Prospectus and application for Montessori @ Bellevue

1. Page
1
of
8
Nov
2012
Prospectus and
Application Criteria
2014
20
Princess
Road
Brookfield
Tauranga
3146
Email:
enrol@matb.school.nz
Phone:
Bellevue
School
07
576
5916
(Fridays)

2. Page
2
of
8
Nov
2012
PRIMARY
SCHOOL
EDUCATION
Overview
Montessori@Bellevue
(M@B)
was
established
in
2002
to
provide
Montessori
Primary
education
for
children
aged
from
6
to
12
years.
Our
teachers
ensure
that
children
receive
the
benefits
of
the
Montessori
philosophy
and
curriculum
delivered
within
the
framework
of
Bellevue
School,
the
New
Zealand
Curriculum
and
National
Standards
for
Primary
Schools.
M@B
is
fully
integrated
within
Bellevue
School,
giving
the
children
access
to
the
wider
school
programmes,
facilities,
social
and
sporting
activities.
M@B
is
governed
and
administered
by
a
registered
Charitable
Trust,
Tauranga
Montessori
Education
Trust
(TMET).
TMET
was
established
to
ensure
a
quality
Montessori
primary
school
would
be
available
to
children
in
Tauranga.
The
Trustees
are
a
group
of
dedicated
parents
who
work
alongside
Bellevue
School’s
Board
of
Trustees
and
the
Montessori
teaching
team.
TMET
is
responsible
for
governance
of
M@B
whilst
management
is
carried
out
by
Bellevue
School
and
its
Board
of
Trustees.
TMET
funds
Montessori
teaching
staff
salaries
which
are
not
funded
by
the
Ministry
of
Education;
Montessori
materials;
Montessori
specific
training
and
staff
development.
TMET
relies
on
parent
donations
and
fundraising
to
meet
its
financial
obligations.
The
Curriculum
M@B
offers
an
enriching
and
challenging
Montessori
curriculum.
Teachers
facilitate
creativity,
independent
thinking
and
responsibility
through
a
specially
prepared
environment.
Within
this
prepared
environment
the
child
is
able
to
work
at
their
own
pace
with
a
logical
sequence
of
activities
and
materials.
Teachers
make
careful
observations
and
record
each
child’s
progress.
The
environment
and
class
culture
excites
the
imagination
and
entices
the
primary-­‐age
child
into
a
quest
for
knowledge.
Historical
timelines,
pictorial
charts,
mathematical
materials,
collections
of
specimens,
stimulating
discussions,
a
teacher
to
facilitate
and
support
learning
stimulates
independent
thinking
and
drives
individual
progress
and
learning
at
the
child’s
pace.
Maria
Montessori
(1870
–
1952)
Maria
Montessori
was,
in
many
ways,
ahead
of
her
time.
She
was
born
in
1870,
and
graduated
in
1896
as
the
first
woman
doctor
in
Italy.
In
her
medical
practice,
her
clinical
observations
led
her
to
analyse
how
children
learn,
and
she
concluded
that
they
built
themselves
from
what
they
found
in
their
environment.
Children
teach
themselves.
This
simple
but
profound
truth
inspired
Montessori’s
lifelong
pursuit
of
educational
reform
and
teacher
training.
Her
legacy
is
a
philosophy
of
life,
a
unique
method
of
education,
materials
with
which
to
educate,
and
a
system
of
training
that
produces
teachers
who
can
give
children
the
best
possible
foundation
for
life.

3. Page
3
of
8
Nov
2012
Montessori’s
Influence
on
Mainstream
Education
The
Montessori
materials
and
lessons
developed
by
Dr
Montessori
have
withstood
the
test
of
time.
The
skills
developed
and
the
progression
from
simplex
to
complex,
and
concrete
to
abstract,
meet
the
needs
of
children
today
just
as
they
did
in
Rome
at
the
beginning
of
last
century.
Traditional
schools
are
beginning
to
embrace
aspects
of
Montessori
education
such
as
concrete
learning
materials,
multi-­‐age
level
classes,
involvement
of
the
child
setting
their
own
learning
goals,
a
move
to
teaching
to
meet
individual
needs
and
strengths,
move
to
process
focused
assessment,
development
of
an
integrated
curriculum
across
subject
areas
and
a
focus
on
the
whole
child.
The
latest
NZ
school
curriculum
now
embraces
personalized
and
inquiry
based
learning.
Children’s
Work
Montessori
primary
children
learn
to
structure
their
own
individual
work
schedules.
The
children
are
used
to
long
periods
of
work
(the
three
hour
work
cycle)
and
they
themselves
determine
the
duration
of
time
they
work
on
a
particular
project.
The
key
is
to
help
the
child
establish
a
balanced
work
day.
The
class
and
its
activities
flow
naturally
throughout
the
day.
Children
move
between
friends
and
their
work,
helping
and
joining
group
lessons
when
asked.
Despite
the
individualism
of
the
class
there
is
still
a
strong
feeling
of
cohesion
as
the
class
meets
at
least
once
every
day
to
hear
other
children’s
projects
and
stories,
enjoy
music,
discuss
difficulties
and
play
group
games.
Multi
Age
Groupings
A
cornerstone
of
the
Montessori
Primary
class
is
the
multi
age
groupings
of
6
–
9
and
9
–
12
year
olds.
Children
stay
in
one
group
for
up
to
three
years
and
will
usually
have
the
same
teachers
for
that
time.
This
age
grouping
allows
for
peer
learning
(younger
children
learn
from
the
older
ones,
while
the
process
of
teaching
the
younger
ones
reinforces
the
older
child’s
knowledge
and
learning),
enhanced
teacher
child
relationship,
broad
social
development
and
opportunities
for
leadership
and
friendships
resulting
in
a
co-­‐
operative
social
community
based
on
respect
of
self
and
others.
Younger
children
are
naturally
interested
in
the
work
of
the
older
children,
so
the
older
children
serve
as
tutors
and
role
models
instilling
a
sense
of
pride.
The
wide
range
of
age
and
ability
also
builds
in
each
child
a
tolerance
and
appreciation
for
difference.
The
emphasis
in
a
Montessori
classroom
is
on
cooperation
rather
than
competition.
Age
groupings
are
aligned
with
those
of
Bellevue
School.
Children
will
eventually
complete
Year
6
within
M@B
and
move
on
to
Intermediate
between
the
ages
of
10
½
and
11
½.
The
primary
years
are
calculated
by
a
child’s
birthday
rather
than
the
date
the
child
starts
school;
your
child
is
not
being
held
back
as
a
result
of
entering
the
primary
school
system
at
age
6
rather
than
age
5.
“We
must
support
as
much
as
possible
the
child's
desires
for
activity;
not
wait
on
him,
but
educate
him
to
be
independent”
-­‐Maria
Montessori

4. Page
4
of
8
Nov
2012
APPLICATION
CRITERIA
Applications
must
be
made
on
the
appropriate
form.
A
non-­‐refundable
application
fee
of
$50.00
including
GST
is
payable
at
the
time
of
application
and
needs
to
accompany
the
completed
Application
Form.
Prerequisite
Montessori
Pre-­‐school
Education
When
selecting
children
for
places
within
M@B,
TMET
must,
in
the
interests
of
the
wellbeing
of
M@B
as
a
whole,
enrol
those
children
best
prepared
for
the
Montessori
Primary
classroom
environment.
TMET
has
determined
that
a
child
requires
minimum
levels
of
preschool
education
as
below.
• The
child
must
have
attended
at
least
two
full
years
at
a
suitable
Montessori
pre-­‐school
prior
to
entry
to
Montessori@Bellevue
in
the
term
in
which
they
turn
6.
TMET
reserves
the
right
to
determine
the
suitability
of
any
Montessori
pre-­‐school.
• From
or
before
their
4th
birthday,
the
child
should
attend
a
minimum
of
3
days
per
week
at
a
suitable
Montessori
pre-­‐school.
• From
age
5,
the
child
should
attend
at
least
4
days
per
week.
Attendance
at
these
sessions
should
continue
until
entry
to
M@B.
• The
child
must
remain
enrolled
in
a
suitable
Montessori
pre-­‐school
and
attend
the
required
number
of
days
until
entry
to
M@B.
Montessori@Bellevue
Parent
Information
Meetings
Parents
are
required
to
attend
a
Montessori@Bellevue
Parent
Information
Evening.
These
information
evenings
are
held
bi-­‐annually
and
will
be
advertised
through
your
child’s
Montessori
pre-­‐school.
Parent
Information
Evenings
offer
parents
the
opportunity
to
expand
their
knowledge
of
Montessori
at
a
primary
school
level
and
direct
any
questions
they
may
have
to
the
teachers,
as
well
as
to
students
both
present
and
past,
of
Montessori@Bellevue.
Classroom
Observation
Parents
are
also
required
to
book
and
attend
a
Classroom
Observation
at
M@B
before
submitting
an
application.
Observing
a
M@B
Primary
school
class
in
action
illustrates
the
connection
to
Montessori
pre-­‐
school
education
and
offers
further
clarity
and
understanding
of
daily
activities
and
structure.
Note:
Parents
are
welcome
to
request
a
meeting
with
the
Principal
and
Lead
Teacher
at
any
stage
during
the
enrolment
process.
Learning
Disabilities,
Special
or
High
Needs:
Bellevue
School
has
an
open
and
inclusive
enrolment
policy;
the
placement
of
children
within
Bellevue
School
and
Montessori@Bellevue
is
the
responsibility
of
the
Principal,
in
consultation
with
the
parents.
Parents/caregivers
with
children
who
have
learning
and/or
physical
disabilities
are
invited
to
contact
us
at
the
earliest
opportunity
(ideally
around
the
age
of
4).
This
will
allow
time
to
build
mutual
understanding
and
to
ensure
that
any
classroom
or
environmental
preparations
are
facilitated
as
required
to
support
the
child’s
transition
to,
and
journey
through
their
education
at
Montessori@Bellevue.

5. Page
5
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8
Nov
2012
Close
of
Applications
Formal
applications
should
be
received
by
the
time
the
child
is
4
½.
Applications
received
after
this
date
may
be
given
lower
priority
but
will
be
assessed
on
a
case
by
case
basis
and
places
allocated
as
and
when
available.
Allocation
of
Places
Selection
for
entry
to
the
M@B
will
be
based
on
the
total
application
presented
by
each
family,
together
with
any
other
relevant
information.
TMET
reserves
the
right
to
make
all
enquiries
it
deems
necessary
to
obtain
information
which
may
assist
it
to
reach
a
decision
in
any
particular
case.
Factors
taken
into
account
include
the
number
of
days
attendance
at
Montessori
pre-­‐school;
the
quality
of
their
pre-­‐school
education;
the
child’s
history
of
learning
in
the
Montessori
environment;
the
level
of
enthusiasm
of
the
family
for
involvement
in
and
contributing
to,
the
Montessori
and
wider
school
community;
the
need
to
ensure
available
places
for
siblings.
N.B.
Places
are
not
guaranteed
until
notified
in
writing.
The
final
decision
on
placement
of
children
within
the
Montessori
Unit
or
Bellevue
School
lies
with
the
Principal
in
consultation
with
the
child’s
parents.
Priority
Children
who
meet
the
criteria
will
be
prioritized
as
follows:
1
Accommodation
of
siblings
of
children
already
attending
M@B
who
meet
the
Application
Criteria.
2
Children
with
the
appropriate
pre-­‐school
history
3
Children
of
staff
employed
by
M@B
4
Children
transferring
from
Montessori
Primary
schools
elsewhere
5
Other
applications
TMET
welcomes
all
applications.
Each
will
be
considered
on
a
case
by
case
basis,
and
places
allocated
as
and
when
available.
Places
at
Bellevue
School
Each
child
accepted
into
M@B
is
part
of
the
roll
at
Bellevue
School.
Therefore,
a
separate
application
form
must
be
filled
out
and
submitted
to
Bellevue
School
prior
to
their
first
day.
Children
cannot
begin
their
education
at
M@B
until
this
application
has
been
submitted.
Pre-­‐school
Visit
M@B
teachers
visit
our
feeder
Montessori
pre-­‐schools
from
time
to
time
to
co-­‐ordinate
and
develop
relationships
with
pre-­‐school
staff.
During
the
visit
our
teachers
may
identify
your
child
and
take
the
opportunity
to
introduce
themselves
and/or
observe
your
child
at
work.
This
will
familiarize
your
child
with
our
teachers
and
begin
relationship
building
prior
to
transition.
Transition
Early
in
the
term
prior
to
the
child
starting
at
M@B,
parents/caregivers
will
be
contacted
by
the
Lead
Teacher
to
arrange
transition
visits.
The
process
of
transition
involves
an
Orientation
for
the
whole
family,
at
the
school,
followed
by
class
visits
for
each
child.
These
will
take
place
towards
the
end
of
the
term.
The
initial
Orientation
will
involve
meeting
the
Principal,
teachers
and
administration
staff,
followed
by
a
tour
of
the
school
and
grounds.
Further
details
of
this
process
will
be
provided
close
to
the
time
of
transition.

6. Page
6
of
8
Nov
2012
Donations
M@B
is
not
a
private
school;
it
is
the
vehicle
by
which
Tauranga
Montessori
Education
Trust
delivers
the
New
Zealand
curriculum
via
the
Montessori
philosophy
in
separate
classes
within
Bellevue
School.
Monies
received
as
donations
to
TMET
are
applied
entirely
to
providing
Montessori
education
to
the
students.
By
its
nature
and
because
of
the
method
of
teaching,
the
alternative
educational
opportunity
provided
by
M@B
incurs
extra
costs.
This
includes
classrooms,
furniture,
administration,
educational
materials
and
‘above
entitlement’
staffing.
Bellevue
School
receives
‘per
head’
funding
from
the
Ministry
of
Education
for
every
child
enrolled
in
the
school,
which
includes
all
Montessori
students.
These
funds
provide
for
all
school
facilities:
fields,
playgrounds,
staffing
etc.
which
are
not
Montessori-­‐specific.
Donations
are
set
at
an
amount
deemed
necessary
by
TMET
to
maintain
the
integrity
of
the
offering
of
M@B.
TMET
reserves
the
right
to
increase
the
level
of
donations
as
necessary
to
continue
to
provide
high-­‐quality
Montessori
education.
M.A.N.Z
Membership
Fee
M.A.N.Z
is
an
incorporated
organisation
which
operates
independently
of
any
Montessori
School
or
local
Montessori
Association
and
undertakes
a
number
of
important
functions
and
duties
on
behalf
of
all
its
members.
A
quarterly
newsletter
is
published
which
each
member
family
receives.
Each
family
with
a
child
attending
a
MANZ
member
school
or
preschool
pays
an
annual
fee
to
support
their
work.
Visit
www.montessori.org.nz
for
further
information.
Family
Commitment
and
Parental
Involvement
Parents
must
show
an
understanding
of
the
Montessori
philosophy
of
teaching
and
fully
support
its
methods.
Parents
must
agree
to
support
M@B,
the
Montessori
teachers
and
their
relationship
with
Tauranga
Montessori
Education
Trust,
Bellevue
School
BOT,
management
and
community.
Parents
must
sign
the
required
‘Terms
of
Acceptance’
at
the
time
of
acceptance
and
abide
by
its
terms
at
all
times.
In
particular,
parents
agree
to
make
all
donations
referred
to
in
that
document
including
any
increases
deemed
necessary
by
TMET
during
the
child’s
attendance
at
M@B.
Parental
involvement
is
a
vital
element
in
creating
a
thriving
Montessori
community.
All
parents
and
caregivers
are
encouraged
to
take
an
active
part
in
school
life.
There
are
many
ways
in
which
parents
skills
can
make
a
difference
e.g.
assisting
with
reading,
art
projects,
and
baking,
building
or
decorating
projects.
Attendance
at
Parent
Information
Evenings
(held
twice
yearly)
is
strongly
recommended.
Your
family
will
benefit
greatly
from
the
enhanced
understanding
these
evenings
offer.

7. Page
7
of
8
May
2012
DONATIONS/FEES
Application
fee $50.00 Covers
administration
cost. Payable
at
time
of
application
Initial
Donation $1000.00 One
off
payment,
non-­‐refundable.
Secures
the
child’s
place
within
M@B.
50%
payable
when
child
turns
4
½
.
50%
payable
term
prior
to
child
starting.
Term
Donation $410.00 Covers
teaching
salaries
and
professional
development
Payable
first
week
of
each
term
MANZ
membership $11 Per
family Once
per
term
Practical
Life
fee $24 Covers
materials
for
practical
life
activities
Payable
first
week
of
each
term
Stationery
fee $30 Stationery Payable
once
yearly
Term
1
TMET bank account number for all donations/fees: TSB 15-3973-0009806-00
Notes
If
a
child
leaves
prior
to
the
end
of
term,
the
term
donation
is
not
refundable.
Students
of
M@B
are
expected
to
pay
the
Bellevue
School
donation
of
$65
per
child
per
year.
All
donations
are
(currently)
fully
tax
deductible.
Leave
of
absence:
Students
who
are
absent
from
school
for
a
period
exceeding
15
consecutive
weeks
in
a
school
year
are
automatically
removed
from
the
school
roll
and
will
be
required
to
re-­‐enrol
upon
their
return.
Both
Bellevue
School
and
TMET
will
require
documentation
that
students
are
intending
to
return
to
school.
Places
cannot
be
guaranteed
for
absences
of
more
than
one
year
Departure:
TMET
requires
one
full
term’s
notice
of
a
child’s
intended
departure
from
M@B.
If
notice
is
not
given,
one
term’s
donations
will
be
payable.
Recommended
Reading
(Parent
Lending
Library
Available
–
Contact
Laura
Rowe
as
per
detail
listed
below)
Recommended
Websites
How To Raise An Amazing Child
The Montessori Way by Tim Seldin
Montessori Madness! - Trevor Eissler
(A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education)
Montessori Today by Paula Polk Lillard
The Essential Montessori by Elizabeth
Hainstock
(An introduction to the woman, the writings, the method,
and
the movement)
www.montessori-­‐ami.org
Association
Montessori
Internationale
est.
1929
www.montessoriconnections.com
For
Montessori
Community
www.montessori.ac.uk
Montessori
Centre
International
est
1946
www.montessori.org.nz
Montessori
Association
of
New
Zealand
est
1984
Please
see
the
flowchart
overleaf
for
details
and
timeline
of
the
full
enrollment
process.
For
all
enrolment
and
general
enquiries,
please
contact
Laura
Rowe
at
Bellevue
School
on
07
576
5916
on
Fridays
or
email
admin@matb.school.nz

8. Page
8
of
8
May
2012