AMI 3-6 Diploma - October 1st Deadline for Applications

 

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters 

Spring. New buds. New beginnings.

Time to think about your new beginning in a Montessori environment!

We've thoroughly enjoyed meeting new faces during our regular MMEF Information Evenings; please pass on the information about our next one to anyone considering studying for a Montessori qualification soon. Join us on Tuesday, September 13th at 7.00p.m. via Zoom and use Meeting ID 828 5933 2499 & Passcode 770312. We look forward to meeting you!

Interviewing is now underway for the forthcoming AMI 3-6 Diploma commencing in January 2023. For those of you still considering applying, please submit your applications ASAP. Applications take time to process, don't delay! All applications plus the required enclosures must be received by no later than October 1st. 

Montessori Students Seeking Accommodation 

MMEF has received a few requests from potential students outside of Auckland who are seeking accommodation close to the AMI training centre in Albany, Auckland during the AMI 3-6 Diploma modules - see here for course dates. 

Dear Aucklanders - do you know of anyone with a spare room who may be willing to assist one of our students? Please email us at  mmefnz@outlook.com with any likely possibilities. 

Montessori Environment Seeking Relieving Staff

If you know of qualified staff seeking Montessori relieving work, MMEF could happily put them in contact with a centre that would dearly love to support a staff member to study next year. Simply email mmefnz@outlook.com for further details.

Here's a delightful example by composer Vivaldi for you all. I hope you enjoy his rendition of new buds, new life, and new beginnings, entitled Spring.

Stay well and ngā manaakitanga,

MMEF 

MMEF News Updates - 3-6, 0-3 & Te Papa!

 

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters 

Congratulations to the Students of the 2020-2022 AMI Diploma!

Another Diploma course concludes - one which will be affectionately referred to as the 'course of all courses' as the students traversed a blend of online and onsite course delivery and very often at a moment's notice.

At the recent whakanui/graduation Director of Training, Carol Potts acknowledged the resilience, commitment, and sheer determination of the students as they studied tirelessly over the past two years - ultimately to champion the cause of tamariki and to apply Montessori principles to a wide range of experiences in the future [plus five students not appearing here].

AMI 3-6 Diploma ~ 2023 - 2024

We are delighted to announce the new module dates for the next AI 3-6 Diploma:

2023 Module 1 - Monday 16th January - Friday 10th February 

Module 2 - Monday 3rd April - Friday 28th April

Module 3 - Monday 26th June - Friday 21st July

Module 4 - Monday 18th September - 13th October 

2024 Module 5 - Monday 8th January - Friday 2nd February

Module 6 - Monday 22nd April - Friday 17th May 

Please visit https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/3-6-diploma-course-overview/ for details and to download the course information.

Why AMI Training?

We often hear this question...

Montessori education supports the development of the whole tamaiti and is an educational approach that is offered in more than 140 countries across the world. The Association Montessori International (AMI) offers diploma courses that are respected worldwide. AMI is the association that Maria Montessori founded to continue her work, and AMI teacher training courses are renowned for their quality, integrity, and authenticity. 

An AMI diploma can lead to a career as a kaiārahi/guide in a Montessori environment in N.Z. or around the world, a Montessori centre administrator or owner, mentor, consultant or trainer. 

AMI 0-3 Diploma Update - Carli Hausler, Trainer in Training

Wonderfully, we have 4 students from Aotearoa studying towards the AMI 0-3 diploma in Brisbane, Australia with Director of Training, Julia Hilson.

In May, we had the opportunity of our first face-to-face two-week module. This time offered our students hands-on experiences with the materials as we looked closely at the aspects of working with tamariki in communities (toddlers and infants). It was both illuminating and validating and ...there's a lot to do before we meet again in September - kia kaha! 

MANZ Conference July 2022 - Come & See Us

We look forward to seeing those of you attending the Montessori Aotearoa Conference in July at Te Papa, Wellington. This year's theme is 'Leaving No One Behind He Waka Eke Noa' - and there is still time to register!  

On the MMEF stand, there will be books for sale, news of AMI courses, and a new piece of material for sale to complement your Culture areas. Come and say kia ora! 

Mā te wā,
MMEF 

 

Haere Rā to a Special Montessorian Jude Collings

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that a dear Montessori colleague and friend Jude Collings passed away peacefully on Saturday 28th November surrounded by her husband Bryce, her two sons Quinn and Mattie and her dad. 

Jude put up a courageous fight when diagnosed with stage 4 cancer soon after completing her AMI 3-6 Diploma in February 2017. Her family, friends, and colleagues, her love of nature, and her work with tamariki gave her the strength to maintain an inspiringly optimistic sense of life.

Jude was a gracious, benevolent, and peaceful soul. She was a joy as a Montessori student, her compassion for others, and her dedication to the Montessori approach was palpable and genuine. 

Jude was greatly loved by her fellow students who frequently commented that she always managed to make them laugh when the deadlines were imminent and the pressure was on.

Jude continued to support MMEF as a Certificate Course assessor. She was also a commanding yet gentle presence as the Kaikaranga when offering the karanga, the call of welcome, for the new and graduating students at the opening and graduation ceremonies of the AMI Diploma Courses.

Many of you will recall Jude when she gave the karanga also to the attendees and guests at the MANZ Conference Pōwhiri in Auckland in 2019. As kuia Mereana Moki Kiwa Hutchen said, “a good kaikaranga has a way about her, a charisma. She’s special and she has heart.”. This sums up Jude – our brave wāhine toa - perfectly.

Jude pursued the role of 3-6 kaiārahi, a guide at Small Steps in Matakana and until very recently at Totara Hill Montessori, Matakana. She thoroughly embraced her Montessori work – it was truly a sad day when she could no longer continue to do this with the friends whom she loved, respected, and valued enormously.

We knew this sad farewell was coming yet now our thoughts, love, and heartfelt condolences are with her family and whānua.

The Montessori community of Aotearoa has indeed lost an ever bright and shining light…haere rā Jude.

 
Carol Potts

Director of Training

Maria Montessori Education Foundation

web www.mmef.org.nz

 

A.M.I. 0-3 & 3-6 Diploma News

Kia Ora Koutou Friends

JUST LIKE YOU ARE, all of us at MMEF are delighted to be moving forward, now into Level 2, and trying to make it work! 

After the challenging few weeks globally and locally, and with many environments welcoming back their tamariki this week, we are all eager to change to our 'new normal' and see how it will creatively and resourcefully unfold.

Because it's also something of a "new different," isn't it. There will be excitement as the children reunite with you, their familiar surroundings, and their friends. There will be some anxiety as separations from family are made once again. The children will have new interests, and for many an increasing need to communicate: to regale stories, and to share experiences of their past few weeks. It's all part of their re-adaptation to the 'new different.' 

We wish you all well as you move back to the environments that we have all missed so much!

SO WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING in the meantime with MMEF....

On-line AMI 3-6 Orientation Course April 2020

Sometimes in surmounting challenges we discover something new. At the beginning of April, just as the lockdown started, we had been all ready to begin delivering the Montessori 3-6 Orientation Course (which used to be known as the Assistant Certificate Course) to a delightful new group of students. 

So what were we to do? Like many of us, and with the full support and encouragement of Association Montessori Internationale, we were able to make use of the tremendous online technology that has kept so many of us together in these trying times. After a very quick learning curve, MMEF were able to offer the very first on-line component of the 3-6 Orientation Course. 

And so, during the Level 4 lockdown, eleven gracious, patient, and flexible students honed their Zoom skills while discovering together Maria Montessori's tremendous insights into children's development. Uncannily, it did give a structure to the day -- as many students commented as we gathered on-line for three weeks of theory, discussions and much singing!  (As you know, it's always hard to keep Carol from singing!)

And having embarked on the journey, it can now be concluded in August with two days of face-to-face delivery. We're all looking forward to it.

AMI 3-6 Diploma Course - Enrolments Re-Opened!

One of the unfortunate casualties of Covid-19, however, has been a deferral to the start of the AMI 3-6 Diploma.  With all the uncertainty and especially the uncertainties around visas and borders and gatherings, there was simply no other alternative -- and once again we thank our extremely flexible and currently-enrolled students, who were notified that due to the delayed processing, by various agencies, and with our international students in mind, that a later course start date is now necessary.

But this may contain a silver lining for some of you -- most especially anyone still seeking to enrol! Whereas, before the Level 4 Alert, enrolments had closed, we will now be interviewing for the new start date.    

We are in discussions with our venue, with the appropriate government departments, with AMI and with all stakeholders. Once restrictions to international travel will be lifted, a new start will be announced.

In the meantime, we can confirm that the first module will be offered on-line. We know that this will be a tremendous boon to all students -- especially the many of you from outside Auckland -- in reducing the cost of travel and accommodation and time away. 

So don't delay. Act today!
Download the course application at MMEF.org.nz/courses/3-6-diploma-course-overview/.
Or email mmefnz@outlook.com.  

AMI 6-12 Orientation Course Starting July 2020 - Now Offered via Blended Delivery

It has now been confirmed that Rebecca Dallam is unable to travel to New Zealand in July to offer the AMI 6-12 Orientation Course (formerly named the 6-12 Assistants Certificate), however we are delighted to offer a creative alternative.

MMEF will now offer a blended format course comprising of two weeks on-line delivery via Zoom (part-time), concluding with one week on-site delivery in September/October in New Zealand. 

Both components have been scheduled within the Primary school holidays. Rebecca Dallam with be the trainer and as before, Waikato Montessori Education Centre will be the on-site venue.

The new dates for your diaries:

On-line Monday 6th –  Friday 10th & Monday 13th – Friday 17th July.

The on-line component hours will be 10.00a.m – 1.15p.m and students will simply need a good internet connection and access to Zoom. 

On-site Monday 28th September – Friday 2nd October 9.00a.m. - 4.00p.m.

Please download the amended Course brochure https://www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ami-orientation-courses-2020/.

AMI Assistants to Infancy 0-3 Diploma - From January 2021! 

We have had many inquiries regarding the planned (and long-awaited) New Zealand 0-3 Montessori Diploma -- the very first to be delivered here!

After much consultation with AMI, and with our wonderfully supportive 0-3 trainer, Julia Hilson, we are delighted to announce that New Zealand’s inaugural AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma now scheduled to begin in January 2021.

This is very exciting news for all of us, and will be a tremendous boost to the earliest years of Montessori here in New Zealand.

While it is still difficult to predict exactly how the rest of the year will progress, we do know that moving forward with planning is imperative to the eventuation of the course beginning in January 2021. 
Here are the course dates: 

2021 Module 1. January 4^th – February 12^th, 2021, 6 weeks

Module 2. May 3^rd – 28^th 2021, 4 weeks.

Module 3. September 6^th – 1^st October, 4 week

 2022 Module 4. January 3rd - 28^th, 2022, 4 weeks

To receive the 0-3 Course Information Pack please email mmefnz@outlook.com.

Kia ora rawa atu,

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

Congratulations to all our students on the 2018-2020 3-6 Diploma Programme

Kia Ora Koutou to all our MMEF supporters

What a great start to the year, with AMI 3-6 Diploma students completing their course, passing their exams, and graduating. And what a celebration it was! 

Honoured guests at the graduation whakanui were AMI External Examiner Pamela Nunn and National Examiner Chitra Achar, alongside MMEF Trustees and staff, esteemed Montessori colleagues, and of course many friends and whanau of the graduating students. 

There were speeches, singing, dancing and (to everyone's delight) a delicious celebratory cake!

                             

Giving special thanks to the myriad of people, whanau and Montessori centres who helped the students to reach this momentous juncture in their career Anna Mclean (MMEF Trustee) and (Carol Potts), Director of Training. Carol sent them on their way with a time-honoured saying: Haere rā e hoa  - mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu - with the feathers of knowledge, the bird[s] will fly.

AMI 3-6 Diploma Applications Open until March - Apply Today! 

When one course finishes, another is always ready to start! 

Interviews are already underway for the next AMI 3-6 Diploma. 

And with the news that the modules on each AMI 3-6 modules course will be reduced from seven to six 4-week modules, announced in our last newsletter, we here at MMEF have been thrilled by the positive responses. The news was particularly well-received by potential students and from centres from outside of Auckland. They were very quick to see the benefits!

Keep those comments (and applications!) coming, we love to hear from you!


For those who of you still considering applying, we say "Don't delay, the deadline is fast approaching!" 
Remember, you must submit your applications to us by 10th March. So if you or someone you know is applying, now is the time to put (virtual) pen to paper!

Don't wait: download the 3-6 Diploma Course information pack here, or email mmefnz@outlook.com today!

More Professional Development Opportunities in 2020-2022

Our popular AMI 10-day Certificate Courses are also being offered this year, for two age groups: 3-6 year-olds, and 6-12 year-olds. (See the MMEF website for your course details). 

The 3-6 Certificate commences in Auckland in March 2020 with our 3-6 trainer Carol Potts.

And the 6-12 Certificate, with trainer Rebecca Dallam, will be underway in July 2020. 

The MANZ/MMEF Adolescent Workshop is also fast approaching in April 2020. For further information and registration details click here. 

And to the most patient of our Montessori community - all 0-3 willing-and-eager would-be AMI students - 'music to your ears' news will be announced very soon!

There's so much on offer...

And finally,

Here's a short video to share with your parent communities about the Montessori uninterrupted work cycle. That priceless element of the day, of ideally no less than three hours, where the development of children's concentration is joyfully and purposefully supported. 

Many of you may have seen this charming vignette; if not however, or like me you love seeing it again, here it is: a creative time-lapse of a 4-year old's work cycle in the 3-6 environment, and all in just over 4 minutes!

Shared with you all here courtesy of the Bergamo Montessori School Blog - which is also a great read.

Enjoy! 

Kia ora rawa atu,

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

MMEF Retains Top Rating

Kia ora Koutou MMEF Supporters 

We are very happy to tell you that MMEF will be closing the year on a high note!

Our recent External Evaluation Review (EER) summed up by two ratings of Highly Confident for Educational Performance and Self- Assessment resulting in the highest NZQA rating possible: Category 1.
So we remain a Category 1 training organisation this time offering a Level 7 Diploma programme on the NZQA framework. 
This means that students can study with MMEF with complete confidence.
We are truly thankful to those of you who played a part in this outcome. We couldn't be happier! 

AMI 3-6 Certificate Course  
23rd March - 3rd April, 2020 -10 days

And to celebrate, we have another training course all ready to go! Enrol now to book your place on the next 3-6 Certificate Course, delivered in March 2020. The early-bird special price will be available until February 21st, 2020 - don't miss out!
The course will be offered over 10 days (60 hours) with 9 hours of observation to be completed after the course. 

Who can enrol? 

-  ECE qualified kaiako working in a Montessori environment. 

-  Those in a supporting role, in a Montessori environment.

-  School owners, administrators and parents.

-  ECE professionals seeking an understanding of the Montessori approach to child development.

- Anyone considering studying for the AMI 3-6 Diploma starting in June 2020. 

You can download the course brochure here.  Online registration is now available here. Alternatively, email mmefnz@outlook.com or visit mmef.org.nz/courses.   

AMI 3-6 Diploma - NEW Course Dates 

June 2020 - October 2021

"Train not to teach" - this caption from the Maria Montessori Institute, London really caught my eye! What a refreshing concept and one that truly encapsulates the principles of the AMI 3-6 Diploma programme. 

"It is necessary to take this treasure and to cultivate it. … But in true education, in real education, not only is there the child who is   educated, but also the adult undergoes transformation".                                                                                                                                  Montessori India, 1939

Part of that transformation comes from the genuine belief that children are born with immense potential. This fundamental understanding impels us to provide optimum environments and experiences to support the physical, intellectual and spiritual development during the first six years of life. 

You could be one of the next transforming cohorts of students!

MMEF is interviewing now for the next AMI 3-6 Diploma programme, now being offered over six 4-week modules plus 10 weeks of Observation and Teaching Practice. 

It was also extremely heartening to receive your positive comments about the consistency of the amended format. Click here to download the course information today!

Enrolments to be received by March 1st, 2020.

Reminder - 6-12 Certificate Course 
 Hamilton - July 2020

A wee reminder to register for the 10-day Assistant-Certificate Course, with 6-12 AMI Trainer Rebecca Dallam, before the 21st February 2020. 

The course will be offered at Waikato Montessori Education Centre, Hamilton from Tuesday 7th - Saturday 18th July 2020. This is directly following the MANZ Conference 2020,  where Rebecca Dallam will be the 6-12 speaker.  This course is ideal for:

• teachers seeking to become supportive assistants in 6-9 and 9-12 Montessori environments.
• Montessori primary trust members.
• parents keen to understand more about the development of 6-12 age children.

Registration Details

Download the 6-12 Course brochure here. Please send the completed registration form plus a 50% payment by February 21st, 2020. You can register online here.
MANZ and MMEF will offer a 10% discount (on both events) for participants attending the 6-12 Certificate and the MANZ Conference. 

Holiday Reading

Membership to AMI is open to everyone. MMEF arranges an annual AMI membership for subscribers from Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you would like to support the work of AMI globally, please email mmef.alumni@gmail.com. Membership runs from January to December.
Here's a wee taster, courtesy of the latest AMI newsletter - a thought-provoking read for the holidays entitled 'Learning from Apps and Objects - The Human Touch'

"The rise of touchscreen technology has transformed children’s media use, making it more flexible and interactive through applications that respond contingently, in comparison to traditional media like television. Consequently, many apps are designed to teach children: more than 80% of the top-selling apps in the Education category of the Apple App Store are aimed at children". 

Read the new article in which Sierra Eisen and Angeline Lillard examine children’s geography learning from a physical puzzle and an app designed to mimic the puzzle.  

And finally, we thank you for your on-going support of our endeavours to champion the cause of all tamariki.
We wish you all a healthy and happy Christmas and a joyous and prosperous 2020.  

"In the child is much knowledge, much wisdom. If we do not profit from it, it is only because of neglect on our part to become humble and to see the wonder of this soul and learn what the child can teach". 
                   Maria Montessori, Reconstruction in Education 
                                                    
The image of a koru is courtesy of Glendowie Montessori Preschool, Auckland 

Meri Kirihimete, ngā manaakitanga ki a kotou katoa. 

MMEF Management Team

Kia Ora Koutou MMEF Supporters

Once again, since our last newsletter, it's been a very productive time here at the Maria Montessori Education Foundation!

NZQA spent two days with us early this month to undertake their four-yearly External Evaluation Review (EER) of our organisation -- this is similar to the ERO visits that centres, have, only for training organisations. At the end, we did feel well and truly EER'd, and now we eagerly await the outcome of their review.

A huge thank you to many of you with whom NZQA made contact with to seek your feedback. We heard back overwhelmingly that MMEF is crucial to Montessori in New Zealand. We really appreciated hearing it from you -- our stakeholders -- through them.

AMI 3-6 Diploma - Commencing March 30th, 2020

One of the essential mandates for establishing MMEF 13 years ago, was to offer AMI Diploma Courses and consequently to prepare adults to support children's development according to authentic Montessori principles -- here, face to face, and in Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

Our next AMI Diploma to guide 3 to 6-year-olds is due to start in March.

From your recent communications, we hear there are many of you considering Montessori training with MMEF. Great news! And the time to get your application in for that forthcoming March Diploma course is NOW!

Download your application pack here complete it, and then email it to us with all required enclosures to mmefnz@outlook.com. Interviews for this next diploma course are already taking place.

To school owners: we appreciate the Montessori kaiako (teacher) shortage and the impact this has on centres all across the country.  But if we look at the political and educational climate, this situation is not going to change for the better quickly! 

To uphold and maintain your centre's unique Montessori pedagogy, consider supporting one of your ECE teachers to study for the AMI 3-6 Diploma (NZQA Level 7) starting next year. The timing of the next course is perfectly suited to you resulting in you having a thoroughly prepared Montessori trained kaiako before the end of 2021! 

Therefore, why not take advantage of the Option 3 payment terms here and spread out your course payments for your next fully-trained Montessori kaiako in line with your funding payments.

A Note to You ALL: 

We do require your applications to be with us by Friday, November 8th.  Please contact us ASAP if this is going to be a hurdle for you or your centre.

Centres who have our graduates already say: "the rigour and quality of AMI Training is incontestable." 

And students who have graduated from the course tell us, “It’s intense, it’s profound and it’s life changing!”

So download the course brochure today at mmef.org.nz/courses/diploma-course-overview/ or email mmefnz@outlook.com.

Ten-Day Course with AMI 6-12 Trainer Rebecca Dallam: July 2020

Are you making the final changes to next year's budgets? 

Does this include your Professional Development spend for 6-12 teachers?

Don't forget to factor in the 10-day Assistant-Certificate Course with  6-12 AMI Trainer Rebecca Dallam from Sydney.

The course will be offered at Waikato Montessori Education Centre from Tuesday 7th - Saturday 18th July 2020. This is directly following the MANZ Conference 2020, where Rebecca Dallam will be the 6-12 speaker.  The course is open to:

• teachers seeking to become supportive assistants in 6-9 & 9-12 Montessori environments
• Montessori primary trust members
• parents keen to understand the development of the 6-12 age child.

Enroll now and pay just 50% by February 2020. 

Download the course brochure and register at www.mmef.org.nz/courses/ami-certificate-course-2020. Don't miss out! 

**STOP PRESS** MMEF and MANZ are offering 10% discount (for each event) to participants attending both the AMI 6-12 Certificate course and the MANZ Conference.

2020 is a year to celebrate Maria Montessori's amazing legacy, as well as her commitment to advocating for the human rights of all tamariki, a cause which is continued through the work of the Educateurs sans Frontières. 

To mark the 2020 anniversary, there will be many events and activities, for more information please visit https://montessori150.org.

To celebrate the power of tamariki to transform the world, Montessori environments are invited around the world to sing, play, record and share a song, entitled My Hand in Your Hand by Kate Oliver. Listen here: https://montessori150.org/participate/sing-my-hand-your-hand 

And with the hands of our tamariki in mind, here's a closing quote,

"Man builds himself through working, working with his hands, but using his hands as the instruments of his ego, the organ of his individual mind and will, which shapes its own existence face to face with its environment."

                                                                            (Montessori, The Secret of Childhood)

Nā mātou noa, nā,

Carol, Tia, Anna and Shirley  - MMEF Management Team