Alumni News
Elinor Eppen
Since graduating from Rockingham Montessori School’s Adolescent Program in 2016, I have started a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching, having gained entrance to university by completing an alternative pathway course in Year 12. I am now preparing to begin my third year of the degree at Murdoch University, and look forward to all that this next part of the undergraduate course will bring.
Some of the units I have studied so far have included learning how to teach English, the Arts, Science and Maths, how to best utilise technology in education, how language is developed, how to prepare an effective learning environment and how to assess learning at various stages. My insights into the Montessori philosophy have been really valuable as I have explored different approaches to education. In one of my units, when I was tasked with creating a research project about an educator who made a significant contribution to modern education, I delivered an in-depth presentation on Dr Maria Montessori.
So far, I have undertaken two placements at local primary schools. In my first year I was placed in a specialist Drama teacher’s classroom for a week, and in October 2018 I spent a fortnight in a Year 4 classroom. I found that these intense but brief teaching experiences dramatically enriched my theoretical knowledge of teaching.
In addition to my university study, I have been working at a local bookstore since it opened in July of 2017. I love my job for many reasons but especially because I am able to talk to so many different people every day about a lifelong passion of mine. Some of the perks of my job include recommending books, writing book reviews, meeting authors, occasionally attending book fairs and roadshows and even participating in store set ups for the company.
I am hoping that the next few years ahead of me involve creating more memories with my Montessori and university friends, travelling, graduating from uni and reading lots more books.
Georgia Boyling
Current Qualifications: Secondary Education degree English combined arts (minoring in Modern History)
Current Occupation: nearly secondary English teacher (will be qualified in September)
Did your time at RMS help you pursue what you are currently doing? How?
I am currently on my way to qualifying in my ideal career as a secondary English educator. I was inspired throughout my time in Montessori to pursue a career in education and fell in love with the Montessori philosophy. When I came to Rockingham Montessori school at 14, I was anxious, nervous and did not enjoy education at all. Through Montessori I found out what I was passionate about and understood what student led education can do for students themselves, the power and confidence it gives them and the relationships it allows students to make with adults in their lives. It made me feel equal to my teachers and allowed me the freedom to take responsibility and learn how to manage my anxiety best. I do not think I would be pursuing a career in education, nor would I be interested in the Montessori philosophy unless I attended Rockingham Montessori school.
What are your greatest achievements?
During the last few years I have grown as a professional and completed multiple practicums which I am very proud of, as I have learnt to harness my anxiety and help others. I have also moved across the country and begun living and working in Melbourne without my family here to fall back on.
What was the greatest impact school had on you?
During my early adolescence, I did not enjoy my educational experience as I was at a school which put high amounts of pressure on me to achieve in all educational facets. When I transferred to Montessori school, I realised that when given educational freedom, students develop relationships, resilience and passion they would not normally get the opportunity to discover about themselves in a “normal” educational environment. I have taken all of these qualities with me into my adulthood and now aim to foster them in the students I work with.
Are you still friends with fellow students? Which ones?
After I moved across the country it was difficult to remain close to students who I went to school with. I have however, been in contact regularly with Finnuala, Waverley, Hailey and Anja over the last 6 years.
Would you send your children to RMS?
I would love to send my children to a Montessori school as it is highly aligned with my own educational philosophy
Describe RMS in three words
Empowering, passionate and caring
Lilly Rogers
Since graduating in October Lily has taken a gap vacation in the eastern part of NSW’s Riverina region in the rural town of Tooma where she is nannying for a family with three children. Lily applied for WA uni’s only and her preferences included; Early Childhood Studies and Teaching, Business in Business Law, Human Resource Management and Forensics.
Lily states – “Quite a mix I must admit. I’m loving it out here on the farm. The kids love having me too. The children are home schooled, so I plan lessons and teach them in their own schoolroom, which used to be a farm workers house many years ago! The ages of the children are 5, 4 and 2. My boss is due for the 4th child anytime soon.
I have been perusing horse riding on the farm, my horse here being Lil, a paint palomino, a rare breed. She is estimated to be around 23 years old and was once close to being put down due to illness. She is a star, reminding everyone that you can bounce back from illness and live life; she loves to canter in the mountains!
Everybody I meet, I tell them about Montessori and how the two week Odyssey inspired me to explore the rest of Australia. Being here in Tooma is like being in another country at times! Accents and IGA’s being things reminding me I am in this wonderful country! I will let you know when I hear from University’s. Missing Montessori’s wonderful teachers!”….
“I’d like to inform you on some very exciting news! I have accepted a place at Murdoch University for a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Science in Forensic Biology and Toxicology.
I could not have gotten this far if it wasn’t for RMS!”
Early Years
0 - 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.