2009 AMI 3-6 Course to be offered in an extended format - you can now work and study!

SINCE our last MMEF newsletter, we have been busy looking at an alternative delivery option for the AMI 3-6 Diploma to better meet the needs of the Montessori community -- and we're delighted to announce the following!

MMEF can now offer the AMI 3-6 training course in a format which enables students to work while they study. This is what so many of you requested, and we're delighted to announce that this is now possible!

This extended format will commence on Monday June 29th 2009 until January 21st 2011. Students will attend a total of 24 weeks over 7 'contact' modules in 2009 & 2010 (see details below). These contact modules will average 4 weeks in duration, and are scheduled to include the school term breaks and a week on either side. Students will be able to return to their own schools in between contact modules to put into practice what they have learnt.

Outside the contact modules there will be 10 weeks of Observation and Teaching Practice to be
completed in classrooms designated by the Director of Training in accordance with AMI specifications. These weeks of Observation and Teaching Practice may be completed in stages between July 2009 and December 2010.

The dates of the contact modules are:

Contact Module 1 – 29th June - 24th July 2009
(4 weeks)

Contact Module 2 – 21st Sept - 16th October 2009
(4 weeks)

Contact Module 3 – 4th – 29th January 2010
(4 weeks)

Contact Module 4 – 6th – 16th April 2010
(almost 2 weeks)

Contact Module 5 – 28th June - 23rd July 2010
(4 weeks)

Contact Module 6 – 20th Sept – 15th October 2010
(4 weeks)

Contact Module 7 – 10th – 21st January 2011

(2 weeks inc. ORAL EXAMS)

This information will also be posted to all Montessori schools before the end of term.

When should I apply?
MMEF will be scheduling course interviews in February when Director of Training, Cheryl Ferreira, returns to New Zealand. Don’t miss out- send in your applications early! MMEF are requesting course applications as soon as possible and by April 1st, 2009 at the very latest!

Where will I stay?
MMEF can also assist with shared accommodation by connecting potential students who may be travelling from other areas of the country or from overseas.

How can our school help?
Here are a number of ways that your school may benefit from the new course delivery format:

• Support one or more of your staff to attend the course
• Sponsor one or more of your staff to become AMI qualified
• Employ an International student for 20 hours per week during their practical module.
• Advertise the course to parents and friends. Let’s encourage young New Zealanders to “Champion the cause for all children”.
• Ask school parents or friends if they have a rental property, spare room or granny flat that may be suitable for students on a short term lease?

It gives us enormous pleasure to be able to present you with this new course format. We genuinely believe that this will open up the possibility for many more students to study for this internationally recognised Montessori Diploma. Please share your comments with us.

For full details and up-to-date course information visit www.mmef.org.nz or www.mmefnz.blogspot.com.

And to subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter - and for enquiries about the course, please contact mmef@ihug.co.nz

And finally, MMEF wishes you all an enjoyable Christmas holiday and many good wishes for 2009!

Best wishes,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

Trustees, MMEF

Enter the draw to win one free place on the AMI 3-6 Course!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Supporters

Enter the draw to win one free place on the AMI 3-6 Course!

We are receiving many emails asking when is the latest date to enrol in the course for next year, therefore to encourage all of you to get your applications in ASAP.....here's a unique offer that could see you on the course - complimentary - courtesy of MMEF!

Simply apply by Friday November 21st and all applications received to date will go into a draw. Providing we have reached our minimum numbers required, one lucky student will have their fees wavered! For those of you who have already paid, your fees will be be reimbursed .

Nepali Baby Print now on Trade Me

With bids starting at $200 - and there's 1 bid already!, click on the link below

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Art/Prints/Portraits/auction-185729024.htm or go to www.trademe.co.nz and search under 'Nepali Baby'.
The auction for this limited fine art print will close on Wednesday November 12th.

New PowerPoint Presentation on MMEF website

With the aim of giving an overview of the Montessori philosophy for school leavers plus offering a glimpse of what can be witnessed in a Montessori environment, MMEF have produced a concise yet simple PowerPoint presentation.

This is now available to see on the MMEF website www.mmef.org.nz.
Please mention this to anyone who you think has that certain special disposition for working with children.

Cheryl Ferreira Guest Speaker - Hamilton - Thursday November 5th

We cordially invite you all to 'The Child - A Social Being' - on Thursday November 6th at 7.00p.m.
The public address at Silverdale Normal School, 62 Silverdale Road, Hamilton, will be for Montessorians, parents, anyone working with children and those with a profound interest in child development.
The admission fee of $10 with go towards the purchase of shelving for next year's course.
RSVP to mmef@ihug.co.nz by Wednesday November 5th .

Please remember your thoughts and comments to mmef@ihug.co.nz are always welcome!

To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter - and for enquiries about the course, please contact mmef@ihug.co.nz. To see all past MMEF newsletters go to www.mmefnz.blogspot.com.

Best wishes,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

TRUSTEES, MMEF

We're raring to go. Time to sign up!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

A dream sparked by the Montessori Congress in 2005 just became
reality as MMEF received Course Approval and Accreditation from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for the AMI 3-6 training course!

MMEF, previously established as a Private Training Establishment, now have the AMI 3-6 course on the NZQA www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers/index.do, soon to appear on the New Zealand Careers Services www.careers.govt.nz websites.

We're here, we're official and we're raring to go!

Why Take “Face-to-Face” Training?
Open any Montessori magazine today and you'll be faced with a plethora of Montessori training options to consider. Recently we've received several inquiries asking just that question- 'why take face to face training'? Below is a timely piece courtesy of the AMI website www.montessori-ami.org/which answers this question succinctly.

Q: I have become very interested in the Montessori method of education and would like to study for an AMI diploma. Can I do this by a “distance learning programme”?
A: The Montessori approach offers a broad vision of education as an aid to life. It is designed to help children with their task of inner construction as they grow from childhood to maturity. It succeeds because it draws its principles from the natural development of the child. Its flexibility provides a matrix within which each individual child's inner directives freely guide the child toward wholesome growth.
The preparation of the adult about to undertake work with young children demands a high degree of self-discipline and commitment, and a professional attitude. This preparation can only be achieved through immersion in the Montessori theory under the supervision of experienced lecturers.
Furthermore, the special materials to be used with the children in a Montessori class require individual training and supervised practice—as each piece of apparatus has a function in the total scheme of the Montessori Prepared Environment.
These fundamental aspects cannot be covered in sufficient depth by distance learning.
Montessori training is a process of re-orientation where students begin to discover for themselves the profound truths underlying the Montessori approach.

AMI Courses are full-time and are offered over an academic year or several summers. The course programme includes lectures, seminars and demonstrations on Montessori philosophy, child development and the Montessori materials. Each course also includes significant components of observation, supervised practice with the materials, material making and teaching practice. Students prepare their own albums which details the purpose, use and presentation of each piece of material.
In the words of Dr. Montessori the teacher ‘must give her lesson, plant the seed and then disappear; observing and waiting’ (The Call of Education, Vol. 11, no. IV, December, 1925). This apparently simple proverb continues to be a piece of worthwhile advice and a source of inspiration. It is at the core of the role of the Montessori teacher.

A recent AMI graduate commented after completion of his 3-6 Diploma overseas,

"the hardship of suspending paid employment for ten months will never be a decision taken lightly, by anyone. However, the benefits of embarking on an intense period of study of this sensorially based method of education - with hands on delivery and discovery - will be almost palpable both for you and the children forever."

For those of you with pen poised over your MMEF application form - consider this...just think back to what you were doing in January? Can you remember?
Has the past ten months flown by? Did it seem just a short time ago when you were preparing the classroom for the year and here we are now just beginning the final term? How quickly one year goes, with nothing new seemingly to show for it, but how much can be learned in just one year that means our lives - and our work in Montessori - will never be the same again......post that MMEF application form today!


Nepali Baby Print
You may remember we announced that Susan Stephenson had generously offered MMEF one her beautiful artworks - Nepali Baby - well it has arrived and it is even more enchanting than it is online (left).
Go to www.michaelolaf.net/giclees.html and read the story behind the painting.
With a Rimu frame and archival glass we are seeking bids from $200 for this limited edition giclee print.
For convenience we've listed it at TradeMe, go to www.trademe.co.nz/Art/index.htm before the end of November with your bid and know that the proceeds will go to a good cause!
MMEF has just a few Michael Olaf Catalogues left The Joyful Child - 0-3 and Child of the World - 3-12 at $15 for one or $20 for one of each (inc. GST) plus postage.
Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz to order.

Cheryl Ferreira Public Address - Hamilton - Thursday November 5th
Our Director of Training Cheryl Ferriera will be back in New Zealand in November for the final preparations for the course next year, and we couldn't let her visit without offering you all the opportunity to hear Cheryl's words of wisdom just once more this year.
Therefore we cordially invite you all to 'The Child - A Social Being' - on Thursday November 6th at 7.00p.m.
The public address at Silverdale Normal School, 62 Silverdale Road, Hamilton, will be for Montessorians, parents, anyone working with children and those with a profound interest in child development.

The admission fee of $10 with go towards the purchase of shelving for next year's course.
RSVP to mmef@ihug.co.nz by Tuesday 4th November.

Get those application forms in!
We thank you for your responses to our previous questionnaire, though with time moving rapidly towards the end of the year, we would really still love to hear from you!
We will be calling as many schools as we are able over the next few weeks asking what can we do to make the training possible for one of your team next year.
MMEF have enchanting premises, an outstanding face-to-face course, and internationally-renowned trainer. Click on the link at www.mmef.org.nz for an application form, or email mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Interviews are now being scheduled with Cheryl Ferreira in November.
Apply now to and secure an interview time!

To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter - and for enquiries about the course, please contact mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
TRUSTEES, MMEF

An historic occasion - two AMI training courses delivered in New Zealand!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Welcome to another newsletter from the Maria Montessori Education Foundation, and once again we have exciting milestones to report as we head towards February 2009, and the first ever full-time AMI Montessori diploma course in New Zealand. The first, and most exciting, milestone to report is a historic event in its own right ...

AMI Assistant Certificate Course
During the July school holidays, history was written as thirty-seven students attended the first-ever AMI Assistant Certificate Courses in New Zealand. Twenty-five attendees in Auckland and twelve in Dunedin emerged at the end of a very full week with a new appreciation of the Montessori philosophy and a palpable sense of achievement and camaraderie (which you can sense in the picture at left of our Auckland students, and below of our Dunedin students).

Rebecca Mueller was student on the Dunedin course, and we're very pleased to offer you her overview below.

Reflections from the Assistant Certificate Course, Dunedin, by Rebecca Mueller.
I came to the AMI Assistant Certificate Course in Dunedin last month as a newcomer not only to Montessori training but to early childhood education altogether.

Having worked for a number of years as a clinical psychologist, I had already a sense of the impact of the first years of life on an individual’s later development, and I was interested in exploring a field that might make the services of a psychologist unnecessary in later years!

In every way I found the assistant course enlightening, enriching, and inspiring. What a wealth of information my classmates and I learned from Cheryl Ferreira’s expert and energetic teaching.

Her presentations were thorough and lively—full of fascinating examples from her own work. Through them I gained an understanding of the basic principles of the Montessori approach, including the recognition of the absorbent nature of the child’s mind during sensitive periods of development; the faith in the child’s inner guide; the importance of the child’s growth toward increased independence and the need of childhood not to be helped unnecessarily; the essentialness of concentration in providing the basis of the child’s character and social behavior; the critical importance of order, as well as repetition, in the child’s development; and the appreciation of the natural inner discipline of the child that shows itself readily within a prepared environment.

At the end of the course I was left with an overall impression of the Montessori approach as one with the utmost respect for the child, capable of changing the adult as well, and over the long run, a force for peace in the world.

Ladies and gentleman - feedback required please for the 2009 3-6 Course:
With the Assistant Certificate Course behind us, it's now full speed ahead for the full-time AMI diploma course in February next year -- and now's the time to be making your own decisions about that course.

To help with MMEF's future planning we would very much appreciate your feedback on the following questions:

FOR STUDENTS:

• Are you considering taking the 3-6 training course?
• If yes - when will you be applying?
• If no - what are the factors affecting your application?
• Would sponsorship opportunities affect your decision?

FOR SCHOOLS:

• Are you considering sponsoring a student?

If you are genuinely considering taking the course, or there is a possibility of you doing the training -- or you're thinking about sponsoring a student to do the course -- may we call you in the evening to discuss this further?

Email your responses to mmef@ihug.co.nz (or by clicking 'return to sender') and do leave an evening phone number if you'd like someone to contact you. Remember, the MMEF trustees are committed to introducing AMI Montessori training in New Zealand next year, and we will leave no stone unturned to make it happen. If there's any thing we can do to help make your own decision easier, please do let us know.

Let me close by thanking all of you for your support as we count down to 2009!

To subscribe to ‘MMEF News’ – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,

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

One small step for MMEF, one large step for Montessori in New Zealand!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

MMEF has reason to celebrate!
We are delighted to announce that the NZQA have approved MMEF's application to become a Private Training Establishment (PTE)!

The final step before approval was to establish the proposed training environment, with all but the students, for NZQA to visit. It looked aesthetically beautiful and we were thrilled to get the final seal of approval for next year!


$1800 raised from the Silent Auction!
Thank you to the organisations and individuals who gifted us products and to all of your bids, MMEF raised $1800 at the silent auction in Napier last month. A tremendous effort by all those involved and a huge amount of fun was had in the process!
Susan Stephenson has donated a limited edition print of the Nepali Baby, as seen on the latest The Joyful Child catalogue. It is on its way now from the United States and will be framed and auctioned soon - watch this space!


Michael Olaf Catalogues now available from MMEF
MMEF are now the New Zealand stockists of the Michael Olaf catalogues. The Joyful Child - 0-3 2008 - 2009 and Child of the World - 3-12 2008-2009. The price is $15 for one or $20(inc. GST) for one of each plus postage. The snippets of information classified by age and curriculum area can be a source of inspiration for parents and teachers alike. One school recently, whilst wrestling with creative ideas to introduce 'bite size gems of philosophy' to parents purchased a catalogue for each family attending their school! Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with your orders.

The ideas expressed in the catalogues are not necessarily those of MMEF.


Montessori Assistants Certificate Course - Dunedin and Auckland
Registrations for the above course are still arriving.

For those of you still planning to book for the Dunedin course, accommodation in Dunedin is likely to be sparse as we are competing with the All Blacks for beds!
I would urge you to move quickly if you're planning on attending. If you have already booked accommodation in Dunedin and are happy to share facilities and costs please email mmef@ihug.co.nz. The dates once again:

Auckland - Saturday 5th - Friday 11th July 8.30-5.30p.m
Titoki Montessori School
70a Stredwick Drive Torbay
Auckland

Dunedin - Saturday 12th - Friday 18th July 8.30-6.30p.m. (early finish on Friday) Montessori at the Gardens
7 Chambers Street North East Valley
Dunedin
Enquiries: 09-422 9981 or mmef@ihug.co.nz

MANZ Conference- Napier
Many attendees of the Conference commented that the back to basic message from the speakers Cheryl Ferreira, Pam Nunn, Nicola Chisnall and Larry & Pat Schaeffer acted as a timely reminder for us all. At times the paper work and regulatory requirements seem exhaustive; however, we should never lose sight of the child as the very essence of our work!

ECC Conference - Wellington
Cheryl Ferreira was one of the keynote speakers also alongside other eminent speakers including LilianKatz, at the recent ECC Conference in Wellington. Again, attendees commented how refreshing it was to hear Cheryl focus the audience's attention back to the child rather than illuminating the surrounding building and programmes. There's certainly a resounding message to each and every one us of. Some of the presentations can be viewed via the ECC website www.ecc.org.nz/conference/presenters.html

And finally....visit our main website www.mmef.org.nz to download your application form for either the Assistants Certificate Courses in July or the 3-6 course in 2009.

To subscribe to ‘MMEF News’ – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

Trustees, MMEF

MMEF holds Silent Auction at MANZ Conference !

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

With increasing awareness and mounting interest for the AMI 3-6 course in 2009, one of the aims of MMEF this year is raising substantial funds to assist with student sponsorship.

To this end we will be holding a Silent Auction at our stand at this year's MANZ Conference in Napier, April 19th - 22nd. This Conference is entitled 'Montessori - Personalised Learning in the 21st Century' and will be attended by an international delegation of nearly 200. For more information about the Conference visit the MANZ website at www.montessori.org.nz

MMEF would like to acknowledge the many organisations that have
generously donated some exquisite items for the auction:
Matsumoto Kagaku Kogyo, Jungle Mama, ESOL Home Tutors- Wellington, Kiwi Impressions, School Supplies, Every Educaid, Nienhuis, Matakana Boutique Vineyard and Earthbaby Slings. Many more donors are yet to confirm, so, with appetites well wetted please bring along your cheque books, your generous spirits and a spare bag to take home your winning bids! If you are not able to attend the MANZ Conference you can still make a bid on one of the beautiful items.
View the Silent Auction catalogue at www.mclean.net.nz/mmef/auction-catalogue.pdf
and make your bid today!


Montessori Assistants Certificate Course AMI

We're delighted to report there has been a huge interest in the Assistants Certificate Courses starting in July! These courses - presented by Cheryl Ferreira AMI 3-6 trainer - have been offered in other International locations, but this is a first for New Zealand.

The seven day course is designed for:

• ECE teachers working in Montessori Schools

• Montessori school owners without a Montessori Diploma
• parents
• childcare professionals
• and indeed anyone with a profound interest in child development

It will also help adults become more able assistants in a Montessori environment. It includes the philosophy needed to work effectively in this position and the basic practical skills of the classroom.

The Assistants Certificate Course is the perfect introduction for anyone wishing to study towards the AMI 3-6 Diploma in 2009.


Auckland - Saturday 5th - Friday 11th July
8.30-5.30p.m
Titoki Montessori School
70a Stredwick Drive
Torbay, Auckland

Dunedin - Saturday 12th - Friday 18th July
8.30-6.30p.m. (early finish on Friday)
Montessori at the Gardens
7 Chambers Street
North East Valley, Dunedin

Enquiries: 09-422 9981 or mmef@ihug.co.nz

Given the amount of content to be included in each course we will be limiting the number of attendees, therefore, send in your registration soon - remember the Early Bird Registration is until and including April 25th - spaces permitting!

There have been questions regarding the Obligatory Reading and Poetry Anthology. As part of the course you will start to assemble a collection of poems to introduce to children. Therefore, if you have any favourite children's poetry books, do bring them along! And regarding the obligatory readings - these will be referred to throughout the week, therefore it will be necessary to bring the books with you. We would suggest that you start to purchase your own copies soon. Scorpio Books in Christchurch are happy to give MMEF students a 10% discount on these books or you may try www.fishpond.com - the New Zealand on-line bookstore. All four books will be an ongoing source of inspiration now and in the future!

AMI Membership

On the subject of inspiring readings, we would like to bring your attention to the AMI journal Communications. This is host to a wonderful cornucopia of articles and international news, with an excellent Q&A section too!

Anyone can become an AMI member by visiting www.montessori_ami.org. For a payment of 40Euros each year you will receive the AMI journal 'Communications' two times a year and the AMI Bulletin three times a year. These publications include articles on Montessori, current information on the work of AMI and details of congresses and conferences throughout the world.

The most recent Communications is a must-read - full of insightful and practical articles on: Cosmic Education, The Spiritual Preparation of the Adult, Montessori Education in China (the last two taken from the Centenary Conference in China last year) and a fascinating article entitled 'The Essential is Invisible to the Eye' focusing on parents as observers of children.

And finally …for those of you traveling to Napier for the MANZ Conference, come and see us on the MMEF stand and peruse the silent auction items.

Otherwise visit our main website www.mmef.org.nz to download your application form for either the Assistants Certificate Course or the 3-6 course in 2009. To subscribe to ‘MMEF News’ – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

Trustees, MMEF

AMI Assistants Certificate Courses Offered in 2008

Welcome to our final newsletter of the year, it has been a busy and productive 2007 for MMEF!

Our focus this year, apart from Cheryl's visit in July, has been the processing of NZQA documentation. We were jubilant to complete the PTE application in September and are now anticipating an NZQA site visit to the training environment in December!

We are also in the final stages of completing the Course Approval and Accreditation application too. This has been an enormously lengthy process that we hadn't planned on starting until after the training course had commenced, however the benchmark for allowing International students to study in New Zealand was raised late this year therefore, the completion of this application became essential.

As the end of the year is drawing closer and International students are currently unable to proceed with their student visas until the NZQA processes are complete - a decision had to be made to defer the start date of the course. In consultation with AMI and their preference to keep training in line with a country's academic year, the course will now commence in February 2009.

This now gives MMEF additional time to prepare the training environment, and plans are afoot for Cheryl Ferreira to run AMI Assistants Certificate Courses around New Zealand over 2008. Cheryl, the Director of Training for the 2009 course, will be a regular visitor to New Zealand throughout 2008, not least as a keynote speaker at both the MANZ Conference in April and the ECC Conference in Wellington in May.

MMEF Advisory Team holds its inaugural meeting...


This team of experienced practitioners from various professional and educational backgrounds meet twice annually to strategically advise the MMEF Management Team on future directions.

Chensa Clarkson (AMI Montessori teacher), Warren Shephard (QED Consultant), Claire Winiana (Bi-cultural advisor), Tia Wooller (MMEF Trustee), Teresa Durrant with Owen! (the former - Montessori School Owner) and Carol Potts (MMEF Trustee). Absent was Margaret O'Meara & Cheryl Ferreira.

AMI Assistant Certificate Courses
Cheryl will be in New Zealand in 2008 to facilitate several professional development opportunities, including an AMI Assistants Certificate Course which will be available to all including parents, ECE teachers and those working in Montessori schools -- this would be ideal for anyone working in a Montessori environment without an existing Montessori diploma, even Montessori school owners!

These intensive 6-7 day courses are internationally recognised, and are the perfect introduction for anyone wishing to study towards the AMI 3-6 Diploma in 2009. MMEF would like to be able to offer these in several locations in the July school holidays, so for all of you in the South Island especially, please let us know if this would be of interest to you and we will make it happen! The locations planned to date are the Upper North Island and the South Island - further details will be out early in the new year. Both will be subject to interest - and places will be limited.

Keep watching this space.

Workshops
Following the huge success and numerous comments of support for Cheryl's Language and Mathematics workshop held in Auckland last July, we will also offer a follow up workshop later next year, in October.

Centenary Conference in China
AMI training is also soon to start in China, where things are developing on a huge scale. Conference papers will be published in the coming weeks on AMI's website - http://montessori-ami.org.

26th International Montessori Congress January 5-8, 2009 in Chennai, India.
Other exciting developments for you to keep an eye on are plans for the next International Montessori Congress, to be held in Chennai, India. Start saving now!

The Congress theme is ' Sadhana', meaning 'The mind and body coming together to perform complex multi-level tasks initially with awareness but eventually lived and carried out without effort'

I would encourage you all to visit the Congress website - this beautiful quote encapsulates the feeling that will surely pervade the Congress...

"As the child develops in harmony, the actions of the body and mind are knitted together in creating the fabric of the self. Practitioners, young and old, must engage in the thoughtful practice of central Montessori principles in everyday life. Through our every conscious action we must seek to live our theory."

And another thing...
Visit our main website www.mmef.org.nz to download your application forms, and for up to date news about all the courses, or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. And to subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
TRUSTEES, MMEF

PS: Please feel free to forward our news to everyone you've ever met. Let's get our good news out there!

Yes, We Have a Venue!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Here at MMEF HQ we've been busy, busy, busy ... and there's some exciting news to report, about which this picture below is a clue:

Yes, this is the venue for MMEF's training course, and we couldn't be happier.

1. The venue!
We all know how important the prepared environment is for the developing child. Equally important is a suitable learning environment for our own students, hence our excitement at being able to use Mt Eden's Quaker Meeting House on Mt Eden Rd to host the course, which has exactly the spirit we wish to impart on the training, and has the ideal location close to all Auckland's major transport routes.

When talking to Montessori graduates about their AMI training, eyes sparkle and cheeks glow as people regail their stories and relive emotions that emerged during their introduction to Dr Montessori's philosophy and her approach to human development. Visiting the Quaker Meeting House with the MMEF trustees, a similar experience was felt. We felt 'at home.'

The Religious Society of Friends (or as they are more commonly known, Quakers) worship in silence; Quakers believe there is “that of god” in all people. Is this not a part of a Montessori teacher's role - to find the “specialness” within each child? The Quakers also have at their very core their total belief in Peace. This was also the belief of Dr. Montessori, who consistently spoke about the child as the catalyst of change towards a new peaceful society.

The Centre, on Mount Eden Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland, is within walking distance of the city, on the main central bus route 10 minutes from Central Auckland, and just minutes away from shops, cafes and Mt. Eden train station. The Airbus to and from the Airport is very convenient and cheap (at present $15 one way, $22 return) and will stop at the regular bus stop near the Centre. We are fervent in our belief that it will convey the perfect balance of physical comfort and spiritual harmony for all who study there.

We couldn't wish for a more appropriate venue.

2. Study Options
In the previous MMEF newsletters we aired the possibility of two study options for next year's course. Thank you to those of you who responded, who overwhelmingly supported Option 1 - the full day study programme - which is what we will be offering next year. (This will be reviewed again for future courses.)

3. NZQA News
Also keeping us busy has been our application to NZQA to establish as a Private Training Establishment and now Course Approval & Accreditaion. Once registered and with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, MMEF can confirm the enrolment of International students on the course. We look forward to our registration being confirmed very soon. Watch this space for an update.

4. MMEF to have a stand at Teacher Resource Expo. in October
MMEF are hosting a stand at the Teachers Resource Expo. in Auckland this month with the aim of speaking to as many Early Childhood teachers as possible about 3-6 AMI training. With at least two Montessori schools keen to sponsor students undertaking the AMI Diploma course this is likely to make the course very attractive for some lucky students.

Please email us if this if your wish & to find out more about sponsorship of students.

May we also take this opportunity to urge all Montessorians to speak to, inspire & encourage as many potential students as possible to undertake the AMI Diploma course. We invite each and everyone of you to assist us in spreading the word so that more schools can engage AMI qualified Montessori graduates & so that more New Zealand children may be nurtured according to the philosophy of Dr Montessori.

5. Cheryl Ferreira to deliver keynote address at MANZ and ECC Conferences
We are delighted to announce that Cheryl will be presenting both keynote addresses and workshops at the forthcoming MANZ Conference next year in Napier in April. This will be a welcome return following her previous MANZ workshop in Auckland earlier this year, and prior to that as keynote speaker at the MANZ Conference in Auckland in 2002. Cheryl will compliment a wonderful line-up of speakers on the theme 'Montessori - Personalising Learning in the 21st Century' See www.montessori.org.nz. for more information.

Montessorians regularly talk about taking the Montessori approach to childhood to a wider audience, and in keeping with the aims of the Centenary year to 'Champion the Cause of all Children' one such opportunity arises next year. Cheryl has also been invited to speak to approximately four-hundred delegates at the Early Childhood Council Conference in Wellington in May. For more details on this, please visit www.ecc.org.nz.

It's certainly going to be an eventful year - do visit www.mmef.org.nz to download your application form and for up to date news about the course or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,

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

AMI Diploma - Your Passport to the World

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters,

Cheryl Ferreira, the trainer for the 2008 AMI 3-6 course, delighted all who met her on her eight-day visit to New Zealand in July. It was a rare treat for all of us, inspiring increased enthusiasm and fervour for the development of the AMI 3-6 course next year.

The Italian Soiree in celebration of the Montessori Centenary saw us entertained by singers, chefs and gorgeous Italian music, and inspired by images of Montessori children over the past 100 years, all while consuming exquisite culinary fare from Italy. It was a beautiful evening! Cheryl presented a pictorial history of the challenges Dr Montessori overcame and the miracles she witnessed during the unfolding of her career and the Method she developed.

Cheryl's two public addresses on the 'Path to Independence' in Auckland and Warkworth were well supported, with participants at both events saying Chery's Q & A afterwards succinctly identified the difference between present-day mainstream perspectives on childhood and the approach of Dr Montessori. Much healthy debate ensued, leaving us all well motivated and with much to contemplate!

The Language and Mathematics workshop served as a poignant reminder that the Montessori materials are introduced as the 'keys' for the child's own discovery. Cheryl gave us many examples of the importance of not teaching the children, but instead "guiding" them in their learning. (She ended the day with a smile and this final plea: "If I can say one last thing, it is this. Please do not teach!")

It was also timely for all of us to hear that having environments that are overflowing with materials is a recipe for diluting the effectiveness of the environment rather than enhancing it! Less is more! The less-is-more principle was repeatedly reinforced as the way to lead the child towards self discovery. Many of us slunk back to our environments with a mission to review our environments and to declutter!

Increasingly evident as a result of the public addresses both in Auckland and Warkworth - and the one day workshop in Auckland was the solid theoretical foundation which is necessary as we as adults prepare for our work with children.

This is of course where MMEF comes in -

Travel the world with an Internationally Accredited Montessori Diploma!

It's been said many times, but it's worth repeating: The AMI Diploma really is your passport to the world! Look at the jobs advertised on the International Montessori websites, and you see this again and again, that the AMI Diploma is a ticket for overseas experiences you will never forget.

We see this too in the interest expressed in the 2008 course from overseas students, who are looking forward to coming to study in New Zealand for their AMI diploma.

We look forward to cementing New Zealand within the AMI family as the final touches are being added to the MMEF course brochure and website as part of our application to become a Private Training Establishment (PTE)--this being the first stage on the NZQA process towards NZ accreditation of the international AMI Diploma.

Work is already underway towards MMEF’s application to the Ministry of Education for the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students which will allow MMEF to open it’s doors to the many International students who have expressed their interest!

With this in mind, we are urging all New Zealand students to complete your applications ASAP as there will be a limited number of places. In your covering letter, please specify which study option would be your preference (more on this below).

Study Options

Cheryl has offered two study options that vary in times of attendance, allowing a work/study option for those who would like to take advantage:

• OPTION ONE: Monday–Friday 8.30am-4.30pm; this will include 10 weeks of teaching practice and observation at schools.
• OPTION TWO: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1.30pm-4.30pm; Tuesday, Thursday 1.30pm-7pm and alternate Saturdays 10am-4pm

(The 10 weeks teaching practice necessary for the diploma would follow the option-one times of 8.30am-4.30pm.)

Please note that the second option would enable students to continue their work in the mornings. Please do be mindful however that working whilst studying is not for the faint hearted!

Please note too that only one of these options can be delivered, and consequently YOUR expressions of interest in either Option One or Option Two will help us decide with is offered.

New Zealand Student accepted onto the Training of Trainers Programme


It is with great delight that MMEF can announce that Carol Potts (left, with Cheryl Ferreira), AMI 3- 6 Diploma holder and Head Directress of Titoki Montessori for the past 11 years has been successful in her application to join the AMI Training of Trainers Programme, and will join Cheryl on the inaugural course in 2008 as Course Assistant.

All of her colleagues in MMEF are extremely happy for Carol, and in what this means for the New Zealand Montessori community.

"I love working with the children”, Carol says, “therefore it is with a degree of reluctance that I leave the classroom in the short term. However, I also feel strongly about the preparation of adults who choose this vocation, so I am excited about starting on the programme and I look forward to this new challenge!"

Since its inception, MMEF identified the need to have New Zealand trainers to enable future training courses to be run in New Zealand and to have the flexibility to offer the course in different locations. The Training of Trainers programme requires a four-year commitment to study and involves completing a number of 3-6 training courses with differing degrees of involvement. Written assignments and research papers are also submitted as part of the course of study.

The necessary prerequisites for applying to become a trainer:

• an AMI primary (3-6) diploma;
• an appropriate AMI diploma for the age-range of training being applied for;
• a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent;
• five years teaching experience at the appropriate level, at least three of which are consecutive;
• experience of directing a class of children in such a way that the Montessori principles and practice were fully implemented; and
  
• membership of AMI.

There are several formats to take the training - go to www.montessori-ami.org if this is of interest to you, your staff or someone you know. New Zealand needs you!

***********Hot off the Press************

Final preparations are underway for the transportation of the Gonzagarredi materials that have been so generously gifted to MMEF at the Sydney Congress in 2005.

We are excited that the materials will shortly be on their way but are keen to talk to people who have access to short-term storage that we can use prior to setting up the classroom environment early next year.

Please email mmef@ihug.org.nz.

Visit www.mmef.org.nz for up to date news about the course or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF
newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.


Best wishes,

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

Public Address - The Path to Independence

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation supporters,

We are now in the final stage of planning for Cheryl Ferreira's visit to New Zealand.
The Language and Mathematics workshop has received much interest from Montessorians across the North Island. All bodes well for a truly inspiring day!

We are delighted to announce the finer details of two unique events which Cheryl will also be speaking at in July. The first - a Public Address - which I would encourage all Auckland schools to urge your parents to attend, why this could be your Term 3 Parent Evening!

Over the next few days Auckland schools will receive a flier about this event for your noticeboards. Encourage your parents to book a babysitter early so both parents can attend. And bring along everyone who has ever asked you what Montessori is!

'Path to Independence'

Guest Speaker – Cheryl Ferreira – London
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

PUBLIC ADDRESS July 18th @ 7.00 – 9.00p.m

The problems of adolescence litter the headlines. Many of these issues stem from early childhood.

What can we do now to help our children reach their fullest potential to be self-motivated, independent, to have inner-discipline and a love for learning?
These are the questions and topics Cheryl Ferreira will be asking and answering in this public address.

Venue: Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Silver Street, Epsom, Auckland

Tickets $20 – call 09 623 8111 to book by Mon.16th July essential!
$25 door sale

Complimentary glass of wine, tea or coffee

The Montessori philosophy of education - now celebrating it's centenary year - offers much more than a philosophy of education: It is an essential aid to life.

This public address is for all those who genuinely believe in the enormous potential of the young child.

And for all of you who were unable to get to Wellington for the MANZ Centenary Celebration in April come along to:

‘Celebrate The Montessori Centenary With A Taste Of Italy’

Friday 20th July 2007 @ 7pm
Venue: Taste - 45 Normanby Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland.

Cheryl Ferreira – Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
With a menu created and coordinated by chef and author Raffaela Delmonte
www.aldente.co.nz

An evening of sensory delight celebrating Montessori education and Italian cuisine.

Featuring a visual presentation by our Guest Speaker: Cheryl Ferreira ‘Celebrating the Montessori Centenary’ followed by a mouth-watering experience of culinary delights from selected regions of Italy
by Raffaela Delmonte.

MENU

Your taste buds will be teased by:

Aperitivo

Served with Cracroft Chase Vineyard Pinot Grigio

From Napoli: Il Casatiello

From Parma: Prosciutto di Parma with grissini

*******
Antipasto
From Tuscany: Bruschetta and Fettunta with award winning Kapiti Extra Virgin Olive Oil

From the Northern Alps: Bresaola – beef prosciutto – with Goat Ricotta and rocket salad

From Piedmont: Winter vegetables in Bagna Caoda

**********
Main Course
Served with Il Rosso Heron's Flight Vineyard

From Milano: Risotto al Gorgonzola

Dessert

Served with Marsala Carlo Pellegrino

From Verona: Pandoro, mascarpone and mostarda di mele

Raffle prizes courtesy of Bel Mondo Italian Mediterranean Food and Zarbos

Buffet style dinner - Cost: $70 Limited to 60 places so book early!
Booking and enquiries: montessori@aldente.co.nz

* * * * *

And finally a reminder....we are taking enrolments now and for anyone considering the training; complete your application form ASAP as interviews with Cheryl can be scheduled for July.

Applications now being accepted. Visit www.mmef.org.nz for up to date news about the course or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF
newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Best wishes,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

TRUSTEES, MMEF

Cheryl Ferreira - Language and Mathematics Workshop

Language - Towards Total Reading
&
Mathematics - From Concrete to Abstract

We are delighted to announce the details of Cheryl's 1 day workshop on:

Saturday, 21st July 2007, Auckland
9.00am - 5.00p.m
Titoki Montessori School
70a Stredwick Drive
Torbay
Auckland

Language - 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, puzzle words) but also exploring the function of different types of words. Cheryl Ferreira will give an overview of total reading and revisit some of the key materials that lead the child along that path.

Mathematics - the Montessori Method of education in which a child is constantly manipulating objects with their hands and activley exercising their senses, takes into account the child's special aptitude for mathematics. From the golden beads onwards Cheryl will review some of the key materials which assist the child to explore the four mathematical operations tracing the child's progress 'from concrete to abstract'.

Early Bird Registration Fee : $100

After 15th June: $150

Includes morning & afternoon tea, lunch and workshop papers.
Enquiries: 09 422 9981 or mmef@ihug.co.nz

The workshop is designed for Montessori staff. It is however open to all and would be ideal for anyone considering undertaking teacher training in the future.

Cheryl Ferreira was born in Mumbai, India. She has worked with children from the age of 17, becoming interested in the Montessori approach while assisting in a Montessori school. Cheryl graduated with a BA Hons. and then received an MA in history from the University of Bombay. She undertook her Montessori training at the AMI Montessori training centre in Hyderabad, India. She then worked in Montessori schools and on AMI courses in different parts of India. In 1998, she came to the Maria Montessori Training Organisation in London (MMTO) as part of AMI’s Training of Trainers programme, and in 2000 she became an authorised AMI Trainer. Cheryl is currently a senior member of staff at MMTO and will be Director of Training for the Auckland 2008 AMI 3-6 Diploma Course.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REGISTRATION - PLEASE PRINT AND RETURN THE FORM BELOW

Tax invoice - GST registered No. 93-103-831. The fee is inclusive of GST, this registration form is your official tax invoice/statement.

Name__________________________________________________

School_________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________

Phone: daytime___________________evening_________________

Email__________________________________________________

Special dietary requirements_______________________________

Early Bird Registration $100
To be eligible for Early Bird Registration, registration and payments must be received by Friday 15th June.

Late Registration $150

Please make all cheques payable to - MMEF
Please return your completed form with cheque payment to: MMEF, PO Box 108054, Symonds Street, Auckland.
Enquiries to 09 422 9981 or mmef@ihug.co.nz

Accommodation suggestions for you to arrange if required:

Near to the venue: Channel View studios and apartments at http://www.channelview.co.nz/. Tel: 09 478 1336 or close to Auckland CBD is Lantana Lodge - International Backpackers, Parnell.
Contact http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz/. tel: 09 373 4546.

Can I work and study?

Can I work and study?

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation supporters,

Welcome to another newsletter from the Maria Montessori Education Foundation. The burning question on everyone’s lips that we talk to about Montessori training seems to be “can I work and study?” We are delighted to be able to give you this answer: Yes. More on that below. But first, some news:

Professional Development Opportunities
** We are delighted to announce that Cheryl Ferreira, Director of Training for the 2008 AMI
3-6 training course, will be coming to New Zealand in July. To avoid disappointment note the weekend of the 21st/22nd in your diaries now!

** Cheryl will be presenting a full-day workshop on Saturday 21st July covering the topics ‘The Steps to Total Reading’ and ‘Maths – Golden Beads and Onwards.’ The workshop is designed for Montessori staff; it is however open to all and would be ideal for anyone considering undertaking teacher training in the future.
Venue: Titoki Montessori School – Auckland.

** Also on Sunday 22nd July, Cheryl will present a half-day workshop to inspire parents.

** Planning is also under way for a public lecture during Cheryl’s stay, for an Italian Centenary soirée (a fundraising evening to continue the celebrations of the Montessori centenary, on which more here), and for visits to many Auckland schools.

We are taking enrolments now from students and would urge anyone who is considering the training to complete your application form ASAP as interviews with Cheryl can be arranged in July. Further details about the Auckland workshop will be sent out soon.

MMEF in Christchurch
Assisted by Teresa Durrant, Carol Potts and Tia Wooller from MMEF presented a workshop at the Early Childhood Council (ECC) Conference in Christchurch on April 1st; participants were intrigued and a little more enlightened after our workshop. We were heartily encouraged by the thirst for more things Montessori coming from the conference attendees (and let me just take this opportunity to welcome many of those who signed up at the ECC conference to receive our MMEF news updates).

Sponsorship
All potential students should take note: there are Montessori schools who have already offered sponsorship assistance for students to do their training – for more information about this exciting development, please contact mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Work/Study Options
Through ongoing discussions with Cheryl Ferreira - our Director of Training for the inaugural AMI 3-6 course - we are delighted to be able to offer students a choice of two study options. We will however require some feedback from you as to which one of the two options you will prefer – the most preferred option will then be the one we pursue.

Cheryl has offered two options that vary in times of attendance, allowing a work/study option for those who would like to take advantage:

Option one:
Monday–Friday 8.30am-4.30pm; this will include 10 weeks of teaching practice and observation at schools.
Option two:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1.30pm-4.30pm
Tuesday, Thursday 1.30pm-7pm and alternate Saturdays 10am-4pm
The 10 weeks teaching practice would follow option one times of 8.30am-4.30pm.

The second option would enable students to continue their work in the mornings. Please do be mindful however that working whilst studying is not for the faint hearted!

We would appreciate if those with a preference for either option let us know their preference as soon as possible by emailing mmef@ihug.co.nz, clearly stating which option would suit you or your staff. Only 1 option will be able to be delivered, so please contact us soon and have your say – we do need your feedback. Your responses are required by Friday 25th May.

Applications now being accepted. Visit www.mmef.org.nz for up to date news about the course or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. To subscribe to MMEF News – a complimentary MMEF newsletter- please email us at mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Here is some more about Cheryl, from the AMI website:

Cheryl Ferreira was born in Mumbai, India. She has worked with children from the age of 17, becoming interested in the Montessori approach while assisting in a Montessori school. Cheryl graduated with a BA Hons. and then received an MA in history from the University of Bombay. She did her Montessori training at the Indian AMI Montessori training in Hyderabad, India. She then worked in Montessori schools and on AMI courses in different parts of India. In 1998, she came to the Maria Montessori Training Organisation in London (MMTO) as part of AMI's Training of Trainers programme, and in 2000 she became an authorised AMI Trainer. Cheryl is currently a senior member of staff at MMTO.

Best wishes,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
TRUSTEES, MMEF