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SCHOOL HOURS
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Regular School Hours: |
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Children are expected to
arrive between 8:15 and 8:25 a.m., and begin working by
8:30 a.m. Lunch starts at 12:00 p.m. Class ends at 3:30
p.m., and children are expected to be picked up no later
than 3:45 p.m. |
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After School Care: |
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We do not at present offer
after school care. In the event of unavoidable delays,
parents are expected to notify MCH as soon as they find
out they will be unable to pick up their children by
3:45 p.m. A late collection charge may be levied if
children are repeatedly picked up later than 3:45 p.m. |
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Mornings Only
Enrolment: |
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We do have a limited number
of half-day openings (mornings), because we recognize
that some parents feel that it eases their children's
transition from home to school. Some children need this
as it is their first time away from home. We do,
however, encourage parents to enroll their children for
the full day program. Children benefit far more from the
full day than from a half-day program as they can
respond to their own needs and natural rhythms, working
and resting according to their own timing. When
attending only half-days, children lose that continuum
that is so important for their development. |
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Extra-Curricular
Programs: |
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The Montessori curriculum
is a holistic integrated program which covers all
aspects of early childhood development. For this reason
we do not currently offer extra-curricular programs.
Should there be a need for any extra-curricular or
after-school programs in the future, these will be
offered in addition to normal tuition fees. |
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LANGUAGE POLICY:
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We offer an English-Chinese
bilingual environment. Language acquisition is an
important part of the child's work. Our prepared
environment directresses (teachers) and assistants work
as facilitators and help children in this process,
acquiring the necessary speaking, reading and writing
skills. Children of all languages will be welcomed, and
we hope to host visiting teachers and professionals who
are either native or fluent speakers in other languages,
such as Spanish and French, for example.
FAQ: Won't so many
languages confuse children?
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ENROLMENT POLICY:
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Ages: |
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Mammolina Children's Home
accepts new children between the ages of 2 1/2 to 7 years.
The environment is presently able to accommodate
children up to age 7 1/2. (Your child must turn 7 on or
after Jan. 15 to enroll).
Montessori classrooms are prepared for a mixed age group,
usually spanning 3 years, sometimes more. This is one of
the key principles in Montessori, and is essential for
the success of the program. Children are often able to
learn more easily from each other than from adults.
FAQ: Why do children stay
for a three year program? [Go to the FAQs]
FAQ: Do you
offer separate classes from children of different ages,
according to their needs?
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Toilet Training: |
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We require children to be
basically toilet trained (no diapers). As toilet
training is an important step towards independence, we
understand children's needs and support their
development also in this aspect, so do not worry about
occasional accidents. That is one of the reasons why all
children are required to bring a full change of clothes
to school. |
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STAFF:
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Staff/Child Ratio: |
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The child-adult ratio we
offer is 7 to 1. Our directresses are native English and
Chinese speakers. MCH also invites artists,
professionals and other experts to further enrich the
curriculum and to run workshops for parents and students
of early childhood education. |
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Staff
Qualifications And Training: |
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Directresses at MCH are AMS
and MCI certified. Assistants receive professional
training in-house on a regular basis, and interns may
occasionally spend one year working with us as they work
towards their Montessori certification. At MCH, all
staff receive special training and are required to have
at least a basic knowledge of Montessori principles and
philosophy.
FAQ: Are Montessori Directresses trained in any
special way?
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Professional
Development Days: |
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These are days set aside by
MCH for staff refresher courses, meetings, preparation
of materials, and other school business. We do not
schedule Professional Development Days during normal
class days/hours. Professional Development Days are
always scheduled over breaks and holidays, and, if
needed, on Saturdays.
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FINANCIAL MATTERS:
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Tuition Fee: |
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Please contact our
administration office for the latest updated
information. |
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Capital Levy: |
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We do not charge Capital Levy. |
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Sibling Discount: |
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Please contact our
administration office for the latest updated
information. |
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Financial Assistance and Scholarships: |
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We operate as a non-profit,
and our number one priority is to serve children and
their families. As a service to the community, we strive
to meet the needs of children, families and our staff.
We offer scholarships in special cases. Please contact
our administration office for more information. |
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RELIGION AND
CELEBRATIONS:
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We are a nondenominational
kindergarten and accept children of all nationalities,
races, cultural and religious backgrounds. While we do
not promote any particular religion, we nurture
diversity and respect for differences through our
cultural program. Montessori education is Education for
Peace. At MCH, children learn about all cultures and
creeds.
MCH also welcomes parents
who may be willing to share their time and culture with
our community to take part in our activities, as part of
cultural and social studies. Because MCH is a carefully
prepared environment, it is important that everything
that happens is in keeping with the general ethos of a
Montessori program.
If, as a parent of a child
enrolled at MCH, you would like to help us celebrate a
special holiday, or share a special tradition, our staff
can work with you to prepare and present it. |
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BIRTHDAYS
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Celebrations play an
important part in our curriculum. One of these is each
child's birthday. It is traditional in Montessori schools
to celebrate birthdays, not with a party, but with a
special Celebration of Life. Instead of birthday cake
and party bags, there is a special program which helps
the children understand their own personal history, and
their place in the Cosmos. With the help of their
parents, children bring to school their own timeline of
life, with photos of birth, and one for each year of
age. They walk around the Sun, one full circle for each
year of life, and as they learn about time, they also
realize how important they are, and how their lives are
part of the Human Family History... The Earth's History...
and the History of the Universe... |
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COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL:
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Parents and caretakers are
welcome to contact the school at any time to obtain
information about school policies, find out about their
child's progress or for any other reason.
Once your child is
enrolled, your family will be assigned a MCH P.O.BOX at
school that will be used to convey information sheets,
newsletters, notes and reports.
The MCH website will
provide yet another way for the school and parents to
keep in touch.
Please check also with our
administration office for forms that can be used for
suggestions and other comments. |
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OBSERVATION &
SCHOOL VISITS:
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Parents and caretakers are
welcome to visit the school. For school visits and
classroom observations we ask parents to call our
administration office, and make an appointment, so we
can make sure that a member or our staff is available to
welcome you and answer your questions.
If you would like to take a
tour of the school, including the classroom, the visit
must be scheduled for a time between 4 and 5 p.m.
If you would like to
observe the children working, we do not restrict
observation time. You can come and stay for a full day,
if you wish to do so, as our classroom offers an upper
level observation balcony and rest area. Our staff will
welcome you, and hand you the "Classroom Observation
Rules" which must be followed in order not to disturb
the children/classroom activity.
IMPORTANT: Please take notice that classroom
observations will be scheduled starting after the
October 1rst break only. |
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DRESS CODE:
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There is no school uniform,
although we will have personalized items on offer. In
some cases these will be at extra cost, but parents are
not obligated to purchase any such items.
The dress code is "simple
and comfortable." Children are not allowed to wear any
items of clothing that in any way promote violence
and/or discrimination. |
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TRANSPORT:
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We offer limited
transportation services. Please contact our
administration office for more details. |
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If
you have a question that is not answered here, please
email us. |
