From the Principal………..
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and my Montessori journey.
I was first introduced to Montessori whilst living in Brisbane. I had just returned from Primary teaching in Mt Isa Qld and entered Brisbane Montessori School as a relief Directress. This was my very first experience of a Montessori classroom and I was absolutely amazed!
Meeting the young Montessori children of a 3-6 class (Cycle 1) proved to me that there is so much potential in children if we as adults provide them with the tools and environment in which to flourish. I was astounded by the confidence that these children demonstrated upon introducing themselves to me. Here were children speaking confidently with adults, working independently, cleaning up after spills, preparing their own snacks, carrying glass, leaning how to read and write and so much more! I was so excited that I had finally found an education system that supported my beliefs and values as an educator – that children are so much more capable than we give them credit for and that their confidence and self esteem can grow if we as adults trust them and treat them with respect. I have never looked back since and have been involved with Montessori education for the last 16 years.
When I moved to Sydney I became the 9-12 Directress at a Montessori school for 7 years. During this time I was privileged to have witnessed the development of young adults as they continued to explore learning in a Montessori environment that catered to their developmental needs. Watching these children graduate was a sad but proud moment as I knew that they were more than ready to continue their educational journey, having secured strong Montessori foundations in their early and Primary years.
In 2001 I co-owned and operated a Montessori school in the city. During this time I was also the 6-12 Directress for 8 years. This experience further gave me a wonderful insight into the children’s development as I had the joy of working with children for 6 years before seeing them graduate as confident Montessori Ambassadors.
The Montessori journey that the children experience over 9 years (more if starting in the Parent Toddler Program) is one of immense learning. Not only in the academic field but also in life skills. Skills that the children can take with them no matter where they go. Skills that will stay with them for life as young adults contributing to society.
My journey so far has been one that has made me LOVE what it is that I do and I look forward to continuing to support the Montessori experiences for staff, families and, most of all, the young children in our care.
Tina Forsyth
Principal
Drop off time: BETWEEN 8.30am-8.45am.
Upcoming Dates
TERM 1 2008
Mar 30 – Apr 3 Karri Camp
Apr 8 Canteen Day
Apr 10 Public Holiday – Good Friday
Apr 13 Easter Monday
Apr 09 Last Day Term 1
Please see School Calendar for events during Terms 2-4 and check Bulletin regularly for changes to published events.
Term Dates for 2009
Term 1: 4 February – 9 April
Term 2: 28 April – 3 July
Term 3: 21 July – 25 September
Term 4: 12 October – 16 December
Public Holidays 2009
Monday 9 Mar Canberra Day
Friday 10 Apr Good Friday
Sat11 April Easter Saturday
Mon13 April Easter Monday
Mon 27 April Anzac Day
Mon 8 June Queen's Birthday Holiday
Mon 5 Oct Labour Day
Tues 3 Nov Family & Community Day (to be confirmed)
Term Dates for 2010
Term 1: 3 February – 9 April
Term 2: 27 April – 2 July
Term 3: 21 July – 24 September
Term 4: 11 October – 15 December
101 Things Parents Can Do To Help Children
By Barbara Hacker
1. Read about Montessori education and philosophy and how it applies to your child.
2. Purchase a copy of The Michael Olaf Catalogue(s). These wonderful publications are a clear introduction to Montessori for parents as well as a source book of ideal toys, materials, books, etc. for the home. (http://www.michaelolaf.com)
3. Take the time to stand back and observe your child carefully and note the characteristics he/she is displaying.
4. Analyse your child's wardrobe and build a wardrobe aimed at freedom of movement, independence and freedom from distraction.
5. Make sure your child gets sufficient sleep.
6. Make both going to bed and getting up a calm and pleasant ritual.
7. Teach grace and courtesy in the home. Model it. Use courtesy with your child and help your child to demonstrate it.
8. Refrain from physical punishment and learn ways of positive discipline.
9. Have a special shelf where your child's books are kept and replaced after careful use.
10. Make regular trips to the public library and become familiar with the librarians and how the library works and enjoy books together. Borrow books and help your child learn the responsibility for caring for them and returning them.
11. Read together daily. With younger children stick to books with realistic themes.
12. See that your child gets to school on time.
13. Allow sufficient time for your child to dress himself/herself.
14. Allow your child to collaborate with food preparation and encourage your Extended Day child to take at least some responsibility for preparing his or her own lunch.
15. If possible allow your child a plot of land or at least a flower pot in which to experience growing things.
16. Take walks together at the child's pace, pausing to notice things and talk about them.
17. Help your child be in a calm and prepared mood to begin school rather than over-stimulated and carrying toys or food.
18. Eliminate or strictly limit TV watching and replace with activity oriented things which involve the child rather than his/her being a passive observer. When the child does watch TV, watch it with him/her and discuss what is being seen.
To be continued ...
Thank You
We would like to thank the Kovacova family, Laura, Monika and Michal, who have generously donated the Slovakian flag to our international flag collection.
Thank you to Matilda & Adele Craven for organising the wonderful hot air balloon that came to our school for a demonstration during the Balloons Festival last week. The children and staff loved being able to watch the balloon inflate in our own playground, some were even allowed to climb inside the inflated balloon! What a great experience.
A big thank you to the families and children who are helping us to keep our gardens watered – a big task but lifesaving for our beautiful plants!
NAPLAN DATES 2009
Tuesday 12th May Language Conventions & Writing
Wednesday 13th May Reading
Thursday 14th May Numeracy
Montessori Questions and Answers
What if a Child Doesn’t Feel Like Working?
While Montessori students are allowed considerable latitude to pursue topics that interest them, this freedom is not absolute. Within every society there are cultural norms; expectations for what a student should know and be able to do by a certain age.
Experienced Montessori teachers are conscious of these standards and provide as much structure and support as is necessary to ensure that students live up to them. If for some reason it appears that a child needs time and support until he or she is developmentally ready, Montessori teachers provide it non-judgmentally.
The 2008/2009 Entertainment Book will be here next Monday !
There are many new businesses included this year.
At just $50 it is great value! In only two to three uses you’ll make your money back – and $10 from every Book comes back to the School.
Ask friends and family – you’ll be amazed how many people would love to save some money!
If everyone just buys or sells one copy, we’ll make more than $1000 to go towards
our fundraising goals.
Each family will receive one copy of the Book. Additional copies will be available from the Office.
You will be given approximately two weeks to look at the Book and decide if you would like to keep it. If not you may return it, although we hope you will try to sell it on.
All families who have not returned their Book by the notified date will be invoiced for it through the School accounts system. This means you won’t need to remember to return your payment to the School and it will be much easier for the volunteers who are involved in this fundraising activity.
If you have any questions regarding the Entertainment Book, please contact Sue Allanson at allanson@grapevine.net.au.
Car Parking
Grant Cameron offices have made a very reasonable request that CMS parents not use their car park. We have plenty of space in our car park so please, let us all be good neighbours!