We wish to congratulate Dame Dr Maria Montebello, for being bestowed with the Prestigious Community Service Award in Qormi
Dame Montebello was recently presented with the “Għarfien il-Ħila – Servizz lil Komunità” award by the Ħal Qormi Local Council in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the community.
Dr Montebello was the founding Head of St Ignatius College Profs Edward de Bono Ħandaq Middle School in Qormi, having led the establishment of the school 13 years ago following the construction and creation of the current institute. Since then, she has served with unwavering dedication, leading the school through significant developments.
She championed the transition to a co-educational system, ensuring an inclusive and forward-looking learning environment. Every year, she successfully facilitated the smooth transition of over 250 students from feeder primary schools into the middle school. Under her leadership, the school also embraced multiculturalism as a core value, fostering a respectful, welcoming community for students and families of diverse backgrounds.
Dame Dr Montebello consistently promoted a model of school leadership rooted in Catholic values—love, inclusion, respect, solidarity, and compassion for others. Her commitment to educational excellence and community well-being—especially through the promotion of critical and creative thinking and the development of The Thinking School—was at the heart of this recognition.
Photo by Catriel Farrugia Sghendo
