January 9^th Update 

We are excited to have students back after the break. This year our focus as a school has been around CONNECTION. We can see the importance of connection with the eagerness of students to return to their classes and classmates, the quick transition as students return to the flow of classroom work, and the comfort students display in being back in routine. Connection is the foundation on which we can grow and learn together, with the trust and safety of our space.  

Maria Montessori said, “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” 

Starting this week, Mrs. Watson and I have been working with classes around connection and the qualities we have in our inner core. These are the characteristics of who we each are beneath the surface. Students are identifying one word to describe their inner core to add to our connection displays. These are words such as brave, creative, dependable, kind, and enthusiastic. We will continue to work on how understanding one another’s inner core can help us show more grace to others throughout the day. 

Traffic Reminders: A reminder that the front of the school, on the school side, is a NO STOPPING zone. Our narrow streets grow even more narrow when we have ice and show on the side. Thank you for keeping  

Upcoming Dates: 

January 12: Kindergarten Registration Opens and Grades 1-6 Montessori registrations and applications 

January 13: School Council meeting 6:00pm online – link will be sent via schoolmessenger 

January 15: Healthy Hunger 

January 29: Healthy Hunger 

January 29: Montessori Open House for NEW students 6:30-7:30pm 

January 30: Non-instructional Day 

School Council 

Our next school council meeting is Tuesday, January 13. A link will be provided for this online meeting to all parents/guardians by email on Tuesday. An update from the grade 3-4 team will be shared at this meeting. In addition, you can attend to find ways to stay connected to the school and volunteer opportunities. 

MAPSS Volunteer Call   

MAPSS is urgently seeking parent volunteers to help support Montessori programming across our schools. MAPSS plays a vital role in enhancing the Montessori Alternative Program by supporting enrichment opportunities, funding classroom resources and materials, and investing in teacher training and professional development. At this time, the society is operating with a very small number of active volunteers, and additional support is essential for MAPSS to continue this work effectively. 

We are looking for parents who want to play an active role in strengthening their child’s school and the long term success of Montessori education within our community. The expected time commitment is approximately five hours per month, and roles are designed to be flexible and manageable alongside busy family schedules. 

Volunteer roles currently needed include: 

• PEACE Night Art Auction Support 

Assist with planning, organizing artwork, event setup, and support during the PEACE Night art auction. 

• Fundraising Coordinator 

Help plan and oversee fundraising initiatives that directly support Montessori materials, enrichment, and professional development. 

• Secretary 

Support MAPSS by recording meeting minutes, helping keep documents organized, and tracking action items. 

 Even a small contribution of time makes a meaningful difference. 

If you are able to help or would like more information, please contact president@mapss.ca . Strong parent involvement is vital to the ongoing success of our Montessori community.  Thank you for your support.