2024-11 November Newsletter

“Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child.”

Maria Montessori

Calendar of Events

2024 November

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
  • No School - Fall Break
2
3
  • Daylight Saving Time Ends
4
5
6
  • Quest Theatre
7
8
  • LE year 3 to Military Museum
  • Remembrance Day Assembly
9
10
11
  • No School - Remembrance Day
12
13
14
15
  • Hide N Seek Family Fun Night - Student Leadership Team
16
17
18
19
  • Prospective Families - Parent Information Session
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
  • No School P/G conf
  • No Classes - P/G Conferences
30

2024 December

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
  • Prospective Families - Parent Information Session
13
14
15
16
17
  • MMEC Seasonal Caroling
18
  • MMEC Seasonal Caroling
19
  • MMEC Seasonal Caroling
20
  • MMEC Seasonal Caroling
  • Bake Sale - Student Leadership Team
  • Last Day of Classes Before Break
21
22
23
  • No School - Winter Break
24
  • No School - Winter Break
25
  • No School - Winter Break
26
  • No School - Winter Break
27
  • No School - Winter Break
28
  • No School - Winter Break
29
  • No School - Winter Break
30
  • No School - Winter Break
31
  • No School - Winter Break

The above information is from a “Google Calendar” and can be added to any Google Account by clicking here.

Importance of the Third/Kindergarten Year

A foundation of the Montessori Method of education is the Four Planes of Development (0-6, 6-12, 12-18, and 18-24 years of age). The planes are then broken down further into sub-planes, representing the age groupings for each classroom (0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18). The understanding is that at each plane or subplane, children exhibit certain tendencies and characteristics which inform their educational, social, emotional and physical journey during the three-year classroom cycle. Each year of the three-year cycle facilitates a unique experience for the child, including introducing materials and lessons and roles and responsibilities within the classroom community, leading to leadership roles and solidifying concepts in the third year.

Please enjoy this Tomorrow’s Child article on page 10 about the importance of the third Casa year.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/df497c76-f60c-47a2-861c-0880500d9e17

Sensitive Periods

Maria Montessori adopted other scientists’ concepts of sensitive periods and applied them to young children between 0 and 6. She identified certain periods in a child’s development when they are more susceptible to certain types of learning. They are highly sensitive to certain stimuli and learn new skills with ease. Missing these critical periods of absorption can make learning the task more challenging.



RSVP: Hide N Seek Family Fun Night 2024

The MMEC Student Leadership Team is holding a family fun night November 15 from 5 pm – 7:30 pm at Hide N Seek Indoor Playground (49 Aero Dr NE #18). We have rented out the entire venue which includes play areas and climbers for babies, toddlers, and children. All siblings and ages are welcome. Pizza and fountain drinks are included with every ticket purchase. This is a parented event and socks are required. We look forward to a fun evening of active play!

Cost:
– $25/child (includes pizza dinner, drinks, and unlimited play)
– $10/adult (includes pizza dinner and drinks)

Please register by using this form which will be available until the end of day on November 7th, 2024
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY8nzQ6i7C-D_bH_YxnEpLe0gd47DzNvJ0squJweS3BocZOg/viewform

Classroom Transition Event

Is your child in the 3rd year of their classroom at MMEC? If so, next year they will be advancing to a new classroom. If you’d like a preview of their new room, and a chance to speak with their new Guide, please join us at school for the MMEC Transition Event from 3:45 – 4:30 pm on November 13th.

Parent Information Sessions

In preparation for 2025/2026 enrollment, MMEC will host information sessions, in-person and virtually, starting November 28 for prospective families. Should you know anyone interested in learning more about MMEC, please have them contact us at info@mmec.ca.

Toys and Smart Watches

Please be reminded that personal items such as toys, books, games, costume jewellery, large hair ornaments, decorative watches, backpack ornaments, etc., are best left at home. Items such as these are distracting and can be easily misplaced.

Smartwatches can also be distracting, so please limit the functionality to a wristwatch or step-tracker. No data, so there is no messaging. No games.

Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation.

Classroom Observations

Parents are invited to observe their child’s class from November 18 to December 13, 2024, and January 13 to February 12, 2025. This 30 minute observation will familiarize you with your child’s classroom experience, and we encourage all parents to book (parents only). Please email your respective guide and schedule your visit between 9 and 11 a.m. 

Observation Guidelines:

  • Please sit quietly in a special chair and observe the class in action. 
  • Some children may behave unusually when an adult comes to observe (avoiding tasks or becoming distracted). This is normal!
  • Children may engage you in conversation. Please thank them and remind them that you are there to observe.|
  • Guides and assistants will not be available for conversation or questions. If you have questions or concerns, please email your Guide afterwards.
  • Please do not criticize your child for their efforts.
  • Please respect the children’s and classroom staff’s privacy and refrain from discussing individuals or behaviours with other parents.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in MMEC and your child’s education!

Marking Remembrance Day at MMEC

All students will receive a poppy from our local legion on November 8, 2024. Please consider sending a donation for the Veteran’s Poppy Fund

Donations collected during the Poppy Campaign are held in Trust at the branch level to directly support Veterans and their families within their community and to help ensure Canadians ‘never forget’.

Photos – Erdkinder

Photos – Upper Elementary

Photos – Lower Elementary

Photos – Casa

Photos – Toddler