Don’t delay – act today!

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation
We did request applications by October 1st, though there are still spaces!

We are however, fast running out of time though to process applications for the January 3-6 A.M.I. course. If a career in Montessori education is one you are seriously considering – please don't delay contact MMEF on mmef@ihug.co.nz before Wednesday October 26th! 

 Reminder - Theory-Only Module January 2012
We will be offering the opportunity to study the basic Montessori theory (psycho-pedagogy) components of the AMI 3-6 course in January. This theory component will commence on Tuesday January 3rd with the anticipated duration being 3 weeks of full time study. (Further details will be available in November). In the meantime, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with enquiries or expressions of interest.

Simon’s Cat in “Double Trouble”
And finally, this new Simon's Cat video was so laugh-out-loud funny, probably his best one since the first, I couldn’t resist leaving you with it. It's so lovely to see Simon's Cat get bested by... Simon's Kitten! [Hat tip Noodle Food]

Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with your comments, thoughts and suggestions.
Ka Kite,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

MMEF NEWS: “Send in those enrolments soon!”

 

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation, from MMEF HQ this month…..

Montessori Orientation: “Follow the Child!”

On a delightful long weekend in Matakana recently, 20 receptive participants at our Montessori Orientation Weekend – “Follow the Child” revelled in 3 days focusing on the wonder and limitless potential of young children!

One participant said how “wonderfully indulgent” the workshop had been—

“to discover Montessori’s philosophy through passionate speaker Cheryl Ferreira, and to be able to devote three days to purely focus on the child, a distant cry from the completion of endless paperwork and countless meetings!” 

I hasten to add that this attendee was just introduced to Montessori over the weekend and therefore not yet attached to a Montessori school, though she’s certainly considering her future options now…

Here’s the glorious mix of teachers, assistants, school owners, parents and grandparents who travelled from as far afield as Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland to join us at Totara Hill Montessori School, Matakana.

Keep your eyes peeled here for the announcement of our next MMEF event.

Sponsorship for 3-6 AMI Training Course

MMEF has received several inquiries from potential A.M.I. students seeking sponsorship for the next 3-6 course--some are from teachers currently working in ECE settings and with teacher registration who are seeking a different approach to the education of the young.

This is an ideal opportunity for schools to acquire that rare resource: a fully-registered and N.Z-qualified A.M.I. staff member!

Please contact us at mmef@ihug.co.nz if your school is looking to sponsor an A.M.I. student. (Just let us know if you have any particular criteria important to you, e.g. you would prefer a B.Ed (ECE) and Teacher Registration or in process of the latter etc. ). The two factors MMEF always emphasise are, first, that it will be a requirement to live within travelling proximity to the sponsoring school, i.e. moving to the school’s location to commence employment and, second, that terms of sponsorship are negotiated between the school and the employee.

Applications to be received by October 1st!

  We know from the many inquiries we’ve been receiving that there are a number of course applications ‘in process’ – can we ask you to complete your application enclosures and send them to us ASAP! 

Due to the timing of this next course, (i.e. starting in January, 2012,when much of New Zealand is *closed* for the holiday season) our final planning will be underway very soon—so please help us by sending in your applications as soon as possible.  Thank you.

Theory-Only Module January 2012

In response to our last newsletter, many of you inquired about the possibility of studying for the theory and psycho-pedagogy components of the course in January.

To give you a little background information, MMEF offered school owners and administrators the opportunity to enrol for the theory-only module of the last course, thus offering the opportunity to those in administrative roles (including school owners) to gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinning of Montessori’s approach to child development. By all accounts these have been extremely popular in other parts of the world!

We will be offering this again next year, with the theory component commencing Tuesday January 3rd and the anticipated duration being 3-4 weeks of full time study. (Exact dates, times and cost will be finalised and sent to you all shortly.) In the meantime, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with any further enquiries or expressions of interest.

Date for your Diary

Here’s an upcoming event to add to your diary:

• MMEF Information Evening – Monday August 22nd, Ponsonby Montessori
  Kindergarten, 244 Richmond Road, Ponsonby – 7.00 - 8.30p.m
  Come along, bring a friend and find out all about the next AMI 3-6 Course!

That’s all for now. Stay warm, reflect on this thoughtful Zen Proverb ….

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking”

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

AMI 3-6 Interviews NOW being Scheduled – You Know You Want To!

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

We’ve been receiving many inquiries about the next course –great - do keep those inquiries coming! As a general response we’re inviting each of you who are even contemplating applying to send in your applications as soon as possible!

Why? 

Because Director of Training – Cheryl Ferreira is coming to town!

Cheryl will be in Auckland until 23rd July, offering the perfect opportunity for interviews to be scheduled. Email mmef@ihug.co.nz or call Carol 021 0260 1802 today and let’s arrange a time!

Expressions of interest for the Theory ONLY lectures in January

At the beginning of the last AMI 3-6 Course, MMEF invited school owners and administrators the opportunity to join us for the first module only, to hear the theory lectures that joyfully unfold the intricacies of child development according to Maria Montessori.

With the next course commencing in January we are seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to study the theoretical underpinning of the Montessori Philosophy and discover – why we do the things we do?

• Sensitive Periods
• The Absorbent Mind
• Human Tendencies
• The Four Planes of Development

These are just some of the topics we explore. Intrigued to know more? Then email mef@ihug.co.nz with your expression of interest.

Questionnaire – can you assist us?

As many of you may well know, the Maria Montessori Education Foundation (that’s us, folks) has gone to considerable lengths establishing a New Zealand AMI Montessori training centre – offering an AMI qualification here at home that is internationally recognised. Our aim, as articulated by many of you, is to continue delivering high quality and a greater choice of Montessori-trained teachers here in New Zealand.

We love receiving your feedback and your questions. So here are the answers to the most frequently received questions from you, followed by some of our own for you:-

Q: Is the MMEF AMI course only offered in Auckland?
A: To date, numbers in Auckland and availability of rental space there means Auckland remains our location of choice currently.

Q: Can I get a government loan for the MMEF AMI course?
A: Due to funding caps, we are presently unable to access the government student loans facility for our students. However, both ASB and The National Bank are amenable to offering Tertiary Loans to our students.

Q: Why do course fees seem so high?
A: The course fees are comparable to those in Asia, Europe and Australia. While we have done everything possible to reduce costs for you, the fees are determined by the cost of the experienced trainer(s) and examiners, and the rental of premises to meet all NZQA requirements and to furnish and equip a complete training environment and practice classroom. This is the cost of quality.

Now, could you please take a moment to answer the following six questions to assist us with our future planning (and to fulfill our ongoing NZQA compliance!): Click the link on questions to respond.

Thank you for assisting us to assist you!

Ka Kite,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

Workshops, ‘Babies’ and more. But first …

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation, we’ve got another event-packed newsletter for you this month…..

“The child will show us the way…”

At Birkenhead Point Montessori School last weekend, we enjoyed our very first MMEF/AMI Alumni gathering! 

Thirteen enthusiastic Montessorians gave up their normally leisurely Sunday morning to discuss the unique characteristics of the The Absorbent Mind no less! Summing up the morning, Cathy Woodhouse, our MMEF Alumni Co-ordinator, said:

“It was great to merge the energy and enthusiasm of newly qualified students with the passion and wisdom of experienced Montessorians. To see so many minds engaged, enthusiastically discussing the child’s acquisition of movement, language and culture during their first six years was so beneficial for us all.”

Carol Potts opened the discussion with a reminder to refresh ourselves with the Montessori principles as a guide to our actions.  And then Molly O’Shaughnessy was quoted to set the tone for the prevailing gatherings….Molly, who at the recent refresher entitled Theory to Practice spoke of two Montessori principles –

“a passion for truth  where Montessori believed that one of the greatest truths or principles she discovered was that ‘we’ are not in charge – nature is – and all of our work with children must follow from this basic principle.
“The second principle she discovered was that it is the child that will show us the way; if we do not follow the child we do not encounter the truth”.

A lofty beginning indeed, followed up by a brief overview of the much under-utilised Geometric Cabinet.

A stimulating morning indeed—and the first of many more to come.

If you hold an AMI diploma and would like to join us for the next meeting, contact Cathy Woodhouse on mmef.alumni@gmail.com.

* * July Workshop Reminder:

‘Montessori Orientation – Follow the Child’

• Wellington – Wednesday 20th July – Friday 22nd July
• Auckland – Saturday 16th July – Monday 18th July

Enjoy an end-of-term break in the glorious wine region of Matakana! Or check out New Zealand’s largest Montessori school! All while exploring Montessori’s key principles.  That’s what these two workshops, which you can attend in either Auckland or Wellington, give you the chance to do.

(And the start time of the Auckland 3-day workshop allows you to visit the famous Matakana Farmer’s Market en route.)

The workshops are open to classroom assistants, ECE teachers, parents, school administrators and owners. They’re an ideal workshop for:

* those working as an assistant in a Montessori environment

* anyone considering Montessori teacher training in the future

* parents to deepen their understanding of Montessori in the home

During the first six years of life, each child creates their individual personality. They acquire language, co-ordinate their movements and take in the cultural traits of those around them.
The experiences of the child from birth to six will shape the unique adult he/she will become. What guidance can be gleaned from Montessori to support the child’s natural development? Is the physical environment key? What is the adult’s role? How do we elicit each child’s inner potential?

These ideas and more will be the springboard for a lively 3 day workshop with our Director of Training - Cheryl Ferreira.

* * Babies

And as a little light entertainment - this brilliant movie currently doing the rounds is a must see!!

The masterful filming follows four babies from Namibia, Japan, San Francisco & Mongolia. Without narration, the camera begins rolling as the babies take their first breath and concludes as each one begins to walk…. As the film finished at my nearby cinema, a communal sigh could be heard!

It is priceless!

And finally….

It’s time to start thinking about the 2012 3-6 diploma course, starting in January!

Visit the MMEF website www.mmef.org.nz for the next AMI 3-6 diploma course dates and download your application form today—or send the link to someone who might benefit.

MMEF is accepting enrolments now with interviews being arranged for July! And, of course, please approach us if you have any questions about having your school sponsor a student who might become the next (or the first!) AMI director/directress in your environment.

Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with your comments, thoughts and suggestions.

Ka Kite,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

March Musings…Next Course Dates Announced

Dare we mention the start of the year when it’s already nearing the end of March…though before telling you all our news let us first recap one or two momentous event from January….

Graduation!

ON JANUARY 19TH, the ecstatic students of the first New Zealand AMI 3-6 Course graduated! As the students received their diplomas from Director of Training Cheryl Ferreira, it was standing room only as family, friends and distinguished guests, including AMI examiners Amy Kirkham and Pamela Nunn, shared the celebrations.

AMI External examiner, Hilla Patell spoke reverently of the importance of the work that the students were about to embark on. Student Teresa Durrant delivered an emotional thank you speech on behalf of the students with particular gratitude to Cheryl for her support, encouragement and inspiration throughout the course.

Frivolity ensued as one of the students presented all graduates, Cheryl and Carol with a T-shirt with what became Cheryl’s catch-phrase during the course printed on it….

Think About It!  

NZQA gives MMEF glowing External Evaluation Result

OUR FIRST CLASS OF  graduates wasn’t the only excitement in January. MMEF also received positive results following the NZQA External Evaluation Review at the beginning of the year. The NZQA reviewers were impressed by the camaraderie of the students and their approach to their studies - rather than seeking external support, NZQA said, the students searched within themselves and tackled their tasks!

A couple of snippets from the report,

“Many of the students compared the AMI training experience to their early childhood
education degree programme and, although the Montessori training was in-depth and
challenging, they said it was very rewarding and gave them a greater knowledge and
understanding of children’s potential and the respect required to nurture positive
development”

and

“The AMI director of training who is currently delivering the programme is an inspirational teacher and actively attracts and engages the students in learning. The director has a wealth of experience and knowledge in Montessori education, has a sound reputation in the sector, and is highly respected worldwide”.

The overall result was Highly Confident in Educational Performance and Confident for Self -Assessment. We are delighted!

AMI 3-6 Course Dates 2012 - 2013

Module 1 - Tuesday 3rd January – Saturday 11th February 2012   (6 weeks)

Module 2 - Tuesday 10th April – Friday 4th May (4weeks)

Module 3 - Monday 18th June – Friday 13th July (4weeks)

Module 4 - Monday 17th September – Friday 12th October (4weeks)

Module 5 - Monday 7th January – Saturday 16th February 2013 (6 weeks inc. written and oral exams)

Note: Occasional Saturdays may be required during Modules 2 & 5 to make up for the statutory holidays.

Applications now being received, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz for the Course Application Pack.

WORKSHOP: ‘Montessori Orientation – Follow the Child’

WE ARE ALSO DELIGHTED to announce two forthcoming workshops in Auckland and Wellington presenting some of the key principles of the Montessori philosophy.

Auckland – Saturday 16th July – Monday 18th July

Wellington – Wednesday 20th July – Friday 22nd July

During the first six years of life, each child creates their individual personality. They acquire language, co-ordinate their movements and take in the cultural traits of those around them. The experiences of the child from birth to six will shape the unique adult he/she will become. What guidance can be gleaned from Montessori to support the child’s natural development? Is the physical environment key? What is the adult’s role? How do we elicit each child’s inner potential?

These ideas and more will be the springboard for a lively 3 day workshop with our Director of Training - Cheryl Ferreira.

The workshop is open to parents, ECE teachers, school administrators, school owners. This workshop is ideal for anyone considering Montessori teacher training in the future including those working as an assistant in a Montessori environment and for parents seeking to have a deeper understanding of Montessori to integrate valued learning between school and home.

Workshop registration forms will be emailed to you all soon!

Meet-up with Ginni Sackett at MANZ Conference in Rotorua – Sunday 17th April.

For anyone interested to hear more about AMI 3-6 training, come and join us on Sunday lunchtime at the MANZ Conference. The exact space is yet to be decided though come and see us on the MMEF stand and we’ll tell you where and when for this informal gathering!

That’s all for now,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley & Lynne

MMEF Trustees

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

Module 1 completed!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters
With the first module completed we are looking ahead to welcoming MMEF students back for Module 2 in September!

A.M.I. Diploma holders you can join us too!
Would you like to refresh yourselves with either the Practical life, Language,
Mathematics, Sensorial or Language extension materials?
If you hold an A.M.I. 3-6 Diploma, come and join us for a day's refresher.
For just $50 you can join our students from 8.30 - 4.30. We're just a stone's throw
from Mt. Eden train station and a short walk to cafe and eateries.
Email mmef@ihug.co.nz and tell us which materials you'd like to refresh yourselves with and we'll tell you which day you can book in for. And do remember that part of the modules fall within the term breaks. See you soon!

MMEF looks ahead to next course for 2011
Plans are already underway for the next course to commence in 2011, and we would love to hear from you!
Please take a moment to answer these 4 questions and email the answers to mmef@ihug.co.nz:

1. If the next training course is in Wellington, I will seriously consider enrolling in the next modular format3-6 course Yes / No

2. If the training course is in Auckland, I will seriously consider enrolling in the next modular format3-6 course Yes / No

3. If the training course is in Dunedin, I will seriously consider enrolling in the next modular format3-6 course Yes / No

4. If the training course is in Christchurch, I will seriously consider enrolling in the next modular format 3-6 course Yes / No

MMEF is now considering locations for the next 3-6 training course. Give us your feedback to be considered when deciding on the location for the next course.
Visit www.mmef.org.nz to see the module dates for the current course, which permits you to work and study.
Consider your future Montessori training options now and email mmef@ihug.co.nz with your answers!

MMEF is delighted to offer the following in October

Speaker: Cheryl Ferreira A.M.I. 3-6 Director of Training

Saturday October 10th @ 9.00 - 4.00p.m

WORKSHOP: 'Planning Your Day in the Montessori Environment'

to include

The Prepared Environment
The Three Hour Work Cycle
Adult Roles in The Children's House

Flow Between Indoors and Outdoors

PUBLIC ADDRESS Saturday October 10th @ 7.00 - 9.00p.m

'The Child - A Social Being'
'The first step, is then to help the child develop all his functions as a
free individual and to foster that development of personality that actuates
social organisation'

Venue for both - Historic Village on 17th, Seventeenth Avenue, Tauranga

***************

Saturday October 17th @ 9.00a.m - 4.00p.m
WORKSHOP: 'Exploring Language - Towards Total Reading'

In the Children's House we are always working 'towards total reading'. We pursue this path mastering not only the mechanics of word reading (phonetic reading, phonograms, and puzzle words) but also exploring the function of different types of words.

PUBLIC ADDRESS Saturday October 17th @ 7.00 - 9.00p.m

Children Create and Develop Language from Birth Onwards'

'Join us to discuss the factors that impact on the development of spoken language from 0-6 and how this impacts on writing and reading'

Venue for both - Wa Ora Montessori School, 278 Waddington Road, Naenae, Lower Hutt, Wellington
* * * * *

Email mmef@ihug.co.nz for a registration form or more information about any of the above events.

To view the on-line MMEF newsletter visit www.mmefnz.blogspot.com, or email mmef@ihug.co.nz to subscribe.

Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES

Nine weeks to go: Aprons, Dusters & Classified Cards

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation,
With just 9 weeks to go before the inaugural AMI 3-6 course commences, here at MMEF HQ we are busily putting the final touches to the material ensemble: making aprons, polishing cloths, and classified cards, not to mention scouting out the perfect trays, baskets and jugs - these are exciting days indeed!

Late Enrolments - Don't Miss Out!
As enrolment enquiries continue to arrive daily, we would urge anyone still considering applying for this year's course to send in their applications ASAP. There are just a few spaces available for late enrolments. Don't miss out!

Accommodation for our Trainer - Can you Assist?
We are now seeking accommodation for our Director of Training. Schools in the area will have already received a flier to display on your staff & parent notice boards about this. If you or anyone you know -- maybe a parent or a friend -- lives within walking distance to Mt. Eden village who may consider renting a room in their home for approximately six weeks at time during the course modules, we would love to hear from you! Email mmef@ihug.co.nz if you can help.
(And also let us know if you may be able to accommodate one of our overseas students)

Study the theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Course . . .
MMEF recently invited Montessori school owners, administrators and trustees to study the theory–only component of the AMI 3-6 Course as an underpinning to their centre’s philosophy, policies and practice. This is essentially the first 4 week module between June 29th and 24th July plus the occasional day throughout the course.
If you know of anyone within your school that this may be particularly relevant for, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more details.

Calling all AMI Diploma holders
Would you like to refresh yourselves with either the Practical life, Language, Mathematics, Sensorial or Language extension materials? MMEF cordially invites all AMI Diploma holders to join the course for a day during any of the modules. The cost
is just $115 per day inc. GST. And do remember that part of the modules fall within
the term breaks.

And finally...to download an application pack go to www.mmef.org.nz. To view the on-line MMEF newsletter visit www.mmefnz.blogspot.com, or email mmef@ihug.co.nz to subscribe.

Best wishes to you all, and onwards to June!

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

Here's some food for the soul: