Parent Stories: Hayley

Every family comes to early learning with hopes, values, and expectations. At Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre, we believe those stories are best told by the parents themselves. In this edition of our “Parent Voices” series, Hayley reflects on her daughter Maeve’s and son Quinn’s experiences — and how Montessori’s nurturing, hands-on environment has shaped their love of learning.

Watch Hayley’s Story

Want to hear Hayley’s reflections in her own words? Watch the full interview below:

Discovering Montessori

Hayley first came across Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre by chance, during a family walk around the neighbourhood. Drawn in by the Centre’s beauty, she returned during the week to meet the educators and place her daughter’s name on the enrolment list. Although COVID delayed their start, the connection was immediate, and Montessori soon became the clear choice for the family’s educational journey.

A Hands-On Family

As an artist married to a builder, Hayley describes her family as very hands-on and creative. The Montessori philosophy of learning by touching, seeing, and doing felt like a perfect fit. With no Montessori primary or high schools in the area, having a Montessori early learning option nearby was, in her words, “a no-brainer.”

Educators Who Feel Like Family

From the beginning, Hayley noticed that Montessori felt more like a family than a traditional learning centre. The educators took the time to build real connections with her children, offering one-on-one support and forming bonds that went beyond academics. Over the years, Hayley herself has been welcomed in, teaching Aboriginal culture alongside her children and sharing stories with the community.

Two Children, Two Journeys

For Maeve, Montessori was her first structured learning environment, starting in three-year-old kindergarten after missing out on daycare during COVID. She thrived on the investigative, step-by-step style of learning and entered primary school already confident in reading, writing, and asking thoughtful questions.

Quinn’s experience has been different but equally rewarding. Social and chatty, he treats his educators as extended family, following them around to share stories and questions. Though sometimes needing encouragement to sit down and focus, once he engages in an activity, he excels. For both children, the combination of personal support and freedom to explore has been transformative.

Learning Through Everyday Experiences

Creativity and practical life are central to the Montessori curriculum, and both children have embraced these opportunities. Their favourite experiences involve food — from harvesting vegetables in the garden to watching meals prepared in the kitchen and enjoying the results at lunch or afternoon tea. These everyday experiences combine fun with valuable lessons in independence, responsibility, and appreciation for healthy living.

A Respectful and Inclusive Environment

As an Aboriginal family, Hayley is especially grateful for the way the Centre has embraced and celebrated her culture. Each classroom includes daily acknowledgements of Aboriginal culture through books, programs, and decorations. Hayley herself is invited to run cultural programs each year, which her children join proudly. She explains that not all education settings provide this level of inclusion, and the respect shown at Montessori has been deeply meaningful to her family.

Prepared for the Future

Reflecting on Maeve’s transition to primary school, Hayley feels confident that Montessori gave her a strong foundation. From literacy and numeracy skills to the ability to ask questions and think critically, Maeve entered school well ahead of her peers. For Quinn, the emphasis on relationships and exploration continues to build a love of learning that will serve him in the years to come.

Final Reflections

For Hayley, Hoppers Crossing Montessori Centre has been much more than childcare. It has been a supportive, culturally inclusive community that values children as whole individuals. She encourages other families, especially those with strong cultural identities, to consider Montessori: “We are so well respected here — I couldn’t ask for anything more.”