All parents and family members of graduating students are cordially invited to attend an end-of-the-year celebration and graduation on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. We are aiming to end this part of the celebration around 3:30 p.m. There will also be an opportunity for children and parents to say goodbye to staff members. After graduation, students will move to their classrooms for a farewell with the teachers. Please collect your child from his/her classroom after the farewell.

It has been a tradition in our school that we end each year with a little celebration. Every year, all children graduating from the Primary Level at its completion, and moving on to either an Elementary class or other school, receive a gift. Each child graduating from the Lower Elementary class at its completion, either for the next level of Upper Elementary or other school, also receives a little gift. In the Upper Elementary class this year, we have a group of 8 students completing the 9-12 level. The farewell of this special group after nine years experience in Montessori always brings back special memories to all of us.

Thank you to all the parents for selecting Humberside Montessori School as a destination in your child’s life. Only through parents’ commitment can this school fulfill its purpose. Thank you! We would like to thank the Parents’ Association for another great year and for embellishing the school through its activities. To families not returning to us in September, we would like to thank you for your interest in Montessori and for your trust and confidence in leaving your child with us. Please stay in touch.

Have a great and safe summer! See you in September! Molly & Felix

Sara Priolo will continue as a directress in Casa "A". Please see information about Ausra MacLeod under Casa "C".

Margaret Wang, the current directress in Casa "C", decided to pursue her other goals in life and will not be returning in September. Thank you Margaret for all your hard work and dedication and for that personal touch you brought to all your undertakings in Casa "C". We will miss you!

After one year sabbatical, Ausra MacLeod, last year’s directress in Casa "A", will be returning to us and taking over Margaret’s class. Ausra will be spending some time in Casa "C" on June 11^th, 12^th and 13^th to get to know the children and parents. Ausra has graduated from the Foundation for Montessori Education in 1996 and has since been working with our school. We wish Ausra a happy return to her new "family" of children in Casa "C"

Tracy Feduck is expecting a baby in early June and will be on maternity leave as of June 1^st. Thank you Tracy for all the happy moments with children, parents and staff. We will miss your enthusiastic approach to child development. We wish Tracy a happy maternity leave and looking forward to her return next year. Alison Heineman stepped in as the directress of Casa "D". Alison received her Casa Training at the Foundation for Montessori Education last year and has been working here as a supply teacher since September 2006. Her permanent visits in Casa "D" bonded her well with all the children. We wish you a happy journey Alison.

Glenda Livingston decided to relocate with her family to Alberta and will not be returning to us in September. Although Glenda was with us only for two years, she made strong connections with children, parents and staff members. We will be missing her wisdom and dedication to children’s life and work. We wish Glenda a happy living in Alberta. Natalie Colosimo will be joining us in September as the new teacher in Elementary "A". Natalie received her AMI elementary training at the Bergamo Montessori Institute (Italy) in 2000. She has combined 7 years of experience as an elementary teacher.

First she worked for two years at the Montessori House of Children in London, Ontario and then for 5 years at High Park Centennial Montessori School in Toronto.

She is a vibrant, energetic and dedicated teacher devoted to the classroom and the development of students, with a focus on maintaining quality teaching, while upholding standards of excellence and best practices. Natalie will be meeting children and interested parents on Monday, June 11^th between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Chaina Fidahoussen, the French elementary teacher, is moving to Markham and decided not to return in September due to difficulties with transportation as she is not driving. We are sorry to see Chaina leave and wish her lots of success in her future endeavours. We will let you know in our next newsletter who will be a new French elementary teacher.

The annual tuition fee prepayment is due on Friday, June 8, 2007.

The last day of school is Thursday, June 14, 2007.

The first day of school for all returning children will be Tuesday, September 4, 2007.

As my first year as a new teacher comes to an end, it is essential that I look back to the very beginning to see how such a beautiful experience has come to such a satisfying end. Casa A is compiled of a beautiful group of children that have both challenged and inspired me. The innocence and intelligence of the group has humbled me in a way that has allowed me to once again see the world through the eyes of a child. The children have shown me that if I look at the world through their eyes that joy can be found in all aspects of life from a woodchip and a rock, to the reading (and multiple re-reading) of The Cat in the Hat.

Casa A could not have run so smoothly without the help of my two fantastic assistants. Valerie, your dedication to exposing the children to as much French as possible has definitely paid off, the children have all benefited from your perseverance and I am sure that they are very grateful to you for the time that you have spent with them. The French that they have acquired will take them much further than they could ever imagine. Mirian, I hope that your first year as an assistant has been a pleasurable one. Your dedication to the classroom is visible through your relationship with the children as well as your willingness to go above and beyond your required duties.

To all the graduating Casa A students: Liam, Kaia, Olivia, Alexander, Jackson, Isabel and Samantha – You have all come so far this year. Although I have not had the privilege of knowing you from the start of your journeys as Casa children, I can only imagine how you have grown both physically and mentally. You all have the potential to do great things, and I hope that your experiences in Casa A have created a solid foundation for you to build your dreams on. I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavours.

To all of the children, their families and the rest of the staff, have a relaxing and exciting summer! I can’t wait to see all of you in September.

Spring is here and summer is fast approaching! Of course, that means another school year is coming to an end. The older children in the class are asking me daily about the graduation, who is going to Elementary, the last week of school and summer holidays. Sometimes I need to desperately change the topic and convince them to "get back to work"! It has been a real pleasure working with each and every one of the children in Casa B. They have taught me many things about myself, about children and about life. I am very thankful to have been blessed with their presence.

I would like to give thanks to some of the people who have helped the children and me this past year. I would like to thank my two assistants, Jamila and Elizabeth. Jamila, who was a late addition to our class, fit in wonderfully and has really won the hearts and respect of all the children. Elizabeth has been with me for four years and I cannot imagine working in Casa B without her. Many thanks and congratulations go out to Sherry, our student teacher this year. She recently graduated from the Foundation for Montessori Education and is now planning on

working as an AMI teacher in Asia. To all the parents who brought in flowers for the class throughout the school year, all of us from Casa B give you a big "THANK YOU!" The presence of fresh flowers never fails to brighten up our day (and give the children a wonderful Practical Life exercise).

I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer holiday! I look forward to seeing all of the returning children in September who will be moving on to bigger and better things.

For the first time in my life, as I sat down to write, I was at a loss for words. How do you describe the best times of your life? How does one say goodbye? Truly, in the blink of an eye, six incredible years have come and gone. Humberside Montessori School, my amazing colleagues and the precious children of Casa C (past and present) have been my extended family.

During my training to become a Montessori teacher, we were told that our job would not be easy one, but it would be the best job in the world: to be in the company of children. And how true it is! After all, what job gives you from moment to moment, the opportunity to celebrate a discovery made, or to commiserate in a moment of sadness? What job can make you laugh one moment, then cry the next? What job allows you glimpses of innocence and purity if only you look into the eyes of our children? Where else do you see individuals who radiate pure beauty and joy in their very smiles? I have been the lucky one each and every day to receive innumerable hugs, kisses and smiles. In this journey with children, I have been humbled. I have had to reflect and to question. To seek answers and most importantly, I have been challenged to be the best that I can be. I have learned so much about life, and about myself through the luminous windows of your children eyes. In that, I know in some capacity my life will continue to be deeply entwined with children, and of course Montessori education.

Molly and Felix, thank you for building Humberside Montessori; you are the anchor that holds us together in this journey of life and education that touches so many children.

To my close colleagues and fellow Montessori teachers, thank you for your support and patient ears.

Kostanca, Michelle and Jeanette, my heartfelt gratitude for making Casa C such a warm and harmonious environment for the children.

Finally, to the children: All of you have in one way or another touched my heart. I have no words adequate enough to express what I feel…only how very, very much I wish for, and want you to have happiness and success in the future. Find joy in everything you do and all doors will be open for you.

Alexzandra, Cassandra, Isabel, Jasmine and Mihaillo, congratulations as you graduate from Casa and become elementary students!

I will miss YOU. I will forever REMEMBER your eyes and your smiles.

This year has been one that I will not soon forget and I know I will be missing everyone desperately next year when I am away. Casa D had many new children join us in September and some of them were not very happy to be leaving mom and dad for the first time. With some help from our fabulous 2^nd and 3^rd year children, many tissues and frequent hugs from Anna and Kisha, those same children barely even remember to say goodbye to the parent who drops them off now; they have become part of our family. I must say that this year has been especially memorable for me because of the addition to my own family that is on the way.

The children have been so interested in the "baby" and I have been asked many remarkable questions regarding the arrival of this child, to which I have had to sometimes answer "maybe you should ask mom and dad about that!" I have to sincerely thank all the parents who have been so supportive of our class and have offered to help and give baby advice/items and have been truly understanding when I have forgotten to get back to them about something. With my own family far away, it has been very reassuring to be surrounded by such a compassionate group of people who have all travelled the road I am about to take.

When I think back to September and the new children that joined us I can scarcely believe it when I see them sitting at length and working diligently on metal insets, or polishing the same glass piece five times or scrubbing a table like they are trying to take the finish off! When I look back even further to last year and remember the children who are this year our distinguished graduates, I am literally moved to tears by how far they have come. The third year in Casa for these children is such a fantastic and important year because the two previous years work all pays off and comes together in a way one cannot imagine unless you are witness to it. It will be especially emotional for me to say goodbye to them and watch them walk off into the sunset toward their elementary life.

I must give a huge thanks to both Kisha and Anna as they are the mortar that holds the bricks of our Casa D ‘house’ together. They have been especially forgiving of me this year and have supported us in ways I never expected. Thank you to Anna for sticking so strictly to the French guidelines she was given, working extra hard to build relationships with children who do not understand a word she is saying at first and for being fun and joyful about it all at the same time! I don’t know that I would have the same level of energy and patience she does were I in her shoes!

Thanks to Kisha for keeping all the materials we need in the classroom stocked without me even thinking about it, for loving and playing with the children when they need some giggles at recess and for keeping them working in the classroom so they progress as beautifully as they do with their work. You have both become my friends as well as excellent assistants that next year’s teacher will be lucky to have!

I will say "see you soon" and not farewell because I will be back in September of 2008 to continue on this beautiful journey with the Humberside Casa children. My life is richer because of my experiences with them!

It is hard to believe that the year has come to a close already. It seems not long ago that the children of Casa "E" were first running through the door looking for their cubby locations!

When I reflect on the growth of each of the children in Casa "E", I am more able to see the passage of time. Whether they are first or second year children, I marvel at their personal achievements and growth. Knowing that it is the work of each individual to educate themselves, I feel blessed to have been one of the many guides that each of these children will have in their lifetime. Watching them experience genuine moments of "Ah-ha!", as well as sustained periods of happy concentration is reward enough for any teacher. I feel blessed to have been invited to witness their beautiful transformations.

All this could not have been accomplished without the caring support of our wonderful assistants Connie and Viviane. Their patience, care and understanding have helped to create a beautiful atmosphere for the children to grow in independence and learning. Each of them has brought an enormous amount of life experience which has enriched the children’s experience of the classroom. I thank you both for sharing in the many unforgettable moments in the classroom and for helping to make this year a wonderful experience for me.

Thank you also to the parents of Casa "E" who have been wonderfully supportive of our classroom. Partnership between parents and your child’s classroom is important for your child’s success. Your commitment to Montessori and Montessori principles at home helps to create a rich environment for your child to grow. It is marvellous to see the great number of Casa "E" parents who come out to the many workshops held throughout the year. Thank you also for the countless bouquets of flowers, reference books, book donations, music recitals, baby sharing, and every other way that you contribute to the classroom.

To close, Viviane, Connie and I wish you and your family’s safe and happy summer and look forward to our reunion in September!

I have had the good fortune to work at Humberside Montessori for the past 2 years. To my working colleagues - it has been an honour to share ideas with you. Through collaborating we have been able to accomplish our goals. I extend a special thanks to my assistant, Kevin Wilson. You have been a solid and caring partner to work alongside. To Felix and Molly – thank you for giving me the opportunity to practice Montessori principles at your school. And thank you to the parents who have entrusted me with the care of your wonderful children.

It has been a memorable experience witnessing all the children grow and learn. Each morning, I have seen the students of the ‘third floor’ classes arrive, excited to go to school, to greet their friends and to find their work. As the teacher of my own class, I have loved seeing the children become involved in so many memorable works. The reports have become more and more sophisticated. Art was always present through painting, clay work, papier mache, calligraphy and, of course, who can forget the dioramas. Many children have emerged as solid writers. Some writings have even been ‘immortalized’ in handmade hardcover books. I hope you keep these forever. I have seen children fulfilling their potentials in a school that values Montessori principles.

I will miss all of you. I am proud of our 3^rd year students who are well prepared for the next chapter of their journey. The second year students, although you don’t know it yet, are going to be very strong leaders. And of the first years, your enthusiasm is going to guide the new ones who join Elementary A in September.

All the best!

At the beginning of the year it is difficult to picture where we will be at the end. However, we do know that the journey is not one we will travel alone. Along the way new bonds are forged, old ones renewed, and we have celebrated all the milestones and achievements together. There are always periods of adjustment as we encounter new ideas but as this year draws to a close, it is amazing how the children have worked together to build a community in which each individual is able to express themselves as they are at that moment in time.

No where has this sense of community been so marked as in the project work done by the children during the year. Children of different ages came together over shared interests, working co-operatively to produce this "big work." On many occasions the older children of the class stepped forward to help a younger child to create a time-line, a model or a diorama. They shared their past experiences and expertise in this area with great energy and joy. Many children also brought in books from home to lend to friends, which were then used for project research.

I have observed each child’s progress with great joy and it reinforces for me Dr. Montessori’s view that the child at this age is creating him/herself as an individual within society. Each child in Elementary B has worked during this year to develop and refine their own understanding of the world and our community.

I would like to thank our parents. Together, we form a partnership that enables your child to move forward with success. To the children moving on next year, you will be greatly missed, but I know that you will take your time with us with you on your new path of discovery.

I would also like to thank Heather, my assistant, who has been a great support to our class. Her presence has been invaluable and we have all enjoyed her lunch recipes very much.

I hope each one of you and your families have a wonderful summer. I look forward to our next journey in September.

It’s difficult to believe that nine months have passed since we first sat down to plan our Albion Hills trip. We have had such an exciting, full year!

As with all programs their success is dependent on the contributions of many people. ‘Going Out’ is such a vital part of the elementary program and we are fortunate enough to have staff and parents who value this aspect of the program. Many people have assisted us in enriching our class by allowing opportunities for the children to experience the larger community of our school. We would especially like to thank Grace, Anna, Kevin, and Pacita who took the children to the park weekly and helped in so many other activities. Our training for the Terry Fox fundraiser would not have happened without the help of Judy Wolever, Chris and David Schellenberg, Vicki Fielding, and Barbara Dick. All your contributions have helped the children foster a healthy attitude toward exercise.

We celebrate all cultural holidays and this year we were fortunate to have Sim and Rhys’ grandmother visit us to bake latkes and tell us the story of the menorah. The graduate students were able to volunteer at Chum FM sorting toys over the Christmas with the help of Karmen Mallory and Sean Didierserre.

In addition to learning outside the classroom we had several visitors who came to share their expertise with us. The students from University of Toronto enlightened us about the function of our brains and the need to protect them. Anna Romanowska inspired the children to paint, draw and gain a better appreciation of art. We hope you visit our ‘gallery’. And Russell, who added the joy of music to our classroom.

We both feel so fortunate to have work with all the children and feel privileged to be involved in their development. It is always a sad occasion when we must say goodbye to our graduates but we feel confident that they will be excellent ambassadors for Montessori. We would like to thank Danika, Eric, Erin, Jonathan, Julia, Tara, Theo and Zoe for the fond memories (and their classmates) they have given us to cherish.

To conclude we would like to thank you, our parents, who supported our aims and goals for the children this year. Your trust and faith in Montessori has bestowed a precious gift to your children which will continue to blossom for many years to come. We hope you all have a happy and safe summer.

As the end of the school year slowly approaches, a wave of cold and flu virus grounded the school population for a good few weeks. It is definitely not the right time to get sick. Unfortunately, I was one of the victims, but I held my position and was not willing to compromise despite of common sense and logic. After checking with my doctor to make sure I wasn’t contagious, still not willing to give up, weak and coughing, while I was walking up the stairs one day, a friend of mine, passing by said, "Hold on, only five weeks left. By the way, why don’t you stay home?" I don’t think I had any reasonable explanation to offer, back then. Of course I could, and should, but thinking about this alternative now, I am glad I did not. Let me tell you what I could have missed.

I would not have seen the melting hearts of all the mothers that attended our tea party honoring Mother’s Day. Their daughters and sons reciting beautiful poems and presenting their original compositions on a variety of instruments made this afternoon very special. The oldest group in the classroom was getting ready for its overnight, end of lower elementary, trip with no teachers or parents (just assistants). For Camryn, Ella, Emily, Isabel, Katrin, Natalie, Nicholas, Tea and Samantha it is their last month in our environment. No way, could I miss that! Jeremy and Jacob are trying to wrap their mind around the concept of gravity. Jeremy’s latest question "Can gravity catch on fire?" made one of my sick days just happy. Teo, David and Nicholas’s study of rocks and minerals took, yet another form of investigation that includes chipping away at them with a set of dental tools, soaking them overnight in water and then polishing their surfaces with the persistence and amount of repetition only a Montessori teacher can tolerate. The Crazy Grandma Story, a saga initiated last year by Alexia and Meritt got new members of the writing committee offering an additional load of ideas and excitement that energized the never ending plot. Kiera-Lynn, Micaela, Erica and Isabelle are methodically working on the classification of vertebrates. Their colourful illustrations of the representatives of all the five classes are precious. I would have missed all the very creative, original and funny adverbial modifiers that the oldest students were adding to our basic statements while working on sentence analysis. Sentences, such as "Once upon a time there was a cow that needed to go to the washroom, at 5 o’clock in the morning because she drank to much beer at the neighbour’s barrrr...n, far away from her pasture" was certainly worth trading of couple of hours of a monstrous headache. There were many more instances that could ease any pain.

Anika’s excitement about poetry, Ava’s fascination accompanying her study of bunnies, Terrance’s sweating over calculating the cubes of numbers and every time coming up with an answer that did not conform to the correct one. Erica’s writing about her pet aphid that lives in a small cage on her kitchen counter. Emilie’s story about a hedgehog dreaming of an expedition on Mount Everest inspired Jeremy, Teo and Jacob to research the world’s highest mountain. They even employed a couple of girls to sew the tents for the base camp. The list can go on and on.

Every day in a Montessori environment is just too important to miss and I believe, it has a magic healing power, too. Thank you all, particularly Karen for your daily assistance, I wish you all a great and healthy summer.