News Archive

Montessori Buzz – March 1, 2022

Dear MA Families & Friends,

Talking to children about current events

We are aware of the impact current events can be having on families – and on our children. Our hearts go out to any families and friends of the school who may be impacted directly or indirectly by the conflicts in the Ukraine, Syria, Somalia, Palestine and other areas of the world.
A cornerstone of traditional Montessori is peace education and a global world-view; in that way, our teachers are well-equipped to discuss concerns and questions our students may have in developmentally appropriate ways. However, we realize that the children may come home with questions. Common Sense Media offers this list of tips on how to talk to children about current events: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids
With all the uncertainty in the world and seemingly relentless bad news, we can take solace in the fact that we are part of the solution through education that emphasizes peace, collaboration, and compassion. Now, more than ever, the world needs more Montessori.

COVID updates

Travel Guidelines effective February 28, 2022 – implications for childcare and schools

Based on the information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada as of yesterday (February 28, 2022):
  • Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will be exempt from quarantine, without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities. This means that they no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school, camp, or child care.
Travel requirements fall under federal jurisdiction and as travel guidance changes it is important that families follow all directions provided to them by border security agents and Public Health Canada.

Guidance for Recently Positive COVID-19 Cases

Based on provincial COVID-19 case management guidelines current local guidance is:
  • Individuals who develop new symptoms within 90 days of having been diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 (RAT or PCR test) should self-isolate, but can exit self-isolation 24 hours after symptoms improve (48 hours if gastro-intestinal). This is the same for vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals.
  • Individuals who are high-risk contacts within 90 days of having been diagnosed with confirmed COVID-19 (RAT or PCR test) DO NOT need to self-isolate. This applies to both community and household close contacts.
Individuals who had symptoms of COVID-19, but were never tested, and then subsequently yet again develop symptoms, DO need to self-isolate for the minimum 5-day period (or 10 days if unvaccinated).


March Break

The school will be closed for the two weeks of our March Break, including the Main Office. If the school has any news or updates to share with families before we return on Monday, March 21, we’ll contact families directly via email and text message.

Tuition receipts for 2021

Tuition receipts for the 2021 calendar year were sent home with Youngest/Only children last Friday. Please check your child’s blue bag/ school bag for your copy.

Camp Discovery is FULL!

Our Explorers (Toddler) and Adventurers (Casa) Camps have reached capacity! If families wish to be added to our wait list, they can complete the online registration form: https://macampdiscovery.campbrainregistration.com/


CHF Event: Friday is Beach Day

Beach Day is this Friday, March 4! Students in Elementary and Casa can dress in appropriate beach attire (no bathing suits) for an enjoyable “day under the sun.” The Junior High committee will be accepting loose change for the Children’s Health Foundation programs. Our Junior High students have chosen to continue with Jersey Day and “sport” a jersey of choice, either their own or of their favourite sports player.
Earlier this year, Pyjama Day raised $2,358.75 for the Child Life Program and Opportunities to Participate! WOW. Through our commitment to Charitable Giving, the school community is making a difference in the lives of children facing serious health issues. As a committee, we would love to see either the same amount raised on Friday (or even more… :)!) to allow kids in hospital the opportunity to have access to these programs, transforming their health care experience. Remember every contribution counts!
Thank you for your continued support and participation!
Junior High Student Committee

FYI: Policy Update – Electronic Communication Devices

Because of the constantly changing nature of technology we’ve recently updated our policy on electronic devices and wearable tech. When we return from March Break, Upper Elementary and Junior High teachers will store electronic devices securely during school hours.
Please see the policy below that has now been updated in our 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Parent Handbooks in two places:
  1. Parent and Child Responsibilities Section / Electronic Communication Device Use
  2. Code of Ethics, Behaviour Management & Policies section / Code of Ethics – Avoid Distractions
  • “Absolutely no electronic communication devices (mobile phones, mp3 players/iPods, laptops/tablets, fitness trackers/smart watches or other wearable devices capable of recording audio/video, and sending and receiving notifications) are to be used by students during the school day. Any devices brought to school are stored securely during class time by the teachers. Exceptions will be made for students requiring these devices to help manage health issues (medical documentation may be requested). On school field trips, Staff will carry mobile phones in case of emergencies. Students are not allowed to take electronic communication devices on field trips or school outings, including extended overnight field trips at the Upper Elementary or Junior High level.”

Elementary Hot Lunch Online Orders: April 4 – June 24!

Elementary hot lunch orders for the remainder of the school year are now available online. The deadline to order is Friday, March 25. After this date, the orders will be closed, and we will not be able to accept anymore. If you need assistance with ordering, please contact the Main Office before the deadline.
Please NOTE: Some items require you to select different options for the meal, so please read each item carefully, as the order will not be able to be adjusted after submission.
Please review your complete balance when you place your orders online: https://mahotlunch.campbrainregistration.com/ to ensure that everything is paid in full. Payments can be made online (after you submit, go to Home and click View Details to pay). Or, you can drop into the Main Office to pay by cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Amex or Apple Pay.

Save the Date: Artisan Market 2022

Save the Date and Join us for our THIRD Artisan Market!
  • Date: Friday, May 27
  • Time: 3:30 pm until 8 pm
  • Location: Colborne St. United Church Gymnasium
    711 Colborne St, London, ON N6A 3Z4
  • Who: Everyone! This market is open to the community!
Call for Vendors! 
We are looking for Artisans and Local Small Businesses to participate as a vendor in our Artisan Market.  If you are interested in applying to be a vendor or would like more information about our upcoming Spring Artisan Market, please contact Tonya Dendrinos at tdendrinos@montessori.on.ca.

Snow Much Fun was SO Much Fun!

Thank you to everyone who came to Snow Much Fun on Sunday!  It has been so long since we could throw such a large MA community event and fundraiser. In addition to having an MA-zing time, Snow Much Fun raised over $5,000 for the upcoming Library renovation! The 50/50 Draw Ticket sales totaled $720, raising $360 towards new technology for the Elementary Library.  We will use it towards purchasing a laptop and display screen for the library to help with teaching online safety lessons and keyboarding skills. Kristen Crouse was the lucky winner of the draw, winning half of the ticket sales for a total of $360!
Thank you to all of our sponsors. Without them, we would not have been able to run this event! Diamond Sponsors – Beck Hearing, Finan Swim School, Murray Wealth Management; and Bronze Sponsors – Central Optometry, Megan and Luke Komenda, POI Business Interiors and Stinson Security, all contributed to this special day.
Thank you to Rob Loebach (aka “DJ Loebz”) for providing all the entertainment and to 519 School of Hip Hop for their incredible performance. And thank you to all the volunteers: the Snow Much Fun Planning Committee, MA staff and student volunteers who gave up their Sunday to make sure everyone had a great time. Many of the volunteers were alumni from last year’s graduating class, and their presence reminded us how special our community and this event is!
If you have pictures to share, please use the hashtag #snowmuchfunma2022 and tag the school on social media so we can capture all of the excitement at the event.

Photos from the Week

Toddler 1 at work!

“The child seeks independence by means of work; an independence of body and mind.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori

Casa 1 Montessori Moments

Some quintessential Montessori moments in Casa 1: friendship, leadership, concentration, work and JOY!

Casa 3 mixed-age classrooms

This week the children in Casa 3 have been discussing all the reasons why a Montessori classroom is unique. One observation has been the mixed-age classes. This is where the older children can model for and help the younger students.


Lower Elementary music

Miss Marty captured some fun in her lower elementary music classes last week.

LE1’s favourite Montessori materials

To celebrate Montessori Week last week, the students in LE1 drew pictures of the Montessori materials they remember or liked working with the most!

LE2: Immersive planetarium

On Monday, the Lower El 2 students made their way to the Colborne Street Gym for a presentation from an astronomer with a travelling planetarium. The students were surrounded by sky. :-O

UE Chemistry

The Upper El 1 Year 6’s chemistry lesson… looks like some ooey-gooey goodness going on.

Junior High Raps

During Black History Month, Elementary Librarian Rob taught a Hip Hop unit in Junior High music, and on Friday the students got to perform their original raps! They learned the history of hip hop, and gained an appreciation for this important genre of music and its cultural significance.

Parent Information…

Trillium Montessori Podcast episode
Toddler & Casa families who are Moving Up next year will appreciate this podcast episode on Early Childhood versus the Montessori learning environment:
Blog post Casa Girasoli in South Carolina: Why I’m a Montessori Parent  

From the Community – March Break programming and camps

Academy Circus

The Academy Circus is holding a March Break camp during the second week of our break! Parents can RSVP directly on our website event page without registering an account.   March Break Circus Camp | The Academy Circus.  

School of Hip Hop

Like what you saw at Snow Much Fun? The School of Hip Hop is hosting its March Break programs for children 6 and older: https://linktr.ee/519schoolofhiphop 

London Public Library

The London Public Library is hosting some March Break programming. Take a look through the schedule here: https://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca/page/march-break-2022

The Great March Break Challenge at Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Looking for a fun outdoor family activity? Visit the Village during March Break to try our family-friendly challenge! Work together to solve clues, answer building trivia and complete mini challenges, while you take a stroll through the Heritage Village.
This is a fully self-led, outdoor experience. Drop-in Tuesday through Friday between 10:00 am-3:00 pm.
News Archive