Newsletter, Term 4, Week 3, 2024 - Northside Montessori School

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23 Jan 2024

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Week 3

“Imitation is the tool given by nature to children to help them adapt to the particular place where they were born and that enables them to adapt to the customs of their specific environment.”

(Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures)

The Adolescent Through the Eyes of Maria Montessori

“The adolescent must never be treated as a child, for that is a stage of life that they have surpassed. It is better to treat an adolescent as if they had greater value than they actually show than as if they had less and let them feel that their merits and self-respect are disregarded.” (Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence)

“If puberty is on the physical side a transition from an infantile to an adult state, there is also, on the psychological side, a transition from the child who has to live in a family, to the adult who has to live in society. These two needs of the adolescent: for protection during the time of the difficult physical transition, and for an understanding of the society which he is about to enter to play their part as an adult.”(Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence)

It was so good to see many parents at the Adolescent Information night on Thursday. It was wonderful that we were able to share with parents the joys and challenges faced by the adolescent, and how as a Montessori school we can support students through this time within our Adolescent (High School) program.

During the session we heard about the characteristics of the adolescent, how they perceive themselves within society, and what they need to feel nurtured and supported. We recognize that their place in the social order is vitally important. Their peers matter, and they will often need the opportunity to make choices, take risks and build relationships within community.

There was so much useful information for parents at this session, I would certainly encourage others to attend future information nights related to our Adolescent program. It will help you better understand your child’s development, but also see how as a school we are shaping a high school experience that not only supports the developmental needs of the child, but also meets all the curriculum areas delivered in traditional schools.

We are thankful to Margaret and Helen for presenting such an informative session.
Thank you

Adam Scotney
Principal

Peer Support

The Year 6 Amaroo and Orana students have been enjoying working as the Peer Support leaders during their weekly sessions with the primary students. This year the topic is ‘Moving Forward’ which focuses on the importance of planning, coping, communication, and resilience. Each week the activities involve students being able to recognise personal qualities and strengths, acknowledge their achievements and the achievements of others, develop skills in being resilient and cope with challenging situations.

Being a Peer Support leader requires a lot of organisation, preparation and responsibility and provides the Year 6 students with many opportunities to build relationships and connect with others. After each session they attend a debriefing to discuss what was successful and where they may need support.

In Spanish this Week

Spanish lessons. It is such a wonderful opportunity for our students to have the chance to learn another language. Thank you to Bibiana our Spanish teacher for her commitment to helping our students develop their skills in this Spanish.