"Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future."
Montessori is a secular education system, in that no particular religion is taught as part of the curriculum, but that all religions, and all peoples are respected. Respect is a key component in a Montessori classroom – respect for the child, respect for the environment, respect for others and respect for oneself.
Religion is looked at from a cultural and sociological point of view. Children are invited to explore the cultures throughout the world and can see that there are many different religions. The celebration of holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Chinese New Year, which are religious in origin, are experienced on a cultural level as special days of family feasting, merriment, and wonder.
Moral and spiritual themes such as love, kindness, joy, and confidence are the fundamental basis for life. The child is encouraged to begin the journey toward being fully alive and fully human, in a climate of a lifelong love of learning.
A child is who is ‘normalised’ naturally displays spiritual attributes/qualities that are the foundation of their true nature. They display acts of kindness, unconditional love, joy, honesty, confidence and a sensitivity to others once their own individual needs are met.
Beechworth Montessori School aims to:
- Provide leadership opportunities for children.
- Support children to build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationships with others.
- Provide opportunity for parent education in matters of parenting and Montessori education.