Minister Norma Foley Celebrates Kerry Win of 3 In A Row, All Ireland Montessori School of the Year 2023, with Launch of Casa Dei Bambini Outdoor Montessori Gardens
#AIBF All Ireland Montessori School of The Year ; 3 In A Row Celebration ; Just Announced, Mounthawk Montessori School Group have been announced as All Ireland Business All Star Montessori Schools of the Year, 2023 – for the third year running , and Accredited by Department of Education , In April & May 2023, respectively, as achieving Excellent across all areas of quality in early years education at Mounthawk & also Maureen’s ; The special occasion was marked by the Launch of Casa Dei Bambini Outdoor Montessori School & Gardens by Minister For Education, Norma Foley. T.D . The celebration included the Minister cutting the ceremonial ribbon, unveiling a plaque and planting a weeping willow in remembrance of Susan’s Dad, Tom Quirke & Helena’s Mom , Marion Wallace. It was
a wonderful afternoon enjoyed by the families, children and staff team alike. said Helena . The occasion enhanced by the presence of our esteemed guest , Minister for Education, Norma Foley, T.D. Always leaders in the field , the Montessori Schools have been innovative in practice, winning many awards along the way, including being Accredited as Healthy Ireland Smart Start Pre-schools from 2015 to 2025. November 2022, saw the opening of Oak Park Montessori School . Susan has travelled to Norway , France and Italy as an Irish delegate in the Early Years field . Susan’s latest trip to Reggio Emilia in April 2023, sparked and inspired the “Reimagining of the World of Early Year’s” and the innovation in practice that is “Casa Dei Bambini” Outdoor Montessori School & Gardens. This a unique project and the first outdoor service of its kind in Ireland. The Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach is intertwined in the everyday education and high-quality educational practices within the Ateliers, led by our highly qualified Teams , supporting best long-term outcomes for all children “ When the roof truly is the sky” added Susan
Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery, Tralee, commenced in September 1999 . Opened by Susan Quirke-Crowley & her Mom , Maureen Quirke, the youngest daughter of the Lyons Family , a well know local business family. Joined by Helena Wallace, Mountcoal (now General Manager) in October 1999, and so the story began . From humble beginnings catering for 10 Pre-school children , in 2000 , Susan’s was the first pre-school in County Kerry to be awarded the EOCP Grant of 40 thousand pounds. This enabled Mounthawk Montessori to become a full day care centre catering for 35 children. The mantra’ Quirke’s for Quality’ was key to the success of the family run Montessori Schools and at the core of the values instilled by Susan’s Dad, the late Tom Quirke. 2003 , saw the opening of Maureen’s Childcare Centre, purpose built beside the Quirke Family home: with Mounthawk Montessori moving to its flagship location at Clogherbrien, in 2006.
