Workshops, ‘Babies’ and more. But first …

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

“The child will show us the way…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* * July Workshop Reminder:

‘Montessori Orientation – Follow the Child’

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

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

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

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

* those working as an assistant in a Montessori environment

* anyone considering Montessori teacher training in the future

* parents to deepen their understanding of Montessori in the home

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

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

* * Babies

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

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

It is priceless!

And finally….

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

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

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

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

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

March Musings…Next Course Dates Announced

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

Graduation!

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

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

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

Think About It!  

NZQA gives MMEF glowing External Evaluation Result

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

A couple of snippets from the report,

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

and

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

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

AMI 3-6 Course Dates 2012 - 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORKSHOP: ‘Montessori Orientation – Follow the Child’

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

Auckland – Saturday 16th July – Monday 18th July

Wellington – Wednesday 20th July – Friday 22nd July

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

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

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

Workshop registration forms will be emailed to you all soon!

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

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

That’s all for now,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley & Lynne

MMEF Trustees

The final module of the Inaugural MMEF AMI 3-6 Course approaches!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters
 

We’ve been rather quiet on the newsletter side, however, this is not indicative of the activity at MMEF HQ!

As the end of the first AMI 3-6 course draws near we have been busily preparing for our NZQA External Evaluation Review (EER) which occurs during week 1 of the next module. This review is slightly similar to the self-evaluation processes of the ERO visit for schools. And just as schools do, we look forward to having our first EER completed!

MMEF Alumni

With the graduating MMEF students in mind we are  forming an MMEF Alumni and will be extending the invitation to all AMI Diploma holders in New Zealand. For a variety of reasons memberships expire as one’s period of study ends, therefore we felt this may be the ideal opportunity for past AMI graduates to re-join AMI and stay abreast with the activities of the International Montessori community. Information has now been sent out to all schools, however if you have been missed and would like to know more please email Cathy at mmef.alumni@gmail.com

Storage for MMEF Course Materials – can you assist?

After the January module, from Thursday January 20th to be precise, we will be seeking storage for the MMEF course materials and shelves – do you know of anyone who may be able to assist us?

We have 12 shelf units which together are 3.5 metres in length and approximately 1.3 metres wide. There are additional storage boxes and equipment which all sit very securely on top of the shelves – all in all about 6 cubic metres is the space we are seeking.

We are looking into a number of options also, though it never hurts to throw the net far and wide. If you know of anyone who may be able to assist us please contact Carol at mmef@ihug.co.nz .

10th Early Childhood Convention – Christchurch 2011

       MMEF are delighted to announce that we will have the chance to
       present a workshop entitled “On the Path to Independence” at
       the Early Childhood Convention in Christchurch,
       April 26th – 29th.

       This event occurs only every four years and attracts
       approximately1200 attendees.It seemed too good an
       opportunity to miss to spread the word about Montessori
       a little wider.
       Please let us know if you'll be there too!

                                                             .... L

Exciting news to share – watch this space!

There have been a number of positive factors that have influenced our decision to move the start date of the next course – now to start January 2012 - to coincide with the beginning of the school year .

We’ve listened to your feedback and hear the impact the change to funding will have and understand that another year will give many of you a chance to re-adjust financially. Also, after tireless juggling, MMEF will be able to offer the course over a shorter period of time.

Still the same amount of weeks - 24 weeks - in modules similar to the current course, still the work and study option and still with the 10 weeks of Observation Teaching Practice – all this over a 13 month period!

See the next MMEF news in the New Year for further exciting developments about the course!

And finally, we wish you all a healthy, peaceful & joyful Christmas holiday and Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou.

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

“There’s a kind of hush…all over the room” – Needlework Workshop, Auckland!

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

MMEF go to Whole School Refresher in Sydney

The recent Montessori Conference and Whole Refresher in Sydney  saw several of the MMEF Trustees heading over ‘The Ditch’ to refuel.

The one-day Conference entitled ‘ Montessori and Special Education: Following The Child’ had a line-up of impressive international Montessori speakers, including Judi Orion (0-3 trainer); Cheryl Ferreira (3-6 trainer); Greg McDonald (6-12 trainer) and Dr Steven Hughes, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist.

Over the ensuing two days, we joined others for the refresher working with the above trainers with their particular age-group. The three days were a much needed injection of creative ideas plus a reminder of the essentials with the Montessori materials.

For anyone interested in working with children 0-3, Judi Orion will return to Sydney next April to deliver the first module for the Assistants to Infancy ( 0-3) training course.

Please visit the Australian Montessori Training Education Foundation http://www.ami.edu/amtef/amtef/welcome.htm for the course schedule.

A Stitch in Time – introducing Needlework in the 3-6 Environment.

A peaceful calm pervaded the MMEF training environment yesterday as 22 busy sewers progressed through sewing stages from card sewing, button sewing, through binqa sewing samplers, blanket stitch edging to embroidery designs and appliqué on a hoop frame, all under the masterful direction of A.M.I. Director of Training - Cheryl Ferreira.

A truly wonderful day!

One attendee wrote her account:

“It was a very nice and relaxing day of learning; I was really excited because it was my first Montessori workshop, but fearful of the time length.  I thought the time was too long for the topic, but it turned out there wasn’t enough time.  Cheryl is a very good teacher; you can see the Montessori in her when she is teaching one on one.  I felt like I was back in my Montessori grade school; a nice patient teacher, where you watch first and then they watch as you do your best to copy what they have just showed you.  The girls who are in the AMI course at the moment were fun to talk to.  I got a glimpse into what the course would be like next year.  I’m SO excited to take it; I wish it was starting sooner.  I can’t wait to go back and learn how to become a Montessori teacher.”

For in those in the Nelson area, there are just a few places available for the Nelson Needlework Workshop on Saturday July 31st. Don’t miss out - email your registration to mmef@ihug.co.nz forms ASAP! 

That’s all for now,
Carol.,Tia, Anna, Shirley & Lynne
MMEF Trustees

A Stitch in Time - Needlework Workshops in Auckland & Nelson

 

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

It was good to see so many of you again at the MMEF stand at the recent MANZ Conference in Christchurch. Thanks to many of you, the silent auction proved to be another success for MMEF.

A huge thank you also goes to the sponsors for their generous product donations. The proceeds raised will support A.M.I. training in New Zealand.

 

Workshop Dates for Your Diary:
Saturday July 3rd & 31st, 2010**A Stitch in Time - Introducing Needlework in the 3-6 Environment**

Cheryl Ferreira will be the presenter for two 'hands-on' workshops in Auckland on Saturday July 3rd and in Nelson on Saturday July 31st.

Attendees will leave brimming with many practical ideas to take back to their environments, therefore due to the ‘hands- on’  nature of these workshops we will limit registrations. Hence the advance notice for your diaries.
A needlework kit will be included in the cost!

Registration forms will be sent out shortly - watch this space!

 

Public Address: Speaker – Cheryl Ferreira A.M.I. Friday 30th July, Nelson 7.00-9.00p.m**Education: the Cornerstone to Peace**Venue: Jaycees, Founders Park,
87 Atawhai Drive, Nelson   

$5 per person inc. tea,coffee and nibbles!

RSVP by Monday 26th July to mmef@ihug.co.nz

Fliers will be sent out shortly for this event.

 

AMI 3-6 Diploma Course July 2011 - January 2013

Last year MMEF had asked for expressions of interest from other locations, to hold an A.M.I. course outside of Auckland.

We thank those of you who responded, however, there seemed to be an overriding inclination towards Auckland again for the next course! Therefore, we are officially announcing that the next MMEF training course for the AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma is going to be held in Auckland. The course will commence in July 2011, by modular format, until January 2013.

Application forms can now be downloaded from our website http://www.mmef.org.nz/.
The exact dates of the course modules are yet to be finalised but as an indication of how the modules are structured, please see the current schedule on our website.

And finally...stay up to date with MMEF news at mmef.wordpress.com or email http://mmef@ihug.co.nz/ to subscribe to MMEF news.

 

Best wishes to you all,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

MMEF silent auction at MANZ conference

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

Here’s hoping that the year has started well for you all!

We launched into Module 3 straight after New Year, it’s hard to believe that we’re almost half way through our first course. With plans already underway for the next to commence in June 2011 do keep those inquiries coming to us!

**MMEF Silent Auction at the MANZ Conference

Following the success of our last silent auction at the MANZ Conference in Napier, we’ll be holding another one this year. Come and place your bids on Saturday, Sunday & Monday, the auction will close at 5.45p.m. on Monday 12^th April.

To let you into a wee secret, one of the items on offer is a set of 62 flags of the world generously donated by Gonzagarredi (not including the arch).

For anyone not attending the Conference who would like to place a bid, email mmef@ihug.co.nz.

We will be selling The Soft Letter Book too this year so see you there!

**Last chance to book ‘Recognising and Responding to Child Abuse’ Wednesday April 14th 2010

Venue - Quaker Meeting House – 113 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

The 1 day workshop will include:-

• Signs and symptoms of abuse


• How to respond if a child discloses abuse


• Legal requirements about reporting abuse


• What to do to protect a child


• How a Child Protection Policy can help


• Where to refer and get the help needed.

Presenter: CPS, Preventing Harm to Children

There are a few places still available, hence we’ve extended the booking date until March 10^th.

At just $75 for the day email mmef@ihug.co.nz for a registration form today!

**And finally….

We hope you’ve all managed to visit the new MMEF blog at mmef.wordpress.com.

Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz to receive the MMEF newsletters.

Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

New year, new blog site!

Dear Maria Montessori Education Foundation Supporters

Happy New Year to you all!

Ed Stanford has volunteered to redesign and maintain the MMEF Newsletter blogsite and provide additional internet solutions for MMEF communications. Please check out the new site! We recommend following the subscription link on the front page to receive additional e-mails from MMEF about upcoming workshops and courses.

Ed is an AMI trained primary guide from the United States who has recently relocated to the North Shore with his wife, Emily. He enjoys exploring New Zealand and writing about Montessori education in his blog MontessoriEd.

Thank you for your ongoing support in 2009 and wishing you all the very best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!








Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES

Module 1 completed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMEF is delighted to offer the following in October

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

Saturday October 10th @ 9.00 - 4.00p.m

WORKSHOP: 'Planning Your Day in the Montessori Environment'

to include

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

Flow Between Indoors and Outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children Create and Develop Language from Birth Onwards'

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

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

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

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

Best wishes to you all,

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne

MMEF TRUSTEES

Nine weeks to go: Aprons, Dusters & Classified Cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best wishes to you all, and onwards to June!

Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES

Here's some food for the soul:

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