INFORMATION

OUR AIMS

To present a structured Montessori Curriculum carefully prepared to take into account your child’s individual needs.
To provide children with a caring, happy environment where they can develop as individuals socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally at their own pace.
To help your child to gain independence as well as learning to be part of a community, through a combination of freedom of choice and sensitively directed learning.
To nurture and preserve your child’s natural curiosity for learning.
To encourage your child to help care for and respect others as well as their environment.
To help your child grow in self-confidence and self-esteem.
To aid your child in reaching their full potential in all areas.
To create a happy, caring, child centred environment where our children are free to learn, to play, to discover and to grow.

The Result: Happy, Confident, Independent Children Learning for Life.

Operating Hours

The morning school is open from 07:30am to 02:00pm (ages 2-6 yrs)
The afternoon club runs from 02:00pm to 05:00pm daily
The school is open from the beginning of September to the end of June
A Summer school program runs in July and August

Optional Services

School lunches
Gym classes by professional trainers at an off-site gymnastic centre once a week
Afternoon club

Montessori Approach

What is Montessori?
The Montessori approach differs from traditional education in several important ways.

It is a child centred philosophy.
Individualized learning is the key factor.
All aspects of the child are developed (physical, emotional, moral, social, & intellectual).
Learning is achieved through direct experience and active involvement.
Students work at their own pace.
Self-direction is encouraged.
Montessori is not affiliated with any religion.
Montessori stresses mutual respect and ethical values.

The Environment.
The Montessori classroom is a "child-sized environment" where all learning tools are placed within easy reach."

The scaled down surroundings are arranged in an orderly fashion. Materials and exercises are carefully selected to promote independence. Activities follow a general pattern of familiar consistency.
Spontaneous, everyday events of life are also considered worthy subject matter, ranging from the change of seasons to taking care of a new classroom pet or the birth of a baby brother/sister.
The outdoor environment is a natural extension of the classroom, and Montessori programs emphasise outdoor activities. The study of plants, insects, and the like are translated into actual experiences where exploration is allowed. This makes for reality-based learning and forms lasting impressions.

Freedom
For a Montessori child, freedom abounds. Yet, there are certain defined limits and responsibilities for ones actions.

Limited freedom with responsibility is the mode of operation at Montessori. Children respond positively to moving freely from one learning area to another, choosing and prioritising their own activities.
This teaches early decision-making by granting responsibility to the young child. It is surprising how well the concepts are grasped and how much gets done!
Respect for others and their property is another benefit that arises from the concept of responsible freedom. Materials are borrowed as needed, and then returned to their proper spot in good condition for the next user.
Our free world operates on the same basis, so why not teach these skills from the start?

Sensitive Periods.
Montessori methods are guided by the principle of "sensitive periods" when the child is developmentally ready to learn.

Montessori programs take into account the fact that every child develops at his or her rate. New tasks are introduced at the right moment of "readiness". Only then will the information have true value.
The teachers create this motivating, age-appropriate environment through ongoing evaluation of each student’s current stage of development. Frustration is kept to a minimum and learning flourishes.
Children form a habit of being successful one step at a time, building a firm foundation for continued enthusiasm and lifelong quest for knowledge. Once on their way, they cannot be stopped as they explore first their immediate surroundings, and then the universe.

Outcomes

Children who are developed in a balanced manner in the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and moral areas.
Children who are decision makers, who are confident and independent.
Children who are capable of progressing onwards with their potential realised.
Children who have gained a firm learning foundation.
Children who have embarked successfully on a life long learning process

Adjusting
Montessori students go on to experience outstanding achievement in traditional school settings and in the community.

They are well prepared to succeed in new situations and to meet life's challenges. As curious, active learners, they eagerly adapt and continue along the road of success.
With a self-image of being capable and effective, Montessori graduates often hold leadership positions. Their creative way of thinking generates solutions to problems not imagined by others.
In today's world of complex issues, this approach to early education is ever so crucial. We must ensure that tomorrow's adults are self-sufficient participants in society.
The Montessori joy of learning and pride of accomplishment leads to a well-adjusted lifestyle.

NUTRITION POLICY

The Montessori Centre promotes a nutritionally healthy approach for children

Approximate meal times:

9.30 - Snack
12.00 – Lunch

Teacher will facilitate the child's understanding that a wide variety of food is necessary for strong and healthy minds and bodies.
Children are encouraged to taste new foods in small amounts.
Children are encouraged to socialize and enjoy mealtimes as happy periods.
Integrated in the curriculum is appropriate nutrition and food related activities.
The staff must be informed of any allergies.

A menu is published at the beginning of every term so the children and parents will know what is being served on given days. If a child does not like what is on the menu, then he/she may opt to bring a meal from home. It is recommended that the parent and child pack the lunch together.

School lunches are optional and can be requested on a daily basis.

For children whose parents opt to bring a packed lunch from home, please note that soft drinks, chocolate, chips or sweets are not allowed. We recommend that you pack for your child a sandwich and a fruit for lunch, accompanied by healthy snacks (i.e. fruit yoghurt, granola/ cereal bar, etc).

HEALTH POLICY

Daily Health Check

Upon arrival, children will be observed for signs of communicable diseases or other evidence of ill health.

Any child with the following symptoms will not be admitted:

A temperature over 38 degrees
Discharge from the ears or eyes
Redness of the eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea
Any rash or skin lesion which blisters

Children experiencing any of the above symptoms are required to remain home for 24-48 hours, or until their condition improves.

If your child develops signs of illness during centre hours, you will be contacted immediately and requested to pick up your child.

Hand washing

The most important skill your child must do frequently is hand washing. The Montessori Centre staff practice hand washing with the children daily.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE

A meeting between parents, child and head-teacher is arranged at a mutually agreeable time.
On completion of the registration the child will be offered a place.
Child and parent will be invited for a familiarization visit to the school prior to enrollment.
The Department of Welfare requires that several forms be on file in the centre for each child enrolled in the program:

Registration form
Birth Certificate
Department of Health Certificate of Immunization

SUMMER SCHOOL

Join us in an exciting, creative atmosphere at our Summer School 2011
Last week of June and the whole of July and August

Mon – Fri: 7:30 – 2:00
Children Learning for Life
Ages 3 to 6
Learning new skills,
Interacting with other children,
Our program is designed to keep your child happy, fulfilled and challenged.

Weekly activities include:

Sports
Drama
Swimming
Water play
Nature studies
Arts and crafts
Music and movement
Cooking and baking

Registrations begin April 2011

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