Board Welcome Message 2025-2026
Dear MA Families & Friends,
Welcome back! And to those of you who are new to our community, Welcome! I hope you had a wonderful summer, and are ready for the excitement of a new school year. This is a wonderful time to connect and return to familiar routines, as we welcome new students and staff, make new friends, and look forward to new experiences.
Board Update
Montessori Academy’s volunteer board comprises external community members, alumni, alumni parents, and current parents, all of whom dedicate their time and expertise to steward the school’s long-term future. September was an exciting time for the board as we refocused after a short break, and confirmed our priorities for the year ahead.
Financial Planning
Montessori Academy remains in a solid financial position thanks to robust enrollment for 2025-26, and mindful planning to accommodate inflationary pressures and increasing expenses. In addition, the school continues to host tours with families wishing to join our community, as the admissions team processes applications for the 2026-27 school year.
Capital Planning
During our annual planning retreat last month, the board focused on its main responsibility – to envision and ensure a sustainable future for Montessori Academy of London. In that regard, we began some important work to ensure that our buildings and carefully prepared learning environments will remain in excellent condition well into the future. The board commissioned a capital needs assessment last year, which confirmed that our facilities management and finance teams have done an excellent job with respect to ongoing maintenance, budgeting and future planning. That said, the special environments that make the Montessori Academy experience so unique will require significant resource commitments in the long-term, and the board is squarely focused on developing a long-term funding strategy in response to future needs.
Board Recruiting
In order to strengthen the board for the future, we are currently recruiting new members from within and outside the MA community who have specific skills and board governance experience in several areas including strategic fund development, finance, and facilities management. Please watch for announcements and social media posts over the next few months, and feel free to share them with people in your own networks.
Strategic Priorities & Annual Report
We look forward to sharing more information about the school’s progress and the board’s work through MA’s annual report which will be shared in November. You can learn more about the school’s strategic priorities and the Board of Governors on the school’s website: https://montessori.on.ca/about/board-of-governors/.
Our Community
MA-zing Events
This year we look forward to a full slate of events where we celebrate students, connect with families, and strengthen our community. Mark your calendars for some very special experiences like the Elementary and Junior High Remembrance Day Assembly in November, the Winter Concert in February, and our big fundraising event, the new Spring Fling family dance in April, to name just a few. These events are so important for our students and families, and represent opportunities to experience the magic of Montessori together.
Your Support
Each year we invite our community to support Montessori Academy through family fundraising events, annual appeals, monthly donations and major gifts. Your continued generosity helps the school plan for the future and funds important projects that benefit our students. As a charitable non-profit organization, we are grateful for all gifts large and small.
Please visit montessori.on.ca/donate to make your one-time gift or pledge, or become a monthly donor at montessori.on.ca/monthly-donor. You can direct your gift to something that matters to you, or allow us to apply it where it’s needed most. Together, we will continue to cultivate experiences that inspire compassion and a love of learning.
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MA faculty and staff create incredible experiences for our students every day, and it’s only October – there is so much more to look forward to! On behalf of the Board of Governors, I wish you and your family another wonderful year at Montessori Academy.
Andrea Dean, President
Montessori Academy of London Board of Governors