Date: May 2006

Montessori Children's Foundation Gives First Major Grant

Establishment of Minimbah Montessori Pilot Classroom

The Minimbah School, Armidale, NSW, began as a preschool in 1961 and was extended to primary level in 1995. It is mainly, but not exclusively, directed towards Indigenous education. Armidale is situated in the New England tablelands region of NSW and is famous for its autumn colours, cold winters, schools and The University of New England (UNE). At present the Minimbah Preschool has over 80 children. There are over 90 students in Minimbah Primary - grouped in three composite classes, K-Yr 1, Years 2/3/4, and Years 5/6. In addition to these, another composite classroom (Years K-3) opened in 2006. This classroom is run according to Montessori principles.

The Minimbah Montessori Classroom: The opening of the classroom is a significant achievement for all involved: Extensive thanks go to Mrs Dianne Roberts (Principal of Minimbah) and Mr Tony Simmons (pictured right). Also enormous thanks to the Montessori Children's Foundation for their fantastic support. Several schools have also made small (But no less significant!) donations of materials.

The purpose of Minimbah (which means a place of learning) is to give young students the opportunity to learn in a safe and stimulating multicultural environment. Educational focus is placed on cultural understanding and contributing to society. Identity is respected and maintained and selfconfidence is developed. The Montessori Classroom at Minimbah is a perfect complement to these philosophies. Click here for more information.

Before the Montessori environment
was setup