Montessori Buzz – January 14, 2025
Dear MA Families & Friends,
Guest Speaker: Digital Minimalism
Join us for a lively lunchtime session with Katherine Martinko on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 between 11:45am-1pm.
In her sessions, Katherine strives to empower parents, teens, and adults to limit screen time using the philosophy of “digital minimalism.” She offers smart guidance on tough topics like when to give a kid a smartphone, how to handle social media, how to say no and deal with a teen’s FOMO, how to get comfortable with giving kids more independent play, and why we all have a responsibility to help solve this collection action problem.
RSVP today to save your spot and order your lunch: https://forms.gle/u9vL79gFopFK7AyS7
Family Skate Night
We hope you will join us for this evening of family fun and skating along the Storybook Gardens skate trail! Thursday, Jan. 30, from 7:30-9 pm. Please let us know that you’re joining us by completing this Google form: https://forms.gle/seTuxzgNbLmdU8gS9
MA Adventure Camp registration is open!
Get ready for the ultimate camp experience at Montessori Adventure Camp for MA students currently in Year 1-3, where each day brings a thrilling new theme allowing your child to explore and make memories through fun, run by one of our Physical Education teachers Janet Sargent.
Each day will be packed with exciting activities based on different themes such as sports, nature, water and adventures from around the world. Your child will have a blast exploring, creating, and building confidence in a nurturing environment through activities designed for children in Year 1-3.
- Cost: $260 per session; minimum 10 campers required for the camp to run
- Time: 9-4 (no extended hours available)
- Sessions:
- Session 1: July 14-18
- Session 2: July 21-25
Register online: https://macampdiscovery.campbrainregistration.com/
Red Door Media Camp registration is open!
For students in Years 6-8
Registration is now open for Shawn Butler’s MA-zing Storytelling Media Camp this summer. Find details and register: https://reddoorstory.ca/camp.
Babysitting Course wrap-up!
By: Catherine Kennedy & Jaelynne Stark
In the babysitting program, taught by Kristen Crouse, the Year 6s were taught how to responsibly babysit children of all ages, and some skills to help them in the process. One of our favourite things that we learned was the food that babies can eat and how their diet changes as they grow up. Another thing that we enjoyed learning about was the types of activities that children of different ages enjoy, as well as the different characteristics of the child, based on their age.
We had a class devoted to learning about all kinds of emergency procedures. We also learned what types of things we should know before we take the babysitting job offer, and the qualities of a responsible and trustworthy babysitter. We had a class where we used baby dolls to practice changing diapers. We also got to learn about how to properly prepare and give a bottle. The Year 6s were very lucky because two teachers brought in their young babies and told us about their diet, as well as their favourite activities and what they kept in their baby bags.
Although all of us were very nervous for the test, we were all well prepared after studying and listening in class. Our studying had paid off and we did very well. The babysitting program was a very good experience that helped us with many important skills we can now use when babysitting.
Photos from the week
Toddler birthday – a walk around the sun!
The Montessori Birthday Walk is a wonderful way to celebrate the child. They hold the globe and walk around the sun once for each year they’ve been on the earth. This walk around the sun provides the children a sense of time.
Big cheque and big thanks!
Before the break, our JH students very gladly dropped off a BIG cheque to our friends at ChildCan. Thank you again to all of the families who donated spare change for our PJ Day in November.
High school visits!
It’s that time of year – when our oldest students start visiting potential high schools around the city.
From the Health Unit – Immunization records
The Immunization of School Pupils Act requires children to be immunized against certain diseases to attend elementary or have a valid exemption on file with the Health Unit.
The Health Unit will soon mail letters to the parents and/or guardians of students overdue for required vaccines according to Health Unit records. Families who receive letters should follow-up with the Health Unit immediately (contact info below). Students with missing vaccine information are not protected from these diseases and are at risk of being suspended from school. Please contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit directly:
- Phone: (519) 663-5317
- Fax: (519) 663-0416
You can drop off vaccine records at these locations and times:
- 110-355 Wellington Steet London, ON N6A 3N7
- Monday-Friday 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.
- 51 Front Street East Strathroy, ON N7G 1Y5
- Monday-Thursday 8:30a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00p.m. – 4:30p.m.
From our community: Family seeking casual EA
One of our families is looking for an Educational Assistant to support their Adolescent. If anyone in your networks may be available and interested, please share this opportunity; the family is accepting applications directly.
From the community
Children’s Museum Grand Opening
Saturday, January 25th – Sunday, January 26th 9:30am – 5:00pm
Capacity is limited so the museum is asking families to register online: https://londonregionalchildrensmuseum.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list
