Montessori Buzz – April 20, 2021
Dear MA Families & Friends,
Staffing Announcements for 2021-2022
With new enrolments continuing to come into the school and internal shifts, we have had to make some adjustments with roles in different classes and locations. We are so grateful for the skills, experiences, passion and the openness to change that resides in our MA-zing staff!
As we noted a few months ago in the Buzz, the position of Elementary Art teacher opened up with the announcement that Jenn Neron is moving to Calgary due to her husband’s work transfer.
We are very excited to announce that our very own Meghan O’Brien will be taking on this Elementary Art position. Many of you may know of Meghan’s creativity and extensive drama background, which includes experience in the arts as well. We feel this is a perfect fit for Meghan since she is familiar with the art program; and with her Montessori training, she can incorporate Montessori curriculum into the art projects, as Jenn has done.
We will be posting immediately for the replacement for Meghan’s Upper Elementary teaching job and will let you know once we have hired. Carroll Spence and Susan Donaghy will continue to be the UE 1 staff members and will be great mentors for the new teacher. We look forward to this new venture for Meghan and thank her for the time she has been one of our Upper Elementary staff members.
We are excited to announce that Antoinette Otto will be moving to our Westmount location in September to support the growing enrolment there. With Antoinette’s experience working in both Toddler and Casa classrooms, she will be an amazing asset to the team of teachers there. We look forward to this new venture for Antoinette, and thank her for the time she has been part of the Toddler staff.
Sarah Kneeshaw, currently the Oxford Site Supervisor, will fill Antoinette’s position working alongside Amanda Ingrey. Sarah has been a Casa-trained teacher for 10 years and has extensive knowledge with supporting students, staff and parents with students that have special challenges. Most recently she received training with the program “Montessori Applied to Children at Risk.” We look forward to Sarah joining the Waterloo Toddler team!
Elementary Summer Sports Camp 2021!
Montessori Academy will host an Elementary Summer Sports Camp with Janet this year!
- Week 1: July 12 – 16, for Lower Elementary students currently in Years 1-3
- Week 2: July 19 – 23, for Upper Elementary students currently in Years 4-6.
- Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM – No extended hours.
- Cost is $215 per week.
- Lunch is not included.
Online registration opens today for MA families. We’ll open registration to the public next week, so be sure to secure your spot! There is a maximum of 20 students in each camp session.
Register online through our camp registration link: http://macampdiscovery.campbrainregistration.com
We LOVE our Volunteers
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Even though volunteering looks different this year, we are grateful for the many parents and friends of the school who give their time. We “see” you and appreciate all the many ways you continue to rise to the occasion when we need you most.
We want to thank you, and the many volunteers working behind the scenes this year who have continued to go above and beyond through this tumultuous year. Volunteer Week is a national initiative that celebrates the value of volunteering across the country. While we are thankful every day of the year, we would like to join the widespread initiative to thank our volunteers during this meaningful week. Thank you.
Photos from before the Break
Casa 3 moment of peace
Parker decided to find a quiet spot on the playground for some meditation!
Westmount Casa Lincoln Logs
Everything that’s old is new again! During the week before the break, Westmount Casa brought out a box of Lincoln Logs that we have been using as indoor toys on rainy days. Bringing them into the outdoor environment with the sun and sand must have made them more interesting. The children spent most of the lunch hour building and creating log houses! Look at that concentration even while out on the playground!!
Year 6 Topography
Look at this topographic map that these Year 6 students created!
Beach Day 2021!!
Casa 2 Beach Day donations
Casa 2’s students had a relaxing Beach Day fishing, playing with sand, making crafts, dancing and eating beach inspired snacks. We are thankful for all the generous donations to the Children’s Health Foundation!
Good viewing
From the Blog Montessori Education, a post and podcast about the original Montessori Bells, from 1914. The Genius of Montessori is evident in the many materials that she developed to support the children’s learning in the classroom — most of which haven’t changed in over a century.
https://www.montessorieducation.com/the-original-montessori-bells-1914