Positive Learning Environment
Peace Garden Montessori is a space where children feel joyful, reactive, and secure so that they are able to learn comfortably. Every child has an important voice to contribute and everyone has an equal opportunity for inclusion. All materials and learning spaces are shared so that the children belong to the class. Children can work in groups and play together. This way they learn to take turns and express themselves to their peers.
The physical indoor environment is clean, uncluttered, and conducive to learning. The Montessori method emphasizes that a learning environment must allow children the freedom of movement and exploration while providing enough structure and order. The outdoors will be kept safe and clean. and the child will also have the freedom to learn and move about as they explore a natural environment as well.
Children will participate in quiet learning activities during Montessori learning periods, French, reading, music, and circle time. The children who need naps will also be able to lie down and rest for an hour and a half each day.
Private Child Care Learning Centre
Peace Garden Montessori will have a maximum of 5 children between the ages of 2.5 to 6 years old as it is an unlicensed, private care child care center as defined by the Ontario government website.
Hours of Operation and Location
Peace Garden Montessori is located in Stonehaven, Newmarket.
School hours are Monday to Friday 8:45 am to 3:30 pm.
We offer extended hours from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm.
Drop-off and Vehicle Access
There are two empty spots available on the driveway upon drop-off. Feel free to use them. Please take no more than 5 minutes at the door. Please try not to loiter as other parents will also need to drop off their children.
School Calendar
The school year will begin on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and end on Friday, June 28th, 2024.
All statutory holidays are observed. Please refer to the school calendar. (PDF)
Registration
Peace Garden Montessori will require a registration form to be filled out as well as a payment of a registration fee. Registration fees will be applied at the beginning of each year and thereafter refunded at the end of the school year. Early withdrawal of a student will mean a forfeiture of the registration fees.
Please contact zahra@peacegardenmontessori.com for more information about fees and payment methods. Receipts will be issued for fees paid
Early Withdrawl
Please note that early withdrawal requires a 30-day written notice and the forfeiture of registration fees.
Vaccination Records
We now require proof of all of your child’s vaccinations. Please submit these before the beginning of the school year.
Monthly Fees
Fee Payments
All fees must be paid within the first 2 days of the month.
Please note that there is no reduction in fees for non-attendance. This includes and is not limited to: shorter months or months with holidays, parental/family vacation, illness, and inclement weather.
Late Pickup Fees
Lateness will not be accepted as this affects all students and interferes with the teaching day. A $1 per minute late fee will be added to your monthly invoice. You must contact Zahra Kara if you will be late dropping off or picking up your child. Late fees will be applied at Zahra Kara’s discretion.
Doors will be closed after 9:30 am
All children must arrive between 8:45 am and 9 am. If you are running late, you must contact Zahra Kara for approval to enter. A refund will not be issued for late arrival.
Holidays, Vacations, Sick Days and Inclement Weather.
No refunds or make-up days will be issued for holidays, vacations, sick days or inclement weather. However, Zahra Kara must be informed ahead of time if you plan on being away for any reason.
Child Illness
Your child must not exhibit any signs of illness for entry to Peace Garden Montessori. They must be symptom-free for 24 hours before reentering the school environment. This includes and is not limited to:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- pink eye
- chills
- coughing
- fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius)
If a child falls ill at Peace Garden Montessori, parents will be informed to come and pick up their child. A completed document of symptoms of illness will be handed over to the parent for signature.
If your child requires medication, a medication document will be filled in and signed by the parent and Zahra for permission to administer that medication.
Anaphylaxis
Please advise Zahra if your child is anaphylactic. Peace Garden Montessori is a nut-free environment. An information and training session will take place between Zahra and the parents for the child. Thereupon, a document outlining allergies, symptoms of an allergic reaction, and permission to administer medications will be signed by both Zahra and the parents. This document will be posted in the school.
If your child has mild allergies or other related food allergies, please outline them in your registration form. These too will be posted in the school. No food products will be allowed into Peace Garden Montessori without permission.
Covid-19
A Covid-19 negative test must be presented to Zahra Kara before reentry to Peace Garden Montessori if your child or any other family member has had Covid-19. For the safety of all students, if a student is infected with Covid-19, all Peace Garden Montessori parents will be informed and they will then have to present negative tests daily for their child before entry to Peace Garden Montessori for 5 consecutive days.
Child Progress Appointments
If you want to speak to Zahra Kara about your child including any concerns or progress updates, an appointment must be scheduled for after-school hours. If there is an emergency please directly WhatsApp message Zahra Kara.
WhatsApp Group Messages
Please respond to the WhatsApp group messages acknowledging receipt of messages.
Labels
Please label all of your children’s clothing. Peace Garden Montessori will not be responsible for lost clothing.
Jacket Hanging Area
There will be a special area in the front hall closet for your child to hang up their jacket and place their belongings.
Rest and Nap Period
Your child will be able to have a nap if need be, for 1.5 hours a day. These children will be monitored by Zahra and her assistant. During this time your child can sleep, rest or engage in quiet activities. Children who do not need a nap will work on Montessori materials or different topics in cultural studies.
Washable foam mattresses and sheets will be supplied by Peace Garden Montessori and washed weekly. Please provide a blanket for your child. These blankets will be returned at the end of the week for washing.
Hygiene Practices
We will be practicing how to wash hands with soap and warm water. This will be practiced after the washroom, before and after meals and snacks, and upon returning from the outside. Children are encouraged to practice this at home. Hand sanitizer will also always be on-hand and monitored upon usage.
Inclement Weather
If the York Region School board decides to close schools, Peace Garden Montessori will also be closed. Please stay tuned to news and radio reports during inclement weather.
Child Release
If you have arranged for someone other than the one on the registration form to pick up your child please inform Zahra in advance. Please understand that the person picking up your child may need to show ID before your child is released.
What to Bring
All children at Peace Montessori should be toilet trained upon coming to school on the first day. However, accidents happen and extra clothing should be brought in with your child.
What is needed
- extra clothes
- indoor and outdoor shoes
- blanket
- a water bottle
- napping blanket and pillow
In the summer:
- sunscreen
- sunhat
In the winter:
- jacket
- snowpants
- boots
- hat
- neck warmer
- mittens and gloves
Enrollment Options
Please email us for the fee schedule. zahra@peacegardenmontessori.com
Monday to Friday – FULL DAY
8:45am – 3:30pm (morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack)
Monday to Friday – Full Day with Late Pickup
8:45am – 4:30pm (morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack)
Enrollment includes:
- Authentic Montessori program in 5 avenues
- Home-cooked hot meals and fresh snacks
- French program
- All learning materials: workbooks, stationery, and supplies
- Use of facilities