In the week before our Christmas vacation, the Montessori Children's House calendar got a workout! So many transitions were going to take place as we spend our time with family.
We learned that on December 23, it was the first full day of a new season. It may not feel like it, but winter is officially here. We discussed that seasonal changes take place slowly, and just because it is "winter" didn't mean it would snow and freeze on that day. Of course, we marked Christmas on December 25 as a very special holiday. As we traveled day by day on the calendar, it became clear that December was ending, and we spoke about the new month of January, and with it, the new year. All this while we are out of school! Of course, no Christmas would be complete without singing; the Montessori children put on a mini-concert December 17, using their voices and instruments. Thank you for all who attended, and especially for all who brought treats to share! Coming in January, we will be exploring rocks and minerals, including various land and water forms, and magnets. Of course, as always, weather is always a topic in our classroom. How much longer will we be able to go outside? Please, so that we can enjoy fresh air for as long as possible, send your child to school dressed for the weather. Labeled gloves/mittens, hats, boots, and snowpants are a must on these cold winter days! Fresh air stimulates and invigorates us, and we will go outside unless it is bitterly cold (taking into account the windchill temperature value) or it is very wet. Even ten minutes outside benefits all of us.
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Dear St. Mary's Community, First of all, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to EVERYONE for their kindness and support during these last 3 weeks. During the most difficult time of my life, I have felt wrapped in the love and prayers of you wonderful people, even though I am a newcomer to this school. The words "thank you" do not seem to encompass the gratitude my children and I feel. What will speak more, I think, is how we pay these kindnesses forward to those in need. And that we will do, in Bernie Rice's name. I also want to extend a special thank you to my colleague and friend, Krista Jelsovsky, who has continued the running of the Montessori classroom. It was a weight off my shoulders knowing that I could trust her and Kelli McArthur to carry on educating and nurturing those 32 precious children that attend the Montessori program. To April Lucey, who has carried on her room mother duties with diligence, I also want to express my thanks. She and her son, Callum, made sure that we had something sweet for ourselves. I am returning to work on Monday, December 7. It is time. Peace and Blessings, Teresa Rice |
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Ms. Teresa is just one of the three fantastic teachers in St. Mary's Montessori Children's House! |