The final module of the Inaugural MMEF AMI 3-6 Course approaches!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters
 

We’ve been rather quiet on the newsletter side, however, this is not indicative of the activity at MMEF HQ!

As the end of the first AMI 3-6 course draws near we have been busily preparing for our NZQA External Evaluation Review (EER) which occurs during week 1 of the next module. This review is slightly similar to the self-evaluation processes of the ERO visit for schools. And just as schools do, we look forward to having our first EER completed!

MMEF Alumni

With the graduating MMEF students in mind we are  forming an MMEF Alumni and will be extending the invitation to all AMI Diploma holders in New Zealand. For a variety of reasons memberships expire as one’s period of study ends, therefore we felt this may be the ideal opportunity for past AMI graduates to re-join AMI and stay abreast with the activities of the International Montessori community. Information has now been sent out to all schools, however if you have been missed and would like to know more please email Cathy at mmef.alumni@gmail.com

Storage for MMEF Course Materials – can you assist?

After the January module, from Thursday January 20th to be precise, we will be seeking storage for the MMEF course materials and shelves – do you know of anyone who may be able to assist us?

We have 12 shelf units which together are 3.5 metres in length and approximately 1.3 metres wide. There are additional storage boxes and equipment which all sit very securely on top of the shelves – all in all about 6 cubic metres is the space we are seeking.

We are looking into a number of options also, though it never hurts to throw the net far and wide. If you know of anyone who may be able to assist us please contact Carol at mmef@ihug.co.nz .

10th Early Childhood Convention – Christchurch 2011

       MMEF are delighted to announce that we will have the chance to
       present a workshop entitled “On the Path to Independence” at
       the Early Childhood Convention in Christchurch,
       April 26th – 29th.

       This event occurs only every four years and attracts
       approximately1200 attendees.It seemed too good an
       opportunity to miss to spread the word about Montessori
       a little wider.
       Please let us know if you'll be there too!

                                                             .... L

Exciting news to share – watch this space!

There have been a number of positive factors that have influenced our decision to move the start date of the next course – now to start January 2012 - to coincide with the beginning of the school year .

We’ve listened to your feedback and hear the impact the change to funding will have and understand that another year will give many of you a chance to re-adjust financially. Also, after tireless juggling, MMEF will be able to offer the course over a shorter period of time.

Still the same amount of weeks - 24 weeks - in modules similar to the current course, still the work and study option and still with the 10 weeks of Observation Teaching Practice – all this over a 13 month period!

See the next MMEF news in the New Year for further exciting developments about the course!

And finally, we wish you all a healthy, peaceful & joyful Christmas holiday and Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou.

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley & Lynne - MMEF Trustees

“There’s a kind of hush…all over the room” – Needlework Workshop, Auckland!

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

MMEF go to Whole School Refresher in Sydney

The recent Montessori Conference and Whole Refresher in Sydney  saw several of the MMEF Trustees heading over ‘The Ditch’ to refuel.

The one-day Conference entitled ‘ Montessori and Special Education: Following The Child’ had a line-up of impressive international Montessori speakers, including Judi Orion (0-3 trainer); Cheryl Ferreira (3-6 trainer); Greg McDonald (6-12 trainer) and Dr Steven Hughes, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist.

Over the ensuing two days, we joined others for the refresher working with the above trainers with their particular age-group. The three days were a much needed injection of creative ideas plus a reminder of the essentials with the Montessori materials.

For anyone interested in working with children 0-3, Judi Orion will return to Sydney next April to deliver the first module for the Assistants to Infancy ( 0-3) training course.

Please visit the Australian Montessori Training Education Foundation http://www.ami.edu/amtef/amtef/welcome.htm for the course schedule.

A Stitch in Time – introducing Needlework in the 3-6 Environment.

A peaceful calm pervaded the MMEF training environment yesterday as 22 busy sewers progressed through sewing stages from card sewing, button sewing, through binqa sewing samplers, blanket stitch edging to embroidery designs and appliqué on a hoop frame, all under the masterful direction of A.M.I. Director of Training - Cheryl Ferreira.

A truly wonderful day!

One attendee wrote her account:

“It was a very nice and relaxing day of learning; I was really excited because it was my first Montessori workshop, but fearful of the time length.  I thought the time was too long for the topic, but it turned out there wasn’t enough time.  Cheryl is a very good teacher; you can see the Montessori in her when she is teaching one on one.  I felt like I was back in my Montessori grade school; a nice patient teacher, where you watch first and then they watch as you do your best to copy what they have just showed you.  The girls who are in the AMI course at the moment were fun to talk to.  I got a glimpse into what the course would be like next year.  I’m SO excited to take it; I wish it was starting sooner.  I can’t wait to go back and learn how to become a Montessori teacher.”

For in those in the Nelson area, there are just a few places available for the Nelson Needlework Workshop on Saturday July 31st. Don’t miss out - email your registration to mmef@ihug.co.nz forms ASAP! 

That’s all for now,
Carol.,Tia, Anna, Shirley & Lynne
MMEF Trustees

A Stitch in Time - Needlework Workshops in Auckland & Nelson

 

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

It was good to see so many of you again at the MMEF stand at the recent MANZ Conference in Christchurch. Thanks to many of you, the silent auction proved to be another success for MMEF.

A huge thank you also goes to the sponsors for their generous product donations. The proceeds raised will support A.M.I. training in New Zealand.

 

Workshop Dates for Your Diary:
Saturday July 3rd & 31st, 2010**A Stitch in Time - Introducing Needlework in the 3-6 Environment**

Cheryl Ferreira will be the presenter for two 'hands-on' workshops in Auckland on Saturday July 3rd and in Nelson on Saturday July 31st.

Attendees will leave brimming with many practical ideas to take back to their environments, therefore due to the ‘hands- on’  nature of these workshops we will limit registrations. Hence the advance notice for your diaries.
A needlework kit will be included in the cost!

Registration forms will be sent out shortly - watch this space!

 

Public Address: Speaker – Cheryl Ferreira A.M.I. Friday 30th July, Nelson 7.00-9.00p.m**Education: the Cornerstone to Peace**Venue: Jaycees, Founders Park,
87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson   

$5 per person inc. tea,coffee and nibbles!

RSVP by Monday 26th July to mmef@ihug.co.nz

Fliers will be sent out shortly for this event.

 

AMI 3-6 Diploma Course July 2011 - January 2013

Last year MMEF had asked for expressions of interest from other locations, to hold an A.M.I. course outside of Auckland.

We thank those of you who responded, however, there seemed to be an overriding inclination towards Auckland again for the next course! Therefore, we are officially announcing that the next MMEF training course for the AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma is going to be held in Auckland. The course will commence in July 2011, by modular format, until January 2013.

Application forms can now be downloaded from our website http://www.mmef.org.nz/.
The exact dates of the course modules are yet to be finalised but as an indication of how the modules are structured, please see the current schedule on our website.

And finally...stay up to date with MMEF news at mmef.wordpress.com or email http://mmef@ihug.co.nz/ to subscribe to MMEF news.

 

Best wishes to you all,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

MMEF silent auction at MANZ conference

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

Here’s hoping that the year has started well for you all!

We launched into Module 3 straight after New Year, it’s hard to believe that we’re almost half way through our first course. With plans already underway for the next to commence in June 2011 do keep those inquiries coming to us!

**MMEF Silent Auction at the MANZ Conference

Following the success of our last silent auction at the MANZ Conference in Napier, we’ll be holding another one this year. Come and place your bids on Saturday, Sunday & Monday, the auction will close at 5.45p.m. on Monday 12^th April.

To let you into a wee secret, one of the items on offer is a set of 62 flags of the world generously donated by Gonzagarredi (not including the arch).

For anyone not attending the Conference who would like to place a bid, email mmef@ihug.co.nz.

We will be selling The Soft Letter Book too this year so see you there!

**Last chance to book ‘Recognising and Responding to Child Abuse’ Wednesday April 14th 2010

Venue - Quaker Meeting House – 113 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

The 1 day workshop will include:-

• Signs and symptoms of abuse


• How to respond if a child discloses abuse


• Legal requirements about reporting abuse


• What to do to protect a child


• How a Child Protection Policy can help


• Where to refer and get the help needed.

Presenter: CPS, Preventing Harm to Children

There are a few places still available, hence we’ve extended the booking date until March 10^th.

At just $75 for the day email mmef@ihug.co.nz for a registration form today!

**And finally….

We hope you’ve all managed to visit the new MMEF blog at mmef.wordpress.com.

Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz to receive the MMEF newsletters.

Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

New year, new blog site!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Happy New Year to you all!

Ed Stanford has volunteered to redesign and maintain the MMEF Newsletter blogsite and provide additional internet solutions for MMEF communications. Please check out the new site! We recommend following the subscription link on the front page to receive additional e-mails from MMEF about upcoming workshops and courses.

Ed is an AMI trained primary guide from the United States who has recently relocated to the North Shore with his wife, Emily. He enjoys exploring New Zealand and writing about Montessori education in his blog MontessoriEd.

Thank you for your ongoing support in 2009 and wishing you all the very best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!








Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES