2024-2025 Year-end Board of Governors message
Dear Montessori Academy of London Families & Friends,
At the end of every year we look back at our activities and accomplishments, while we look forward to the change of pace and sense of renewal that a new season brings. The faculty and staff at Montessori Academy create so many incredible experiences for and with students and families during the school year, strengthening our community and our collective commitment to Montessori education. In that spirit, and on behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish to thank our students and families, as well as our faculty and staff for another successful year at Montessori Academy of London.
The Board of Governors is a collaborative group of committed volunteers who steward the long-term viability of Montessori Academy by providing financial and strategic leadership to support the School’s vision and mission. Several Governors completed their terms at the end of 2024, and we are grateful for their many contributions. Our thanks go to Melissa Sariffodeen (former President), Tyler Reavell (former Treasurer), Megan Komenda (former Vice President), and Kelly Wang. Early in 2025 we welcomed MA alumni parent Mike Ankers as a new Governor, and continue to seek other enthusiastic and talented community members to join the Board.
Over the past year the Board has been focused on strengthening our governance framework, supporting our Executive Director, and planning ahead to ensure that Montessori Academy has the resources to deliver world-class Montessori education well into the future. To that end, I am pleased to share several updates.
CCMA Accreditation
As evidence of our commitment to best practices, Montessori Academy is accredited by Montessori Canada (formerly the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators/CCMA) every five years. Earlier this year the Toddler, Casa, Lower and Upper Elementary levels underwent accreditation, and we look forward to receiving an updated certificate from Montessori Canada in due course. We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Tina Brown, is the Montessori Canada Vice President, and two MA faculty members act as verifiers on accreditation teams assigned to other Montessori schools across Canada. Further, Kristen Crouse, Principal and Shawn Butler, Junior High Team Lead are engaged with our accrediting body to develop requirements for accrediting adolescent programs, given that our Junior High program was the first in Canada, and remains a model for the establishment of best practices.
Faculty & Staff Training & Professional Development
Our people make the magic of Montessori come to life, and MA is fortunate to have many long-serving faculty who are accomplished Montessori educators. While some of them are transitioning to new seasons in their careers, they continue to share knowledge and expertise with newer colleagues looking to broaden their Montessori skills and remain nimble in response to the needs of our students. Our Executive Director works tirelessly to ensure MA has skilled faculty and staff and, with the full support of the Board of Governors, continues to hire and develop educators in anticipation of future needs.
Our Community Hub – Colborne St. United Church
As students and families know, the Colborne St. United Church is critical to our physical education program, and an integral part of the MA experience throughout the school year. In recognition of the church as our community hub, we have developed and deepened the relationship with church stewards, based on a mutual commitment to the success of both organizations. To that end, MA has entered into a longer-term lease for the gym, and secured the opportunity to explore the rental of other spaces in the future, in anticipation of a long and mutually beneficial relationship with our community partner.
New Parent & Infant Program
Montessori education is truly a family affair that begins when young children enter our Toddler and Casa programs. MA is committed to supporting families from the start and, as of October 2025, we are shifting the starting line! Our new Parent & Infant Program includes three 8-week sessions for parents and their Infants (2-10 months) or Movers (10-18 months). Parents and their children will be hosted in a carefully prepared environment, and experience the support of trained Montessori educators with expertise in child development. We look forward to welcoming new parents and their families to the MA community!
Accessibility Upgrades – 311 Oxford St.
Completed in May 2025, the 311 Oxford St. elevator project represents the Board’s commitment to ensure accessible facilities for our students, families and staff. The significant capital investment made by the school was recognized by the building owner, resulting in the negotiation of a long-term lease with several provisions that will benefit the school in the future. Construction projects are never without their challenges, and we are thankful for the support and patience of our Casa families and staff, our neighbours, and our incredible facilities management team.
The new Oxford Casa vestibule
Capital Planning Review
A capital planning review, which began last year, is expected to be finalized in the Fall of 2025. The review will inform the Board’s financial planning activities, as it includes evaluation of the school’s current facilities and estimation of future maintenance requirements. The buildings at our downtown and Westmount locations house intentional learning and teaching environments for students and staff, and the Board is planning ahead to make sure they can be adequately maintained well into the future.
In closing, the Board’s ability to focus on the future is enabled by the outstanding leadership and dedication demonstrated by Tina Brown, our Executive Director. Her commitment to the school, and her ability to manage multiple priorities on behalf of the entire MA community every single day is nothing short of remarkable. We extend our thanks and congratulations to Tina for another outstanding year.
And, of course, congratulations to this year’s Graduates!
With warm regards,
Andrea
Andrea Dean, President
Montessori Academy of London Board of Governors