from Admin
2018 Term 3 Week 10
Dear Community Members
On behalf of the Southern Montessori community I extend best wishes and deep gratitude to Lesley Mills as she closes a chapter of her life as an educator here. Over 26 years Lesley has touched the lives of many people, young and not so young. Lesley’s love of working with young people is clearly visible – her passion for guiding them on their learning journey and helping them to become independent and responsible is an inspiration to all. Lesley knows that she is a great friend and that she is always welcome here. I’m sure I speak for so many, including those who have grown up and now have their own ‘little ones’, when I say congratulations, enjoy a well-earned rest and thank you.
Insert 2 photos of Lesley
You will have heard that the appeal against our Middle School has been withdrawn. We have chosen a builder for our classrooms and are submitting final plans to council. WATCH THIS SPACE – we are soon to announce details of an information evening for ALL community members that will showcase our new Middle School location, classrooms and facilities. This is a very exciting time!
The Cycle 3 camp at Ankara on the River Murray was a great success. It was our first visit to this beautiful site and won’t be our last. Enjoy the article and pictures in this Bulletin.
Accompanying this Bulletin is a very helpful flyer about cyber bullying, e-crime and the protection of young people. This advice for parents comes from the Association of Independent Schools.
Community Survey Actions/Outcomes
As the Montessori Moment for this Bulletin, please read a summary of actions that we are planning to implement as a result of the most recent community survey. Your input is highly valued and to walk the talk, we need to enact what is valued.
Consistency of practice within and across cycle groups was identified as a concern and we commit to achieving greater consistency and improving our practice. This applies to many facets of the education of your children.
Communication is also on our radar and applies to communication from Leadership, Board and from teachers. We continue to explore the capabilities of the App (which is still being developed) and the facility to return slips electronically. We are aware of the importance of effective communication with families and continually strive for improvement.
We aim to use technology in ways that lead to improved learning outcomes for students. We are working closely with a consultant from Independent Schools in relation to the new Digital Technologies Curriculum and have recently won a $50,000 grant to enhance our IT infrastructure. Anna and Noel are attending the Montessori Australia Foundation Innovation Summit – Montessori for the Digital Age, during the coming school holidays.
There is great positivity in the air regarding our Middle School and the move to Kalyra. We are conscious that we need to grow Cycle 4 and are open to creative ideas around marketing and promotion. We have finalised building specifications and have chosen some amazing furniture to fit our classrooms – including a Science / Tech room with a designated ‘lab area’ with gas taps and sinks.
Other topics that are central to conversations include improving school security (possible security lights and cameras), further enhancement of the Early Learning Centre, ongoing targeted Montessori training for staff, a designated Music program – inclusive of building our collection of musical instruments.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy time over the coming fortnight.
See you again in Term 4.
All the best, Heather & Noel
