Reminder - no classes on Thanksgiving Weekend

Hello Families,
This is just a kindly reminder that there are no classes on Friday, October 9th for a Teacher's Professional Day, and Monday, October 12th for Thanksgiving.
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday!
The Staff at Aspen Hill Montessori

Monday Picture Day Cancelled

Families of Aspen Hill Montessori,

Due to the weather, pictures for Monday have been cancelled. IF your
child attends school on Monday afternoon OR you have signed up for a
picture on Monday afternoon, you must now sign up for an alternate
time. Your choices are Tuesday morning, Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday
afternoon or Thursday afternoon. Please refer to the sign up sheets in
the front entrance. The forecast is predicting Tuesday to be the
warmest day, so if you can squeeze it in for Tuesday, that would be
great. Each child takes no more than 3-5 min. to get their photo taken.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Monique Pearce
in the moment photography

Picture Days, Oct 5th, 6th & 7th

Aspen Hill Montessori Picture Days

Monday October 5th 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday October 6th 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm
Wednesday October 7th 12:00pm -4:00pm


At Aspen Hill Montessori, your children will be embracing the treasures of nature in their daily learning and exploring. We will extend this experience on picture day by bringing the children outdoors for their school picture.

Please have your child dressed in full school uniform on their picture day.

The photographer is here only during the above times, therefore, students attending Monday & Wednesday mornings must sign up for their pictures.
All other students will have their pictures taken during their regular class time and need not sign up.

A sign up sheet for Monday & Wednesday morning students will be posted at school this Tuesday September 29th.

We will require parent volunteers on picture day. Please sign up on the volunteer sign up sheet in the foyer at school if you are able to help out.

Thank you for your support.

Parent Orientation - September 22

Hello Parents,
We wanted to remind you that the Parent Orientation Session at Aspen Hill Montessori School is on Tuesday, September 22 at 7:15pm. Parents are encouraged to attend this informative session so that we may discuss pertinent information about the upcoming school year, explain the volunteer opportunities, as well as answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to seeing you,

Kindly,
The Staff at Aspen Hill Montessori

From Mrs. Robotham

Welcome Back Parents and Students,

First of all I wanted to THANK all of the parents for the thoughtful gifts and flowers at the end of the year and throughout the year. The certificate went towards something very special. You were all so kind and generous with your words and thoughts. I feel very blessed to have taught your children as each and every one of them touched my heart and I will always cherish the memories we had.

I’m hoping you all had a very enjoyable summer. :) I had a very eventful, but relaxing summer as well.

I am so excited and wanted to let you know that I have started my NAMC(North America Montessori Training Center) Montessori Training and will be graduating in early 2010 with a Certified Montessori Teaching Diploma. I am so excited as there is so much to learn, and thanks to your children for teaching me and sharing with me their Montessori knowledge last year.

I’m very excited about meeting the new students and catching up with the returning students. I know you will be amazed when you walk into our NEW Montessori class, as it’s very beautiful and inviting. I am looking forward to having another fun filled year of lessons and exciting events with your children. This year I am very excited about my new position as a full time team teaching kindergarten teacher. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions about your child at my home email address norm_deb @telus.net or through the school blog.

Quote: “To perceive exactly and to connect the things perceived logically is the work of the highest intelligence.” Maria Montessori

Mrs. Robotham

Picnic Postponed to Wednesday, June 24th.

The picnic will still take place at the school from 10am - 1pm. We hope that you can come and enjoy the sunshine with us!

Family Picnic - June 22nd

The Family Picnic will be on June 22nd and we would love to see you there! 10am - 1pm. Please be reminded that this is the last day of school.
Thanks,
The Staff at Aspen Hill Montessori

Daddy Pizza Night - June 16th.

We invite all of the Dads to please join your child(ren) June 16th at the school for a special evening of pizza, performance, and play. Please be sure to RSVP the school. Please remember that grandpa’s are most welcome as well.

We Have Our New Space!

Aspen Hill Montessori has secured it's new location! As of September, the new school will be located at West Springs Free Methodist Church at the corner of 85th St. and Old Banff Coach Road SW.

Pre-registration is underway for our current students, as well as their siblings, that will attend classes in the fall. If you have not already filled in your pre-registration paperwork and would like your child(ren) to attend, now is a good time to do it. As the space is ample, we have enough room for our current student body, and may consider opening registration up to new students, depending on our pre-registration numbers.

Again, we want to thank-you so much for your patience throughout this process and we look forward to the exciting times to come. We will send out additional details as they become available, including information regarding classroom preparation, our Spring fundraiser, and the Parent Orientation for the new year.

Kindly,
Mrs. Robertson and the Staff of Aspen Hill Montessori

Our Sound of the Week for May 4 - May 8

Our Sound of the Week for May 4 - May 8 is "M m". Please have your child bring something to class that begins with "M m". No toys please...

Math/Sensorial Updates

Finally Spring has sprung and the students are filled with endless energy and can’t wait to explore nature outside. With that being said the months of February, March and now April are behind us, and were very successful learning months. Your children have blossomed from little crocuses to big beautiful tulips in their math ability. In my first year as a Montessori teacher, I am amazed and excited to see how Montessori teaching can be so successful. They have all shown a great interest in numbers. I think we have a few accountants on our hands. Montessori is about repetition and gaining confidence before moving on to the next level . With the basic knowledge of 0-9 number recognition, number order, number formation and I can’t stress enough the importance of proper pencil grip, they are ready to move on. If your child needs assistance with pencil grip, ask them to make closed finger fist then pull out their thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger pinch them together at the finger tips and the o formation they form is called a gopher hole. Place the pencil in the gopher hole pinching the tip of the pencil with their fingers. Please ask me if you would like a demonstration.

Students enjoy the Sensorial activities that are on the shelves such as the tasting jars. These children love to eat, but are still not quite sure as they might get a little surprise from the sour jar they also get a sample of, sweet, bitter sweet and salty. I loved the expressions on all their faces when they think the salt is sugar right after tasting the chocolate. The smelling jars are very successful as well and a very easy activity to do at home.

I give applause to you, the parents, for helping your children with the homework (practice work) I have been sending home. If you would like any number books or practice worksheets please let me know. I’ll be putting together a summer math package later on in the year. If you would like to practice math over the summer months there will be a sign up sheet at the front table if you’re interested and I will gear it towards your child ability. The next 2 months will be a continuation of observing and lessons so they are ready for next year. Your children have been a pleasure to teach.

Happy Spring,
Mrs.Robotham

New Location for the School

Hello Parents,
Great News! Our new space has been secured and guaranteed. The location is in West Springs, and we are now down to writing the finer details of the lease. We understand the pressure that you are under with other financial obligations (ie. deposits for backup solutions) and hope that this news will reassure you of our strong future commitment to you. Again, your patience is truly appreciated, and we will keep you updated as soon as the lease is signed.
Sincerely,
Stacey Robertson
Directress, Aspen Hill Montessori

NO CLASSES during Mother's Day Tea

Hello Parents,
This is just a little reminder that Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th, we will be hosting your Mother’s Day Tea. There will be NO CLASSES on these days so that the teachers and children can focus their attention on this very special event.

As per your invitation, you are invited to attend Tea on the day that you child normally attends class. If your child attends both Thursday and Friday, you may choose which Tea session you would prefer to attend. Again, there will not be regular class times on these days.

Thank you for your kindness.

Mrs. Robertson

Every Day is Earth Day POSTPONED

Hello Parents,
Unfortunately, as a result of the unexpected snowflakes this late in April, we have decided postpone the “Earth Day is Every Day” until the week of May 11-14th. The intent is to keep the same schedule, just shift the week. Monique Pearce will contact all of the parents that RSVP’d to confirm their volunteer times. We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we’re confident that the warmer weather will make for a happier, “Earthier” event for all.

Invitations for Mother's Day Tea

Hello Moms,
Please be on the look out for your special invitation to the Mother's Day Tea on May 7th & 8th. The invitation will be coming home with your children this week. If for any reason it does not find its way to you by Friday May 1st, please contact Mrs. Robertson to discuss the details. We really look forward to sharing this special event with you in your honour.

Our Sound of the Week for April 27 - May 1

Our Sound of the Week for April 27 - May 1 is "E e".
Please have your child bring something to class that begins with "E e".
No toys please...

Birds.

Birds.
The previous two weeks, the spring feeling came into the classroom. Our theme was birds. We learned and talked about different types of birds, their eggs, hatching, and the food they eat. The first week we incorporated a bit of the Easter egg theme into our artwork, just for the fun.
In the practical life area the little ones had a lot of fun with eggshells, feathers, seeds and nests. We decided to try and build our own nest. That was a lot of messy fun.
We also had quite a few little artists among us who tried to paint realistic copies of birds. They learned how to mix colours and use different techniques to create beautiful birds! I was so proud of their work.
On the practical life shelves we decided after spring break that the children were ready so start to work with water. The children are ready to pour, scoop, sponge and pinch with water. There are a lot of accidents, but they are learning and enjoying them selves!
Thank you for sending the letter of the week objects to school, the little ones are so proud to show their objects that they brought!
The next two weeks we are going to have fun with Earth Day. We will keep you posted!
Posted by Hennele Juressen at 3:21 PM
Labels: Birds.
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send me your email address

Parents of Aspenhill Montessori,

If you have NOT been receiving emails regarding our upcoming "Earth Day is Everyday" event please send me your email address at moniquepearce@shaw. ca

At Aspenhill Montessori, we are trying our best to be a paper free environment and therefore, we send out information via our website and through our mass emails to all our families.  If you have been missing our emails, I do apologize.  Please send us your current email address ASAP.

Thank you

Cheers!

Monique Pearce

Sound of the Week for April 20-24 - CORRECTED

Our Sound of the Week for April 20-24 is "B b".

Please have your child bring something to class that begins with "B b".

No toys please...

Earth Day is Everyday

Parents of Aspen Hill Montessori,

Earth Day is SPRINGING upon us and the children are busy exploring the wonders of our beautiful planet through many learning activities in our classroom. We are planning our "Earth Day is Everyday" week for Monday April 27th to Friday May 1st. This will be a time when your child will be participating in many activities that will support their learning of our environment.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on this event.

Monique Pearce

Event & Volunteer Coordinator

Sound of the Week March 16th - March 20th

Our Sound of the Week initiative starts this Monday, March 16th.

"C"

Please have your child bring something to class that begins with "C'. No toys please...

St. Patrick's Day March 16th & 17th

On Monday March 16th and Tuesday March 17th, the children are invited to attend classes in their casual clothing. They can wear green clothing for a fun St. Patrick's Day celebration. We will be learning all about Ireland, etc...

Parent Survey

Please be sure that you have received the Parent Survey that was sent home with the children over the last week. If you have still not received it, ask a teacher for the envelope containing important information and the Parent Survey. We would ask that you kindly return the survey to the school no later than April 15th and your responses are greatly appreciated.

A successful Winter Festival meeting :)

Thank you to Mrs. Robertson and to the parents who were able to attend our Winter Festival meeting this evening.  We came up with some fun activities for our children to participate in.  A newsletter detailing the event will be sent to you via email this weekend.

 I hope you all enjoy this upcoming long weekend with your families

Cheers!

Monique

Teacher's Conference & Family Day

Just a reminder that there will be NO CLASSES on Thursday, February 12th and Friday, February 13th for Teacher's Convention. As well, the school will be closed on Monday, February 16th for Family Day.
We hope that you have a wonderful Family Day weekend!

Aspenhill Montessori

Early Pick-up on Wednesday, Feb 11 PM Class

Due to a funeral at the church, we ask that parents with children in the afternoon class please arrange for pickup at 2:30pm. Thank-you for your cooperation and understanding.

Valentine's Activities

Many parents have been asking about Valentine's day, so we wanted to inform you about our activities at school. We do not have valentine exchange in our classroom. At such an early age they really do not need to have the concept of valentine exchange. Instead the children will be making a friendship and kindness tree. This is an activity that will include all of the children so that no one will feel left out. Also, the themes of friendship and kindness form the foundation of what we stand for at our school and are an important part of our everyday lives.
Thanks,
Aspenhill Montessori

Volunteer Meeting for Winter Festival

Dear Parents,

I did a typo in my last posting. Our meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb.11th (not the 14th)

at 7:30 pm.

I will be sending out a more detailed newsletter via email shortly.

Thanks for your time

Monique Pearce

Winter Festival Volunteers

Hello Parents

We are planning our Winter Festival for our preschool children for the end of February. There will be a meeting on Wednesday Febraury 14th at 7:30pm in the classroom for all parents who are interested in helping with the planning of the event.

Please keep watch on our website as well as at school for additional information regarding our Winter Festival event.

Hope you all have enjoyed the warmer weather we've been having.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday:)

Cheers
Monique Pearce
Volunteer and Event Coordinator

Parent Workshops and Parent Teacher Interviews Rescheduled

Hello Parents,
The Parent/Teacher Interviews that were originally scheduled for Feb 2/3 have been rescheduled. The new dates will be deteremined soon.

Also, the Parent Workshops that were scheduled in lieu of the Interviews have also been postponed until further notice.

Regular classes WILL take place on both Feb 2nd and 3rd. Please do not hesitate to talk to the teachers if you have any questions or concerns.

Calling All Egg Lovers!!!

In order to help your children master the art of grinding using a mortar and pestle, we need your help...If you can kindly bring in clean, dry egg shells, we will have all the all the supplies that we need for those little hands to grind away until their hearts' content!
Thanks so much, your donations are greatly appreciated.

Montessori Workshops for Parents

In lieu of the scheduled Parent/Teacher interviews in early February, the Directress of Aspen Hill Montessori would like to invite you to our first specially designed Parent Workshop, in order to provide you with a more in depth understanding of the lessons that your children are learning and mastering every day. We feel that having you learn some of our Montessori lessons would be the best use of our time together as teachers and parents, as it will spark new insight about your child’s growth and development in the Montessori Environment, as well as allow you to encourage your children and discuss their school activities with first hand knowledge, especially following our Parent Observation Weeks.

There will be a number of workshops scheduled, both during the days and evenings on February 2nd and 3rd in order to allow all parents the opportunity to attend. Please sign up for a session in the school’s reception area.

Thank-you for your enthusiasm, and we look forward to sharing the Montessori theory with you.

Apologies from the Webmaster

Hello Parents,
It is with very mixed emotions that I must inform you that over the Christmas holidays, my computer died. On the one hand, my family ended up with a brand new computer system(YAY!), however, the mailing list with all of your email addresses was lost with my old system. I am currently in the process of recreating this list from emails that you included on your child's registration forms, but if there are any additional emails that you would like added to the list, please email me at lori.hendy@shaw.ca. I apologize for the inconvenience.

That said, the Winter Newsletter is now available for your viewing pleasure. Please check the website on the front page to read it. As well, don't forget to keep up with our blog as the teachers are now all BLOG MASTERS! :) We will try our best to keep things current and interesting.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for your patience,
Lori Hendy
lori.hendy@shaw.ca

Hello parents of Aspen Hill Montessori,

Happy 2009!!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family and friends.  It goes by so quickly!!  I would like to take this moment to THANK all of you for your overwhelming generousity in the donations you made towards the CUPS program.  Their director and staff members were delighted and over joyed with the amount our preschool gave to their organization.  The many assortment of puzzles, toys, generous amounts of gift cards and the homemade blankets Mrs. Robotham made with the children in class, enabled the CUPS program to give their children a happy and magical Christmas.  Once they send me pictures of their Christmas party, I will have them on our website.  Thanks again to all our families!!

Now that our children have settled back into their routines, it would be great to get parents volunteering in the classroom.  If you are interested, please click onto the volunteer schedule on the web site and contact Lori Hendy to get you on the schedule.

The next big event is our Winter Festival scheduled for the end of February.  I will be contacting those parents who signed up for this fun event in the coming week.

If you have any questions or comments regarding volunteering or our school events, please don't hesitate to contact me at moniquepearce@shaw.ca

Cheers

Monique Pearce

Volunteer & Event Coordinator

Math

The children have had a great time learning new and exciting activities in math. For the months of November and December they have been focusing on A,B patterning, number formation with sandpaper numbers and number recognition. I find that a lot of students can count up to 10-20, but can not recognize the numbers out of order.
For the months of January and February we will be reviewing number recognition and number formation. If you would like to help out at home with fine motor skills, that will inturn to help the students with number formation, ie holding their pencil.