PARENTS

  Topics on this page will include - educational articles, what parents can do to help our Montessori community, copies of newsletters and other new and useful information for parents. Your input is appreciated.
 
 
  Newsletter alert.  Look out for the mid year newsletter - coming soon.
 
 
 Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand (MANZ) Conference - Easter 2010
 Our teachers Dee, Charlene and Dawn spent an inspiring four-day weekend, in the Easter holidays, at the MANZ conference in Christchurch. One of the many highlights was taking part in a ukulele lesson with over 70 other Montessori teachers. They attended discussion groups on using the outdoors, and lectures on sustainability, classroom management, true work, enticement, the Great Stories and many others. Purchases included a book for the parent library called " Montessori Madness" and a resource that teaches about the Ancient Egyptians.
 
"Not only did Christchurch give us food for thought and beautiful weather," said Dee, "but we were housed and fed very well too. We plan to implement some of the new ideas and look forward to the next conference."
 
Charlene: "This was my first Montessori conference and I had great pleasure meeting so many fellow Montessorians."
Dee:          "It is always a pleasure to be amongst our Montessori family, catching up with old friends and new acquaintances."
Dawn:       "The weekend was inspiring and the Montessori atmoshphere relaxed, freindly and supportive."
 
One of our parents also attended the conference and here is what she has to say: 
"I joined Dee, Charlene and Dawn for the weekend part of the MANZ 2010 conference.  It was very inspiring hearing stories from teachers who have been in Montessori for many years. I felt especially humbled listening to how a Primary level 'self managing community' works.  Each child has their place in the class and a responsibility to care for the class and the people in it.  Through this each child has to learn how to relate to others (including those with whom they have difficult relationships) and what they actually need to do themselves. This allows grace and courtesy to grow - both for their peers and for their environment.  What amazing potential our children will be going into the world with.
I wish I could have stayed for the entire time, it was awesome to gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy, and such fun to get to know our teachers better!  I encourage people to attend future conferences.  I feel so happy that my children are in Montessori!"