Parent Feedback

At Morning Star Montessori, assessments of your child are done daily as any work presented to the child is done on a one-on-one basis between the child and the directress.  Detailed records are kept for each child and his/her work progress is documented on a daily basis.

There are several ways in which you will know how your child is progressing at school:

1. The primary method of feedback in a Montessori school is by way of parental, personal observation.  Parent observation is compulsory at least once a year and as often as once per term. Please notify the teacher when you wish to observe.

2. Every four weeks a short written summary of your child’s activities is recorded in his/her 'home' book.  The book is sent home for you to note, comment in if necessary and return to school.

3. During the first term of each year individual parent interviews are held to discuss the progress of each child.  These are formal interviews for which appointments need to be made during the allotted weeks.

4. In June each year, detailed Developmental Milestone reports are prepared and sent home for comment.

5. In November full, detailed written reports are issued for each child.

6. During the year at any time outside school hours, parents can make an appointment with the teacher (and/or Principal) to discuss particular aspects of their child’s work or progress.

7. Each term a Parent Education Evening is held where you will be given insight into the Montessori Method of education and other general material pertinent to your child, parenting and education.  It is compulsory to attend these events.

Morning Star Montessori is primarily a place where the children in it may grow!  The emphasis is very much on the child and his/her development.

In order for the Montessori philosophy to be properly in place, we have to respect that this is a children’s place and request that parental involvement in the daily running of the school is kept to a minimum.  Late arrivals and parents in the classroom, paying unscheduled visits, are a disruption to the children who are getting into a work cycle.

This said, we do however encourage parental observations and feedback given to the school and teachers any time during the morning’s work cycle. Please make an appointment with your child’s class teacher when you want to observe.

When Parent-Teacher Meetings or talks on relevant topics are held we urge you to attend.  Topics covered are Montessori philosophy and many other topics pertaining to child rearing and parenting.  Parent Information Meetings are also an ideal forum at which to voice questions regarding how Montessori can be implemented at home as well as school.

Should you have anything that you wish to discuss with the directresses or Principal, please would you make an appointment outside of the work cycle time when she will be able to give you her undivided attention.

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.  Sometimes no matter how much both parents and teachers try, some children need expert help to reach their full potential.  That’s when the systems Morning Star has in place come into their own.  Recording systems ensure that teachers stay on track as to the developmental norms for each child in their group as well as the Montessori guideline for each age group. 

Should a problem com to lght, your child 's directress and/or the Principal will inform you directly.  The school will supply reliable references of professionals who are qualified to help.  These professionals include a speech therapist who visits the school on a weekly basis, a choice of occupational therapists and a play therapist/family psychologist.

After the initial assessment your child’s teacher will work with the therapist involved so that the therapy, homework and school work come together to ensure maximum results.