The School Year
The school year runs from September to June. The school is closed for all statutory holidays, Christmas holidays, March Break and the occasional Professional Development Day (so that staff can attend conferences). A complete school calendar will be distributed at the commencement of the school year in September.
School Hours
Half Day Program 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Full Day Program 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
Extended Hours 7:00 am to 8:30 am, 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm
Lunch & Snacks
Full-day Toddler and Casa children will be provided with a hot lunch daily. This allows the children the opportunity to be involved in the preparation, serving and clean-up of a meal together and the social customs around dining as a group. It also means your child will always receive a healthy lunch (as regulated by the Childcare Early Years Act), and you don’t have to make it! Menus are posted on our website, as well as the bulletin board for the current and upcoming week, so you are aware of your child’s daily meals. Substitutions are also posted in proximity, so changes can be noted. Lunch will be eaten in the classroom under teacher supervision.
Elementary children will be required to bring a healthy lunch daily. This lunch will be a "boomerang lunch", which means all containers and wrappers your child brings in will be sent home. This way, parents can see what their child has eaten and will also limit waste in the classroom.
Snacks are offered in the morning and afternoon. Children who stay for our after-school program will receive an after-school snack, and early morning students can bring breakfast if they choose.
Parents are requested to provide a healthy snack about once a month for the morning refreshment. This allows each child the opportunity to prepare a snack to share with their friends. We would ask that the snacks be healthy ones. A snack calendar will be sent home monthly to let you know which day(s) you are requested to provide refreshment for the children. The number of children and any allergies will be noted on the calendar.
Allergies, Anaphylaxis, and Dietary Restrictions
Any allergies must be discussed with the Principal prior to your child being admitted to CHMS to ensure that all precautions are taken and staff are aware of the allergy. Depending on the severity of the allergy, additional documentation may need to be completed (e.g. in the case of an anaphylactic allergy, an individualized plan and emergency procedures will be completed in collaboration with the parents and reviewed with all staff prior to the child starting at CHMS ).
Similarly, dietary restrictions should also be discussed with the Principal prior to your child being admitted to CHMS to ensure that we are able to accommodate them as well as discuss the process for meals with you, as they will vary depending on the restriction. While we recognize and respect the individual requests of families when it comes to dietary preferences and/or restrictions, we are not equipped to prepare meals to meet those requests on-site. For this reason, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide meals for their child, which are to be brought to school ready-to-serve in containers that are labelled with your child’s name, class and the date.
Parents bringing food must provide us with a list of all ingredients in the food supplied or any ingredients to which children may be allergic.
Administration of Medication
It is the policy of the Children’s House Montessori School that the staff, in accordance with the regulations of the Child Care Early Years Act, will administer medication.
Procedures
-
The Classroom Guide is responsible for all aspects of medication administration.
-
The Classroom Guide is responsible for the daily administration of medications. In the absence of this individual, the acting Guide will perform this duty.
-
The Children’s House Montessori School Staff will administer medication prescribed by a physician. Non-prescription medication will be given to children only if accompanied by a doctor’s note; otherwise, parents may wish to visit the school and administer the medication themselves. Non-prescription medication will not be stored at the Children’s House Montessori School at any time without a doctor’s note.
-
All medication must be in its original container, clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of medication, dosage, date of purchase, and instructions for storage and administration of medication. All medications are to be given to the Classroom Guide for proper storage away from the children, and it is the parent’s responsibility to pick up the medication at the end of the day by asking the Classroom Guide to retrieve it from the storage container.
-
All parents must adhere to these policies and sign the medical authorization form before the Children’s House Montessori School will be allowed to administer medication to children.
-
Any staff member, student or volunteer bringing any medication into the school must lock the medication in the designated area.
Outings
The school will be arranging several class outings and special in-school visits throughout the year (approximately once a month for Casa and Elementary, and once every other month for toddlers). Parents will be informed in advance. The children will also play outside in the fenced playground daily (weather permitting).
The full-day children in Casa and Elementary also participate in an ice skating program on Tuesday afternoons during the winter months and a gymnastics program in late spring.
Illness
If a child looks or feels unwell in any way, the best place for the child is at home. Many childhood illnesses are most infectious in the early stages when the child may not feel especially ill. In accordance with the Childcare Early Years Act, it is the policy of The Children’s House Montessori School to contact the parent when a child shows symptoms of ill health.
Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
-
an elevated temperature, flushing, pallor, listlessness
-
an acute cold, nasal discharge, or coughing
-
vomiting or diarrhea
-
red or discharging eyes
-
undiagnosed skin rash or infections
-
unusual irritability, fussiness, and restlessness
Responsibility of the Classroom Guide
-
To call the parent, or, if parents cannot be contacted, the emergency contact, when a child shows symptoms of ill health
-
If required, request that the child be picked up from the school.
-
When necessary, separate the child from other children to decrease the possible spread of infection.
-
If necessary, seek medical attention for the sick child.
Outdoor Play
The school will be arranging several class outings and special in-school visits throughout the year. (Approximately, once a month for Casa and once every other month for Toddler). Parents will be informed in advance. All students will be required to wear their school T-shirt (or dress uniform for Elementary) on all outings. These outings will be announced in the monthly newsletter and will require a permission form to be completed by parents, and will usually
require an additional fee to cover transportation and admission fees. The children will also play outside in the fenced playground daily as long as the weather permits. All children will be kept indoors when it is raining, when there is audible thunder or lightning visible, or anytime the thermometer reads -15 degrees Celsius or lower. Please make sure that your child always has proper clothing for outdoors.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible for the school to accommodate requests for children to stay indoors at recess time.
The full-day children in Casa and Elementary also participate in an ice-skating program at Scugog Arena during the winter months on Tuesday afternoons as part of their physical education program, and the Elementary students will also participate in our downhill ski program.
Sun Safety Policy
The Children’s House has implemented a specific Sun Safety policy to decrease the risks from exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) to employees and children at our school. Our Sun Safety policy has been developed to ensure that all children and staff are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
All current and new staff will be oriented to this policy.
Sun Safety Strategies
-
-
The availability of shade will be considered when planning excursions and outdoor activities.
-
Children will be encouraged to seek shade or to create their own.
-
Administration will ensure sufficient shelter providing shade in the school grounds.
-
Children will be required to wear a wide-brimmed hat (labelled with their name) that protects the face, neck and ears whenever they are outside. Baseball hats are not recommended because they do not shield the neck, ears, or cheeks, areas where skin cancers often appear. Children who do not have their hats with them will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun.
-
Parents will be encouraged to provide unbreakable sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection for their children.
-
Staff will wash their hands between each application of sunscreen or use single-use gloves between each child’s sunscreen application. Parents will be required to apply sunscreen to each child each day before sending the child to school, and to provide sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher for each full day child at the school. Sunscreen should offer protection against UVA and UVB rays and be water-resistant. Each parent will sign a permission sheet that allows the school staff to apply sunscreen as necessary. Sunscreen is to be applied 15-30 minutes prior to outdoor activities and reapplied every 2-3 hours or after water activities/swimming.
-
Staff will act as role models by:
-
wearing appropriate hats and clothing outdoors
-
using SPF 15+ sunscreen for skin protection
-
seeking shade whenever possible
-
wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection
When enrolling their child, parents will be:
-
informed of the Sun Safety policy
-
asked to provide a suitable hat for their child’s use
-
encouraged to provide protective clothing for their children to wear while outside. This included loose-fitting, tightly woven long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
-
asked to provide sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher that is water-resistant.
-
required to give permission for staff to administer sunscreen.
-
encouraged to practice Sun Safety behaviours themselves.
Objects from Home
There is no scheduled “show and tell” period in a Montessori classroom, but children may, from time to time, bring an educational or cultural item to school. By this, we mean something that would provide a learning experience for the children. No toys of any nature will be allowed to come to school with the children. We will not be flexible on this point. These items are often lost, damaged, or fought over, and staff often find themselves comforting the distraught owner.
School Operation
The school year runs from September to June. The school is closed for all statutory holidays, Christmas holidays, March Break and the occasional Professional Development Day (so that staff can attend conferences). A complete school calendar will be distributed at the commencement of the school year in September.
School Hours
Half Day Program 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Full Day Program 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
Extended Hours 7:00 am to 8:30 am, 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm
School Operation
Arrival: School begins at 8:30 a.m. Children who are not in the before-school program may begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. We request that all children be on the premises by 8:30 a.m. Please be on time. Arrival is done as a “Kiss and Ride “style drop off. There will be two staff members outside from 8:30 each morning to help children from their cars to their teachers.
The drop-off procedure is as follows:
-
The first car will please enter the north driveway and pull up to the far end of the sidewalk (1st flag).
-
The second car will follow and stop in front of the front doors (2nd flag).
-
The third car will stop at the north end of the sidewalk (3rd flag).
-
The fourth car and the following cars will wait behind these cars until they move forward.
-
Let your child/children out of the vehicle on the sidewalk side to walk to the front doors.
-
There will be a teacher there to help them with the door.
-
Return to your vehicle and exit by the south driveway so that the next three cars can pull up. It is not necessary (or practical, as it is very crowded in the hallways) to accompany your child inside.
Snack can be given to the teacher at the door if it is too much for your child to carry.
Messages (i.e. doctor’s appts, child coughing at night, etc.) can be sent to your child’s teacher via email or the HiMama/ SeeSaw app. We actually prefer this, so we are not distracted from helping the children, and it helps us remember them if they are communicated in advance.
Please inform anyone who will be picking up your child, including babysitters, aunts, grandma, etc., of this procedure so everyone can follow the routine.
Pick up will be done the same way. When you pull up to the sidewalk, we will send your child to the vehicle.
The front doors of the school are locked after morning arrival until morning dismissal for the children’s safety. Therefore, late arrivals are disruptive and often upsetting to the child. We understand everyone has hectic mornings, but your cooperation on this matter is extremely appreciated.
Parents dropping off prior to 8:30 (those children registered in the Before School program) are requested to escort their child to the front doors. There is no “Kiss and Ride” for the before-school program. Please do not allow your child to walk unattended across the parking lot. Parents are encouraged to use the circular driveway to pull in the north driveway and up to the front doors, see your child safely inside and drive out the other exit. But please do not park in the circular driveway. If you need to come into the school, please park in a parking space.
Keep in mind, however, that parking is limited, so to avoid traffic tie-ups, please try to keep drop-offs short. At the door, your child will be greeted by their before-school program teacher. It is requested that once he/she has been welcomed, you give him/her a hug and kiss and say “Goodbye, I’ll see you at lunch (or after school)” and then leave. In the first few weeks, when your child is adjusting to school, your loving but brief farewell will show your child that you are confident that he/she will be well taken care of at school and help him/her relax. If your child is upset or crying as you go, reassure him/her verbally that you will be back and everything is fine, and then proceed to your car.
Our staff will immediately tend to your child, and within a few minutes, he/she will be eagerly exploring their new environment. If you appear hesitant or unwilling to leave your child, your child will sense this and continue to use crying to keep you from leaving long into the school year. Finally, if you will be dropping your child off at the Before School Program after 7:45, please ensure that they are dressed for outdoor play (splash pants, snow pants, hats, mitts, etc) so they can head right into the program.
Departure:
Dismissal times are 12:00 noon and 3:15 p.m. Parents are asked to wait in their cars on the circular driveway or stand outside to the south of the front doors for their child to be dismissed to them. This allows the children to finish the day’s tasks uninterrupted and allows staff to ensure an orderly and safe dismissal.
Dismissal works as follows:
-
-
The first car will please enter the north driveway and pull up to the far end of the sidewalk (1st flag).
-
The second car will follow and stop in front of the doors (2nd flag). The third car will stop at the near end of the sidewalk (3rd flag). The fourth and following cars will please wait behind these cars.
-
Once the 3 vehicles are stopped in place, we will send out the children. Please meet your child (ren) on the sidewalk (they are instructed not to go on the driveway) and help them into their car seats.
-
Please return to your vehicle and exit by the south driveway.
-
Now, cars 4, 5, and 6 can pull up and repeat the aforementioned procedure.
-
If you need to come in the school for any reason, please pull into a parking spot outside the main building or the Elementary campus lot next door to avoid holding up the line of cars picking up.
-
This will allow your child to say goodbye and walk out to greet you in an independent but safe manner.
Again, punctuality is important. It is very stressful for a young child dressed and waiting for you to arrive, to have to watch all their friends go home while he/she is still waiting. Please call the office if you are going to be late, so we can advise your child where you are. Children not picked up by 3:30 will be transferred to the after-school program (Regular fees apply).
No child will be dismissed to anyone who is not the child’s parent or authorized pick-up person. This means that you must inform the school, by letter, in advance of when and who is picking up the child if it is not a previously authorized person. If a situation arises where you need to phone in an authorization for pick up, please advise the person that they will be asked to show their driver’s license for identification. It is also important that the school be notified immediately if there is any change in authorized pick-up people. (i.e., an authorized person is no longer to pick up).
Safe Arrival Policy
General
Children’s House Montessori School will ensure that any child receiving childcare at CHMS is only released to the child’s parent/guardian or an individual that the parent/guardian has provided written authorization for CHMS to release the child to.
Children’s House Montessori will only dismiss children into the care of their parent/guardian or another authorized individual. CHMS will not release any children from care without supervision.
Where a child does not arrive as expected or is not picked up as expected, staff must follow the safe arrival and dismissal procedures set out below.
Procedures
Accepting a child into care:
-
When accepting a child into care at the time of drop-off, program staff in the room must:
-
Greet the parent/guardian and child.
-
Ask the parent/guardian how the child’s evening/morning has been and if there are any changes to the child’s pick-up procedure (i.e., someone other than the parent/guardian picking up). Where the parent/guardian has indicated that someone other than the child’s parent/guardians will be picking up, the staff must confirm that the person is listed as an authorized pick-up person or, where the individual is not listed, ask the parent/guardian to provide authorization for pick-up in writing (e.g., note or email).
-
Document the change in pick-up procedure in the daily written record.
-
Sign the child in on the classroom attendance record.
-
Where a child has not arrived in care as expected:
-
Where a child does not arrive at CHMS and the parent/guardian has not communicated a change in drop-off (e.g., left a voice or app message or advised the closing staff at pick-up), the staff in the classroom must:
-
Message or call the parent not later than 10:00 am to confirm the child is absent from school that day
-
If the parent has not responded to the message to confirm, inform the supervisor or office staff.
-
-
Once the child’s absence has been confirmed, program staff shall document the child’s absence on the attendance record and any additional information about the child’s absence in the daily written record.
Releasing a child from care:
-
The staff member who is supervising the child at the time of pick-up shall only release the child to the child’s parent/guardian or the individual that the parent/guardian has provided written authorization that CHMS may release the child to. Where the staff does not know the individual picking up the child (i.e., parent/guardian or authorized individual),
-
confirm with another staff member that the individual picking up is the child’s parent/guardian/authorized individual.
-
where the above is not possible, ask the parent/guardian/authorized individual for photo identification and confirm the individual’s information against the parent/guardian/authorized individual’s name on the child’s file or written authorization.
-
Where a child has not been picked up as expected (before the centre closes):
-
Where a parent/guardian has previously communicated with the staff a specific time or timeframe that their child is to be picked up from care, and the child has not been picked up by 6 pm, the staff member supervising the child or the supervisor shall contact the parent/guardian by phone call and advise that the child is still in care and has not been picked up.
-
Where the staff is unable to reach the parent/guardian, staff must call again and leave a message for the parent/guardian. Where the individual picking up the child is an authorized individual and their contact information is available, the staff shall proceed with contacting the individual to confirm pick-up as per the parent/guardian’s instructions or leave a voice message to contact the centre.
-
Where the staff has not heard back from the parent/guardian or authorized individual who was to pick up the child, the staff shall contact the emergency contact, wait until the program closes and then refer to procedures under “where a child has not been picked up, and the program is closed”.
-
Where a child has not been picked up, and the centre is closed:
-
Where a parent/guardian or authorized individual who was supposed to pick up a child from care and has not arrived by 6 pm, staff shall ensure that the child is given a snack and activity while they await their pick-up.
-
One staff member shall stay with the child, while a second staff member proceeds with calling the parent/guardian to advise that the child is still in care and inquire about their pick-up time. In the case where the person picking up the child is an authorized individual, the staff shall contact the parent/guardian first and then proceed to contact the authorized individual responsible for pick-up if unable to reach the parent/guardian.
-
If the staff is unable to reach the parent/guardian or authorized individual who was responsible for picking up the child, the staff shall call the emergency contacts.
-
Where the staff is unable to reach the parent/guardian or any other authorized individual listed on the child’s file (e.g., the emergency contacts) by 6:30 pm, the staff shall proceed with contacting the local Children’s Aid Society (CAS), Durham CAS at 905-433-1551. Staff shall follow the CAS’s direction with respect to the next steps.
Dismissing a child from care without supervision procedures:
Staff will only release children from care to the parent/guardian or other authorized adult. Under no circumstances will children be released from care to walk home alone.
School Closure
In the event that school is cancelled (i.e. due to bad weather), you will be notified via parent communication app (Lilo/Seesaw) prior to 7:30 am.
Emergency Preparedness
CHMS has developed comprehensive Policies and Procedures that address emergency management in various situations. In the event of an emergency occurring at the school, staff will address, respond and act accordingly. Parents will be informed by email, phone call and/or message via parent communication app (Lilo/Seesaw) of the situation and advised on any further actions required by the parent.
Privacy Policy
At The Children’s House Montessori School, we are committed to protecting your personal information. This is our privacy commitment to you as a parent, student, employee, alumnus or friend of The Children’s House Montessori School. We collect your personal information only to provide services for which you have registered, to understand your needs and to assist us in creating new services that will serve you better.
We do not disclose your personal information to any other organization or individual outside of the school unless it is necessary to provide you with services from The Children’s House Montessori School, The Children’s House Montessori School communications, or when required by law.
Your personal information is processed and stored in secure and confidential databases with strict access controls. If you have any questions or concerns about how your personal information is gathered, used or retained, or wish to opt out of receiving specific Children’s House Montessori School communications, please let us know by informing our office in writing.
Parent Involvement
Upon enrolment, parents will be asked to attend an orientation night and a curriculum night to allow us the opportunity to explain our programs and to ensure a smooth transition into the program for each child. We feel it is important to further inform parents about the program their child (ren) is (are) enrolled in, so that you, as parents, can share in your child’s excitement about learning. Information nights are offered during the school year for parents to attend presentations and engage in discussions focusing on independence, discipline and other topics within the Montessori framework.
Direct parent involvement (i.e. volunteering) is not part of the day-to-day school operations or for trips/outings.
There are three reasons for this. The first one being that all our staff are childcare professionals and are very well trained in taking groups of children on outings. We have a precise and strict regimen that is carefully followed each and every time any child in our care leaves the school building with us. Additional adults are distracting and make it harder for us to do our jobs well. The second reason is that we do not want the children whose parents’ work schedule does not allow for their participation to feel bad that their mommy and/or daddy do not come on trips when others do. The third reason is that we have found the children’s behaviour on trips to be much better if only teachers and programmers are present, making the trip more enjoyable for all.
Parents are welcome to observe in the classrooms throughout the school year, and we encourage this practice as it allows you the opportunity to see the Montessori classroom in action. Parents can observe in their child’s classroom or another classroom of interest. Observations are scheduled (with the classroom Director/Directress) ahead of time.
We are also always looking for ways to keep costs down. One way that has been very helpful to us is donated materials. If you have access to any items that we could use in our programs (paper, craft supplies, fresh flowers, etc), we would be very grateful and see that they are put to good use. If you are unsure whether we could use them, please ask; we are very resourceful when necessary!
Home – School Communication
We at The Children’s House feel it is important to keep parents well informed of their child(ren)’s progress and activities taking place at school. Throughout the year, a monthly newsletter will be sent home on the first of each month to notify you of upcoming field trips, events and other school happenings.
Parents of new students will be asked to attend an information night in September to outline the curriculum and to attend a parent- teacher interview in November. As well, all parents may attend Parent-Teacher interviews - held in both January and June for Toddler, Casa and Elementary.
Parents of Toddler students will receive a summary of their child’s day via email on a daily basis through the Lilo program.
Parents of Casa students will be invited to join Seesaw, a classroom communication app that will allow parents a direct link of communication to their child’s Director/Directress.
Parents of Elementary students will receive a written report card and an interview in January. In addition, teachers will make appointments on an individual basis at any point during the school year that they feel one is required, and parents are encouraged to book appointments at any time they have something to discuss. In June, a non-graded written summary of your child(ren)’s year at school will be sent home. Newsletters and memos from the administration will also be sent home regularly.
As we also feel it is important to further inform parents about the program their child(ren) is (are) enrolled in, we will also host open houses and parent workshops during the year so that you, as parents, can share in your child’s excitement for learning.
Addressing Parent Issues and Concerns
Parents/guardians are encouraged to take an active role in our school and regularly discuss what their child(ren) are experiencing with our program. As defined by our program statement, we support positive and responsive interactions among the children, parents/guardians, childcare providers and staff, and foster the engagement of and ongoing communication with parents/guardians about the program and their children. Our staff are available to engage parents/guardians in conversations and support a positive experience during every interaction.
All issues and concerns raised by parents/guardians are taken seriously by Children’s House Montessori School and will be addressed. Every effort will be made to address and resolve issues and concerns to the satisfaction of all parties and as quickly as possible.
Issues/concerns must be brought forward either verbally or in writing to the classroom Director/Directress. It is their responsibility to inform the principal (Laurie Wilson Forbes). Responses and outcomes will be provided verbally or in writing. The level of detail provided to the parent/guardian will respect and maintain the confidentiality of all parties involved.
An initial response to an issue or concern will be provided to parents/guardians within 2 business day(s). The person who raised the issue/concern will be kept informed throughout the resolution process.
Investigations of issues and concerns will be fair, impartial, and respectful to parties involved.
Confidentiality
Every issue and concern will be treated confidentially, and every effort will be made to protect the privacy of parents/guardians, children, staff, students, and volunteers, except when information must be disclosed for legal reasons (e.g. to the Ministry of Education, College of Early Childhood Educators, law enforcement authorities or a Children’s Aid Society).
Conduct
Our school maintains high standards for positive interaction, communication, and role-modelling for children. Harassment and discrimination will therefore not be tolerated from any party.
If at any point a parent/guardian, provider, or staff member feels uncomfortable, threatened, abused, or belittled, they may immediately end the conversation and report the situation to the principal.
Concerns about the Suspected Abuse or Neglect of a Child
Everyone, including members of the public and professionals who work closely with children, is required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
If a parent/guardian expresses concerns that a child is being abused or neglected, the parent will be advised to contact the local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) directly.
Persons who become aware of such concerns are also responsible for reporting this information to CAS as per the “Duty to Report” requirement under the Child and Family Services Act.
For more information, visit http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/childrensaid/reportingabuse/index.aspx
Sleep Provision and Supervision
In accordance with the CCEYA, a sleep/rest period is provided for all full-day Toddler students to a maximum of two hours per day. Students rest on assigned individual cots with their own bedding provided by the school. Each student is to bring a blanket to use at sleep time. Sheets will be laundered weekly at school. Blankets will be sent home monthly to be laundered and returned to school. During the rest period, visual safety checks are conducted and documented for indicators of distress or unusual behaviour, and parents will be informed of any significant changes to their child’s sleep behaviours. First Year Casa students will also be provided with a rest/nap time or may engage in quiet activities in lieu of
a rest with parents’ written permission. In the event of a Casa student requiring a rest, staff will conduct a visual safety check on them and document it. As with the Toddler students, parents will be informed of any significant changes to their child’s sleep behaviours.
School Closures
In the event that school is cancelled (i.e. due to bad weather), you will be notified via parent communication app (Lilo/Seesaw) prior to 7:30 am.
Emergency Preparedness
CHMS has developed comprehensive Policies and Procedures that address emergency management in various situations. In the event of an emergency occurring at the school, staff will address, respond and act accordingly. Parents will be informed by email, phone call and/or message via parent communication app (Lilo/Seesaw) of the situation and advised on any further actions required by the parent.
Schoolwork & Library Books
In Montessori, the children are encouraged to use art to express themselves and not as gifts for mommy and daddy. They are also encouraged to take as much time as they require to complete a project. To this end, each child has a work file in the classroom where work is stored until the end of the month. Then each child’s finished work is sent home in a folder. Please remove the work and send the folder back to school the next day. The amount and quality of the work will vary with the individual and is not a matter for comparison.
Each classroom in the school has a well -equipped library for school use.
These books have been purchased by the school or donated in honour of a child’s birthday. The children may borrow class books to enjoy at home for the evening. We would request, however, that a few simple rules be followed along with this privilege. First, books must come back to school each morning so that they may be used during class time. Second, the books must be treated respectfully and returned to school in the condition they were loaned. If a book were damaged, we would request that it be replaced. Third, we would ask that books be transported to and from school in a bag to lessen the wear and tear on them. Schoolbook bags are available from the office. Once your child is reading, the Guide will send home a reading file with a book in it for you to enjoy listening to your child’s progress each evening at reading time.
Clothing
All children need to bring an extra set of clothes to be kept permanently at school. Each child in the toddler class will require five extra full sets of clothing while they are toilet learning and two sets when they are trained. This should include socks, underwear, top, pants and should be changed seasonally. Every extra item of clothing should be clearly marked with your child’s name or initials. This is especially important for outdoor winter clothing as well, so we can be sure your items get returned to you.
Because it is important that the children become accustomed to going to the bathroom independently, we suggest you dress your child in simple clothing, especially the youngest children, so as not to cause frustration for them as they hurry to get to the bathroom on time.
In the event that an accident does occur, the wet clothing will be sent home in a plastic bag. The Health Department requires that soiled clothing be placed in a bag and the bag be tied up. Staff is not to rinse out clothing. Please be sure to send replacement clothing to ensure that there is always an available change of clothes. With the youngest Casa children, especially at the beginning of the year, two sets of clothes might be helpful.
All children will also require a pair of running shoes or non-scuffing dress shoes to wear indoors. Please do not send slippers. For school outings, all students will require a school T-shirt. These can be purchased from the office. All children will play outside each day. Please send running shoes for the playground, as there will be gross motor activities and physical education taking place, so appropriate shoes are important.
The Children’s House Montessori School has an ongoing fundraising campaign with Mabel’s Labels, which is a great option to help label all your child’s clothing and belongings.
Birthdays
The traditional Montessori birthday celebration is a charming and unique one. A few days prior to the event, you are requested to fill out the Birthday Celebration page with a short, interesting biography of your child. As well, you and your child may select a photograph to represent each year of your child’s life to share with the class.
On the date of your child’s birthday, the biography will be read and photos displayed. The Birthday child will then carry our globe of the world around the sun. The child makes a complete “orbit” for every year of their life. When the child finishes the walk, we sing “Happy Birthday,” and each child shakes the Birthday child’s hand in congratulations. This ceremony aids the child’s developing concept of the passage of time and helps them understand the relationship between the earth and the sun. Most of all, it celebrates your child’s individuality and the wonderful anniversary of their birth. If you wish to mark the occasion, a special treat (in addition to a healthy snack) would be welcome. Many parents also like to use this occasion to present a small gift (i.e., a book, print, plant, etc.) to the class. We feel it is a lovely way of encouraging the idea that it is just as nice to give as receive, especially when you are sharing the gift with your classmates.
All children with summer birthdays will celebrate during the last week of school before the summer break.
Classroom Properties
The Montessori materials in the classroom are very attractive, and very expensive! Because these materials are made up of small pieces, one equally as important as the next, it is important that all pieces remain at school. From the beginning of the year, it is stressed to the children that everything in the classroom belongs to everyone and that if a piece is missing, it must be removed from the shelf because it is no longer complete. Inevitably, though, children from time to time take things home which belong to the school. It would be very much appreciated if you could find such an object that you could have your child return to school.
Diversity/
Accessibility Policy
It is the policy of Children’s House Montessori School to treat each family and child with respect and dignity.
Staff will show flexibility and consideration in recognizing the diversity of our community.
Staff are expected to plan activities and experiences for children that take into consideration varying cultures and that are free of stereotypes, biases and racism. This includes, but is not limited to, display boards, books, CDs, films, computer software and group time. Children’s House Montessori School also recognizes and makes every possible attempt to ensure that all programming, technology, as well as staff attitudes and school policies and procedures are designed to be accessible to all.