Dear Parents,

Hi! Best wishes to all families in the New Year 2011! At this time, we are bringing you some more news:

HUMBERSIDE MONTESSORI JOURNEY INTO ADOLESCENCE by Matt Smith

Many years ago, great explorers like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain embarked on epic journeys that made possible the founding of this great country in which we live. Their pioneering spirit led to something great. Fast forward 400 years or so, and that pioneering spirit on which our country was founded is still alive and thriving here at Humberside. This fall, ten students embarked on a journey that, although still in progress, has already proven to be equally exciting as those of Cartier and Champlain.

September saw the founding of the Humberside Montessori School Adolescent Program, one of the first of its kind in Toronto. Our ten pioneering students have been closely involved in establishing a program that holds true to Maria Montessori’s vision for educating the adolescent. They have helped give life to a community that is designed for the adolescent and speaks to their particular needs and characteristics. So far, the students have completed work of unparalleled quality and creativity and have established a class culture that values hard work, creativity, inclusiveness and a willingness to try new things.

It would be impossible to tell you about all of the exciting things that have been happening in the Adolescent Program, so here are a few highlights:

• Time to bond as a group. The class started the year with a three-day trip to Camp Hurontario.
• Delicious and nutritious cooking. Twice a week the students cook a meal together. They also plan, budget and shop for every meal.
• Practical, real-life work. Regular work in math was enhanced by practical work such as figuring out how much interest the class would need to pay on the loan they took out to finance the opening of Café Anglais.
• Incredible Humanities and Science presentations. Each unit the students complete an independent study project and present their findings to the class. The projects always have written, oral and creative expression elements and thus far the students have explored a wide range of interesting topics and presented them in wildly creative ways ranging from ‘claymation’ videos to historic diary entries.
• Interacting with the community. For a project on the sculptures of Bernini, two students took it upon themselves to arrange a visit to the AGO to visit one of his sculptures on display there. Also, as a group the class has spent a great deal of time away from the school including trips to the Toronto Reference Library, High Park, City Hall and many other Toronto locations.
• The sweet sounds of rock and roll. The first term saw each of the students develop some very fine skills on the drums and now we are working on the basics of the guitar. Bands are starting to be formed and great rock and roll music will soon be filling our hallway. Our music program was also greatly enhanced by 5 weeks of small group instruction from a professional drummer.
• Visits from experts. The class will soon be joined by a doctor who will be leading them in a fetal pig dissection that will cap off an extended study of human anatomy and physiology.
• Café Anglais. An initiative that speaks to the adolescent’s need for economic independence, the micro-economy, in the form of Café Anglais, got off to a roaring good start and has already shown just how responsible and creative adolescents are.
• The Adolescent Program team. Teaching adolescents is all about teamwork and having specialists on staff. Yves has continued his fine French work with the adolescents and we are so lucky to have Kelsey Robertson on board as our Phys. Ed. teacher and sports coordinator. Both of them add so much to the program.

Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of our ten inaugural students, the Adolescent Program has already become an integral part of the Humberside community. One of the really exciting aspects of a Montessori Adolescent Program is that it is continually evolving. What this means is that future students not only benefit from the work of previous students but also get to forge their own way and continue the pioneering traditions of their predecessors.

To learn more about this exciting and innovative addition to the school, please come to the Adolescent Program Information Evening on Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 pm.

PARENTS’ SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPPORTUNTIES by Kyla Morenz

“The same philosophy which is inherent in Montessori educational theory and practice must also shape the purpose and operations of our schools. This forces us to go beyond the traditional models of schools and to imagine and create our schools in a way that is congruent with our vision of education.

If we understand education as aiding development, then the whole school becomes a place actively engaged in the process of developing all human potential. It begins to understand itself developing and evolving. When we re-envision ourselves in this way, we also see that guidance for our school communities can come from reflecting upon those same principles of development articulated by Dr. Montessori.” (p. 180. Sharon Dubble, Evolving Through Transitions: Mitigating Anxieties, NAMTA journal, vol.21, no.2, Spring 1996

The development of your child is supported in a unique environment in the Montessori classroom. The prepared environment is designed to meet the particular needs of each child at a specific stage of development. Whether your child is in the first, second, or third plane of development, there is a prepared environment suited to the particular characteristics and needs of each plane. Trained Montessori teachers work in these environments, presenting material and ideas to the children in the class in a manner appropriate to their stage of development. These adults observe and plan in accordance to the needs exhibited by the children, responding to their interests and developmental needs.

The flexibility inherent in the holistic approach within our classrooms and the Montessori principles inform and guide us as we expand and grow as a school community. Our community encompasses all staff members, the children who attend school and their family. Consistency between classrooms, school, and family practices needs to exist to provide optimum support for the developing human being.

Parent education evenings are offered to provide opportunities to learn more about the Montessori philosophy and approach to education; opportunities to see first hand the different areas and materials to which your child is exposed each day throughout the school year. Parent education is important for developing skills and knowledge about appropriate methods of supporting the child's work as it extends outside the four walls of the school building. This year, for the first time, a Going Out workshop was offered to help support the work of teachers and children in the classroom. At the workshop, elementary parents were introduced to the concept of Going Out and its role in the elementary programme.

Classroom observation is another important method of seeing what happens in the classroom. Parents are invited to observe throughout the course of the year – not just at interview time. Although we prefer to observe in our own child's classroom, taking the time to visit another classroom at the same level offers an observation where the beautiful work of the children as a whole can be observed, without being distracted by our own child's fascinating work.

The Parents’ Association is another way for parents to be involved in the school life. Their work is an important part of supporting community development and the school as a whole. The school as a whole benefits from the effort, time, and energy of this group of dedicated individuals.

Teachers invite an outside expert and/or parent from time to time, to come share with the children their knowledge and experience. This invitation is extended because of the current interests of a small group of children or sometimes even the whole class.

We will be sending to you soon a short questionnaire asking you if you are interested in sharing your personal expertise, skill or topic with students at Humberside Montessori. This level of involvement would be arranged through a classroom teacher. As with all of life, our school community continues to develop and evolve. The staff members are excited to be making this journey together with your children and you, their parents.

“Not in the service of any political or social creed should the teacher work, but in the service of the complete human being, able to exercise in freedom a self-disciplined will and judgment, unperverted by prejudices and undistorted by fear.” (To Educate the Human Potential, Dr. Maria Montessori, p.2 Clio 1989)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS by Kelsey Robertson

Happy New Year! First off, I wanted to say thank-you to everyone for your warm welcome to Humberside Montessori this school year. For those who do not know me, I am the new physical education specialist who joined an amazing teaching staff in Mid-September this year. I went to University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where I was a student-athlete who completed a concurrent degree in Kinesiology and Education. I then moved out to Calgary where I taught grades 7-12 physical education and science for two years. This past summer I returned to Ontario to be closer to my roots and start a new chapter of my life.

Over the past few months, I have been working closely with elementary staff to enhance the quality of physical education within the Montessori elementary environment. In addition to the regular gym classes, small groups of students have taken advantage of the opportunity to include physical education as part of their week outside of the scheduled physical education. Activities have included: power walking, skating, and cycling. As the children's skills and interests develop, I hope to take advantage of some of the going out opportunities such as yoga, rock climbing, and tennis to name a few.

My goals for this year are to increase the school’s physical activity level, build more opportunities for the students to experience different sports and activities and create awareness in healthy living and nutrition. In addition, Humberside Montessori plans to start up a Basketball team, Volleyball team and a Track and Field Team between now and the end of the year. This will be a test run to see how much interest is in the school for sports teams, which will determine whether we will join the Small School Athletic Federation in the fall of 2011. Becoming a part of this association will create further opportunities to join other schools and participate in tournaments and sports leagues. Personally, I think this is a great chance for students to become part of a team, and work on their athletic skills and sportsmanship. I look forward to getting everyone active and having lots of fun this winter season. Welcome back everyone!

VALENTINE’S DAY – at Humberside Montessori on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011

As Valentine’s Day fast approaches, we would like to inform you of how we will be celebrating the holiday.

Casa information - We are asking that cards not be distributed throughout the school due to the many problems that arise within the classes. Past experience has shown that young children can become very frustrated for several reasons – not receiving valentines, the inability to read what is written and who the card is from, and the difficulty of distributing the cards themselves to name just a few. Please be assured that Valentine’s Day will be discussed and celebrated within the classes in an age and developmentally appropriate way. The celebration will vary depending on the class. Thank you for your cooperation.

Elementary and Adolescent information - The elementary and adolescent students are older, and therefore are able to celebrate this occasion on a different level. They do really enjoy writing and reading their greetings. Therefore, the exchange of cards in the elementary and adolescent classes will take place inside the classroom. Please make sure that your children make their own valentines or, if they have already purchased store-bought valentines, to write a personal greeting or a poem on the back.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

P.A. DAY – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2011

There will be no classes on Friday, February 18, 2011 due to our Professional Activity Day.

FAMILY DAY, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011

There will be no classes on Monday, February 21, 2011 as we will be celebrating Family Day.

REMAINING PARENTS EDUCATION EVENTS

January 27, 2011 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm - “MAGIC OF 3” Sandra Girlato, renowned Montessori speaker and teachers’ trainer will present a topic on the importance of completing the three-year-cycle in 3-6 level. This event is especially important for parents of children who are currently attending the first and second year of the Casa program

February 3, 2011 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm - “INTRODUCTION TO 6-9 LEVEL” This event, open to all interested parents, is specifically organized for parents of children who are turning six years this year and who are considering further Montessori education at the elementary level. Please come and meet the 6-9 elementary teachers and learn more about the elementary Montessori curriculum. Please do not miss this opportunity, as this event only takes place once a year!

February 10, 2011 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm - “INTRODUCTION TO 9-12 LEVEL” This event is open to all interested parents and is specifically organized for parents considering further Montessori elementary education in the 9-12 class. Please come and meet Niamh Grech and Jim Mallen, the 9-12 teachers, and learn about the elementary Montessori curriculum. You will be able to meet some of our past graduates. Meeting our past graduates is an exciting experience. Come and learn how Montessori students adapt to their future life and education beyond Humberside Montessori School. Do not miss this opportunity! Bring your spouse!

February 17, 2011 (Thursday) at 7:00 pm “INTRODUCTION TO GRADE 7 AND GRADE 8 – ADOLESCENT RPOGRAM”

If you would like to find out more about this innovative program please come to the Adolescent Program Information Workshop on Thursday, February 17th, 2011. Matt Smith will be delivering a presentation entitled HMS Adolescent Program – Pedagogy of Place, followed by a short video on the outcomes of a Montessori education and a question period. The presentation will cover the needs and characteristics of adolescents, Dr. Maria Montessori’s method for educating the adolescent, as well as many of the exciting things that have been going on here at Humberside in the inaugural year of our program. This workshop is open to everyone. Remember, it’s never too early to start planning for adolescence!

STAFF INFORMATION

Kelsey Robertson - Physical Education Instructor

Kelsey graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in Education and Recreation and Sport Studies. She worked as physical education teacher both in private and public schools. She joined us in September of last year and brings to Humberside her experience as an accomplished swimmer, swim coach, life guard, track and field coach, and skills and knowledge in many other disciplines. She is working with all elementary and adolescent students as well in the after school program.

Casa “B”

Elizabeth Wegrzyn, Casa “B” Afternoon Assistant will be away from January 24th to February 21st. Elizabeth will be visiting her ailing mother in the Philippines. Michelle Bray, our supply staff, will be filling her position for these four weeks.

RESPONDING TO SICK CHILDREN

We would like to thank all the parents for keeping their sick children at home when they have a fever or cough. If your child is sick, please do not send him/her to school.

NUT AWARE SCHOOL

Humberside Montessori School is a nut aware school. Please make sure all lunches and snacks are nut free.

CASA AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP ROUTINE

As you have probably noticed, there has been a change in the after school pick-up routine.

In order to alleviate the congestion with parking, we are asking that children get picked up between 3:30 and 4:00 pm.

Children can be picked up from the second floor cloakroom or hall area beginning at 3:30 pm. Once children who have not been picked up are ready, they will be taken downstairs to wait in the main lobby. Children who have not been picked up by 4:00 will be taken back up to the second floor to join the children in our After School Program.

If you are unable to collect your child by 4:00 pm, please call the office. Your child will then join the other children in our After School Program.

Please note that there will no longer be a formal “story time” during the pick-up time. Previously, books were read to the children to occupy them while waiting for their parent or caregiver to arrive. This made it extremely difficult for the children to leave before the story was finished. Rest assured that stories and poems are read in the classroom (free from interruption) on a daily basis. We also sing songs, play games, or listen to music.

Thank you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMING ON TIME TO SCHOOL

Elementary classes begin at 8:30 an and Casa begin at 8:45 am.

In support of the child’s developing independence and growing sense of responsibility, it is important that all the children have the opportunity to enter the class in a calm and unhurried manner. All children should carry their personal belongings from the moment they leave home. If there is too much on a daily basis for the child to manage easily, reconsider what the child is bringing to school.

During the arrival time, children greet each other and take this opportunity to choose work and working groups. This is an integral part of the Elementary and Casa programs and a necessary developmental stage for all children. Entering a class where peers have already chosen work and groups in which to work, creates unnecessary obstacles to the child’s development. By arriving on time, each child is able to approach the morning with a sense of direction and excitement.

In our join effort to provide the best possible environment for each of the children, we are asking for your assistance and continued effort to ensure that your child arrives punctually at school.

ANAPHYLATIC POLICY

Humberside Montessori School is committed to taking a pro-active position regarding the prevention of anaphylaxis. We have developed a policy to provide a process for dealing with anaphylaxis in our school. This policy has been reviewed by all staff members working with children. A copy of this policy is available to any interested parent from the office.

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