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:

Student Loan Options

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters
Counting down to the start of the course, here's what's been happening recently . . .

Student Loans
Here at MMEF HQ we've been liaising with both the ASB and National Bank on your behalf regarding Tertiary Account and Student Loan Packages, and both are open to helping out those studying this year with MMEF. We highlighted that many of our students would have the opportunity to work whilst studying also, which is well worth emphasising when you talk to the banks yourselves.

Our discussions were with the respective Branch Managers in Newmarket, Auckland, and we found both ASB and National are extremely approachable should you wish to discuss Tertiary Loan possibilities to suit you.

At a glance - here are the key benefits of both Tertiary Packages:-

Auckland Savings Bank (ASB)
Transaction Account with no base of transaction fees.
Interest free Overdraft of $1,000.
Credit Card with no account fee for the first 12 months.
Personal Loan at concessionary rates, currently 13.95% (usually 17.95%)


The National Bank
An everyday account with no monthly account transaction or automatic payment fees
Interest-free overdraft on application of up to $1000 for your first year of study, and up to $2000 for your remaining years on the package
Thoroughbred Card or Visa Classic credit card, with no annual account fee
Tertiary Loan Interest Rate currently 11.70% p.a.


Helping out with your cash flow
While we're talking finances . . . although this may seem an obvious suggestion to many, some students are facing the possibility of foresaking several weeks of salary during the study modules, which causes obvious cash-flow challenges ;-{
An option to assist your staff, that are either enroled or considering enrolment for the AMI Diploma this year, is to annualise their salary i.e calculate the annual salary and continue payment throughout the year. This was an idea proferred by one school which could indeed be advantageous for many more of you.....think about it.

Chery Ferreira on air!
Our Director of Training Cheryl Ferreira was interviewed by National Radio's Brian Crump for his evening show during Cheryl's last visit to New Zealand. The 20 minute interview was aired on the eve of 18th March. Thank you to many of you who emailed with complimentary remarks...and for those of you who missed it, you can still 'tune in' by clicking here:
http://organonarchitecture.co.nz/Not_PC/Cheryl-RADIONZ-180309.mp3.

And finally...download an application pack at 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

There's a student in my classroom

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporter

It's official! MMEF have received advice that as far as Immigration purposes are concerned, International students applying to study for the AMI 3-6 Diploma commencing in June 2009 will qualify to apply for 20 hours work whilst they are studying.

This had seemed to be rather a grey area -- what it now confirms is that schools contemplating employing a student during the course, or for International students considering 20 hours work whilst study, that this should be possible. Go to http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/index.htm for the relevant section.

We understand that schools have been hearing from enthusiastic students looking for work in between their contact modules and when not on teaching practice and observation. Some students have already secured interviews with prospective employers.

We are all mindful of maintaining child/adult ratios with teacher registration requirements, though if at all possible, and your ratios can accommodate this, the benefits of having someone in your environment putting into practice what they are absorbing during their training can be a priceless experience.

One school for example accepted an AMI graduate from Sydney to do her four-week full-time practicum in their school. The enthusiasm and fresh ideas the student brought within a short period of time was rejuvenating for the whole school. They told us that they would have been delighted to have someone of this calibre in their environment for up to four hours every day.

Think about it......

Meanwhile, here's some music for the soul.
[From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGd4Rs-O3ws&feature=related]



Download an application pack at 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, and onwards to June!

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Welcome to another edition of MMEF news -- featuring news and updates counting down to the start of the AMI 3-6 training course starting June 2009! More on that below, but first: some dates to put in your diary.

Dates for Your Diary
As you know, our trainer for the AMI course is Cheryl Ferreira. Cheryl will be back in New Zealand on the final leg of preparation for the course in June -- during that time she will be visiting New Plymouth Montessori School, Auckland Montessori schools and Kohanga Reo, to gain a wider view of the early childhood sector in New Zealand.

On Thursday February 19th, you are all cordially invited to an Information Evening at Wee Wisdom Montessori School, Otahuhu, at which Cheryl will be the key speaker:

'Education: The Importance of the First Six Years'.

@ 7.00 - 9.00pm

67 Walmsley Road, Otahuhu (corner of Walmsley rd and Weka st.)

Admission: $5 at the door, tea and coffee included.
RSVP to mmef@ihug.co.nz by Tuesday 17th February

We look forward to seeing you all there!

AMI New Year's Message of Hope
I'm sure you've already danced around the world with Matt -- which was MMEF's New Year's message. AMI's New Year's message spells out AMI's ultimate goal: "to help all the world's children to grow free from fears and anxieties, remain open to others and live happy lives in a more peaceful world."

'The Child in Nature'
Visit the Montessori Australia Foundation website www.montessori.org.au to preview their 2009 events including the Whole School Refresher 5-7th June,which includes a 1 day conference 'The Child in Nature', in Sydney.

Reunion: AMI Asssistants' Certificate Course
Last year we ran two one-week AMI Assistants Courses, one in Auckland and one in Dunedin, which were very enthusiastically received.
For those who attended, and for any other AMI Alumni in the neighbourhood, we will be holding an afternoon tea at Titoki Montessori School, Torbay, Auckland on Saturday 14th February at 2.00p.m.
We are delighted to be able to schedule this into Cheryl's itinerary this month, so do come along and share your experiences since taking your course!
(NB: Dunedin attendees, we're sorry we couldn't get to Dunedin too! That said, we'd love it if you could email questions or comments to mmef@ihug.co.nz, and we'll share them at the afternoon tea.)

AMI Early Childhood Course, June 2009 to January 2011
Just to remind you, the new modular format course runs June 2009 to January 2011. Send your enrolments in now!
Students will attend a total of 24 weeks over 7 ‘contact' modules in 2009 & 2010 (see details below). There will also be 10 weeks of Observation and Teaching Practice to be completed in designated Montessori environments. The Observation and Teaching Practice weeks may be completed in stages between July 2009 and December 2010.

Contact module dates:
Contact Module 1 (4 weeks) - 29th June - 24th July 2009
Contact Module 2 (4 weeks) - 21st Sept - 16th October
Contact Module 3 (4 weeks) - 4th – 29th January 2010
Contact Module 4 (almost 2 weeks) - 6th – 16th April 2010
Contact Module 5 (4 weeks) - 28th June - 23rd July 2010
Contact Module 6 (4 weeks) - 20th Sept – 15th October
Contact Module 7 (2 weeks inc. Oral Exams) - 10th – 21st January 2011

When should I apply?
MMEF will be scheduling course interviews this month when Director of Training, Cheryl Ferreira, will be in New Zealand.
MMEF are requesting course applications a.s.a.p., and by April 1st, 2009 at the very latest!

Sponsorship
During the holidays we've been talking with several schools about sponsoring students on the AMI Early Childhood Course. Many have suggested they'd love to learn more about how some schools have done this in the past. Here's a few ideas:

A school may sponsor a staff member for the full cost of the course and engage in a contract with the sponsored teacher for a certain number of years after the training has been completed. This will be variable with the new course format as the staff member will be able to return to school in between the contact and practical modules. Obviously the staff member will be paid during the time they are working. Some schools offer travel costs but accommodation has be covered by the student. Whereas other schools pay a certain amount towards accommodation whilst the student covers their own travel costs (if applicable).

If you have any further questions on the topic of sponsorship, then please do email us. We'd love to hear from you.

And don't forget, if you or someone you know would like to enrol on the course starting June, then download an application pack at 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, and onwards to June!

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES

Happy New Year ... from Matt

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation supporters,

Here's a bright spirit to start your New Year off the right way: Where's Matt?



Study for your AMI Diploma this year and, like Matt, you too can travel the world!

All the best for 2009,
MMEF Trustees

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