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