Chris Robertson has stepped in to fill the position of head of school at Fraser Woods Montessori School this year.@cdr1969, to share educational news and updates from the school for parents and school community members.

In June, Myriam Woods retired from that position after roughly 26 years. Ahead of her retirement, Ms Woods announced Mr Robertson would be moving up from Virginia to fill the post, and, at the same time, she would be retiring to Virginia.

He said when he heard about the post from a search agency, at first he dismissed the opportunity.

"I was really happy as a principal. Then I received a phone call," said Mr Robertson, adding that the phone call made him reconsider the position.

He had a few interviews then he visited the school.

"When I came here, I just fell in love with what they do here," Mr Robertson said. "I mean, the mission was so aligned with my own philosophical bend and what I feel is important with education."

He spoke with his wife, "and one thing led to another."

"I fell in love with this community... everything about it. The New England charm, the fact that it is a place where you have great restaurants, yet there is still a country feel. The people are so welcoming and warm and authentic," he said.

This is Mr Robertson's first position as an educator at a Montessori school, and he said one of the biggest things that attracted him to the school is how intentional and purposeful the lessons and activities are for students.

"There is such a focus on the joy of learning," said Mr Robertson, adding that many "best practices" independent schools are aspiring to were already instilled by the original vision of Maria Montessori. "It is almost like there is this beautiful secret of what education should be that a lot of folks don't know about."

Mr Robertson said he is focusing on learning the culture of the school before he will present ideas shaped by the community.

"Right now, I am building relationships and getting to know the community," said Mr Robertson, adding that he is looking forward to the school's November 5 Fall Family Festival, which is free and open to the community and will run from 10 am until 2 pm.

Mr Robertson also uses his Twitter account,

The Fraser Woods Montessori School Board of Trustees has been "incredibly supportive," Mr Robertson said.

"We've already developed a very strong partnership," said Mr Robertson, who added that he is continuing the school's Dream for the Future Fund campaign, to raise money for the school's future needs.