Date: May 2006

Dr. Jean Miller and Roelie Murphy, MCF Fundraising Coordinator, Visit Wadja Wadja

Following are some informal notes taken during the visit by Roelie Murphy.

While at Wadja Wadja, I spent time talking with Janet (Principal of Wadja) about the programme Jenny and Joel offer as well as what changes and differences (if any), have been observed in the students since the Montessori programme began. Janet gave examples of how the attitude of certain students has dramatically changed for the better since Jenny and Joel started their work. She also commented favourably about the overall changes in the school, how students are coming to school and staying, as well as the academic achievements that have been made. Janet is very happy with the Montessori programme offered and thinks it is a very positive experience for the students. I thanked her, and the school, for all the support given to Jenny and Joel in particular in relation to attendance at the Congress last year and their attendance at the Refresher Course this year.

I also spoke with Eric, the Indigenous Constable in Woorabinda, who is also the Chairman of the Board at Wadja. He is extremely pleased with what Jenny and Joel are offering the teenagers at Woorabinda. He gave me many examples of positive changes in the students. Such examples include:- greater attendance at school, higher academic achievements, calmer atmosphere at school, positive attitudes towards staff members as well as family and community members, students talking about what they would like to be (such as a nurse – this has not happened before), reduced crime, reduced pregnancies, fewer students roaming the streets during the day and at night, changed attitude of students within the home environment, increased enrolments at Wadja Wadja (from 55 in 2002 to 99 in 2006) and the students taking more care of themselves and the school. Eric added that the changes in attitude from the students has allowed the Wadja Wadja Board and staff members to do their job. The teachers can focus more on the curriculum as they have less behavioural issues to deal with. The Board can do their work more efficiently as there are less issues to deal with relating to students and behaviour. Eric spontaneously added, “Montessori suits our people”. He is an advocate for Montessori (he has seen the changes in the students and adults at Wadja) and is keen to work with the MCF to secure funds / grants and support what Jenny and Joel do. He is not the only one in Woorabinda who is very happy with the changes in the students.