Karen L. Colussi Foundation

In the fall of 1979, three mothers decided they would like to see a Montessori school continued to the elementary level. From these discussions, ideas grew, meetings were held, and work began. The founding mothers became the founding families, as everyone hoped. The Pacific Montessori Society grew, in part, from two other Montessori preschools in the city - Island Montessori House and St. Christopher's. Both these schools offered moral support but felt it should be regarded as a new venture.

In 1980, the school opened in an annex on the Oaklands Elementary School grounds.

The Karen L. Colussi Foundation was formed in 1993 to carry out Karen's vision of a new, purpose built, state of the art facility that would serve the needs of parents and the community at large.

Before her death from breast cancer in 1998, Karen saw the ground broken for the present Selkirk Montessori School.

The Foundation exists to preserve Karen's legacy, to promote, foster and encourage the development and expansion of Montessori programs at the preschool, elementary and secondary level, to provide a medium for gifts, donations, bequests and endowments and to sponsor and support events and programs that promote the aims and objectives of the Pacific Montessori Society.

The Pacific Montessori Society operates the Selkirk Montessori School in a facility at 2970 Jutland Rd., Victoria, B.C., Canada. This Society leases the building from the Karen L. Colussi Foundation.