Meet the Principal: Supporting the whole child in a meaningful way

School Choice hears from Sonia Culcasi, Principal of Maharishi School.

What prompted you to enter teaching?
I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued and heard. For me, teaching is more than academics, it’s about helping students discover who they are, embrace their authentic selves and feel proud of their unique strengths and perspectives. I’m passionate about creating an environment where curiosity is nurtured and creativity is ignited. When students feel safe and confident to ask questions, explore ideas and express themselves, real learning happens.

What do you like most about working in a school?
What resonates most with me is our commitment to nurturing each student’s authentic self and guiding them to grow into creative, confident and compassionate individuals. As a non-religious, multicultural school, we celebrate diversity while uniting around our unique point of difference; an education grounded in consciousness and knowledge. The Maharishi School reflects the kind of education I believe in; one that nurtures the whole child and honours each student’s individuality. Its holistic, Consciousness-Based approach supports intellectual, social, emotional and personal growth, ensuring every child is truly seen and valued.

At Maharishi School, learning is not just about acquiring information, but cultivating wisdom. By fostering curiosity and a genuine love of learning, we create an environment where students think deeply, grow in understanding, and feel proud of who they are becoming.

What are some of the changes to education that you have seen as principal?
Having come from a government high school to now leading the only school in Australia that practises Consciousness-Based Education and Transcendental Meditation daily, I have witnessed a profound difference in educational approach. What sets our school apart is that we understand that true growth begins with strong foundations, the building blocks that are carefully and intentionally woven into a child’s development from the earliest years. Our approach recognises that when a child’s inner development is nurtured alongside academic learning and confidence, clarity and capability naturally follow. This holistic framework creates not just successful students, but balanced, self-aware and resilient young people prepared for life beyond school.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing students truly shine; watching them grow in confidence, discover their strengths and realise their potential. Being hands-on in their journey and contributing on a holistic, fundamental level means that every part of the student is seen, nurtured, and connected.

Through my personal experience as a Transcendental Meditation teacher, I have the privilege of witnessing students not only in their learning, but in their stillness, in moments of silence where inner calm develops, and equally in their dynamic happiness and joy. Seeing that balance unfold, and knowing we are supporting the whole child in such a meaningful way, is what makes this work so deeply fulfilling.

I also deeply value the relationships that are built along the way. Strong, genuine connections with students, families and staff create the foundation for a thriving school community. Supporting young people as they develop a strong sense of self, while also feeling connected to something larger than themselves, is incredibly meaningful.

What are some special achievements of your staff, students and the school that you are most proud of
I’m most proud of the strong sense of community we’ve built — a school environment where students, staff and families feel connected, valued and supported. I’m also proud of the relationships we foster and our ability to genuinely know and connect with each student as an individual. When young people feel seen and understood, they thrive. Alongside this, achieving strong academic results while maintaining a focus on Consciousness-Based Education is something I’m incredibly proud of. It reflects a balanced approach to education that supports the whole child.

What hopes do you have for the future of your school?
My hope for the school is to continue to be a lighthouse of education; a place that stands as an example of holistic learning, guiding young people to become the very best version of themselves while strengthening the community around them. A place where every student feels confident in who they are and proud of their unique strengths, knowing they have something truly valuable to contribute to the world. I want each child to develop a strong sense of self within a community that nurtures growth, expansion and increasing awareness.

I also hope families continue to value the importance of holistic education, understanding that true success is not just academic, but personal and collective. As our awareness grows together, so too does our strength as a community.

What is your motto for running a successful school?
Education is a shared journey built on collaboration, authenticity and strong partnerships between all stakeholders. When students, staff and families work together with trust and mutual respect, a school truly thrives. At the heart of this is being authentic: leading with integrity, knowing each child as an individual, and creating a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

When a parent shares, “I am very grateful that Maharishi School has created an oasis for the children to flourish and grow and become the amazing individuals they were meant to be,” it affirms this philosophy. Our goal is to create that oasis — a holistic environment where knowledge and wisdom unfold naturally, happiness expands and every child is supported to become the very best version of themselves.