Peaceful, Connected Global Citizens: Honouring Nicola Chisnall’s Legacy In July 2025, our centre proudly received the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award from the Montessori Association of New Zealand, recognizing our innovative work with geography and Continent Boxes.
Located in Johnsonville, Wellington, our centre was originally founded by Dr Nicola Chisnall, whose vision of inclusive, respectful education continues to guide us.
Inspired by her legacy, we revitalised our geography curriculum to foster deeper connections between tamariki, their local whenua, and the wider world. We created seven Continent Suitcases - each filled with sensory-rich materials, artefacts (including some gifted by Nicola), books, cultural cards, and audio experiences.
These suitcases turn geography into a child-led journey of discovery, sparking curiosity and empathy through music, language, and storytelling. To complement this global learning, we developed a Johnsonville Backpack- a mobile kete that accompanies tamariki on hīkoi to Mount Kaukau (weather and staffing permitting). It includes native bird figurines, pūrākau, and taonga collected by children, grounding learning in place and identity. Recognising a gap in child-friendly Tangata Whenua content, our Head Teacher partnered with a local historian to adapt archival material into original children’s stories using AI and Canva - ensuring cultural integrity and accessibility.
This project has transformed our curriculum, strengthening oral language, cultural awareness, and whānau engagement. It’s a living tribute to Nicola’s philosophy and a celebration of our tamariki as peaceful, connected global citizens.