Montessori “Future Focused” Symposium

12:30pm Registration, Networking & Exhibitors

1:00pm – 1:15pm Symposium Welcome by Gavin McCormack

1:15pm – 2:00pm The Connected Species – Prof. Mark Williams, Award-Winning Neuroscientist

2:00pm – 2:45pm The Effects of Modern Life on Childhood – Jane Hanckel, Speaker, Author, Social Entrepreneur

2:45pm – 3:15pm Afternoon Tea, Networking & Exhibitors

3:15pm – 4:00pm Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders – Vicki McKinnon, CEO of Building Futures Pty Ltd

4:00pm – 4:30pm The Power of Critical Thinking – From Montessori to Musk – Gavin McCormack, Montessori Australia Ambassador

4:30pm Symposium Closes

About Montessori Australia

Montessori Australia is the leading national organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the Montessori philosophy and education system in Australia. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support and guidance to Montessori schools, centers, educators, and families to ensure that every child in Australia has access to high-quality Montessori education. We support a ‘whole of life’ approach, sharing how Montessori principles can support independence and self-esteem, from birth to the elderly.

The Montessori Australia Recognition Awards are Australia’s first and only awards to promote, recognise and celebrate Montessori educators. Montessori Australia will present annual recognition awards to acknowledge extraordinary accomplishments in areas relevant to the Montessori Movement. The awards will be presented at the Recognition Awards Dinner on Saturday, 2 November 2024 in Sydney.

Award Categories

Living Legend Award

Honours an individual for their lifetime dedication to the Montessori Movement. Based on personal attributes, years of Montessori experience, and wider contributions to Montessori education.

Innovator Award

Celebrates individuals or organizations that have advanced Montessori pedagogy or implemented innovative Montessori practices.

Barbara Stephen Equity & Social Justice Award

Recognizes those who promote social justice, increase access and equity in Montessori education, and make significant contributions to marginalized communities.

Willemien Duyker-de-Vries Community Service Award

Recognizes significant contributions to local or global communities through Montessori education or advocacy. Acknowledges those who contribute resources to Montessori Australia.

Josy Ludwig “Quiet Achiever” Award

Celebrates unsung heroes in Montessori education who have dedicated their lives to bettering their students without necessarily making groundbreaking innovations.

Business and Administrator Award

Recognizes outstanding leadership and innovation in the Montessori education sector, including strategic planning and creating nurturing learning environments.

Award Nominees

Awards Program

Living Legend Gala Recognition Awards Program
The proceedings for the evening will run as follows:

5:30pm – Doors open, and begin seating for the event
6:00pm – MCs welcome (Gavin and Sylvia)
6:15pm – Raji Sivapalan Address (Award Recipient 2023)
6:25pm – Pam Staton Address (Nominee 2024)
6:30pm – Meal service commences
6:45pm – Nominees to be recognised and awarded certificates
8:15pm – Finalists announced and presentation of finalists trophy
8:30pm – Award Recognition in each Category + the Living Legend announced
8:45pm – Entertainment (Hot Potato Band)
9:30pm – Wind down after party
10:00pm – Close of evening.

Please note that with all events, the timing is an estimate only.

Recognition Awards Dinner

The awards will be presented at a gala dinner on November 2, 2024, at Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney. The event includes a three-course dinner, beverages, and live entertainment.