5 Questions with...Ms Erika
1. What were your first impressions of GMN?
As I stepped into the GMN environment, I was in awe. It was such a unique place with a calm atmosphere. I had a good impression of the principal and her wealth of knowledge and experience in the Montessori philosophy. I was amazed at how independent the children were working and the strong relationships between the parents, staff, and pupils.
2. What is it like to be a leader at GMN?
It is a pleasure to go to work every day alongside committed staff and to see children who are motivated and eager to learn. There is a key focus on high-quality Montessori teaching and learning to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils. We have a community that feels as though the parents, staff and pupils are part of a big family supporting one another.
3. How does our Montessori philosophy help our students and staff?
As staff, we have the children at the forefront of our minds to ensure the highest achievements for our pupils, both personally and academically and for our own continual Montessori professional development as well. We provide an authentic Montessori curriculum that is challenging, open-ended and child-centred which encourages the children to be independent in their thinking and learning. GMN pupils are nurtured with self-confidence to encourage autonomy to reach their full potential. My son is a prime example, as within a month in the nursery, at only 18 months old, he is becoming independent, confident, and curious about the learning environment. He has built friendships and talks about his new friends whilst at home.
4. Do you have a particular highlight or favourite memory from your time here?
I enjoyed our recent Family Fun Day event; it was a great opportunity to demonstrate the learning that takes place at GMN and further build strong relationships with parents in the local community. The parents enjoyed working alongside their children and the smiling faces of the children will remain a favourite memory here.
5. What do you do with your spare time in Abu Dhabi?
The UAE is a great place to explore. My family and I have been out to the desert for a barbecue, mountain biking in Hatta, road cycling on a desert track and visiting the many theme parks.