About Blue Gum Montessori School
About Blue Gum Montessori School
Blue Gum Montessori School (BGMS) is a boutique, independent Montessori primary school established by passionate parents in 1983. We are a private, non-denominational Montessori school situated on the edge of the Bibra Lake wetlands in Perth, providing a nurturing learning environment for children from three to twelve years of age.
Our school is committed to educating children as citizens of the 21st century. Implementing the Montessori Method of Education, Blue Gum Montessori School offers a carefully prepared Montessori learning environment that fosters each child’s innate desire to learn and encourages the development of independence. Activities and materials are scaffolded in complexity to match the natural phases of child development, providing rich opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving. The ages of the children in each class span a three-year period – Junior Primary (3–6 years), Middle Primary (6–9 years) and Upper Primary (9–12 years) – creating many opportunities for social development and self-awareness. Peer coaching and collaborative learning are encouraged and supported within a strong Positive Education framework. Together with explicit academic skills, this provides a firm foundation for children to be motivated individuals who can develop to their full potential.
BGMS is a “green” school, located on the doorstep of the Bibra Lake wetlands within a natural environment that invites exploration, outdoor learning and environmental stewardship.
The school is governed by a Board that is dedicated to providing a caring and rigorous educational environment for both children and the wider school community. The Board focuses on governance and strategic direction, delegating the day-to-day operations of Blue Gum Montessori School to the Principal.
Blue Gum Montessori School is registered with the Western Australian Department of Education and is fully compliant with all regulatory requirements. The unique Montessori curriculum we deliver both meets and extends the outcomes required by government.
We are a member of Montessori Australia and participate in its Quality Assurance Program, reflecting our commitment to genuine Montessori practice and continuous improvement.
I understand that choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent will make. It is vital to find a school that shares your family’s values and meets the learning needs of your child. I invite you to explore our website, make an appointment to observe our Montessori classrooms in action and meet with our professional staff.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Blue Gum Montessori School in Bibra Lake.
Ross Dods
Principal
Our History
7 February 1983
Where We Began
Our story begins in 1983, when on 7 February four Melville mothers met to discuss early childhood education options in their area. They wanted something more than a traditional model for their children growing up in Perth.
As their conversation unfolded, they realised they all wanted to be actively involved in their children’s learning and to support their physical, social and emotional development. Together they decided that a Montessori-based environment would provide the best opportunities for their children to reach their full potential.
From that meeting, Blue Gum Montessori Children’s Centre was born. Our first premises opened in May 1983 under the direction of Beth Hands, providing a Montessori early learning environment for local families. In 1984, Jenny Moyles was appointed Directress, further strengthening the educational leadership of the growing Montessori community.
1988
Moving to Bibra Lake
After two years of planning and fundraising by parents and teachers, a Montessori school offering one class for children aged three to six years (known in the Montessori method as Cycle 1) was built on Homestead Road in Bibra Lake in 1988. The school expanded in 1991, when we began offering a second class for Junior Primary students to meet growing demand for Montessori education in the area.
2000
New Decade Brings New Beginnings
The birth of a new millennium brought even bigger changes, when Blue Gum Montessori Children’s Centre became Blue Gum Montessori School. From 2000 onward, we welcomed children from Years 1 to 6 across two locations, reflecting our growth from an early childhood centre into a full Montessori primary school for Perth families.
2007
Hello, Hope Road!
In 2007 we moved into our purpose-built classrooms at our current Hope Road campus in Bibra Lake. The new buildings were carefully designed to support Montessori education, with light-filled learning spaces and direct access to outdoor areas.
Now
Where We Are Now
Our school has continued to grow organically, and every year we welcome new families from many backgrounds and locations. We remain a tight-knit, community-oriented Montessori school in Bibra Lake, dedicated to helping children develop their independence, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
The child seeks for independence by means of work; an independence of body and mind.
– Dr. Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952)
