Birthplace?

London, UK

How did you learn about Montessori?

While living in the UK 1987-1990

Where did you take your training?

3 – 6 Diploma, College of Modern Montessori, South Africa,

Master of Teaching, Notre Dame Fremantle, WA

Three things you can’t live without?

A good book, cotton blankets, beautiful sunrises

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Hiking the Wild Coast, South Africa

Favourite local treat?

Little Creatures Pale Ale – chilled on a hot summer’s day!

One rule you live by?

Look for the good in everything.

Favourite quote?

Love is a verb” – Stephen Covey

Vince Barsolo
Debbie Nye

Administration

Birthplace?

England

How did you learn about Montessori?

Heard about it when my children were at school

Three things you can’t live without?

My family, my friends, music

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

I have to only choose one??? Well that would have to be Nepal

Favourite local treat?

Beachfront

One rule you live by?

Be kind

Favourite quote?

“A day without laughter is a wasted day”

Vince Barsolo
Dee Dance

Administration

Birthplace?

Perth

How did you learn about Montessori?

I discovered Montessori through working at RMS. Over the years I have been in my position I have done several observations throughout the Primary classes and in particular the Children’s House. It is a delight to see such young children so focused and in charge of day to day tasks. The independence the children are encouraged to have is amazing and is not completely understandable until you witness this in action.

Three things you can’t live without?

My Sunnies, my hair straighteners and a good bottle of Red. (But my Family is my number 1 favourite!)

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

My favourite and most memorable holiday was a family boating trip to Exmouth where we snorkelled at a coastal place called oysters stacks. It was amazing to witness the sea life in its natural habitat and the colours and happenings on the ocean floor were unforgettable.

Favourite local treat?

Lately I have been enjoying dinner dates with my husband at Silk Thai on the Mandurah foreshore.

One rule you live by?

Never judge someone on someone else’s negative opinion.

Favourite quote?

I want to be your favourite hello and your hardest goodbye!

Vince Barsolo
Di Edmonds

Lower Primary Teacher

Birthplace?

Bridgetown, WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

In Teacher’s College and then, years later, after answering an ad for a job in Sydney, reading a book on the way to the interview!

Where did you take your training?

Bergamo, Italy

Three things you can’t live without?

My sons, my flute and my hiking poles.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Bergamo, Italy (Montessori) and popping over to Cirencester (Morris dancing).

Favourite local treat?

Vanilla slice from Bunbury Farmers Markets.

One rule you live by?

Do unto others as you would have done to yourself.

Favourite quote?

I may not have gone to where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. (Douglas Adams – The Long Dark Tea-Time of The Soul)

Vince Barsolo
Emma Thomsen

Education Assistant 

Birthplace?

Perth

How did you learn about Montessori?

I first heard of Montessori while living in England

Where did you take your training?

First time working in Montessori was in London

Three things I can’t live without?

My family, sport and chocolate!

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Best holiday was USA Disney World

Favourite local treat?

Kent St Deli

One rule you live by?

Stay positive

Favourite Quote?

Everyday may not be a good day but there is good in everyday

Vince Barsolo
Gina Tribbeck

Administration

Birthplace?

Kalamunda, WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through my friend Julie

Where did you take your training?

TAFE

Three things you can’t live without?

My kids, chocolate & champagne

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Camping at Ningaloo Station

Favourite local treat?

Eating Bayside Pizza on Safety bay foreshore

One rule you live by?

Never give up

Favourite quote?

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”

Vince Barsolo
Gurmayll Kaur

Indonesian Teacher

Birthplace?

Singapore

How did you learn about Montessori?

When I was looking up for enrichment classes in the newspaper for my oldest daughter back in 1991.

Where did you take your training?

MMI (Modern Montessori International, London)

Three things you can’t live without?

Family, breakfast, gratitude

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Salt Lake City, Utah

Favourite local treat?

Almond croissant

One rule you live by?

Integrity

Favourite quote?

If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything at all

Vince Barsolo
Helen Baronie

Children’s House Teacher 

Birthplace?

England, UK

How did you learn about Montessori?

Initially in teacher training, then for my own children. I was a Montessori parent for nearly 10 years. I started teaching in Montessori Schools during this time.

Where did you take your training?

Montessori Diploma – Montessori Institute, Bachelor of Ed – Curtain and Notre Dame.

Three things you can’t live without?

A garden, music, family.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

To my husband’s birthplace, Myanmar.

Favourite local treat?

My Beehive’s honey

One rule you live by?

Respect and love others as you want to be respected and loved.

Favourite quote?

“It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. You must first love and understand the universe. You must prepare yourself, and truly work at it.” -Maria Montessori

Vince Barsolo
Jenny Short

Adolescent Program Teacher

Birthplace?
Blackburn in the UK

How did you learn about Montessori?
My niece went to a Montessori school in the UK, when I moved to WA 3 years ago I came to do some relief work, at Rockingham Montessori.

Where did you take your training?
I have not completed Montessori training but I did my teaching degree at Greenwich University in London.

Three things you can’t live without?
My baby son, my husband and my Facebook portal so I can see my family via video call.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?
Malta was my favourite trip as all my family came in 2018 and we got married there, it was amazing and very hot.

Favourite local treat?
I would have to say Ostro on Rockingham foreshore as the meals are amazing.

One rule you live by?
Always be honest and true to yourself

Favourite quote?
No fav quote.

Vince Barsolo
Jessica Simmons

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Westmead, NSW

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through a neighbour who had just relocated from Germany

Where did you take your training?

Rockingham Montessori School

Three things you can’t live without?

My children, coffee and Game of Thrones

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Phuket, Thailand

Favourite local treat?

Tutti Frutti on the foreshore on a Sunday afternoon with the kids

One rule you live by?

Try, try again

Favourite quote?

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring – Marilyn Monroe

Vince Barsolo
Jodi Kerslake

Primary Program Coordinator

Birthplace?

Perth, WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

I did some units on Montessori as part of my Bachelor of Education, but became more involved as a parent before teaching at a Montessori school.

Where did you take your training?

I did some units as part of my Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and have completed various short courses with MAF.

Three things you can’t live without?

My family, my dog, and laughter.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Spain in 2010

Favourite local treat?

Anything from Kishi (Japanese restaurant)

One rule you live by?

Try today – be less wrong tomorrow.

Favourite quote?

“An idea that is not dangerous is not worthy of being called an idea at all.”

Vince Barsolo
Julie Lindstedt

Music Teacher

Birthplace?
Perth WA

How did you learn about Montessori?
Through Vanessa

Where did you take your training?
I haven’t.

Three things you can’t live without?
My family, my dog and music.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?
African safari in 2016

Favourite local treat?
Scallops

One rule you live by?
Make a difference.

Favourite quote?
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Vince Barsolo
Catherine Drew

Birthplace?

Kilkenny, Ireland

How did you learn about Montessori?

I learnt about Montessori through study, research and practical experience in a Montessori environment.

Where did you take your training?

Dublin, Ireland

Three things you can’t live without.

Family, Friends and large soup bowl size coffee’s

Most favourite local treat

Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and sunsets at my local beach.

One rule you live by

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Favourite quote 

It’s too hard to narrow it down to just one so I’ll sneak in two

Nil aon Tintean mar do thintean fein.

(Old Irish saying translated -there is no place like home)

And my new favourite 

In diversity there is beauty and strength (Maya Angelou)

Vince Barsolo
Kirsty Williams

Adolescent Program Coordinator & Teacher

Birthplace?

Western Australia

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through personal research and studying at University.

Where did you take your training?

Edith Cowan University and AMI/NAMTA Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies

Three things you can’t live without?

Summer, Music, loved ones (including fur-babies)

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Backpacking through Italy

Favourite local treat?

Napoli Mercato

One rule you live by?

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

Favourite quote?

A life’s worth, in the end, isn’t measured in hours or money. It’s measured by the amount of love exchanged along the way.

 

Vince Barsolo
Leo Keith

Teacher

Birthplace?

Warrnambool, Victoria

How did you learn about Montessori?

I’ve always been interested in alternative education but first became involved with Montessori when my son started at Perth Individual in 2019.

Where did you take your training?

I completed my teacher training at Federation University in 2006. I’m undertaking Montessori training through my work at RMS.

Three things you can’t live without?

Music, humour, kids

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

3 week road trip around the south of France in June 2014.

Favourite local treat?

Sunset swims in the glassy sound

One rule you live by?

All perspectives contain a partial, but incomplete, truth

Favourite quote?

If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time. – Steve Jobs

Vince Barsolo
Lizeth Palomino

Education Assistant 

Birthplace?

I was born in Lima Peru.

How did you learn about Montessori?

I learned about Montessori when I had the chance to work as a relief in Perth Montessori, 3 years ago. And then I start to know and read more about her and her philosophy.

Three things I can’t live without?

Actually they are not things. they are people: my love, Richard. My sunshine, My baby, Luanna and my sister Ana. My 3 loves.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Italy and Australia

Favourite local treat?

Thai by the sea????

One rule to live by?

“You can either be angry for what you don’t have or thankful for what you have. Do your best and God will do the rest”: Nick Vujicic

Favourite quote?

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle”-Albert Einstein.

Vince Barsolo
Mark Dove

Adolescent Program Teacher

Birthplace?

St. David’s, Wales, UK

How did you learn about Montessori?

Whilst undertaking teacher training at Digby Stuart College in London back in 1990, I discovered that Maria Montessori had guest lectured there in the early 1900s. Interestingly, my wife was also studying teaching at the Froebel Institute next door & so we were both inducted into the world of ‘progressive education.’

Where did you take your training?

Alongside the learned practitioners at the AP Program & from spending hours on surf patrol with Vanessa; listening to her waxing semi-lyrical on the truth and beauty of The Montessori Method.

Three things you can’t live without?

Love, family, books … and more books.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Coming of age and hitting the surf in Biarritz, France in the mid-70s and being introduced to moules mariniere and vin blanc. “Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very heaven.” -William Wordsworth

Favourite local treat?

Watching the Dockers smash the Eagles every year … I wish!

One rule you live by?

‘Only Connect’ -E M Forster

Favourite quote?

“A la recherché du temps perdu”-Marcel Proust

 

Vince Barsolo
Mark Simms

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Rockingham, Australia

How did you learn about Montessori?

I discovered Montessori through my sister, she attended Rockingham Montessori School then worked there as an Education Assistant and now so do I.

Where did you take your training?

AMI Assistants Course held at RMS.

3 things you can’t live without?

Fishing, Fishing and Fishing.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Theme parks at the Gold Coast

Favourite local treat?

Ice Cream & Seafood

One rule you live by?

Honesty is the best policy

Favourite quote?

Good things come to those who Bait.

Vince Barsolo
Martin Ingledew

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through my son who is a ‘Montessori child’, as well as our positive experiences with the RMS community.

Where did you take your training?

I am currently studying through Murdoch University.

3 things you can’t live without?

Family, friends, and coffee…!

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Europe 2006 (where I met the girl who became my wife!)

Favourite local treat?

The climate, the coast, the sun. Simply being here is a treat.

One rule you live by?

I have two: ‘You get out what you put in’ and ‘treat others as you yourself would like to be treated’.

Favourite quote?

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

Vince Barsolo
Simmi Madanjit

Teacher

Birthplace? 

Durban, South Africa 

How did you learn about Montessori?

By chance 

Where did you take your training?

Montessori World Institute 

3 things you can’t live without? 

My dog Max, coffee, running & walking 

 Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Visiting Cape Town  

Favourite local treat? 

Fish & chips 

One rule you live by? 

Always be humble, kind and helpful to the people around you 

Favourite quote? 

Tell me and I forget.  Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. 

Vince Barsolo
Nicole Fenton Clark

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Geraldton, WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

A friend, then lots of reading and research

Where did you take your training?

AMI and FTTA

3 things you can’t live without?

Family, Friends and Faith.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Bali

Favourite local treat?

Ling Sushi or fresh local crayfish, dhufish or squid

One rule you live by?

Treat others as you would like others to treat you

Favourite quote?

Appreciate what you have and never compare yourself with others

 

 

 

Vince Barsolo
Orla Dinneen

Infant Toddler Program Coordinator

Birthplace?

Ireland

How did you learn about Montessori?

My Mum. She is a Montessori teacher. We had a Children’s House at home.

Where did you take your training?

Montessori Institute, Perth

Three things you can’t live without?

Lip balm, polarized sunglasses and hiking boots

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

5 day canoe and hiking safari in Okavango Delta, Botswana

Favourite local treat?

Bayside Barista, Safety Bay, any of the lunchtime special Buddha bowls and the coffee;-)

One rule you live by?

Give thanks everyday

Favourite quote?

Too many to choose from! My newest favourite is “A strong woman doesn’t seek revenge. She moves on and lets karma do her dirty work”

Vince Barsolo
Regan Waymouth

Education Assistant 

Birthplace?

Geraldton, WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

On the job training and relief work

Where did you take your training?

Rockingham Montessori

Three things you can’t live without?

Dark chocolate, West Coast Eagles, my three beautiful children

Most favourite trip you have taken?

Egypt

Favourite local treat?

Rustico’s or Kent St Deli

One Rule you live by?

Treat others how you wish to be treated.

Favourite quote?

I like criticism It makes you stronger.

 

Vince Barsolo
Renata Kanagaratnam

Indonesian Teacher

Birthplace?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How did you learn about Montessori?

In an advertisement in a Mother & Baby magazine while I was nursing my child, one evening.

Where did you take your training?

External student of Montessori Centre International, UK (formerly known as St Nicholas).

Three things you can’t live without?

Noodles, Wine, My kids

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Dubrovnik, Croatia (it’s history left me in awe)

Favourite local treat?

Krispy Kremes.

One rule you live by?

Always keep smiling, no matter how awkward the situation is.

Favourite quote?

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light – Helen Keller

 

Vince Barsolo
Sandy McNeill

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Upper Fern Tree Gully in Victoria

How did you learn about Montessori?

I remember learning about Montessori as a child, my Mum worked in education and the concept of Montessori was reiterated by a friend in the Montessori system. It then stuck with me as something I would like my children to experience as part of their educational journey.

Where did you take your training?

I’ve trained as an Education Assistant through fast track training.

Three things you can’t live without?

Not including family and friends I cannot live without Sun glasses, S’well water bottles and music.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

I don’t have just one favourite trip – I love travel as a whole experience from organising the destination, accommodation, ideas of what we can do too booking activity, packing the suit cases and then the feeling off escapism as we leave.

Favourite local treat?

Our beautiful beaches

One rule you live by?

Have an open mind.

Favourite quote?

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

Vince Barsolo
Stella Onderwater

Education Assistant 

Birthplace?

Perth

How did you learn about Montessori?

Mother

Three things you can’t live without?

Beach, dog, family

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Rottnest

Favourite local treat?

Passionfruit

One rule you live by?

Walking and swimming helps

Favourite quote?

Nature is a mother

 

Vince Barsolo
Tom Cullity

Children’s House Teacher 

Birthplace?

I was born in Subiaco Western Australia.

How did you learn about Montessori?

I lived in in Switzerland for six years after I completed my Grad Dip Ed, when I arrived back in Perth a colleague of my Wife put me in contact with Vanessa here at Rockingham and my Montessori journey began.

Where did you take your training?

I am training with MWEI here in Perth.

Three things you can’t live without?

I can’t live without my Family, my car and my bed.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

For my 30th birthday we travelled from Switzerland to Europa Park in Rust, Germany as a surprise. We had a lot of fun.

Favourite local treat?

Favourite treat is a meat pie from Culley’s tea rooms in Fremantle.

One rule you live by?

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you”.

Favourite quote?

If something is worth doing it is worth doing badly. Meaning no matter the task if it is a worthwhile thing to do it is better to have a crack at it and fail than to pass up an opportunity and never know whether it would have been a failure or a success.

 

Vince Barsolo
Sam Fuller

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

South Africa.

How did you learn about Montessori?

When researching about schools for my three girls!

Where did you take your training?

Perth.

Three things you can’t live without?

Family, laughter & water!

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Thailand

Favourite local treat?

Our beaches.

One rule you live by?

Everything in moderation.

Favourite quote?

Kindness matters.

 

Vince Barsolo
Scarlett Farrell

Adolescent Program Teacher

Birthplace?

Subiaco, Perth.

How did you learn about Montessori?

After a thought-provoking unit at University called ‘Contemporary Issues in Secondary Education’, I started researching alternative forms of education and came across Montessori.

Where did you take your training?

I have a Masters of Teaching from The University of Notre Dame and completed my AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies in Melbourne in 2019.

Three things you can’t live without?

Travel, country and western music and the ocean.

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

The Greek Islands with my husband.

Favourite local treat?

Any form of pizza.

One rule you live by?

Be authentic.

Favourite quote?

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

 

Vince Barsolo
Shelley Diamond

Education Assistant

Birthplace?

Yorkshire, UK

How did you learn about Montessori?

On my prac whilst undertaking my EA training

Where did you take your training?

TAFE and AMI early learning course

Three things you can’t live without?

My 3 favourite boys

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Hot air ballooning

Favourite local treat?

Ramen! I’m addicted to Ramen!

One rule you live by?

Be happy and laugh often

Favourite quote?

More the merrier

Vince Barsolo
Vanita Sutherman

Lower Primary Teacher 

Birthplace?

Singapore

How did you learn about Montessori?

Perth Montessori offered me a teaching job and that’s where and when my Montessori journey began.

Where did you take your training?

MWEI and NAMC

Three things you can’t live without?

Family, Friends and Faith

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Kauai Hindu Monastery

Favourite local treat?

Not one but many …..sweet indulgence

One rule you live by?

Help without expecting anything in return

Favourite quote?

Be the change you want to see in this world

Vince Barsolo
Venus Olsen

Upper Primary Teacher

Birthplace?

Launceston Tasmania

How did I learn about Montessori?

Work experience at the Hills Montessori, Adelaide

Where did you take your training?

MWEI Perth

Three things I can’t live without?

My husband & children, travelling, lip balm

Favourite trip?

Top of Mt Sinai in Egypt and family trips at Margaret River

Favourite local treat?

Fresh caught crayfish

One rule you live by?

Treat others as you’d like to be treated

Favourite quote?

It’s ok to say no.

Vince Barsolo
Wendy O’Dea

Adolescent Program Admin Officer

Birthplace?

Three Springs WA

How did you learn about Montessori?

Through a friend in Canada

Where did you take your training?

No training – self taught – Admin

Three things you can’t live without?

My husband, coffee and travelling

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Driving around the East Coast of Canada and visiting the home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) on Prince Edward Island

Favourite local treat?

Coffee on the foreshore

One rule you live by?

Plan ahead, be organised

Favourite quote?

Never see a need without doing something about it – Mary MacKillop

Vince Barsolo
Robyn Walker

Lower Primary – Jellyfish Teacher

Birthplace?

Paddington, NSW

How did you learn about Montessori?

I attended Montessori from age 3-12. 

Where did you take your training?

I completed a Diploma in 6-12 Montessori Education and a Graduate Certificate in 3-6 Montessori Education through the Montessori Institute here in WA. 

Three things you can’t live without?

  • My Family
  • My Cats 
  • and my holidays overseas 

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

My three-month trip around Europe in 2017. I met so many people and had the best experiences of my life!

Favourite local treat?

Get Chunky!

One rule you live by?

Make a list and do the hardest thing first. 

Favourite quote?

Team work makes the dream work.

Vince Barsolo
Manmeen Kaur

Sea Lions Teacher

Birthplace?

Amritsar, India

How did you learn about Montessori?

I first heard of Montessori while working at mainstream school here in Perth, and then further personal research.

Where did you take your training?

I completed Graduate Diploma in Montessori education (6-12yrs) from MWEI in Western Australia

Three things you can’t live without?

My family, work, holidays/travel

Most favourite trip you’ve taken?

Singapore and Tasmania

Favourite local treat?

Dome all the time, anytime for Earl Grey and chocolate brownie.

One rule you live by?

No matter what the situation is, always be grateful and thankful.

Favourite quote?

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. – Colin Powell

 

Infant & Toddler
Program

1 - 3 Years

Our Infant Toddler Program (Playgroup) is the ideal way for your family to experience the Montessori philosophy and practice, while providing toddlers with a gentle transition to the Children’s House.

Children’s
House

3 - 6 Years

Rockingham Montessori School has three Children’s House classrooms, named Dolphins, Penguins and Seahorse, reflecting our seaside location. Each is led by a dedicated and highly-trained Montessori teacher.

Primary
Program

6 - 12 Years

Rockingham Montessori School has three Lower-Primary classrooms: Jelly Fish, Starfish and Sea Lions, continuing our ocean theme. Teachers are Montessori-trained and work with the help of an education assistant.

Adolescent
Program

12 -18 Years

In Montessori’s third plane of development, from twelve to eighteen years old, the adolescent has a ‘humanistic mind’ eager to understand humanity and the contribution they can make to society.