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Northside Montessori School Enrolment Application Form (3yrs to 12 yrs)
Northside Campus: 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW, 2073 Stepping Stones Campus: 198 Bobbin Head Road, Turramurra, NSW, 2074 Website: www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 9144 2835
Child’s Details
Child’s given name: Child’s surname:
Gender: Male Female Date of Birth: (DD/MM/YYYY)
Citizenship: If not Australian, Visa type and number
Religion:
Child’s main language:
Other language(s) spoken at home
Date: ___________________
Please complete one form per child
OFFICE USE ONLY:
Observation: Date: / / Interview: Date: / /
Offer of place: Date: / / Acceptance of place: Date: / /
This application is to go on the waitlist for a place at the School. It is not an Offer of Place or Confirmation of Enrolment. Please read the accompanying notes on the Enrolment Procedure and the Schedule of Fees. This form must be accompanied by a copy of your child’s birth certificate, two written school reports if applica-ble and the Application Fee of $165.
Are parents separated or divorced? YES / NO
If yes, with whom does the child live?
Is there any court order affecting the child? YES / NO
If yes, please provide a copy of the orders
Sibling details
Sibling name Male / Female Date of Birth School currently attending
Father, Parent 2 or Guardian 2 Details
Surname: Given Names:
Address: Home Phone:
Email: Mobile:
Work Phone:
Occupation: Company / Organisation:
Mother, Parent 1 or Guardian 1 Details
Surname: Given Names:
Address: Home Phone:
Email: Mobile:
Work Phone:
Occupation: Company / Organisation:
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Pre-primary Enrolment—for children entering school at ages 3, 4* or 5* (i.e. pre-school or kindergarten) Primary Enrolment - for children entering school at ages 6 and upwards* (i.e. year 1 to year 6)
Proposed Entry: Calendar Year: Term: 1 2 3 4
Previous Montessori School (if applicable)
Years attended:
Previous other schools attended (incl daycare)
Years attended:
* Please note: Applications for entry into the pre-primary class after the age of 3 are assessed on a case-by-case basis and only as places become available Applications for entry into the primary classes after the age of 6 are assessed on a case-by-case basis and only as places become available
Age of child at commencement:
Contact details of last school:
Reason for moving:
School reports: I have attached copies of my child’s last 2 school reports
I have attached confirmation of enrolment at a previous Montessori School
Enrolment level sought — please tick one
We are attending the Northside Montessori School Montessori Toddler Programme
Pre-enrolment questionnaire: The primary goal in the enrolment process is to try to find the right fit between school, student and family. Please answer the following questions to helps us get a better sense of your child as a unique individual and your family values. Please answer all questions
Why do you think Northside Montessori School would be a good choice for your child? What would you most like to see Northside Montessori School accomplish with your child over the next three years? What 3 features of Montessori Education most appeal to you?
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What do you believe will be the benefits of your child completing the full 3 year cycle in a Montessori classroom? What readings or other experiences have you had that have prompted your particular interest in Montessori Education (please list details) What do you believe are the main points of difference between Northside Montessori Pre School or Primary School and other centres providing education at your child’s age? What, if any, would be your concerns about the suitability of a Montessori Education for your child? Please identify any special circumstances that may need to be taken into account by the School (such as medical conditions, special gifts or talents, special needs, psychological test results, English as a second language, etc). Please provide any additional information that may be helpful to us in assessing your application. How did you hear about Northside Montessori School?
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Declaration
We declare that all the information provided in this application is true and correct (please sign) Mother/ Parent 1: ................................................ Father / Parent 2: ........................................................................................ Date: ................................................................... Date: ....................................................................................................
Checklist
Please return this form together with the following information:
Copy of birth certificate
Copy of VISA if applicable
Copy of your child’s Australian Childhood Immunisation Schedule
Previous 2 school reports if applicable
Confirmation of attendance at a previous Montessori school if applicable
Submitting this form
Please post or email this application form to the Enrolment Officer together with payment for the non-refundable application fee of $165.00 including GST. Contact details on page 1.
Cheque payable to Northside Montessori School
Please debit my credit card: Visa Mastercard Expiry date: _____________ Cardholder name: ____________________________ Signature: _____________________
Pre-enrolment questionnaire (continued) — please answer all questions
Do you anticipate your child continuing into the Primary schooling levels at Northside Montessori School? YES / NO
v 3.0 April 2014
An Introduction to
our School
northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au
42 Bobbin Head Road Pymble NSW 2073
02 9144 2835
P a g e | 1 v 3.0 April 2014
Contents Foreword by the Principal ....................................................................................................................... 2
Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 3
School Management ............................................................................................................................... 3
Vision ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Mission .................................................................................................................................................... 3
‘Teacher’.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Observation ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Parental Development ............................................................................................................................. 4
Parent Information ................................................................................................................................... 4
Recommended Reading ......................................................................................................................... 4
Aspects of the Montessori Environment ................................................................................................. 4
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................... 7
Who was Maria Montessori? ........................................................................................................ 8
Stages of Development................................................................................................................. 8
Child Centred ................................................................................................................................ 8
Independence ............................................................................................................................... 8
Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017 ................................................................................................................. 10
P a g e | 2 v 3.0 April 2014
Foreword by the Principal
Welcome to Northside Montessori School. I am so fortunate to have joined this wonderful school that
provides a very special and powerful education, enriching and inspiring children in their
learning,growth and development. Following many years in a range of schools, both as a teacher and
then as a school leader, I feel privileged to be part of a learning environment that is based on the
Montessori philosophy. This is an approach to education that acknowledges the child's natural love
of learning. For me, it is a compelling and convincing educational method.
Joining the school in January 2012, I am excited to be part of a Montessori educational environment
where there is a genuine sharing of the love of learning. That love is obvious in the way children,
teachers, parents, carers and the broader Montessori community interacts with each other, in the
care they show for the child, and for the passion they have about their school.
Northside Montessori is a member of the NSW Association of Independent Schools and a Subscriber
to the Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF). Our organisation delivers the NSW Board of Studies
National Curriculum to primary age students, whilst maintaining the Montessori methodology and
outcomes that go beyond that of the traditional school curriculum. The school meets all requirements
in order to be registered with the NSW Board of Studies and simultaneously prides itself on the
Montessori educational delivery which surpasses the restricted standards of other schools.
Northside Montessori School is located in the beautiful leafy North Shore area of Sydney with facilities
that are both modern and environmentally conscious. Established in 1978 Northside Montessori
School is a best practice Montessori School catering for the education of the whole child from 0—12
years of age. The school is in walking distance to public transport and parking is available on site for
staff and 5 minute parking is available to parents when dropping off their children. Street parking is
always available.
Northside Montessori administration operates at the main site at 42 Bobbin Head Road where our Pre
Primary and Primary classes are located. Additionally, we have classes on 5 mornings each week,
including Saturdays, in our Montessori Toddler Program. Our additional campus at North Turramurra
is currently intended as a Montessori Long Day Care facility.
There are wonderful benefits provided by the educational continuity with provision of the Montessori
Toddler Program, our Pre Primary classes and our Primary classes.
Northside Montessori enjoys its strong links to families and I invite you to learn more about our
school by checking our website at www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au. The following pages will
also provide you with important information about the school and the Montessori education we
provide. We can arrange tours and are always happy to respond to questions about Northside
Montessori School. We hold Open Mornings regularly throughout the year and will hold one or two
evenings a year at which you can hear from our past Graduates.
As Principal of the school, I make it my aim to know each child and his or her family. I look forward to
welcoming you to the Northside Montessori Community.
Barbara Maxfield, Principal
M Ed, Dip Religion, B Ed (Mathematics), Dip Performance, Dip Business: School Compliance, AMI Montessori Certificate
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Overview Northside Montessori School provides Montessori education for pre-primary and primary aged children. The teaching methods and curricula are based closely on the methods, insights, materials and discoveries of Dr Maria Montessori, which differ significantly from the more traditional methods, and above all, stress the individuality of the child. They are designed to help each child in sensory-motor skills, discrimination and judgement, socialisation, creative intelligence and imagination, whilst meeting Board of Studies guidelines in all core subjects. As with all schools, the NSW BOSTES is the registration and accreditation authority that undertakes
inspections of our staffing and the educational programs and practices for all Kindergarten to Year 6
levels on a regular basis, and our provision of education for our pre-primary classes now falls under
the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority. Our educational delivery,
comprehensive resources and facilities, excellent programs and the mapping of our curriculum meets
the regulatory standards whilst maintaining the Montessori methodology and learning outcomes that
go beyond that of the traditional pre-school and school curriculum.
School Management The Principal is responsible for the leadership and management of Northside Montessori School. The Principal is a non-teaching leader, responsible to the School Board for managing the policies, regulations and procedures required to provide all students with a safe Montessori learning environment in line with the Mission of the School.
The Principal advises the Board on the management and development of the school.
Vision To instil in each child a wonder in the world and a love of learning, providing opportunities to develop
the confidence to independently and collaboratively explore their environment.
Mission To provide an exemplary environment and Montessori education
To implement and maintain a respectful and supportive partnership amongst the stakeholders through
the supportive triangle of students, parents and school
Build a school that has strong foundations; that is well governed and is financially and environmentally
sustainable
See page 11 for details of our Strategic Plan 2014-2017.
‘Teacher’ Dr Montessori used the term ’Directress’ to describe the teacher in the Montessori environment, to
highlight the quite significant difference in role from that of the traditional teacher. The role of the adult
in the Montessori context is to facilitate the child’s learning, to replenish and enrich the environment,
and to guide the child, linking the child to the environment.
However, as we have both male and female members of staff and to avoid unwieldy terms like
‘director/ess’ (which also have other meanings in the modern context), we have chosen to use the
term ‘teacher’ throughout this summary.
Observation Careful observation of the child is the most important tool in knowing how to help the child’s
development and serve the needs of the child, for both the Montessori teacher and parent. For this
reason, parents are encouraged to observe children at work in a Montessori environment, at least
once before enrolling their child and once each year while their child is enrolled. The design of both
the Montessori classroom and the Montessori education philosophy are based firmly on observation
of children.
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Parental Development The experience of a Montessori education for your child is also an opportunity for significant growth
and development for you as a parent. Parents, including those who have a child on the waitlist, are
encouraged to attend parent education evenings and to make use of the resources in the Parent/Staff
Library. Conferences with your child’s teacher provide a valuable perspective, which can deepen your
understanding of your own child and of your role as a parent.
Parent Information Through an understanding of the methods and principles of Montessori education, all parents can
assist directly and constructively in the progress of their own child. Educational events and
information sessions are held regularly to discuss particular aspects of child development and
Montessori philosophy with parents. Parents of children on the waitlist are most welcome at these
sessions. Parents have opportunities to regularly observe their child’s class too.
Recommended Reading We encourage you to read about the Montessori approach. Some of these titles are available in the
Parent/Staff Library. You can also visit the local public libraries for books on the Montessori method.
Montessori Madness by Trevor Eissler
Montessori Today by Paula Lillard
At Home with Montessori by Patricia Oriti
The Child Society and the World by Maria Montessori.
Aspects of the Montessori Environment
What is the Montessori ‘environment’ and a child’s learning process in it?
In the Montessori classroom at any level, the child is presented with an orderly environment with a
variety of concrete, self-correcting activities. The activities are progress steadily from simple to
complex, from concrete to abstract.
Do pre-primary children attend every day?
Yes, they do attend every day in order to fully participate in all facets of a wide and rounded school
life. They need to do this to be community members rather than ‘visitors’ and to achieve continuity in
their work and that of the class and to have the greatest opportunity to experience the full range of
experiences that a Montessori class offers. Children commence in the pre-primary classroom at age
3yrs or slightly later.
Why is there a three-year age range in each classroom?
Composite classrooms are a core element of Montessori classrooms. The older children act as role
models for younger children; they may work with younger children, reviewing and consolidating
concepts they have already learned in the process. Patience and confidence are reinforced and self-
esteem is strengthened.
“The education of children does not aim at
preparing them for school, but for life.”
Dr Maria Montessori
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Distinctive Attributes of a Montessori Classroom
It is an ordered, secure environment prepared by the teacher to meet the
individual and group needs of each child under his/her care.
The teacher is referred to as the ‘Director’ or Directress’ rather that ‘teacher’. His/her role is
to assist the children by guiding and directing but allowing them the freedom to
learn for themselves.
Children of mixed age groups and of different abilities work together in the
same environment. The usual age groups are 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 years (approximately).
A flexible timetable is operated to enable each child to work at his or her own
pace in the child-centred classroom.
By balancing freedom and discipline, the Montessori classroom aims to
develop the total child.
Each classroom is like a community in which the children’s natural goodness may
find suitable expression. By working cooperatively, the children develop a sense of social
responsibility.
Awareness of the need for and provision of suitable opportunities for
decision-making are geared to each individual child.
Definite independent action on the children’s part is encouraged.
Learning takes place easily when a child is happy and content
and can only occur when a relaxed and secure atmosphere is provided. This is a
characteristic of a Montessori classroom.
Regular contact between parents and teacher leads to greater
awareness of each other’s role and in particular contributes to the child’s overall
development.
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Children are able to work at their own level, either beyond or at a level lower than their peers, without
this becoming obvious to their peers. Similarly they may work at a level above that of their peers
where this is appropriate. In a Montessori class, younger children will often ‘aspire’ to do work they
observe older children engaged in. Composite classrooms also foster relationships with children
across age groups.
What is the importance of completing the three-year cycle?
Dr Montessori’s research identified sensitive periods in the child’s development when they show
strong interest in certain aspects of their environment. The Montessori program introduces aspects of
learning at a time when the children are most receptive over the three year cycle.
Within each three-year cycle, a full body of information and skills is presented. During the final year of
any cycle, abstraction of concrete concepts is achieved, skills are refined and leadership opportunities
taken up by the children. Where a child leaves a cycle early, they will miss a crucial year of
consolidation.
What are some of the key educational elements of the Montessori pre-school experience?
Exercises of Practical Life: Care of the environment, washing, polishing, tidying etc. care of the
person, dressing frames lacing, tying. The aim is to engender
independence, concentration, repetition, confidence, a bridge from
home to school.
The Sensorial Equipment: Pink tower, red rods, bells, colour tablets are aimed at education and
refinement of all senses, indirect preparation for later work in numeracy
and literacy.
Language: Sandpaper letters, movable alphabet, metal insets (a preparation for
reading and writing). These are keys to language.
Mathematics: Number rods, golden beads, the chain cabinet. These are the keys to
maths (numbers 1 to 10, the decimal system etc.)
Cultural areas: Maps, art, history, biology.
What is the importance of a child remaining in the Montessori system after the age of six?
The same Montessori pre-school environment which promotes independent, self-directed learning
continues on into the primary classes. The child continues to be taught by Montessori teachers who
also hold Board of Studies Teacher Education Standards (BOSTES) approved teaching qualifications.
Much learned in a Montessori class in preparation for future work; future classes build on that
foundation. For example, Geography, History and Biology work in the 3-6 class leads onto abstract,
imaginative exploration in the 6-9 class. By the end of the 3-6 class, a child develops skills in reading,
writing and mathematics using Montessori materials which re-appear in the 6-9 environment as
elements of more complex work. Materials in the 6-9 class can act as prompts for the abstraction
work that occurs in the 9-12 classroom.
The Montessori Primary Classroom
At around the child’s sixth birthday, a new and exciting phase of development begins, characterized
by questions, the ability to abstract and imagine, a concern with moral and social issues, and a
seemingly unlimited energy for research and exploration. The child’s horizons widen.
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To support this stage of development, excursions that take the child out of his or her familiar settings
become an essential means of learning and are an integral element in the Montessori primary
program. Because the child’s energy and interest are so strong at this age, the child in the Montessori
primary environment will have been introduced by the age of twelve to many areas of study usually
reserved for the secondary years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about a Montessori education. You
may have many more – please take the opportunity to ask our staff. You may wish to follow up
queries after your observation.
What is the role of the observation and interview in the enrolment process of Northside
Montessori School?
Observation was the fundamental tool used by Dr Montessori in developing her work with children. Dr
Montessori stresses the importance of the supportive triangle – child, parent, school – and by
observing you are invited to involve yourselves from the outset and, of course, you are actively
encouraged to ask questions in the interview that follows your observation. This presents parents a
unique opportunity to see a working classroom, rather than a "showcase" scenario.
The observation is an integral part of the enrolment process and it continues throughout the school as
the significant means for parents to see, first-hand what is happening in the classroom.
When you make the Montessori choice we want your decision to be as informed as possible.
What is Montessori offering my child?
When you decide to commit to our school you need to understand the type of education that we offer.
The Montessori system of education is child-centred. Our aim is to deliver the curriculum while
provide a nurturing, supportive environment where children continue the natural process of their
growth and development.
Dr Montessori believed that the child has a curiosity for, and love of, knowledge and it is through the
child's own work with the classroom materials that knowledge is gained and concepts understood and
internalised.
The child, through their work in the prepared environment, will develop self-discipline, orderly work
habits, concentration and independence alongside their knowledge. We encourage students to
improve on their previous performance and to perfect their knowledge through repetition in their work.
We want children to work independently and collaboratively to fulfil their individual potential and also
emphasise the process of the task rather than the end product.
“The child’s is a type of life in which work, the fulfilment of
one’s task, brings joy and happiness.”
Dr Maria Montessori
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Who was Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870. She was a dedicated and passionate student and studied
physics, maths and natural science at the University of Rome. She became the first woman in Italy to
qualify as a doctor and represented Italy at the International Congress on the Rights of Women.
Working with mentally retarded children, she noted how they craved sensorial stimulation. From
these comprehensive observations, she developed her theories and practices, on how children learn.
What Dr Montessori came to realise, was that children placed in an environment where activities
were designed to support their natural development, had the power to educate themselves. Dr
Montessori was a life-long promoter of educating for peace; and received three nominations for the
Nobel Peace Prize. More information on Dr Montessori and her work can be found at
www.montessori.org.au
Stages of Development
Dr Montessori observed that children pass through periods of acute interest in specific aspects of the
physical and social environment. She designed Montessori classrooms to respond to these specific
aspects of their development. The classrooms are equipped with a range of distinctive, concrete
materials especially designed for the different stages of development of the children. These materials
grab and hold children’s interest and lead them comparatively effortlessly to educational knowledge.
Additionally, children are grouped in three year age brackets (0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12 years). This age
grouping is fundamental to the children’s development, both socially and academically.
Child Centred
An important element in the Montessori philosophy is the view Dr Montessori took of children as
unique human beings. This view evolved over time as she observed children in their own
environment and in the “prepared environment” of Montessori classrooms in different parts of the
world. The Montessori system of education is child-centred and teacher facilitated. The needs of the
child are paramount. One-on-one lessons, as well as small group presentations, are delivered to
children to meet individual needs, Remedial and extension/gifted and talented classes are not
necessary in the Montessori classroom as each child’s abilities are catered for within the classroom
on a daily basis.
Independence
The Montessori Method and materials develop within the child the ability to work independently and
collaboratively in order to fulfil their individual potential. The child has the opportunity to develop
qualities of self-esteem, independence, self-reliance, and to build the skills of concentration,
research and orderly work patterns. Social awareness and responsibility are also fostered in children
who are educated in the Montessori Method. The environment promotes respect for self and others,
awareness and consideration for the needs of fellow human beings, and developing the child
intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. The Montessori Method is unique and it allows the
educators to treat each child as a true individual.
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So, how do I find out what is going on at school?
The key is communication between the teacher and the parents. Together they can use knowledge
gained from talking to each other, to help your child progress and learn in a supportive environment.
Our staff are very responsive to parent requests and will normally be able to arrange a meeting within
a day or two. We welcome parents to observe in the classroom throughout the school. To ensure that
all parents have the opportunity to talk with their child’s teacher parents attend Parent Teacher
interviews at the end of Term 2 and Term 4.
Additionally, parents undertake to attend parent education information sessions which run throughout
the year so that you gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy and practice, which in
turn helps you understand what is happening for your child.
The operation of the Montessori three year cycle allows the staff to get to know each child and their
family in a way that is not possible in other school settings. More importantly the child’s interaction
with the group in his or her cycle is significant in the development of their social, emotional and
cognitive skills
There is no question too trivial. Whatever it is – it is important.
How does the school help the child moving to high school?
We prepare students for high school and this is undertaken during the last eighteen months of the
primary education cycle. Students are also prepared for the selective schools test and high school
entrance examinations. When our students graduate we ask for feedback so we can continue to
adjust our transition programme accordingly.
What are the School Hours?
Pre-primary, Level 1 and 2 (3 and 4 year olds): 8.30am – 11.45amPre-
primary Extended Day (kindergarten equivalent): 8.30am – 2.45pmPrimary
children, years 1 to 6: 8.30am to 2:55pm
Is there a School Bus?
A bus service operated by Transdev (Shorelink) transports children between Pennant Hills Railway
Interchange and the Northside campus via South Turramurra. This is a dedicated school service.
Does the School offer Out of School Hours (OOSH) Care?
The school currently runs its OOSH program at the Northside campus at a small additional cost:
Our After School Care program is for pre primary and primary age children from 2:45pm
until 5:45pm
Montessori Home environment (MHE) from 11.45am to 2.45pm for pre primary (Levels
1 & 2) students
Vacation Care operates during non-term time from 8:30am to 5:45pm, Monday to
Friday. The school uses qualified staff from OSHClub as part of its staffing and
provision for OOSH Care. Vacation Care and the school office closes for four weeks
over the December/January break.
The School is planning in mid-2014 to open a Long Day Care at its Stepping Stones campus which
is a few minutes drive away at 196 Bobbin Head Rd, Turramurra.
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Strategic Plan 2014 – 2017
Recently the school conducted a complete refresh of its strategic plan, incorporating broad community
consultation. The intent of the Strategic Plan is to maintain the health and well-being of three key
pillars in our school:
Education
Community
Business
Strategic Goals
Education
At all times the primary goal of Northside Montessori is to provide students with an exemplary
Montessori education from 18 months to 12 years of age.
In support of this, we will:
Ensure that we always apply and follow the Montessori philosophy and pedagogy
Strive for excellence in our teaching; optimising the outcomes of any teaching activity
Attract, retain, develop and support high quality staff
Ensure that we have a clear awareness of each student's progress and can communicate it at
all times to parents and other staff
Challenge all our students, assisting them to achieve their potential in an environment that
fosters their love of learning
Continually review our performance against educational best practice both in Australia and
overseas
Continually maintain, refresh and update the facilities and resources available
Offer a rich diversity of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
Community
We seek to foster positive relationships and communication within our community, and with the
greater educational community at large.
We do this by:
Fostering productive relationships through the supportive triangle of students, parents and
school
Clear, effective, targeted communication
Creating opportunities to recognise the contribution of volunteers within our community
Providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all new students, staff and parents
Providing opportunities for social interaction
Providing bursaries that enable families who may not otherwise be able to afford a Montessori
education to attend the school
Maintaining a strong alumni network
Recognising and celebrating the school’s history, tradition and cultural diversity
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Business
To support the provision of Montessori education by continuing to build on the strong foundations via
strong management and governance; financial and environmental sustainability
This includes:
Optimising the enrolments to make the best use of the available facilities while ensuring
financial viability
o In this regard it should be noted that there is a degree of scalability, and the school
can be profitable at a range of sizes.
o All decisions regarding class sizes should be made in the context of providing a place
for all students who require it, through to 12 years of age
o This involves strategies for the attraction and retention of families, including:
Direct promotional activities
Encouraging existing families to introduce the school to other families
Maximising the size of the target market by ensuring that families with 2 working
parents are catered for via the availability of OOSH facilities
Maximising the opportunity to educate families on the benefits of Montessori
education, both prior to their commencement at the school (via avenues such as
the Montessori Toddler Program, Montessori Long Day Care, and other
Montessori Pre-schools) and during their tenure at the school
Advocacy regarding the Montessori method within the wider community
Optimising the use of available resources by
o Maintaining a current Master Plan that reflects the current and forecast requirements
of the school
o Ensuring appropriate use of facilities to support the educational, community and business
needs of the school
Ensure effective governance of the school via
o A stable and effective school board, which governs the school while delegating
operational responsibility to the Principal
o Appropriate processes, training, and succession planning
o Good risk management protocols
Where possible, incorporate sustainability principles into the operations of the school.
Main Campus & Office 42 Bobbin Head Road Pymble NSW 2073
northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au P 02 9144 2835
Z:\Admin Files\ENROLMENTS\4. Enquiries\3-12\Enrolment Procedure
Northside Montessori School Enrolment Procedure (3yrs to 12yrs)
Northside Campus: 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW, 2073 Stepping Stones Campus: 198 Bobbin Head Road, Turramurra, NSW, 2074 Website: www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 9144 2835
Thank you for your interest in Northside Montessori School for your child. Following is an explanation of our enrolments procedure. We have also included a summary of the key elements of our enrolment contract overleaf.
STEP 1: ENROLMENT APPLICATION & FEE
The first step is to complete an Application Form. This can be obtained from our website or by calling the School Office on 9144 2835. The $165 non-refundable Application fee applies to new families. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and payment in writing.
STEP 2: PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS
Enrolment applications are placed on the Waitlist in accordance with our Enrolment Policy. We give preference to siblings of children enrolled at the School, to children transferring from other Montessori schools and to children currently enrolled in our Montessori Toddler Programme. Please note that when assessing applications, we will give consideration to order of receipt of application and to maintaining a balance of ages and genders in our multi-age classes.
STEP 3: CLASSROOM OBSERVATION
You may be offered a half hour observation in a classroom. This is a requirement for all new families, usually in term 2, before an Interview with the Principal can be held.
STEP 4: INTERVIEW WITH THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Interviews for entry into the school generally take place in Term 2 or 3 the year prior to entry at the 3 year old level. The School may write to you to invite you to meet with the Principal and you and your child are required to attend. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the School. The School will take this opportunity to understand your expectations for your child’s Montessori education and assess your child’s readiness to commence at the School. We will also discuss your understanding of the Montessori approach and other expectations of families joining the School such as volunteering, working bees, etc. Interviews for entry in the school generally take place after the classroom observation.
STEP 5: OFFER OF PLACE, ACCEPTANCE OF PLACE
After the interviews and observations are completed, the School will assess all applicants. If we have a place for your child, a Letter of Offer including a copy of the Enrolment Contract will be mailed to you. We will write to you if your application is not successful. You will have 2 weeks to accept the Offer and return the signed Acceptance of Place and the Enrolment Contract along with payment of the Enrolment Bond to secure your place. We will acknowledge receipt of the Acceptance of Place, Enrolment Bond and signed Enrolment Contract in writing.
STEP 6: CLASS ALLOCATION AND NEW PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
Class allocation, orientation and start date letter will be sent out prior to entry. Class allocation occurs after all places have been accepted and after due consideration to the mix of ages, genders, siblings, and special needs. Class allocation, after consultation with the classroom teacher, is at the sole discretion of the Principal. Parents are required to attend a new parent information session in term 1.
CHECKLIST
1. You complete an Enrolment Application Form
2. School assesses application and availability of suitable places
3. School arranges a classroom observation for you
4. School arranges an interview with the Principal
5. School may offer you a Place if one is available
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IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF ENROLMENT AT NORTHSIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
SUPPORT FOR THE MONTESSORI APPROACH
Northside Montessori School is committed to implementing the NSW Board of Studies curriculum using Montessori principles and best practice. Parent support for this approach is core to the successful operation of the classrooms. This includes supporting the ethos of the School, observing in a classroom before the start of each cycle, attending parent information evenings and Graduate Panels, participating in fundraising and working bees, reading communications from the School and bringing your child to school regularly and on time.
LEARNING MORE ABOUT MONTESSORI
The school provides regular opportunities throughout each School year for parents to become better informed about the Montessori education their child is receiving. Attendance at some events is compulsory and is voluntary at others. These include Graduate Panels, parent education evenings (usually once per term) and open mornings (twice per year).
COMMITMENT TO THE THREE YEAR CYCLE
The Montessori Classroom comprises children in a three year age range. Completion of the three year cycle is fundamental to the success of the Montessori programme. On enrolment we ask you to commit to this three year cycle so that your child and other children in the classroom may reap the full benefits of their Montessori education.
THE THREE YEAR CYCLE AND THE FAMILY ENROLMENT BOND
The three year cycle is fundamental to the Montessori approach. The Enrolment Bond will only be refunded when a cycle is completed as is clearly set out in the Enrolment Contract and after all outstanding fees have been paid. The bond is not used to offset outstanding school fees. Non-completion of the cycle in which a child is enrolled will result in the Enrolment Bond being forfeited.
WITHDRAWAL OF AN ENROLMENT
One term’s notice is required on the withdrawal of a child. If one term’s notice is not provided, one term’s current tuition fees are due and payable in lieu of that notice.
SIBLING ENROLMENT
We prioritise new enrolment applications from siblings of children already enrolled at the school. The school offers a tiered discount structure for children concurrently enrolled in the pre-school and primary school only, with the largest discount applied to the eldest child. All discounts apply only to tuition fees and not to levies or optional charges such as languages, the Toddler programme and After School Care. Discounts do not apply to siblings enrolled at Stepping Stones Long Day Care. The discount structure is as follows: 25% for the first sibling, 50% for the second sibling, 75% for the third sibling, and 100% for the fourth and later siblings
MEMBERSHIP OF THE NORTHSIDE MONTESSORI SOCIETY
Northside Montessori Society is a company not for gain, limited by guarantee. All families with children attending the school are Members of the Society. By accepting a place for your child at the School you agree to pay the annual membership subscription as and when it falls due. Currently this is $65 and is due 1 January every year.
TUITION FEES
To assist parents with payment of school fees, fees are paid via 10 compulsory direct debit payments from February to November each school year. Non-payment of fees may result in termination of the enrolment. The Northside Montessori School Board endeavours to set tuition fees at the lowest level which will cover the costs of tuition. You should be aware that costs of tuition, particularly due to staff salaries, and therefore tuition fees do generally rise every year. The Board endeavours to keep these fee rises as small as possible.
VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT
Families contribute to the enhancement of the school community by performing four (4) school support hours per family per term. This includes one working bee attendance per parent each year. In return for this contribution, $50 is credited to a family’s account for each support hour completed each term.
