Hello Again. The Montessori Centenary Exhibit Celebration is coming soon and I want to update you on some of the activities that are scheduled during May 14^th – 25^th.

First, I want to thank the parents for their generosity and personal contributions to the Exhibit event, because without your support, this event would not be possible. So far, 35 families of Humberside Montessori have donated to the Centenary, and I hope that more of you will consider doing so in the remaining weeks. All parent, academic and corporate donor contributions will be displayed in the lobby during the Exhibit. We have received contributions from other parents and Montessori schools across Ontario.

As you can see from the attached Calendar of Events, our opening day is reserved for media availability, and the remainder of the time is devoted to public viewing, with accessibility given to visiting school groups. There are Workshop evenings led by prominent Montessori educators, David Khan and Gerard Leonard.

The Montessori Centenary Exhibit is not just a look back at 100 years of Montessori education, it is also a look ahead to the next generation to encourage others to take the educational path that you have chosen for your child. It’s an incredible opportunity to share our philosophy of education here at Humberside Montessori School as well as across the country. By having your child attend Humberside Montessori School we know that you are not only dedicated to your child’s education but have made a serious investment in your child’s future. The Centenary also presents an opportunity for all Montessori schools to come together as a community to show the country what Montessori education is all about.

I have posted a volunteer sheet in the school lobby as we are looking for volunteers to help with general traffic flow through the school during the exhibit hours (which will involve directing the public in and out of the school). Many Montessori educators have already volunteered for this task, and we hope some of our parents will be able to lend a helping hand as well. Exhibit staff will be on hand for the duration of the two week exhibition to answer any questions relating to the display.

We have been given a tremendous opportunity to be the host of this national event, and I hope that you will tour the Exhibit, register for a workshop or volunteer to spend a few hours at the school to assist visitors who have travelled from all corners of our country to be a part of this achievement.

We are also hosting a 20-year past student reunion FROM 1987 TO 2006 on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 from 7:00 – 9:00pm. This event will give former students an opportunity to see the exhibit, reunite with classmates and share their reflections on times after Humberside Montessori. We are planning to video tape the testimonials of the interested students. Please let any past students know about this event, and ask them to contact the school at 416-762-8888.

Please find attached a Summer Day Camp Application Form. If you decide to enrol your child in the program, please return your application and cheque back to us ASAP. All spaces will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis. This program will be provided from our school location. All children will be bringing their own lunches, snacks, juices, etc. However, starting Friday, June 29, 2007, the children will be preparing a lunch for the day. You will be informed of how this will work in practical terms closer to the specified date. This will be a LIVING LIFE CAMP. Children will be involved in sports, music, cooking, swimming program, arts and crafts, care of plants, field trips, and lots of other fun things.

KIDS CARAVAN – Saturday, June 2, 2007

Please come and join us for Kids Caravan being held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the school. It is the year-end party with live music, food, bouncing castle, rock climbing wall,

fabulous dinner buffet, fun and more fun. Please submit your form for tickets and sign up to volunteer.

To help us serve you and your child better, please answer the questions in the attached School Questionnaire. Your input will help us to plan for the future, and will help us to evaluate the level of your satisfaction in our work with children.

Please complete both Parents’ Association surveys (small – suggestions for cultural/extracurricular activities; large – data on your skills and expertise) and return them into the suggestion box in the foyer.