Captain John

Palliser School

Montessori Program

January 9, 2020

We have 8 distinct alternative programs

in multiple sites:

▪ Aboriginal Focus

▪ Arts-Centred

▪ All Boys

▪ All Girls

▪ Languages (French, German, Mandarin,

Spanish)

▪ Montessori

▪ Science

▪ Traditional Learning Centre (TLC)

Why Alternative Programs?

▪ Providing families choices to

meet the unique learning needs

of each student

▪ Programs focus on a particular

language, culture, subject (Arts,

Science), or teaching

philosophy

▪ Informed choice is essential –

what is THIS particular program

about and how does it meet MY

child’s needs?

Key Messages

▪ Each program has unique features

▪ Integrity of the program remains the same across sites

▪ All sites follow Alberta Programs of Study with ATA certificated teachers

▪ All schools requiring a lottery follow the CBE lottery Process

▪ Aligned with system timeframe for registration

Lottery Process

▪ Where a program is

oversubscribed the lottery

process will be employed

▪ Registrations are categorized

using 3 priorities:▪ Priority 1 - siblings in walk zone

▪ Priority 2 - walk zone, no siblings or outside walk zone with sibling

▪ Priority 3 – designated attendance area

• Notification of acceptance via letter or email by 10 business days after the lottery (by March 3, 2020)

Timeline for Registration

Opens January 20,2020• Closed noon on Tuesday before

Teachers’ Convention (February 11, 2020)

• Lottery drawn on Wednesday before Teachers’ Convention (February 12, 2020)

• Results of the lottery draw sent within 10 business days of the draw (March 3, 2020)

• Parents must accept/decline within 10 days from the date of the acceptance letter

Elements of the Montessori Program

▪ The Alberta Programs of Study are

shared through the Montessori

philosophy, methodology and materials

▪ Academic success through

engagement in hands-on learning with

focus on the use of independent skills

and curiosity in practical life

▪ Students work on a multitude of

activities which ignite passions and

curiosity

▪ Use of materials that are purposeful

and promote deep learning of concepts

Differences and similarities with community school programs

Differences▪ multi-aged grouping of students, where possible

▪ peer tutoring

▪ student cohorts remain together, building long lasting relationships

▪ Peace education using a Montessori approach

▪ Montessori teachers hold an Alberta teaching certificate and a teaching certificate from an accredited Montessori teacher training course

Similarities▪ Alberta Programs of Study

▪ second language opportunities

▪ daily PE

▪ Character

▪ Citizenship

▪ Personal Development

The Montessori classroom:

▪ there is a delicate balance between

choice and responsibility

▪ intentional learning environments are

designed to facilitate self-directed

learning

▪ leadership is promoted through

active service in the community and

studies related to the environment

▪ emphasis is on intrinsic motivation,

independence, and student choice

▪ provides for interdisciplinary work

periods

A Montessori student…

▪ works on tasks in large blocks of time

where attention is sustained and use of

responsible decision making is expected

▪ collaborates with other students to

accomplish tasks and support each

other’s learning

Characteristics of a Successful

Kindergarten Student

▪ Independent

▪ Advocates for self

▪ Intrinsically motivated

▪ Learning to make decisions

▪ Can work with others

Other considerations:

▪ the program is sequenced so that

learning builds from year to year and

has specific entry points

▪ in a successful Montessori Program

parental involvement is encouraged

▪ family environment where

assessment of success is

established individually while de-

emphasizing age-based comparative

standards

Math at CJP

▪ Highly personalized math instruction

▪ Methods build mastery of counting

skills and number facts

▪ Problem solving and critical thinking

in math incorporated throughout

program

▪ Many different and varied Montessori

materials provide hands on, visual

approach

▪ Movement from concrete to abstract

instruction and reasoning

Literacy at CJP

▪ Students participate in a joyful, literacy-rich environment

▪ Responsive, explicit instruction

▪ Use of a variety of Montessori language materials that progress sequentially and build on a students prior knowledge

▪ Hands-on approach

▪ High impact instructional strategies: Interactive Read-Alouds, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, and Writer’s Workshop

▪ Reading Intervention for struggling students

Technology and STEM at CJP

• Fostering the 21st Century Learning –curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

• Enrich student learning and connect to

experts in the field.

Special Events and Learning

Opportunities at CJP

• Art Felting

• Explore and Discover

opportunities

• Snow Shoeing

• Maker Space

• Robotics

• Choir/ Handbells

• School-wide Literacy Grouping

• Family Picnic/ Family Fall Dance

• Stampede Breakfast

• Clubs/Intramurals

The Five Great Lessons

▪ The Five Great Lessons are a

series of stories that give students

an overall impression of the grand

topics of the universe, the earth,

and life on earth. These stories

are the heart of the Montessori

integrated elementary curriculum.

▪ The Five Great Lessons entertain,

inspire and teach. They capture

the student’s imagination and

initiate exploration of important

questions.

The Five Great Lessons

▪ The Beginning of the Universe

and Earth

▪ Life Comes to Earth

▪ Humans Come to Earth

▪ How Writing Began

▪ How Numbers Began

Preparation for Jr. High

Middle School

• Students initiate and complete independent projects of their choosing

• Students start doing more research and using technology, preparing them for Jr. High

• Goal setting, planning and reflecting

• Montessori elementary graduates report a smooth transition to Jr. High

Social/Emotional Development

▪ Precursor for learning

▪ Resilience building

▪ Confidence, Self-Awareness

▪ Peace Corner

▪ Growth Mindset exploration

▪ Zones of Regulation

Transportation considerations:

▪ K-5 yellow bus transportation provided following CBE congregated stop guidelines for alternative programs

▪ Transportation for grades 6-9 may be offered through congregated yellow bus stops or Calgary Transit (no rebates are provided)

▪ Parents pay an annual fee for CBE yellow bus service or purchase monthly Calgary Transit passes

▪ Congregated stops are reviewed annually and informed by pre-registration for transportation, online through MyCBE/PowerSchool

▪ Congregated stops may not be within walking distance and alternate arrangements may be required to access the congregated stop

Please walk through our 3, 4 and K

Montessori classes before you leave.

Staff will be available to answer your

questions.

Staff are unable to advise you if this

program is a good fit for your child.

Applications will be accepted at our office

from January 20 – February 11 at Noon.

Application forms are available online.