Montessori Children’s House and Montessori Infants’ House offer children a unique educational experience, built on the foundation of the Montessori Method of Education.
Our goal is to nurture respect, curiosity and imagination in children; to inspire their passion for excellence; and to awaken the human spirit. Our children become self-confident, independent, resilient and self-disciplined, who enjoy learning and who acquire a sound foundation for academic and creative skills and interests.
Set in an historic horse stable in Auchenflower, in spacious grounds with a variety of gardens, children are inspired by their intrinsic motivation to learn and guided to learn through exploring our large range of indoor and outdoor resources. In our calm learning environment, children are happy, learn vital life skills and become ready for school.
Our Children’s House, for children aged 3 – 4½ years, is a Kindergarten affiliated with the Lady Gowrie Community Kindergartens and a member of the Montessori Australia Foundation. Whilst our younger children enjoy the Infants’ House, which is a member of the Playgroup Association of Queensland and which is managed under the umbrella of the Montessori Children’s House.
The aim of both houses is to provide an environment for young children as similar as possible to those environments designed by Dr Montessori herself.
As a community-based kindergarten, parents, children and staff work together to provide a welcoming environment and an excellent place to learn.
Who we are
Jan Luff (Director/ Educational Leader), Loane Niuhulu (Full Time Educator), Lucy McGinley (Part Time Educator)
The Children’s House is fortunate to have the expertise and experience of professional, conscientious and dedicated people on staff and your child will be educated by the following staff in our cohesive single unit facility.
Jan Luff
Director and Educational Leader
Jan has a Diploma in Teaching, Early Childhood, Brisbane Kindergarten Teachers College and a Degree, Bachelor of Education, QUT Kelvin Grove. She has also completed a Montessori Diploma, Montessori World Educational Institute (M.W.E.I.) Having travelled in many parts of the world, Jan has worked in London, Paris, Vancouver and Seattle. Cultural aspects of Australia and other countries are developed within the programme at the children’s’ level. The cultural heritage of the parents and children is incorporated in her planning annually. Jan has a love of nature. She enjoys her role in leading the staff, children and families in an environment with its historical buildings and natural setting, using the Montessori approach.
Loane Niuhulu
Full Time Educator
Loane Niuhulu has a Degree, Bachelor of Education from Auckland University (NZ) and a Diploma of Business Management. She is studying her Diploma in Montessori. Loane is originally from NZ and has relocated to Brisbane. She has an interest in world travelling. Loane enjoys music & movement and sharing literature with the children.
Lucy McGinley
Part Time Educator
Lucy has completed her Diploma of Children’s Services. She has been connected with MIH and MCH as a parent, Committee Member, Playgroup Facilitator and now at MCH as an Educator. Lucy has travelled and worked in many areas in the UK. Having a passion for art, Lucy enjoys guiding the children in artistic endeavours. She also develops interesting and attractive Practical Life activities. Lucy participates in Professional Development in Montessori and traditional approaches.
Samantha Lister
Samantha leads the Montessori Infants’ House playgroup daily.