Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award
Dr Nicola Chisnall (1955-2013) was a pivotal figure in Montessori education in New Zealand, and to honour her memory and work, the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award was announced in 2014.
Each year Montessori Aotearoa encourages early learning centres/schools to apply for this award detailing initiatives, large and small, that make significant contributions to tamariki, families and communities. The attendees vote on nominations at conference each year with the award being presented at the end of it. The award plus $500 is gifted to contribute towards the work being supported/extended at the centre/school.
Each entry is required to provide evidence that outlines the story of what the individual or team set out to change and why, what actions were taken and the changes that were achieved for one child-one family/whānau-one centre/school or a community.
Written entries should be no more than four A4 pages saved as a PDF and be able to be displayed as a poster at the conference. Font minimum of 14. Photos, testimonials, narrative, evaluations, illustrations, tables or images can be used for each application. If you would like some guidance about your entry email ce@montessori.org.nz
If you know someone or an early learning centre or school that should enter – encourage them to step forward.
Applications close on the 31st May each year.
CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION to assist you in your application, or email ce@montessori.org.nz for further information.
Previous Award Winners
2023 – Golden Grove School
We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award for 2023 is Wā Ora Montessori School.
2021 – Golden Grove School
We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award for 2021 is Montessori@Malfroy, Rotorua.
2020 – Golden Grove School
We are excited to announce that the 2020 Dr Chisnall Memorial Award goes to Golden Grove School for their application entitled “Children’s Rights.”
2019 – Montessori House of Children, Hamilton
After voting, Montessori House of Children, Hamilton was the outstanding winner. You can read their application below.
2018 – Montessori at Moturoa Primary School
The Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award 2018 winner was Montessori at Moturoa Primary School – Environmental Quest. You can read their application in Montessori Voices Issue 92 (Dec 2018).
2017 – Wee Wisdom Paeroa
The winner of the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award 2017 was Wee Wisdom Paeroa. A little Wisdom Goes A Long Way tells the story of building a future for the children of Paeroa.
2016 – The Children’s Corner, Auckland
The Children’s Corner Howick won the Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award 2016. Their submission, Learning in the Community, told the story of their relationship with the local rest home, Howick Baptist Healthcare (HBH).
2015 – Meraki Montessori, Silverdale, Auckland
The winner of the 2015 Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award was Meraki Montessori in Silverdale, Auckland. Meraki Montessori paid tribute to the community that enabled the establishment of New Zealand’s newest Montessori primary school.
2014 – Wā Ora Montessori School, Lower Hutt
The overall winner for the 2014 Dr Nicola Chisnall Memorial Award was Wā Ora Montessori School from Lower Hutt.
