About us

Glenda Sawtell, Founder and CEO of Harmony Montessori

Aside from a couple of family farms, the area was generally undeveloped and rarely travelled unless en route to Buderim or Caloundra.
Undeterred, Glenda recognised the leafy area was the ideal site to introduce the internationally acclaimed philosophy of Montessori education to the Sunshine Coast.

“I remember my mother (now 86 years-old) shaking her head in bewilderment and saying ‘Why would you ever want to put a child care centre way out there, so far away from everything?,” Glenda said.

“I founded the Children’s House in 1993 and the Montessori primary school in 1994 at Sippy Downs, before the region’s major University was approved for the area and the Chancellor Park residential community was developed.

“At the time it was very appropriate land for us to purchase as it allowed my family to live in close proximity to the centre as well as leaving plenty of land for future expansion.

“The enticement of such a peaceful rural setting, ideally suited to the tenets of Montessori teaching, was irresistible.”

Her initiative proved to be very insightful and the area has since become an acknowledged hub for education of all levels.

Now the Harmony Montessori Children’s House (and primary school operated by a school board) is a well-known education facility on the Coast, with an extensive waiting list and a strong, caring school community.

“International research indicates that our visual environment profoundly affects our physical and mental wellbeing and Montessori Centres are designed as holistic education facilities, incorporating nature and self-paced learning in the day to day curriculum,” Glenda said.

“The Montessori method is based on scientific research into children’s concentration, engagement and productive learning in natural settings.”

Glenda first encountered the Montessori philosophy around 20 years ago during her postgraduate degree studies.

“Incorporated in an assignment was quite an in-depth study on Dr. Montessori,” she said.

“Dr Montessori’s commitment to social justice issues, and the fact that to become the first woman doctor in Italy she had to overcome many daunting obstacles, caught my interest.

“She was outspoken on women's rights and world peace at a time when World War I was imminent in Europe. Dr. Montessori believed wholeheartedly that peace would come through education.”

With the support of a dedicated and highly trained teaching community who design quality learning environments, this method of education nurtures children in an atmosphere of love and respect, which also reflects Glenda’s upbringing in rural Queensland where she attended a small close-knit country primary school.

“As the founder of two small primary schools I now see the correlation to my own primary school experience. I was fortunate to have dedicated and caring teachers who were able to give valuable individual attention.

“My high school experience was similar, where the teachers knew students individually, and their families, which made the learning environment more friendly and connected, and the school formed an integral part of the rural district.

“The learning environment and quality of teaching, both primary and secondary, provided inspiration for me to replicate that sense of community.”

Glenda speaks fondly of her childhood and believes it to be the direct motivation for her chosen career path.

“I was a true country girl living on a farm with four siblings (the farm later became a working quarry),” Glenda said.

“Growing up on the farm was great as I had lots of room to play and for adventure. I had an idyllic childhood where I felt loved and nurtured by both parents.”

The death of her father from a tragic accident within days of her 13th birthday cemented Glenda’s philosophy about community support.
“As you can imagine this impacted my life dramatically,” Glenda said. “In retrospect I am able to appreciate the enormous loving support that I and my family received from extended family and the broader rural community.

“Building community is pivotal to Montessori philosophy; creating an environment where people look out for and care for each other as students, teachers and parents.”

Glenda’s sense of purpose blossomed when she chose teaching as her profession, a vehicle to support children and young people, not only with their education but holistically, focusing on overall emotional wellbeing.

As an economics and accounting secondary teacher she taught in both public and private sectors, before deciding to study further.

“Although I enjoyed working with high school students, lifelong learning fuelled my own thirst for knowledge; social issues always concerned me and I proceeded to study part time for a social work degree,” Glenda said.

“It was during this time that I came across the life changing philosophy of Dr. Montessori. After studying this philosophy, I instantly wanted this kind of education for my own young children.”

Glenda set about finding a Montessori school for her two children and found a small home-based Montessori Centre at Beachmere, Caboolture.

“The owner did not want to continue anymore due to family commitments and asked me to buy all her equipment,” Glenda said.

“I began a small centre in my own home as she did, which was really hard work for two years. The Harmony Montessori Children's House at Caboolture grew from there (now a thriving centre Glenda still runs today).
“A growing number of enquiries from Sunshine Coast families resulted in expansion to the area,” she said.

“The community was crying out for a centre on the Coast. As a family we felt a move to the Sunshine Coast would be beneficial – and the rest is history,” Glenda said.

Since then the Children’s House has grown and due to local council rezoning Glenda has had to seek out an alternative site in Tanawha for a new, purpose-built facility that will include a children’s learn-to-swim school, an open air amphitheatre, and extensive shaded play areas incorporating a bike track through the sheltered grounds.

The project will include the conservation of 5.53 hectares of the site under vegetation protection covenants and drainage covenants, and major re-vegetation of its creek side area.

“Students of the centre will be encouraged to take part in the ongoing re-vegetation projects and work in the school’s vegetable garden as part of their curriculum and learning,” Glenda said.

“It will ideally fit in with the Montessori vision for providing children with a natural learning environment.”

If you would like to meet Glenda and chat over a cup of coffee about Montessori education and the centres, please call (07) 5495 7188or email glendasawtell@harmonymontessori.com.au. 

Some Useful Resources

• Montessori Calendar
• Download our Brochure