Motto: To Strive, To Seek, To Find

The Essington International School Darwin is a co-educational, non-denominational, parent-run school that has served the Darwin community for over 40 years. It was born from the vision of local parents seeking a distinctive educational experience for their children. From its enthusiastic beginnings, Essington evolved in response to the community’s changing aspirations, guided by both committed parents and visionary school leaders.

Essington’s roots trace back to a Montessori playgroup established in 1985 at the Darwin Showgrounds. It later became a Montessori preschool at the Nightcliff Scout Hall, grounded in Montessori principles emphasising play, sensory learning, and individual development. In 1990, it transitioned into a primary school at the Old Greek School in Darwin. While not strictly Montessori, the school retained strong philosophical influences, including self-paced learning, student choice, and holistic development.

Graham Webb, Chair of the Board, played a pivotal role in Essington’s establishment. Having previously worked on the Darwin International Grammar School project, he brought deep local knowledge and a belief in individualised education. When that initiative lost financial backing in 1988, Webb and others redirected their efforts to support the Montessori School. On 1, January 1990, Jan Ryan became the first Principal but departed after Term 1. Gail Barker, from the preschool, was appointed Head Teacher and led the school for much of the next decade.

Under Gail’s leadership, Essington remained small and personal, with tailored programs for each student. Classes were capped at 20 and organised into multi-age “family groups,” fostering peer learning, social development, and a strong sense of community. This wellbeing-focused model encouraged students to learn at their own pace through activities that nurtured individual strengths.

In 1993, the school relocated to the former Rapid Creek Primary School, opposite the Greek Hall. A Middle School was added in 1997, allowing students to continue into secondary education. As the school expanded, Anne Mauger was appointed Principal in the late 1990s, followed by Gail Barker once again.

Essington’s Board operated under a community school model, with elected members actively involved in governance. Regular workshops ensured stakeholder engagement and collaborative decision-making.

Throughout the 1990s, Essington embraced innovation. Gail Barker, an active member of AISNT and its Board, led the school’s involvement in national and international conferences, including PAPE and NCISA in Alice Springs. She also connected Essington to the Global Connections International Organisation and the European Conference of International Schools. Encouraged by Peter Harris, Gail pursued membership with Round Square. In 1998, King Constantine of Greece and Executive Director Terry Guest visited Essington and were impressed by its commitment to holistic education. The school became an Associate Member of Round Square.

Essington was among the first Territory schools to introduce laptops to Middle School students. In 1999, Gail transitioned to AISNT as Assistant Executive Director, and Cheryl Salter served as Acting Principal up until David Cannon was appointed.

David brought experience from Xavier College and Kingswood College in Melbourne. He recognised the popularity of the Montessori preschool and advocated for continuity in schooling through to senior years. Under his leadership, the Rapid Creek Child Care Centre was acquired, offering before and after school care with transport to campus, an innovative solution for working families.

David’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of a school radio station, a flying course for students, a robust music program, and a partnership with Cambridge University to offer the Cambridge Certificate of Education. To accommodate senior secondary expansion, he secured space at the under-utilised university campus, which proved highly successful. The school was renamed The Essington International School Darwin and became CRICOS registered to welcome international students.

David’s national and international profile grew. He was named a Fellow of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders, a Life Member of the Australian College of Educators, and served on several national boards, including the Australian Primary Principals Association and the Australian Council for Private Education and Training. His broad engagement enriched Essington’s strategic direction.

He worked tirelessly to improve the school, even proposing a GP practice on campus. In 2018, David took extended leave due to ill health and did not return, concluding a remarkable chapter in Essington’s history.

Brian Keneally succeeded him, providing stability for nearly four years before passing the baton to Karen Rohrs, an experienced international school leader from Hong Kong. Karen’s pedagogical expertise significantly shaped the school’s next phase. Paul Nyhuis followed, continuing Karen’s initiatives with infectious enthusiasm. Notably, Paul’s father had previously served as Principal at Marrara.

Today, Essington maintains a strong reputation and remains a popular choice within the Darwin community.

Written by Chris Tudor