Haere Rā to a Special Montessorian Jude Collings
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that a dear Montessori colleague and friend Jude Collings passed away peacefully on Saturday 28th November surrounded by her husband Bryce, her two sons Quinn and Mattie and her dad.
Jude put up a courageous fight when diagnosed with stage 4 cancer soon after completing her AMI 3-6 Diploma in February 2017. Her
family, friends, and colleagues, her love of nature, and her work with
tamariki gave her the strength to maintain an inspiringly optimistic sense of
life.
Jude was a gracious, benevolent, and peaceful soul. She was a joy as a Montessori student, her compassion for others, and her dedication to the Montessori approach was palpable and genuine.
Jude was greatly loved by her fellow students who frequently commented that she always managed to make them laugh when the deadlines were imminent and the pressure was on.
Jude continued to support MMEF as a Certificate Course assessor. She was also a commanding yet gentle presence as the Kaikaranga when offering the karanga, the call of welcome, for the new and graduating students at the opening and graduation ceremonies of the AMI Diploma Courses.
Many of you will recall Jude when she gave the karanga also to the attendees and guests at the MANZ Conference Pōwhiri in Auckland in 2019. As kuia Mereana Moki Kiwa Hutchen said, “a good kaikaranga has a way about her, a charisma. She’s special and she has heart.”. This sums up Jude – our brave wāhine toa - perfectly.
Jude pursued the role of 3-6 kaiārahi, a guide at Small Steps in Matakana and until very recently at Totara Hill Montessori, Matakana. She thoroughly embraced her Montessori work – it was truly a sad day when she could no longer continue to do this with the friends whom she loved, respected, and valued enormously.
We knew this sad farewell was coming yet now our thoughts, love, and heartfelt condolences are with her family and whānua.
The Montessori community of Aotearoa has indeed lost an ever bright and shining light…haere rā Jude.
Carol Potts
Maria Montessori Education Foundation
