Staff Spotlight – Meet Jaszmin

Our new Senior School Teacher, Jaszmin Dennis-Hayne, is enjoying life at MMC. She’s already encouraging students to be curious and independent and did you know that Jaszmin is also pretty curious herself – especially when it comes to travelling to new places, trying unusual foods and taking up new hobbies? We spent five minutes chatting to her as part of our latest staff spotlight.

Full Name: Jaszmin Dennis-Hayne

Position:  Senior School Teacher

How long have you been at MMC? Since the start of Term 2, 2026

Where were you beforehand? The Knox School

What do you love about working at MMC?

The strong community spirit and the opportunity to follow a Montessori philosophy, which has always been my passion.

What inspires you as a Montessori educator/team member?

I am inspired by the ability to nurture curiosity in students and enable them to follow the paths that inspire them. I love seeing the independence and confidence students develop when they take charge of their own learning.

What is your most memorable teaching moment?

At my last school, I was part of a project-based learning unit where a group of Year 9 students visited a local aged-care facility and learned about the residents. They wrote biographies about their lives, accompanied by portraits taken by the students. It was a very moving experience as the students built strong connections with the residents and learned so much about the community and its history.

What’s your most memorable moment as a school student?

Being part of the school production and building up the courage to perform a solo in front of the school community.

What are five interesting things about you we may not know?

1.         I love to go on hikes and explore new places.

2.         Last year I travelled to Sri Lanka to work with local families and learn about the culture.

3.         I love to try new foods and cuisines and am quite adventurous. I’ve tried eel, crocodile, and sea urchin – I’ll try anything once.

4.         I love learning fun new skills and often sign up for new classes such as pottery, yoga, dance and cooking.

5.         In my spare time, I like to do acrylic paintings.

What does your weekend look like?

Going for walks, going out for dinner at local restaurants and catching up with friends.

What is your favourite Maria Montessori Quote and why?

“The child gives us a beautiful lesson – that in order to form and maintain our intelligence, we must use our hands.”

I strongly believe that children learn best by doing, not simply by listening and memorising. I also believe that active interaction with the world around them can have an incredible impact on a student’s learning.