AMI 3-6 Diploma Course–first summer module is fast approaching!

Summer 2015 really is on its way!

Well it certainly is for the next group of AMI 3-6 students who are getting very excited. They’re busily gathering their Montessori books and generally putting plans in place as the first summer module fast approaches!

The AMI 3-6 trainers are booking their flights and we’re really looking forward to welcoming our students as they embark on this many-would-say life changing experience. To anyone whose application is still in process – get a wriggle on and quickly get it to us!

Introducing the new MMEF Alumni Co-ordinator

Carli Hausler, AMI 0-3 & AUT B.Ed (MECT) graduate will be taking over the role of MMEF Alumni coordinator from December 2014. Carli has and will continue to assist MMEF on a number of projects, thank you Carli & welcome to the team!

We already have the first e Article for 2015 ready to go out at the end of the year along with the annual AMI membership renewals.

Why Not Study the Theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Diploma?

Did you receive your invitation to join us for the theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Course?

We recently emailed registration details to all schools though some emails have mysteriously bounced back? Here’s the information once again.

MMEF are offering school owners and admin staff (ideal for those non-Montessori trained) the opportunity to join us for the basic Montessori theory (psycho-pedagogy) component of the A.M.I. 3-6 Diploma this summer. Several parents have inquired about this too – the good news is YES you can now join us also!

The dates will be the first two weeks of the course and a few additional theory lectures during the 2015 & 2016 summer modules. 

Not only will this expand your understanding of Montessori’s approach to child development, you’ll be able to:

• Better support your staff to create optimum learning environments for children.
• Collaborate & communicate with parents regarding their child’s enormous potential from birth to six and beyond.
• Underpin policies, self-review and assessment with Montessori principles.

Dates: Monday 5th January – Friday 16th January (plus a few additional days during 2015 & 2016, plenty of notice will be given)

Venue: Kawai Purapura Retreat, 14 Mills Lane, Albany & AUT, Northcote Campus (Friday 16th January, 2015)

Registrations open until Monday December 8th. Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz. for a registration form today!

2015 & 2016 Dates for Your Diary

Thank you, we received a number of expression of interests from South Island schools supporting a proposed AMI Assistant Certificate Course in 2015. The dates set aside for this are the primary school holidays – Monday 28th September – Friday 9th October. The final details will be sent out early next year.

AMI 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course – April/May 2016

MMEF have been liaising with Julia Hilson regarding a 0-3 AMI Assistant Certificate Course for 2016. We’ve ‘pencilled’ in the following dates April 18th – 29th, 2016 (minus Anzac Day). Confirmation and further details will be sent out next year.

Finally, as the end of year approaches, here’s a natty gift for either that person who  really has everything or the student who has a busy year ahead of them… http://www.ostrichpillow.com/

Ka kite ano, MMEF

Fret Ye Not but Don’t Delay!

Extending Application Due Date for AMI 3-6 Diploma

Over the past few days, MMEF trustees Tia Wooller and Carol Potts have had the great fortune to mingle and meet with students, school owners, board members and experienced Montessorians.

In the midst of our communications we're hearing that folk are still in process of sending in their applications for the AMI 3-6 Course starting in January. Our message to you is “don’t fret but don’t delay!”

We're extending application submissions until Monday November 10th in support of you gathering the enclosures that form part of your application.

Interviews can then be arranged for Friday 13th & Saturday 14th November.

Download your application at mmef.org.nz or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. today!

And Finally,

For those of us working or indeed living with young children, how can we aid children to develop concentration? How often do we intervene when our really our ‘help’ is not needed? Do we realise how vital concentration is as a foundation for life?

Here’s a quote to keep in mind as you watch this delightful wee video.  It is one of a short series of vignettes from Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School in Hartford.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9PBJOlm0rw

"The first essential for the child's development is concentration. It lays the whole basis for his character and social behaviour. He must find out how to concentrate, and for this he needs things to concentrate upon. This shows the importance of his surroundings, for no one acting on the child from outside can cause him to concentrate”                                        The Absorbent Mind

Ka kite ano,

MMEF