SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

It seems as though every holiday season arrives more quickly than the last one. Perhaps this is because we all lead such busy lives, and the days and months just seem to slip by. Changes at our school also seem to evolve as our students develop new skills and mature. Change is not only inevitable, it’s a good thing. It keeps our school and our lives vibrant and provides opportunities to become better tomorrow than we are today. This year, we have added new staff members to our instructional team and with them came innovative ideas, fresh approaches and unique skill sets from which we have all benefited in various ways. I continue to believe that individual student attention and superlative learning experiences are two hallmarks of UMS that we must always preserve. Our mission, “to inspire, guide and challenge” makes a discernable, positive difference. As concerns surface, we address them responsibly and in a timely fashion. As successes become clear, we celebrate them. We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students and believe that improvement is a continuous, necessary process. Our goal: to give you nothing less than our best. Happy Holidays !
Mrs. R. Remtulla — Director

RESEARCH SKILLS DEVELOP EARLY

Learning research skills begins at an early age.The opportunity to develop projects and deliver oral presentations to groups of students begin in our primary division. Children in our primary classes receive direct instruction, guidance and support as they begin learning about these important skills. Although the students learn how to negotiate through their project topics are individualized and their completion is often home-based. Parents play an important role in their child’s learning and they act as a resource to their child as they assist them to locate information, help them with computer use, and monitor their progress too. The children assume the creative element and determines what they want to include. Teachers provide them with an overview and a plan which focuses their efforts. The children are justifiably proud of their accomplishments! Would you like to visit a grade one program and see it in action? Would you like to speak with our Gr. 1 teachers to learn more about their program, how they individualize instruction or enrich learning experiences? Call the school office at 905- 474-9888. As you plan for September, 2015, we can provide you with information that may be helpful as you make your choice.

UNIONVILLE MONTESSORI PRIVATE SCHOOL — “PERSONALIZED PROGRAMMING MATTERS”

www.unionvillemontessori.com

EDUCATION ADVISOR JOINS UMS TEAM

Mr. Dan Zebeljan, an experienced education advisor, has been employed by both private schools and the Ontario Ministry of Education as a consultant and curriculum developer. With a specific interest and skill in organizing and opening private secondary schools, Mr. Zebeljan is currently working on our UMS secondary school model. He also brings a useful skill set in program and staff evaluation that is applicable to both elementary and secondary schools. Mr. Zebeljan created a “Best Practices” document and implementation model that is currently being used by our elementary teachers. Monitoring teaching methods, student achievement, program delivery and more is part of the “Best Practices” approach. We are pleased that he has joined UMS and Mr. Zebeljan is looking forward to working with our teaching staff as we continue to focus on excellence in education.

www.unionvillemontessori.com

Pride in Self … Pride in Community … Pride in Country With UMS Events

Each year, the Unionville BIA invites Unionville Montessori School to participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony on Main Street. Students were honoured to share in this civic event. They laid a wreath at the Cenotaph and read John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Field”. The importance of this day can not be overstated. Our students were proud to be a part of this ceremony in their community. It is one of the event from UMS events.

www.unionvillemontessori.com/

BRIGHTER BEGINNINGS, BRIGHTER FUTURES WITH UMS PROGRAMMES

As children conclude their final Montessori year, families begin to think about September, 2015, and the first year of elementary school for their son or daughter. The choices are many, as Markham has several fine private and public schools settings.It is important to visit these schools, ask some direct questions and gain a sense of the learning environments.Will the grade one class have wide variances in student ability and student behaviours? How many students will be in the class? Are certified teachers available to offer enrichment programming, remedial assistance and tutoring as needs arise? Is there an established arts program, computer classes, French and music education delivered by specialist teachers? If supervised before and after school programmes are important to you, does the school offer them? How is the academic program enriched for able learners. Is state-of the- art technology integrated into the curriculum. UMS has a literacy consultant and several programmes resource staff members to ensure that children from Casa experience a seamless transition into our Gr. 1 program. They provide enriching, challenging sessions for highly able learners.Personalized student support is a specialized aspect of the UMS approach.

www.unionvillemontessori.com

Pop Tabs For Kids: Helping Others

This month, UMS is once again collecting pop tabs. This is our 6th year with this initiative, and we are hoping for another successful collection. All of our pop tabs will be given to a Charity called "Pop Tabs for Kids.” This charity was started by Robert Hampson, a young man from Toronto, who at the age of 4, was diagnosed with brain cancer. He survived his battle with cancer, but was left blind after his operation. He began collecting pop tabs when he was 8 years old, and collects pop tabs all year round. He takes all the tabs to a recycling depot and sells them. he then donates this money to "Presidents Choice Children's Charity" which is an organization committed to helping Canadian families buy wheelchairs for their children in need. Last year Robert came to our school and spoke with us about his life, and his love of helping others. Over the past 5 years, UMS has contributed over 363 kg (800 pounds) of tabs, and we are looking forward to another successful drive this year. Tabs can be found on beverage cans, fruit cans, tuna cans, pet foods, and soup cans. The collection bottles are by the front door, labelled with the house colours. Collection ends on April 22nd. Every tab counts!

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/pop-tabs-kids-helping-others

Have You Hugged An Orphan Lately – A Modern Day Robin Hood

Last week UMS showcased its second play of the year, 'Have you hugged an orphan lately - A Modern Day Robin Hood'. Please enjoy these short clips we took on our Friday night showing.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/hugged-orphan-lately-modern-day-robin-hood

Science and Technology Focus

The goals of science and technology education in Gr. 1 to 8 are intended to ensure that all students acquire basic scientific literacy and technological capability before entering secondary school. The goals for students are:

1. To  understand  the basic  concepts  of  science  and  technology.
2. To  develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry and technological design.
3. To  relate  scientific  and  technological  knowledge  to  each  other  and  to  the world  outside  the  school.

The program goals can be achieved simultaneously through learning activities that combine the acquisition of knowledge with both inquiry and design processes in a concrete, practical context. At the same time, these learning activities enable students to develop the communication skills that are an essential component of science and technology education.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/science-technology-focus

School Closures/Traffic & Campus Security

A school closure due to weather is a very rare occurrence, nevertheless it can happen. Before school opens, a closure message will be recorded on the UMS answering machine @ (905) 474-9888. In addition, radio stations CHFI 98.1 FM and 680 AM will broadcast school closure information. Snowball throwing is not permitted at UMS. The children are aware of this important safety rule. Vehicles using our driveway and parking areas must proceed cautiously and at a very slow rate of speed. There can be no exceptions to this rule. We have witnessed some parents driving on school roadways at hazardous speeds and vehicle accidents have also occurred. This practice endangers children and can not be permitted. The campus security remains our priority.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/school-closures-traffic-safety

Once Again, UMS Exceeds Canadian Norms

Unionville Montessori continues to excel in language and mathematics in comparison to other schools provincially and nationally. The Canadian Achievement Tests Fourth Edition (CAT-4) is widely recognized as one of the most  accurate assessments of student achievement and because it is used extensively, the national norms are considered very accurate. UMS has consistently performed significantly above the national average and this year is no different. Our student consistently score 2 or more grades above grade level!  At UMS, we want all of our students to achieve to the best of their ability. Our motto, mission statement, and vision statement reflect this. Our motto is, “To Inspire, Guide, and Challenge”. Our mission statement is, “To promote academic excellence within an enriched curriculum by providing positive educational opportunities to children which foster leadership, achievement, and a love of learning.” Our vision statement is, “We educate the whole child, promote intellectual and social growth and weave character development into the fabric of our curriculum. Reaching the child’s fullest potential is an inherent vision in all that we do.” Our success is a result of a team effort among students, parents, and teachers working together for a common goal. We are proud of our results and thank you for your continued support.  

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/ums-exceeds-canadian-norms

Teaching Thinking Strategies

Habits of mind and forms of intelligence are unique to every student. The essence of direct instruction in critical thinking crystallizes strategies and tools that can then be used deliberately. The ultimate aim is to make critical thinking second nature and automatic for each student. The idea that skill in thinking is developed as the by-product of such subjects as geography and history is no longer tenable. Some thinking skills concerned with the sorting of information can be taught as a by-product of such subjects but these are only part of the broad range of thinking skills required for life. For example, the thinking skills required for action must include consideration of priorities, objectives, other people's views and the like. Descriptive thinking is not enough. Divided into 10 major “Thinking” strategy units, each one comprised of a series of lessons, teachers instruct students on a particular thinking skill/strategy directly. This direct instruction is followed by a application to a specific task or assignment in a specific subject. The APC Program (Alternatives, Possibilities and Choices), is an example of one model for teaching thinking skills. Students consider all options before making an informed choice and developing their explanation. The goal is to equip the students with effective thinking tools and strategies to apply to situations and decisions. Teaching thinking skills is a component addressed by each grade.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/teaching-thinking-strategies

Tomorrows Scientist’s Begin Here

Providing unique and relevant learning opportunities to children continues to be an important hallmark at UMS. Children graduating from a Montessori program need a Gr. 1 setting that is not only stimulating, but also personalized to their strengths and focused on their needs. To this end, children in the graduating Montessori year have their learning experiences enriched within an elementary school setting. Senior Casa children attend a fully equipped science lab and are instructed by an Ontario certified science teacher. Geared to the capabilities of the children, the program is an engaging, hands-on learning experience.
http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/tomorrows-scientists-begin

UMS Partners with Markham Public Library

Our library is changing! But it’s more than just our physical library that is undergoing change; it is the whole concept of the library. We are moving from having books available only during school hours, to a Learning Commons with a much greater variety of resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! A Learning Commons “expands the learning experience, taking students and educators into virtual spaces beyond the walls of the school.” It is an opportunity for the exploration of ideas and concepts, encouraging inquiry, through the connection of learners to information, to each other and to communities around the world.” “The Learning Commons seeks to expand and integrate the real and virtual choices learners have to share their experiences. Safe, inclusive and welcoming environments throughout a school are imperative to meet the diverse abilities and learning styles of individuals, teams and groups. Virtual learning spaces increase this potential.” (Ontario School Library Association)

We are accomplishing this by moving ahead with our partnership with the Markham Public Library in order to enhance our services to our school community. Our website will soon have a direct link to the Markham Public Libraries. This will enable our students to have 24/7 access to library materials including books, e-books, on-line catalogues and databases. Students and parents will be able to reserve and renew books on their home devices. Teachers will be able to create book lists for students who can also create their own “shelves” of books that they have read. They can then share these with other students and with their teachers.

Students have had the opportunity to apply for a Markham Public Library card that allows access to all branch collections in the Markham Public Library (MPL) system. This includes full access and use of the MPL suite of Databases available on the library website. In addition, MPL will provide direct, customized curriculum support and homework and assignment help via class visits and virtual services (e.g. web-based delivery). Over the summer, library staff will create research units tied to our curriculum. These units will incorporate the many resources available both at the library and on-line.

Here are some sample databases that are available to us 24/7 through MPL:

Kids InfoBits

Little PIM

NoveList Plus K-8

PebbleGo Animals & PebbleGo Earth and Space

Science Power

Social Studies Power

TumbleBook Cloud Jr

Tumble AudioBookCloud

TumbleBook Library

World Book Kids

Click here to visit the City of Markham website, to view the links and descriptions above. Click here to visit the City of Markham website, to view a full list of all available MPL databases. Click here to visit the MPL website.

http://www.unionvillemontessori.com/ums-partners-markham-public-library