Canberra Montessori School

The kitchen is one of the most important classrooms in our school.

It might surprise some people, but cooking is an important part of a Montessori education.

Why?

Because children aren't just following a recipe.

They're reading instructions, measuring ingredients, applying mathematical concepts, working as a team, developing independence and taking responsibility for their environment.

Education isn't only about preparing children for exams.

It's about preparing them for life.

"Does Montessori teach enough Maths?"

Probably the most common question we receive from prospective families.

The answer is absolutely.

The difference is how mathematics is taught.

Rather than memorising formulas before understanding them, Montessori students first explore mathematical concepts using carefully designed materials that they can see, touch and manipulate.

Only once understanding is secure do they move towards abstract thinking.

By the time children reach Cycle 2 and Cycle 3, they aren't simply solving equations—they understand why mathematics works.

Our goal isn't just correct answers.

It's confident mathematicians.

Science starts with curiosity.

In Montessori, before children memorise scientific facts, they first observe.

They ask questions.

They predict.

They experiment.

From growing plants to studying ecosystems, our students discover science through hands-on exploration that builds genuine understanding.

A Note from the Principal

One of the questions I am asked by almost every prospective family is:

"How much technology do children use at Canberra Montessori School?"

I completely understand why parents ask this. Many families tell me they are concerned about the amount of time children spend on iPads and laptops at school and are looking for a place where technology supports learning rather than becoming the learning.

At Canberra Montessori School, we do use technology, but in moderation and with purpose.

Each of our Primary classrooms has two desktop computers, shared by all students. They are used when technology genuinely enhances learning, for researching projects, publishing written work and creating presentations.

The majority of the school day, however, is spent away from a screen.

Instead, our students work with Montessori materials, conduct science experiments, solve mathematical problems, read quality literature, write by hand, create artwork, collaborate with their classmates and engage in meaningful discussions. They are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas and discover answers for themselves.

Technology is an important part of our children's future, and we want our students to become confident, capable and responsible users of it. At the same time, we believe childhood should include opportunities to think deeply, create, explore and connect with others, experiences that cannot be replaced by a screen.

At CMS, technology is a valuable tool, but it is never the centre of learning.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Is the amount of technology used in schools something that's important to your family?

Halima Khurram
Principal, Canberra Montessori School

Not every classroom needs to be loud to be full of learning.

Walk into a Montessori classroom and one of the first things you'll notice is the calm.

Children are engaged in meaningful work, moving independently, asking questions, collaborating and thinking deeply.

Calm doesn't mean children aren't learning.

It means they're focused.

This is what authentic Montessori looks like.

A New Chapter Begins at Canberra Montessori School

Today was a very special day for all of us at Canberra Montessori School as we officially opened the doors to our new Rivergum Cycle 3 classroom.

This is an important milestone in the growth of our school, allowing us to welcome more families into the CMS community while continuing to provide an authentic Montessori education where every child can flourish.

The highlight of the day was watching our children walk into their new classroom with such excitement, curiosity and joy. Seeing their smiles reminded us that every hour of planning, preparation and hard work was truly worthwhile.

This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support of so many people. To our dedicated staff, our wonderful families, our Board, and everyone who has believed in the vision of Canberra Montessori School—thank you. Your encouragement, trust and commitment have helped turn this vision into reality, and we are deeply grateful.

We were also honoured to welcome David Smith MP, Federal Member for Bean, and sincerely thank him for taking the time to celebrate this special occasion with our community. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to AISACT for their ongoing support of independent education and schools like ours.

While today is a wonderful milestone, it is also just the beginning. Rivergum is the first stage of our 10-year Master Plan—a long-term vision to continue expanding and enhancing our learning environments, creating even more opportunities for children and families, and strengthening the future of Canberra Montessori School. We are incredibly excited about what lies ahead and can't wait to share this journey with you.

Please enjoy a few photos from today's celebration. Thank you for being part of our story—we look forward to many more milestones together.

A Montessori Going Out is very different from a traditional school excursion. Rather than being a teacher-directed activity, it begins with the children’s interests and questions. In this case, a classroom exploration of leaves led to research, planning, and a visit to the National Arboretum.

The children didn’t just learn about leaves, they walked nearly 15 kilometres, navigated their route, worked as a team, made observations, recorded discoveries, and connected classroom learning with the real world.

This is Montessori’s vision for Cycle 3: children taking increasing responsibility for their learning, developing independence, and discovering that the world itself is their classroom.