History

In November 1989, a group of parents who shared a philosophy decided to start a new Montessori school. Their children had already been attending another Montessori school, and two parents had experience in Montessori teaching.

By the start of the 1990 school year, temporary premises at the Charles Veryard Pavilion in North Perth had been secured with a one year lease. In addition, a range of Montessori equipment had been bought, borrowed or made. In these early days, the speedy rate of progress was a direct result of all members putting together their time and talents as best they could to achieve the group's goals. As the School has grown, the process has continued with new parents joining in. This has created a strong sense of community within the School.

When the School opened in February 1990, there were 23 families. It started with 10 primary children and 16 pre-primary children. Early in the year, the WA Ministry of Education formally gave approval for Chrysalis to operate as a primary and pre-primary school. As a result, the School received State funding for the primary and year K (5 year old pre-primary) children.

In the early months of 1990 the Constitution was drawn up and in May, Chrysalis Montessori School became an incorporated association. At the inaugural AGM in July 1990, a Committee of 11 members was elected. Sub-committees linked to this Committee dealt with specific areas such as educational philosophy, a permanent site and finance. As a member of one of these groups, a number of parents, as well as members of the Committee, actively participated in laying the groundwork for the establishment and progress of the School.

Urgent attention and a lot of effort were put into searching for a permanent site for the School, and early in 1991 the School's new home in Glendalough was purchased. While a substantial low interest loan from the State Government was the major source of finance, significant loans and donations from parents, relatives and friends were combined for the deposit for the site. By the start of 1991, with growing numbers, two more teachers and a part time assistant had been employed.

In 1992, with increasing enrolments, the School became eligible for Commonwealth per capita funding. Several new teachers’ assistants were appointed to assist in the primary and Children’s Houses, and during the year a small senior primary group was formed. At the end of 1992, with funding from a Commonwealth Grant, alterations were made to the building, to enable the School to cater for larger Senior and Junior Primary groups, as well as the two Children’s Houses.

In 1993, two new primary teachers joined Chrysalis. In 1994, enrolments exceeded 100 children, and a new Children’s House teacher was employed as well as the School’s first administrator. In the same year, a wonderful playground was constructed by parents and staff of the School, guided by playground designer Jimi Jolley.

In 1995, a second Junior Primary class commenced. Specialist curriculum areas of French, Drumming, Creative Movement and Music continued.

In 1996, after a long appeal process, the School’s funding increased from Category 3 to Category 7. This was a great boost financially to the school and has allowed for greater flexibility with staffing arrangements and improved class resources.

In 1997, the role of our inaugural Principal, (Paul Doherty) changed. The Principal was no longer responsible for a single classroom (a new staff member was employed for this role) but combined the duties of Principal with specialist teaching duties in each of the School’s classrooms. Also in 1997, there was a remodelling of the internal space, as well as an addition, to create a more functional administration area and a new library. This was possible in part due to money from the AISWA Capital Grant Association.

In 1998 a review of our class structures took place. Class sizes, vertical age groupings and movements between classes were examined at length. From this review came the recognition that the school could not continue growing at the same rate. As the school wishes to remain a small community based school, it was necessary to reduce the intake into the Primary. To this end, a dual enrolment policy was introduced. A proportion of children starting at Chrysalis are offered places for the Children’s House only (3-6 years of age). If places become available in the Primary classes, these children were given priority.

In 2000, we constructed a further classroom and said farewell to our inaugural Principal, Paul Doherty. One of our Junior Primary teachers and Deputy Principal, Wendy Harmon, was appointed the new Principal after six years with the school.

In 2002 a group of dedicated parents laid plans for a safer and more holistic environment in the playground, which is now complete. The playground was designed by Bernhard Kaiser and his dedication to providing our community with a playground which is full of grace, love and excitement is evident.

In 2004 Tony Moore was appointed as Principal, and we reaffirmed, through extensive community consultation, the community's commitment to having a small community based school. To this end, one if the Junior Primary classes was phased out and 2005 saw the commencement of the school's structure of two Children's House classes, two Junior Primary classes and two Upper Primary classes. Mahshid Jones joined as Principal at the start of 2007.

Term 3 2008 sees us welcoming Dr Peter Waterman as our new Principal.

Throughout its short history, Chrysalis has only been possible because of the love, commitment and support of the various teachers, families and friends who, along with the children, have shared their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm. We have learned from each other and continue to work together to provide an environment in which children can learn and grow.