When wondering how to start writing about my school, all I could think was, “Starting a band, baby! Starting a band!” I cannot recall what the specific product/ brand was in this old South African TV advert, and it seems neither can the internet. Perhaps the internet didn’t exist when I first saw the ad? Gosh, am I really that old? If you are reading this and remember what was being advertised, please let me know!
Anyway, back to the reason for this blog…
Over the last ten years, the thought of opening my own Montessori preschool has ebbed and flowed. The ebb happened at the thought of the unimaginable administrative road ahead and the silent knowing that when one enrols a child, you inevitably inherit the parents too. The flow crept back up each time I read a piece of Montessori literature or a post about gentle/ conscious parenting, or was in the presence of a young child.
I had just resigned from a Montessori lecturing position at a teacher training college, when a school owner, who I greatly admire, asked me if I’d ever thought about opening my own school. I shared my ‘ebbing’ thoughts and was assured that despite the challenges, the journey was worth it and that I would do well. After some discussion about possible collaboration, I decided to go on the adventure solo and marched determinedly into writing a business plan and financial projections.
A 26-page business plan, 12 Excel sheets and many calls to friends and mentors later, I have found a property for the school in Rondebosch and we open in Term 2 of this year. So now it’s time for policy writing, printing and laminating, municipality applications and marketing. Until next time.
Inspiring joy in learning,
Monique
