We did it!  At 4:45pm with a deadline of 5:00pm on November 1st , thanks to your wonderful letters of support and overwhelming encouragement: to be precise, MMEF submitted our funding application to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

Why does this matter? Because if our funding application is successful, WE can offer the course in 2012, and YOU can apply for a student loan and enrol!

You can sense why we’re so excited.

A huge and resounding thank you to every one of you for springing into action when it really was needed the most.

And a special thank you to Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand for so promptly providing us with the facts and vital statistics to tie up all the loose ends.

Now then, for those of you keen to study for the AMI Diploma in January, even while waiting to hear of the outcome of our funding application, we urge you to complete your application and send it in today.

We say this because we must process all student applications before the end of November, and this will involve an interview, reference reports and a police check, which all take time.

So please don’t delay. Download your application form from mmef.org.nz, complete your application, and send it to us at MMEF, PO Box 108054, Symonds St, Auckland – simply add a covering letter stating that your application is pending the outcome of TEC funding.

Don’t wait. The end of November will be too late to apply, so download your application form TODAY atmmef.org.nz.

That’s all for now dear friends & thank you once again.

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

invites you to an

Information Evening

for prospective students of the A.M.I. Montessori

(3-6) Teacher Education Course to be held in Auckland

January 2012- February 2013

This occasion is to find out more about the
forthcoming A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) 

Early  Childhood  Education Diploma Course,
to talk other members of the Montessori
community & learn about Montessori education.

We hope you can attend and you are most welcome to bring a friend.

Date:
Monday 22^nd August, 2011

Time:
7.00p.m – 8.30p.m

Venue:
Ponsonby Montessori Kindergarten, 244 Richmond Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

RSVP:
by Friday 19^th August please to 021 111 4133

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation, from MMEF HQ this month…

Montessori Orientation: “Follow the Child!”

On a delightful long weekend in Matakana recently, 20 receptive participants at our Montessori Orientation Weekend – “Follow the Child” revelled in 3 days focusing on the wonder and limitless potential of young children!

One participant said how “wonderfully indulgent” the workshop had been—

“to discover Montessori’s philosophy through passionate speaker Cheryl Ferreira, and to be able to devote three days to purely focus on the child, a distant cry from the completion of endless paperwork and countless meetings!”

I hasten to add that this attendee was just introduced to Montessori over the weekend and therefore not yet attached to a Montessori school, though she’s certainly considering her future options now…

Here’s the glorious mix of teachers, assistants, school owners, parents and grandparents who travelled from as far afield as Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland to join us at Totara Hill Montessori School, Matakana.

Keep your eyes peeled here for the announcement of our next MMEF event.

Sponsorship for 3-6 AMI Training Course

MMEF has received several inquiries from potential A.M.I. students seeking sponsorship for the next 3-6 course–some are from teachers currently working in ECE settings and with teacher registration who are seeking a different approach to the education of the young.

This is an ideal opportunity for schools to acquire that rare resource: a fully-registered and N.Z-qualified A.M.I. staff member!

Please contact us at mmef@ihug.co.nz if your school is looking to sponsor an A.M.I. student. (Just let us know if you have any particular criteria important to you, e.g. you would prefer a B.Ed (ECE) and Teacher Registration or in process of the latter etc. ). The two factors MMEF always emphasise are, first, that it will be a requirement to live within travelling proximity to the sponsoring school, i.e. moving to the school’s location to commence employment and, second, that terms of sponsorship are negotiated between the school and the employee.

Applications to be received by October 1st!

We know from the many inquiries we’ve been receiving that there are a number of course applications ‘in process’ – can we ask you to complete your application enclosures and send them to us ASAP!

Due to the timing of this next course, (i.e. starting in January, 2012,when much of New Zealand is *closed* for the holiday season) our final planning will be underway very soon—so please help us by sending in your applications as soon as possible. Thank you.

Theory-Only Module January 2012

In response to our last newsletter, many of you inquired about the possibility of studying for the theory and psycho-pedagogy components of the course in January.

To give you a little background information, MMEF offered school owners and administrators the opportunity to enrol for the theory-only module of the last course, thus offering the opportunity to those in administrative roles (including school owners) to gain an understanding of the theoretical underpinning of Montessori’s approach to child development. By all accounts these have been extremely popular in other parts of the world!

We will be offering this again next year, with the theory component commencing Tuesday January 3rd and the anticipated duration being 3-4 weeks of full time study. (Exact dates, times and cost will be finalised and sent to you all shortly.) In the meantime, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz with any further enquiries or expressions of interest.

Date for your Diary

Here’s an upcoming event to add to your diary:

MMEF Information Evening – Monday August 22nd, Ponsonby Montessori Kindergarten, 244 Richmond Road, Ponsonby – 7.00 – 8.30p.m.

Come along, bring a friend and find out all about the next AMI 3-6 Course!

That’s all for now. Stay warm, reflect on this thoughtful Zen Proverb ….

“If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking”

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

We’ve been receiving many inquiries about the next course – great, do keep those inquiries coming! As a general response we’re inviting each of you who are even contemplating applying to send in your applications as soon as possible!

Why?

Because Director of Training – Cheryl Ferreira is coming to town!

Cheryl will be in Auckland until 23rd July, offering the perfect opportunity for interviews to be scheduled. Emailmmef@ihug.co.nz or call Carol on 021 0260 1802 today and let’s arrange a time!

Expressions of interest for the Theory ONLY lectures in January

At the beginning of the last AMI 3-6 Course, MMEF invited school owners and administrators the opportunity to join us for the first module only, to hear the theory lectures that joyfully unfold the intricacies of child development according to Maria Montessori.

With the next course commencing in January we are seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to study the theoretical underpinning of the Montessori Philosophy and discover – why we do the things we do?

• Sensitive Periods
• The Absorbent Mind
• Human Tendencies
• The Four Planes of Development

These are just some of the topics we explore. Intrigued to know more? Then email mmef@ihug.co.nz with your expression of interest.

Questionnaire – can you assist us?

As many of you may well know, the Maria Montessori Education Foundation (that’s us, folks) has gone to considerable lengths establishing a New Zealand AMI Montessori training centre – offering an AMI qualification here at home that is internationally recognised. Our aim, as articulated by many of you, is to continue delivering high quality and a greater choice of Montessori-trained teachers here in New Zealand.

We love receiving your feedback and your questions. So here are the answers to the most frequently received questions from you, followed by some of our own for you:

Q: Is the MMEF AMI course only offered in Auckland?
A: To date, numbers in Auckland and availability of rental space there means Auckland remains our location of choice currently.

Q: Can I get a government loan for the MMEF AMI course?
A: Due to funding caps, we are presently unable to access the government student loans facility for our students. However, both ASB and The National Bank are amenable to offering Tertiary Loans to our students.

Q: Why do course fees seem so high?
A: The course fees are comparable to those in Asia, Europe and Australia. While we have done everything possible to reduce costs for you, the fees are determined by the cost of the experienced trainer(s) and examiners, and the rental of premises to meet all NZQA requirements and to furnish and equip a complete training environment and practice classroom. This is the cost of quality.

Now, could you please take a moment to answer the following six questions to assist us with our future planning (and to fulfill our ongoing NZQA compliance!): Click the link on questions to respond.

Thank you for assisting us to assist you!

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

‘Montessori Orientation – Follow the Child’

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

In a Montessori environment, all adults are valued; contributing as part of a collaborative team, with one goal…the revelation of the normalised child. This child will shine, revealing his or her true character and personality, if the adults truly understand their passive and active role and their quest to ‘follow the child’.

Join us for a lively 3 day workshop with Director of Training – Cheryl Ferreira.

Montessori Orientation 3 day July 2011 Registration

“The child will show us the way…”

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

CHERYL FERREIRA – AMI 3-6 DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

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?

The workshop is open to ECE teachers, parents, school administrators and 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.

Click here for more information

We look forward to seeing you!

Maria Montessori Education Foundation

PO Box 108054, Symonds StreetAuckland 1150, New Zealand

web www.mmef.org.nz

blog www.mmef.wordpress.com

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 shorterperiod 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!

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

This occasion will provide you with an opportunity to find out more about the forthcoming A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) Early Childhood Teacher Education Course, to talk to A.M.I. Montessori teachers and other members of the Montessori community & learn about Montessori Education.

We hope you can attend and you are most welcome to bring a friend.

Download a flyer InfoEveningFlyer Sept 2010.

Time: 4:30pm – 6:00pm Venue: The Quakers Meeting House, 113 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

RSVP: By Friday 24^th September to 021 111 4133
]]> http://mmef.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/mmef-information-night/feed/ 0 ed http://mmef.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/whole-school-refresher-in-sydney/ http://mmef.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/whole-school-refresher-in-sydney/#comments Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:38:22 +0000 stanforded http://mmef.wordpress.com/?p=285 ]]> 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 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 forms to mmef@ihug.co.nz ASAP!

That’s all for now,
Carol, Tia, Anna, Shirley, Lynne
MMEF TRUSTEES