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N E W S L E T T E R NO. 123 November 18, 2009
“INTO ADOLESCENCE : MONTESSORI EDUCATION BEYOND THE ELEMENTARY YEARS” – LECTURE , DECEMBER 8, 2009 AT 7:30 PM
Adolescence is viewed today as a period between puberty and social, psychological, and physical maturation. The word itself is derived from the Latin verb adolescence, which means “to grow up” or “to mature.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau was the first person to propose the concept of adolescence. In his book Emile, Rousseau says, “We are born, so to speak, twice over; born into existence and born into life; born a human being and born a man.”
Dr. Montessori felt that looking at developmental stages was crucial to meeting the needs of the child. The notion of respecting people for their stage of development and utilizing their current sensitive periods in order to support the unfolding process of growth is important in facilitating a Montessori classroom at all ages. Early adolescents are in a time of learning about who they are and how they will relate to the world. They want to be trusted and valued for their contributions that they can make to society. They are interested in justice, human dignity, and the earth. They want and need opportunities for self expression, social interaction, and meaningful work.
Montessori adolescent programs offer a fascinating alternative for parents seeking further Montessori education beyond 12 years of age. Humberside Montessori School is planning to open an adolescent program as a result of strong support of our parent and student community.
David Kahn, the Executive Director of the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association (NAMTA) is a leading expert on Montessori adolescent programs. He is coming to Canada to speak to parents and teachers on the subject of Montessori Adolescent Education. Please see the attached brochure for more details.
Humberside Montessori School will be hosting one of the events on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 7:30 pm, titled: Montessori Adolescent Program – Urban Model.
Please call the office if you are planning to attend. We are planning a further meeting with our parents in early January 2010. We will keep you posted on the progress of Montessori Adolescent Program at Humberside Montessori.
INTERVIEW DAY – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 (no classes)
Please check the interview and observation schedules posted on the information boards outside each class.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER ATTACHED
The annual Parents’ Social and Auction will be held this year on Saturday November 28th at the school from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. There will be babysitting (known to the children as the Children’s Party) provided for a minimal cost. The evening consists of a silent and live auction of donated items from parents along with a catered dinner. The wine again this year will be donated by the school. The Parents’ Association has hired Preferito catering who catered this event two years ago and the food was fantastic. Attached is a ticket order form – please drop off your ticket order form with payment in the school office.
We are now collecting items for the auction. They can be anything from wine to hockey tickets to toys to services to gift cards from local merchants and more. Attached is a donation sheet. Please attach this sheet with your item and drop it off at the school office. Items will be displayed in the school lobby over the next few weeks leading up to the Social. If you need a letter for a donation request to a business, please email me and I will provide it for you.
It’s never too early to start thinking about the Christmas holidays and our Scooter Girl Toys Shopping Days – December 5th and 6th. Shop at Scooter Girl Toys on December 5th and/or December 6th, tell the sales staff you are from Humberside Montessori and a percentage of the sale will be donation to the Parents’ Association. In addition, Scooter Girl provides free gift wrapping and will deliver your packages to the school free of charge! How’s that for service?! It’s not just toys but a huge selection of board games, children’s books and more. Scooter Girl is not your typical toy store – it has many unique and interesting items that you just can’t find anywhere else. Plus you’re supporting the school and a local business at the same time! Scooter Girl is a great toy store for girls and boys located at 187 Roncesvalles Avenue (between Wright and Fern Avenues) and owned by Montessori parent, Tere Ouellette (mom to Meritt in upper elementary).
RESPONDING TO THE H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS
Please find attached a letter from Nicole Nitti, MD, one of our parents, regarding H1N1 influenza virus. We would like to thank all the parents for keeping their ill 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.
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.
CLASSROOM TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Classroom Telephone Directory is attached to this newsletter. Please use it wisely, and keep it confidential.
MONTHLY TUITION FEE
The monthly tuition fee is due on the first of each month. Please bring your postdated cheques covering the period until June 2010.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING TO SCHOOL
Please ask your child not to bring the following items to school:
Bakugan, Tech Deck, Peck-a-Pooh, Pokemon Cards, Laser Pointer, Go Go’s, Trading. Comics, magazines, hockey cards or cards of any kind, stickers, toys of any kind, including digital pets, gum, candy, pop, any other distracting material.
These and many other commercially influenced items contribute little to the child development and usually disturb children in their daily routines.
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