From One Living Room to Thousands of Kids Like Yours

Combining experience with passion to build confidence and achieve meaningful progress.

A Teacher Who Saw Things Differently

A Teacher Who
Saw Things Differently

It all began with one teacher who saw learning differently.

Beginning her teaching journey in the classroom, Sia Goutzas quickly realised that every student learns differently and at their own pace. Motivated by this insight, she founded Maths Words not Squiggles (MWNS) in 2003 to provide personalised lessons tailored to each student’s learning style and speed.

Drawing on her Bachelor of Education (USYD) and years of hands-on experience in both public and private schools, Sia began tutoring one-on-one from her living room. As demand grew, what started in a living room evolved into seven thriving centres across Sydney.

Sia has built MWNS into a place where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to ask questions, make mistakes, explore ideas, and grow. What began in her living room has become a trusted learning community where every student can build confidence and reach their personal best.

Teaching is something I truly enjoy. Seeing the expression on my student’s face once they have understood a new concept is rewarding and motivating for us both.

Family at the Heart of MWNS

MWNS has always been a family effort. What began as a few lessons in Sia’s living room has grown into a thriving, trusted learning community.

Today, Sia continues to lead MWNS as CEO & Principal, supported by her husband, who serves as Chief Operations Officer. Their three daughters also play key roles in the organisation — Giorgia as General Manager, Elizabeth as Dulwich Hill Centre Manager, and Tiana as Willoughby Assistant Centre Manager.

This family-first foundation shapes everything we do. Every student is welcomed with genuine care. Every parent’s concern matters. Every achievement is celebrated. Because to us, MWNS has never just been about tutoring — it’s family.

7 Tutoring Centres & Online Learning

One living room became seven centres and an online community.

Word spread quickly. Families shared their experiences, and what began in a single home soon grew into seven dedicated centres across Sydney.

Today, MWNS supports thousands of students across seven NSW centres and online. Yet no matter how much we’ve grown, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to small classes, personalised attention, and a calm environment where every child is known by name and ability.