September 2006

In this Issue
• News from Exco: Message from the President
• News from Formal Schooling Sector
• Montessori Uniqueness
• Conference 2007 Update
• News from Regional Representatives
• Marketing
• The Centenary Celebrations
• SAMA website and advertising
• Training
• Marketing
• Vacancies
• SAMA Products

Message from the President

Dear Fellow Montessorians,

To keep you informed on what the Exco are doing this month:

We have re-designed the application forms, which you will all be receiving in due course. The forms ask for a lot of information about Diplomas and whether your school is enrolled with the DoE, Umalusi, S.A.C.E, S.A.M.A and what materials you have in each class etc.

We are hoping to help you with these application forms so that all Montessori Schools are more professional. We would like to give workshops for schools that would like advice or help in some way, and ensure that your school has all the relevant documentation for each department.

The website is still under construction; Mike Moss of 'infoMotion' is doing his utmost to improve the site to make it manageable and user friendly for teachers, parents and the general public. He hopes to have this completed by the middle of September.

The membership satisfaction survey has been completed and is ready to be sent out to all members. The survey will come with a stamped addressed envelope; we would like to receive a completed form from each member so that we can assess the forms and start to make the necessary changes, as required by our members. One form will be given to each school, if the school can please make sure that each member has a copy and all completed copies are posted off to the Regional Representative as soon as possible. The deadline for these copies is the 31 October 2006. The results will be published in the next available newsletter. Together with the survey, we are asking for a salary survey to be completed. The results of the survey will be given to schools that have participated in the salary survey and will be given out to other schools for a small fee. These figures will be useful as many schools are busy with their budgets for 2007.

We are also looking for a memorable Centenary idea for all areas. The Centenary ideas to be discussed at your next Special Interest Group Meeting

Hope you all had a wonderful celebration on Dr.Maria Montessori's Birthday 31 August 2006.

Regards
Christine Clark


Formal Schooling Representative
As the formal schooling rep, I am very excited by the opportunity to help create dynamic, vibrant Montessori schools. I am organising a SIG meeting in Cape Town for Primary schools on 28 October.

We are charged with a very important job and it is hard to do this when we feel isolated in our various schools. I hope to see as many primary schools as possible in the following year. I will also ensure that there is time set aside at the Conference for all the primary schools to get together.

I know that we often are caught up trying to ensure that the children in our schools are meeting the requirements of the OBE curriculum. We worry that parents are happy that their children will be okay in traditional schools if they leave the Montessori environment, but I encourage you all to stay true to your training and not to compromise the Montessori environment to achieve these goals.

I remember Michael Dorer comparing education to a wall. If we start taking out some of the bricks because we do not like them or think they are not important, then the wall will crumble.

I am sure that what will persuade parents to keep their children in Montessori schools is when they see the unfailing belief in the system that the Directress has. We MUST ensure that we are giving the children the best, using the Montessori Method. In each newsletter, I will address areas in the primary environment, and would love input or ideas from everyone out there. We also need to be aware of meeting Education Department requirements and I will look at this to.

My intention is to compile a list of Primary schools in South Africa and send it to everyone so you can see who is out there, as well as to inform pre-schools to recommend primary schools in their areas. It is great having some sort of feeder school relationship set up.

Please feel free to email me if you need help or advise. I will do whatever I can to help you create the schools you envisaged.

Ally Connelly


Following Montessori – Our Uniqueness
Are we unique? Do we run our schools in the special way that Maria Montessori spent so many years as a 'scientist' observing as to what works best for our children? Or do we run pre-school programmes just like other pre-schools because it is easier?
If Maria visited your school today, would you stand tall, knowing that you further continue and develop her life's work?
Remember as Montessori teachers you are the mentors of Directresses to come. Set the standard. Stand tall.


2007 SAMA Annual Conference Durban – 27 April - 1 May
The 2007 SAMA Conference at the Varsity College Campus in Durban North from 28 April - 01 May. Barbara Isaacs, Head of MCI London, is our invited International Speaker and she has a wealth of knowledge to share with us. The opportunity to network with fellow Montessorians and learn from the information offered by the invited speakers is not to be missed.

The Conference Committee is planning a conference with a difference and we recommend that you plan your trip now to avoid disappointment.

You can contact Janine at Selected Mini Stays to book accommodation that suits your needs. Her contact details are: tel. 031 765 1279, cell 082 497 6332 or email info@ministays.co.za. Suppliers are invited to contact Sharon Desfontaines on 082 601 3868 or sharond01@telkomsa.net to book a stand.


 

REGIONAL NEWS


Western Cape
Our S.I.G. Meeting last Saturday was well supported at Nutwood School in Greenpoint. Members industriously went about making new extension materials for their environments – some made land & water forms; others made a working volcano that spews its own 'lava'. Some busy hands made smelling sachets to compliment the children's sensorial exploration and the last group enjoyed painting an apple tree onto a metal tray with apple magnets and symbols to confirm the numbers 1-10

Members seemed thrilled with the new activity they had made with love for their class! In between the busy hum of activity, excited discussion about the centenary celebrations could be heard. Members are invited to please come forward with suggestions and to get involved in this important project. More details on this in our next regional newsletter.

Emma Medell
Western Cape Regional Representative

Gauteng South
The SIG meeting held at Little Orchard Nursery School in Jukskei Park (near Fourways). It was attended by 20 Montessorians who thoroughly enjoyed a talk on Peace Education given by Maria Erasmus, Principal of Montessori Africa, and the Montessori Academy in Fontainebleau.
Maria presented research by Sonnie McFarland of the Montessori School of Denver, Colorado. The SIG attendees work shopped McFarland's holistic model that serves as a useful framework for Peace Education.
This framework looks at six basic elements that form the "Flower" of Peace. These are self-awareness, community awareness, cultural awareness, environmental awareness, basic needs, human rights, and the underlying and connective spirit of love. We looked at how each element can addressed in a variety of ways in our classrooms.
After the workshop, we discussed some questions and topics that would be of interest to us in the future:
• Information was requested on what Assistant training (basic mathematics, practical life, sensorial) and refresher training for directresses is available. Heidi agreed to get information published by the colleges and training bodies available.
• A useful topic for discussion would be handling the transition from a Montessori environment to a conventional classroom for those pre-schoolers who go on to 'mainstream' schools for Grade 1.
• The topic of THRASS (Teaching Handwriting, Reading, and Spelling – the latest methodology presently used by many of the private schools) was discussed and it was agreed that it would be useful to understand more about THRASS and how it can dovetail with the Montessori system of learning reading and writing.
• Three interesting books were available for us to look at by Catherine Axmann from Clover Farm Montessori. They are:
    - Hands are not for hitting by Martine Agassi
      (ISBN 1-57542-077-5)
    - Words are not for hurting by Elizabeth Verdick
      (ISBN 13 978-1-57542-156-8; ISBN 10 1-57542-156-9)
    - Our Peaceful Classroom by Aline D Wolf
      (illustrated by Montessori children around the world)
      (ISBN 0-939195-04-6)
      Catherine has found the above books available on Amazon.

Nicola Lake
Gauteng South Regional Representative

KwaZulu Natal
Carmin Hall, a Behavioural Optometrist presented an in-depth discussion of the visual system. Sight involves our ability to see and to perceive and make sense of what we have seen. Carmin explained how inefficiencies of the visual system could have a detrimental impact on the child's ability to learn. Carmen shared a few remedial techniques that would assist in rectifying the child's vision.

Stuart Wilson, Director of the Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Support Group of Southern Africa presented an overwhelming array of debilitating symptoms that can be attributed to the overgrowth of Candida Albanicus in the digestive tract and the implications thereof to our physical and mental health. The presenting symptoms have a direct impact on concentration and productivity (both educators and students) in the teaching environment. Stuart emphasized that dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce and or minimise presenting symptoms.

Pam Shepard gave feedback on the Equipment Making workshop that was held on behalf on the outreach program. All members were encouraged to assist with this process.

Bhavna Nathoo
Kwa-Zulu Natal Regional Representative

THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS


You can sign the declaration for the celebration of 100 years of Montessori. On 6 January 2007, it will be 100 years since Dr. Maria Montessori opened the first Casa dei Bambini in San Lorenzo, Rome. Check out this web site, www.montessoricentenary.org, which gives ideas for celebrating and sharing with as to who is doing what and where. Some fascinating exhibitions in some international cities or maybe a study tour to Italy, whatever takes your fancy. Imagine walking in Montessori's' footstep and visiting places that hold her history. Post the declaration on your school board for parents making it a part of your thoughts for your school for next year.

  "In the past hundred years Montessori pedagogy in all its varied dimensions has overtly and covertly contributed to the stirring of a new consciousness – as a system to be implemented in educational environments, as a means to achieve global peace, as help and instruction to professionals involved with the growing human being in all stages of its development, and as a social movement directed to the recognition of the child as the ultimate originator of human society."
Renilde Montessori, Sydney Australia 2005
February 16 2007
Centenary Exhibition
A Montessori Journey 1907-2007
opens in San Francisco. The two-thousand-square-foot exhibit will travel to eight cities in the USA before being installed as a permanent collection at the Montessori Training Centre of Minnesota, creating a museum that will open to the public in November 2007. The project is under the direction of David Kahn and Gerard Leonard.
www.montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/NAMServs/CentenaryExhibit.htm
March 2007
New York City
American Montessori Society Conference
Celebrating 100 Years of Montessori Education opens.

A Centenary Photographic Book
To celebrate the Centenary, St Nicholas in conjunction with other Montessori bodies worldwide would like to produce a book to reflect Montessori from a Montessori child's point of view.

This is a celebratory book for the centenary and would be suitable as a gift for individuals rather than a general information book for parents.

The book would be a collection of photographs taken by Montessori children from around the globe – and they will have their own website, running in tandem with the book, which will enable them to communicate with each other (with photographs) for the rest of their lives. A Living Library.

We would like to find schools within South Africa or any other part of Africa to take part in the book to add to the 20 other schools worldwide that have already accepted to take part, providing we obtain the necessary sponsorship. We would look to the children within these schools to provide some of the pictures with digital cameras donated by Sony. We will send the cameras to the schools that participate.

However, as you can imagine selecting schools within South Africa to take part in the project from England is almost impossible. Although the website lists many Montessori schools in South Africa, many of them do not have websites or complete contact details. Therefore, I am hoping that as the South African Montessori Association, you will be able to assist us in finding between 5 to 10 schools that could participate.

Heading the project within the UK is Anthony Osmond-Evans, publisher and author of 'Britain: The Book of the Millennium', 'China the Beautiful', 'India the Beautiful' and '50 Remarkable Years'. To discuss the project Anthony will be glad to hear from you by contacting him on 077 2522 2289 or shootspas@yahoo.co.uk.
Alternatively, please contact me directly.

Best regards
Philip Bujak
Chief Executive, Montessori St Nicholas
Tel: 020 7584 9987
Fax: 020 7589 3764
E-mail: pui-lin@montessori.org


TRAINING


Our Congratulations go to ...
Headstart Montessori Training Centre and Mercy Montessori Africa Training Centre are thrilled to announce the merger of their two training institutions into Headstart Mercy Montessori Training Centre, which has just undergone a very successful joint re-accreditation at Level 5. Please visit their new website: www.headstartmercy.co.za
... wishing you growth and much success in delivering us quality Montessori teachers!

Course of Discussion Groups for Montessori Classroom Assistants
The next course of lecture/discussions for Xhosa-speaking assistants in Montessori schools will run on Thursdays, 2.45 - 4.15pm, commencing August 24 and finishing on November 9.
The course broadly introduces the Montessori philosophy and approach and children's developmental stages, giving an overview of the structure of the Montessori classroom and the key materials and activities.
Schools are encouraged to make it possible for their employees to attend the groups by assisting with transport or extra funding to cover fares. There is no charge for the course or notes.

Current Short Special-Interest Courses
At Auburn House School, Auburn Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town
For further information please contact the office on 021 797 7872

Early Childhood Information for Child Minders
A series of talks for Xhosa-speaking childminders will run through August and September. Parents are encouraged to allow their domestic workers/childminders to attend these discussions, which provide a valuable opportunity for women to share experiences and learn more about children's development and needs, as well as about the activities and approach used in the Montessori environment. No charge is made for the sessions; the employers' contribution is giving the time and transport to allow the employee to attend.

Rainbow Montessori School Durbanville
Opening 9-12 class in 2007
Tel 021 975 4831 or eMail: rainbonbow@xsinet.co.za

Nsansa Montessori School, Kenilworth
Is now opening a new Montessori 6-9 class in January 2007
Places available Tel 021 683 3458

 

VACANCIES


Newberry House Somerset West
Requires 9-12 Directress. Please eMail C.V. to secretary@newberry.co.za

Auburn House Kenilworth, Cape Town
is looking for a Pre-Primary Directress for January 2007
Please email your 2 page CV (no certificates) to pat.ashton@wol.co.za

Lynnwood Park Montessori Pre-Primary, Glen, Pretoria
Directress required for 2007 for the 2-3 year old class. Contact Jane Landsberg at Tel 012 361 7821 or 083 592 1581

Learnership Opportunity, Cape Town
A Learnership Opportunity in a 6-9 yrs class for 6 months minimum is available at Auburn House in Cape Town. The opportunity is for a current or prospective Montessori student who holds a 3 - 6 yrs Diploma and has had 2 years or more experience in a Montessori 3 - 6 yrs class.
Interested applicants please send a letter of motivation and brief CV to Auburn House School - fax: 021 797 1931 or email auburnhs@iafrica.com

The Children's Workshop Claremont, Cape Town
Montessori:
1 x 3-6 Directress start Jan 2007
3 x 3-6 Assistants (who have completed exams or will be in 2006)
1 position available beginning October; 2 for Jan 2007
Educare at least:
1 x aftercare assistant Jan 2007, 1x aftercare supervisor Jan 2007
childwork@mweb.co.za or 021 671 7538 Jenny Petersen

Greenwood Primary, Plettenberg Bay
Independent School, Plettenberg Bay. Two posts available for 1 Jan 2007
* Pre-school teacher * Primary teacher (6 - 9yrs)
Send one page C.V. to 044 533 6303 or grwoodprim@telkomsa.net

Employment Wanted
My name is Sharon Armstrong. I am 24 and currently a full-time student at the College of Modern Montessori in Linbro Park, Johannesburg. I will qualify at the end of this year with a Diploma and will then be moving down to the Durban area to live. I am therefore looking for a job in a Montessori pre-school (3-6 environment) as a directress, to start at the beginning of January 2007.
     I am a hard worker and am very passionate about the Montessori philosophy and the method of teaching. If you have a vacant position please could you contact me. I am coming down to Durban and the Dolphin Coast in September and will be available to meet with you if you so wish.
     My contact details are 082 675 8001 or 011 447 5243. My email address is shanarm01@hotmail.com. If you would like a copy of my CV please don't hesitate to contact me. [date: 2006 10 12]
If you would like to advertise in the SAMA Newsletter, please send the relevant information through to Heidi van Staden. academy@netactive.co.za

SAMA Smalls


Tanzanian Montessori Materials available for viewing at Headstart Mercy Montessori Training Centre in Kenilworth Saturday mornings 9h30-12h00 or by appointment.

Childrens House Specials for Nienhuis products and introducing a new range – Acacia Dawn, locally made Educational Equipment.
Tel: 021 788 3160 • Fax: 086 619 5182
Email: childrenshouse@absamail.co.za

Montessori Equipment South Africa
We are the sole agents in South Africa of the beautiful and highest quality Montessori Materials manufactured by the Montessori Workshop in Sri Lanka. Visit our website – www.montessoriequipmentsa.com
For an individual quotation, give me a call at 082 490 4944 or email me at leigh.mesa@telkomsa.net

Montessori Supplier cc
A new range of 5 layer puzzles (e.g. the life cycle of the frog / butterfly / duck. To view, visit our show rooms in Boksburg or Midrand. We are the supplier of the full range of Montessori Materials and all spare parts are available. Contact Janinne Morrison on 083 304 4762 or visit our website at www.montessorisupplier.co.za

Good Buys from SAMA...
The SAMA Recommended Curriculum - an integration of A Montessori Recommended Curriculum with the Revised National Curriculum Statement. For queries, eMail Sam Streak sam@pemontessori.co.za. To order contact Tina-Lynn Jones. The cost of the curriculum is R500, printed and bound. The curriculum is available only to paid up SAMA Institutional Members.

SAMA Policies and Procedures CDs – a comprehensive compilation of government laws, acts and policies on CD1 and examples from various Montessori schools and resources to use in school management on CD2. The CDs cost R300 each or R500 per set. Contact Tina-Lynn to order. Again, this is only available to SAMA Institutional Members.

· Beautiful, full colour Parent Handbooks are also available to SAMA Institutional members. Compiled by Su Cunningham, these provide a wonderful introduction for new parents and are a great time-saver for School owners. The Handbooks are available for only R25 from Tina-Lynn.

More details on the above from Tina-Lynn Jones
admin@samontessori.org.za