New AMI Certificate & Diploma Courses for 2019–2020

Kia Ora Koutou Friends & MMEF Supporters

With just a few weeks remaining of a wonderfully productive year for MMEF, we’re delighted to end the year by announcing news of several AMI courses to start in 2019 & 2020!
Starting with ...
AMI 3-6 Certificate Course September, 2019
After much consultation with centres and teachers, and following a successful 0-3 Certificate Course that was held mid-term in September, we’re trialing something new!
With increasingly fewer centres closing for the Primary school holidays, to make it easier for both teachers and working parents, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering the next AMI Certificate Courses also mid-term – September 9th – 14th & 17th - 19th, 2019  (9 days)
Let us know what you think!
Download the course information form at goo.gl/P2BYNF and book online at goo.gl/VuiLbS

AMI 0-3 students with AMI Trainer Julia Hilson & 0-3 Course Assistant Carli Hausler

AMI 6 – 12 Diploma Academic Year Format starting March 2019, Sydney

And very exciting news for primary teachers; the AMI 6-12 Diploma will be offered as a full-time course commencing March 2019, led by AMI Trainer Rebecca Dallam. (A prerequisite to the course is completion of the AMI Foundation Course, which is a 5-week full-time preparatory course run prior to the start of the 6-12 course.) This course will be run in February 2019, directed by AMI Trainers Carol Potts & Ruby Lau. For more information visit www.montessoritrainingcentre.com.au

****And Announcing: The next AMI 3-6
Diploma, April 2020- October 2021 ****
The real foundation and your bedrock introduction to the Montessori world is the AMI 3 to 6 diploma course – for which we are now taking enrolments for the 2020 intake!
Immerse yourself in the world of Montessori, and experience the transformative process that can happen with an AMI 3-6 Diploma.
With research increasingly demonstrating that online study is incomparable to face-to-face learning, in which you can enjoy the camaraderie of fellow students to engage, motivate and inspire, in the only face-to-face Montessori diploma delivered in Aotearoa, New Zealand.  
The next AMI 3-6 Diploma (modular format) will commence in
April 2020 and run to October 2021, extending over seven
3-4 week modules, plus 10 weeks of observation & Teaching
Practice.
This format allows you to work and study, at New Zealand’s only accredited AMI Montessori training centre!
The course brochure will be available in the New Year – email mmefnz@outlook.com for course dates.

Why Not Gift Yourself or a Colleague an AMI
Membership for 2019?

Looking for the ideal Christmas present? Then why not give yourself, or a colleague, the gift of AMI membership!
The benefits are endless:

• Support the Association Montessori Internationale, a global organisation, committed to preserving the legacy of Dr Maria Montessori and advocating for the rights of children worldwide.
• AMI membership is open to everyone, not only AMI Diploma or Certificate holders.
• As an AMI member, you are part of a growing Montessori movement, communicating and collaborating for the benefit of all children.
• You will receive digital newsletters and bulletins with news updates and events happening in the global Montessori community. (The latest AMI Journal is simply BURSTING with insightful articles, on everything from '”The Toddler and the Teenager” to ”Montessori’s Positive Psychology in an Expanding Universe.”

Email mmef.alumni@gmail.com to become a member before 31st December.

And finally…

Meri Kirihimete. Nga manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa.



Wishing you all a joyful holiday and a peaceful and prosperous 2019

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

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters

Study the Montessori theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Diploma

MMEF are thrilled to offer 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 starting on July 2nd!

The dates will be Monday July 2nd – Tuesday 17th July plus a few optional  theory lectures during the remaining 2018 & 2019 modules.

Not only will this expand your understanding of Montessori’s approach to child development, enrolling in this theory component will:

• Enable participants to better support staff to create the optimum learning environments for young children.
• Offer guidance and further support to parents and whanau regarding children’s phenomenal potential from birth to six and beyond.
• Guide policies, internal evaluation and assessment according to Montessori theoretical principles.

Click on http://goo.gl/8mcpzN to download the course brochure and registration form here. Enrol before June 11th!

Dates: Monday 2nd July – Tuesday 17th July plus a few optional days during 2018 & 2019.

Venue: Lotus Sanctuary, Kawai Purapura Retreat, 14 Mills Lane, Albany.

Introducing our 3-6 Course Administrator

We are delighted to welcome Jane Watson as Course Administrator/Assistant for the 3-6 Diploma Course starting in July. 

Jane holds an AMI 6-12 Diploma and joins us with a wealth of experience in the field of education.

Piki mai, kaki mai Jane, welcome on board! 

Noho ora mai - MMEF

AMI 3-6 Diploma–Still Thinking About Studying This Year?

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Study!

A browse of the NZ Education Gazette will confirm the dearth of Montessori teachers in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Now you have the chance to study for the internationally recognised AMI 3-6 Diploma without leaving the country. Gain a wealth of experience and then travel the world!

“How much fuller and richer life would be if we saw this child in all his beauty, instead of focusing on all the little mistakes? …with this change in our hearts we will want to study [the child] in all his different phases, to study all his miracles…we must give this development, this miraculous force, the help it needs. It needs the warmth of the heart and it needs understanding. Let us call this help Education”. Montessori, Maria.

Go to mmef.org.nz/courses for full course information or email mmefnz@outlook.com today.  Interviewing now!

Cross-Credits Gained Towards a B.Tchg. ECE with

Te Rito Maioha

We’ve mentioned previously that students completing the new AMI 3-6 Diploma Level 7 will be automatically cross-credited 1/2 year of study towards the B.Tchg. ECE.  For anyone - without a generic ECE Diploma or Degree – who may be considering this, you don’t need to wait to complete the AMI Diploma first. 

Recent discussions between MMEF and Te Rito Maioha highlighted that students who are not working can study the remaining 1st year papers on-line from July 2018. Once the AMI Diploma is complete, so too is the 1st year of your degree. For more details contact mmefnz@outlook.com or studentservices@ecnz.ac.nz 

AMI Birth-3 Certificate Course – Auckland

We are delighted to welcome back to New Zealand AMI 0-3 Trainer Julia Hilson in September to deliver the next AMI Birth -3 Assistants Certificate Course.  Places will fill fast, we encourage you to book soon!

This Course is an ideal foundation for anyone interested in Montessori’s respectful approach to the young child from birth to 3.  Equally suited to parents, grandparents, educators, school administrators and anyone involved with or passionate about the care and education of young children.

This 9-day course plus 9 hours of observation will explore Montessori principles while emphasising the importance of free movement and language development for infants and toddlers. Practical elements include; the art of observation, how to support independence and establishing a framework for toilet learning and much more…

The course will be held at Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre, Albany from Monday 3rd - 7th & Tuesday 11th - 14th September 2018. Observation hours to be completed 8th-10th September. There’s accommodation on site too - http://kawaipurapura.co.nz/rooms/

To download the course brochure click on goo.gl/u9LvKW. To register on-line  click on the link http://goo.gl/WbRzxW. Early bird discount applies until July 13th.

‘The Adult’s Role in Developing Communication and Language in the Bambini Community’ - 0-3 Workshop

After the success of last year’s MMEF & MANZ 0-3 Workshop – we’re thrilled to be partnering with MANZ again to offer another 0-3 P.D. opportunity on October 27th & 28th this year. Save the date!

Sarah Breckenridge 0-3 Director at Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS), will be offering a weekend brimming with information and delight as we marvel at the wonders of the child under three and the vast amount they learn in just 3 years! Explore how we adults can support and pave the way for rather than interfere with young children’s precious learning.

Venue: Glendowie Primary School, 217 Riddell Road, Glendowie.

Time:  9-4 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Reflections of a 3-6 Certificate Course Student, May 2018

“I recently had the pleasure of attending the AMI 3-6 Assistants Certificate Course run by MMEF. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the life and discoveries of Maria Montessori and to put some of those ideas into practice!

The course was full to the brim with all kinds of learning activities and opportunities to listen, observe, read, discuss and try out new concepts.

We had a wonderful time exploring a very well laid out Montessori environment, teaching each other action songs, making three part cards and learning how to use them, and practising teaching Grace and Courtesy to each other!

Our trainer worked diligently to ensure that we had understood the implications of the absorbent mind in children between 0 and 6 and the role of the adult in supporting these children in their learning and in their discovery of the world around them. We learnt about how crucial it is for children’s attempts at independence to be honoured and valued and the importance of facilitating their learning through the use of specifically designed materials and child sized equipment. We learnt that adults working with children must act at all times with love and kindness knowing that “within the child lies the fate of the future.” Maria Montessori

We all spent long nights staying up late writing essays about what we had learned … and a lot of time running around following small children as we attempted to take note of their every word and action during our observations. Truly every moment of the course was fascinating and inspiring thanks to Carol Potts who spoke with passion as she shared her knowledge, her experience, kindness and enthusiasm!”

Hayley Motiño – Nelson Bays Montessori

Our latest cohort of 18 graduates from the April 3-6 Certificate course – prior to and during the closing poroporoaki. Kia kaha Tauira!

Nau mai & welcome to the AMI family.

Noho ora mai - MMEF

Announcing Dates: 9-day 0-3 AMI Certificate Course, Sept.

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters

Starting with sad news… MMEF regrets to announce that the 0-3 Diploma Course due to start in May this year, has been cancelled due to insufficient enrolments.

We are extremely disappointed given the interest that was conveyed amidst the preparation of making the AMI 0-3 training a possibility in New Zealand. We’ve really appreciated the encouraging communications we’ve had with centres and potential students though in the process.


On a positive note however…
In response to centres and potential student feedback and the boundless enthusiasm of AMI 0-3 Trainer Julia Hilson, we are delighted to be able to offer another AMI 0-3 Certificate Course over 9-days in September this year. The dates are 3rd – 7th & 11th- 14th September (9days) thus allowing for the observation component to be completed 8th – 10th.
The venue will be Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre, Albany, Auckland.

The course brochure goo.gl/u9LvKW and on-line registration form https://goo.gl/WbRzxW is now available.

N.B. With increasing pediatric research stating the vital importance of development within the first 2 years of life now, if your centre enrolls children aged anywhere from birth to three – this course is a must for you!










How do I find out more about AMI Training Courses in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
Visit https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ for the AMI 3-6 Certificate; Diploma Course brochure, application form and further details.

Noho ora mai - MMEF

Early Bird Discount for AMI 3-6 Certificate Course ends March 9th - Don’t Miss Out!

AMI 3-6 Certificate Course, April 17th – 28th (9 days) Auckland

The early-bird deadline for the AMI 3-6 Certificate Course is fast approaching. Register and pay before Friday, March 9th and qualify for the early-bird discount – don’t miss out!
Who is the Course for?

• parents & whanau of children aged 2.5 – 6 years
• E.C.E. teachers working in a 3-6 Montessori environment who would like to gain an AMI Certificate
• administrators, trustees  & ECE professionals with a profound interest in the 2.5 – 6  age child
• anyone considering studying for the AMI 3-6 Diploma.

Who By? AMI 3-6 Trainer – Carol Potts
When? Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st April, 24th & 26th – 28th April (9 days). This allows for time in between to complete the 9 hours of observation.

Where? Yarnton House, Royal Oak & Glendowie Montessori Pre-school.

How to Enrol? To download the course brochure – click on https://goo.gl/iyc5d5. To register on-line click on the link goo.gl/umuejm
       
A Worthwhile View
It’s around 8 minutes in length and well worth listening to:
Dr Angeline Lillard, Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia and author of ‘The Science Behind the Genius.’

“Dr. Lillard makes an important distinction between what authentic Montessori is and often what parents, educators and the public view as Montessori. Her research continues to support important outcomes in authentic Montessori”.

https://www.facebook.com/childdevelopmentlabs/videos/1540497069319741/

How do I find out more about AMI Training Courses in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
Visit https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ for the AMI 3-6 Certificate & Diploma Course brochures, application form and further details.


Noho ora mai - MMEF

AMI 3-6 Certificate Course, April–Don’t Miss Out!

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Friends
This first newsletter of the year comes to you with wishes for a wonderfully productive and fulfilling 2018! Hopefully, you’ve all had some time to recharge and refresh in preparation for what looks to be a purposefully engaging year.

3-6 Certificate Course, Auckland – April

If you haven’t already – do send in your applications for the AMI 3-6 Certificate Course from April 17th – 28th - 9-day course. 
Due to high demand, we had to close applications for the last Certificate course, don’t miss out this time.
Follow the links for AMI 3-6 Certificate Course brochure at https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ and register online.


AMI 0-3 Diploma Deadline

In a previous newsletter, MMEF asked that applications for the 0-3 AMI Diploma Course be submitted before the end of 2017. Thank you to those of you who made it!
At your request, we have extended the deadline to Friday 23rd February latest. 
At this time MMEF will decide if there is sufficient interest for the 0-3 Assistants to Infancy Training to proceed.

The venue is booked, a highly sought after AMI 0-3 trainer secured, all that’s left to do is for you to submit your fully completed applications NOW!

Here’s what previous 0-3 students have said of the course,

“Thinking about studying for the 0-3 course could be a daunting experience, especially when you may need to be away from your friends and family for periods of time. Yet I made the decision and let me tell you, this course has completely changed my life! “ 

“There is almost nothing similar in a 0-3 environment when comparing it to a 3-6 environment. Every piece of material is used in a totally different way with the children in the first half of this plane of development. Nothing in my 3-6 training helped prepare me… I can say, hand on heart, there is no possible way I could run a successful 0-3 class with my 3-6 training such is the difference. What I did get from the training was a deep and profound understanding of a totally different child”

AMI Course Information Evening- Wednesday 21st February at 7- 8.30p.m.

• Would you like to know more about the Montessori approach to child development?
• Are you considering enrolling for one of the AMI Courses commencing this year?
• Why is current neuroscience endorsing an approach to education that began over 110 years ago?

If you have an interest in child development and considering a career applying Montessori principles - join MMEF for this informal evening.

Venue address: Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre,14 Mills Lane, Albany, Auckland. Park in the public carpark on Mills Lane and follow the tree-lined path up the hill. RSVP by Friday 16th Feb. to mmefnz@outlook.com.


AMI 3-6 Diploma starting July 2nd, 2018        
Interviews underway – apply today!

Dates: 2018 Module 1 - July 2^nd to 27^th – (4 wks.)
Module 2- September 24^th to 12^th October – (3 wks.)
2019 Module 3 - January 7^th to 25^th (3wks)
Module 4 - April 8^th to May 3^rd (4 wks.)
Module 5 - July 1^st – 19^th (3wks)
Module 6 - September 30^th to October 18^th (3 wks.)
2020 Module 7 - January 6^th – 31^st (4 wks.)
Plus 3 weeks of Observations & 7 weeks of Teaching Practice.



Venue: Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre, Albany, Auckland – accommodation available on site.
Director of Training: Carol Potts – AMI 3-6 Trainer.

Go to: https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ 
for course brochure, application form and further details.



Noho ora mai - MMEF