“Where Mind and Spirit Go Hand in Hand” The Buzz of... HMS Fall 2011 Newsletter CALENDAR November 21-25 Toddler Classroom Observa- tions 9:00-10:00 a.m. Please sign up. A school that November 28-2 believes! Elementary Classroom Observations. Please sign up. November 28-2 RENETTE WRITES Weekly Advent Worship Begins

t is 3:00 a.m. in the morning and I am Fridays. She wanted to know why this does November 30 sitting with my cup of coffee in silent not apply to Casa and Elementary students; BHMS AGM 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP Ireflection. I ask myself the usual tough it didn’t seem fair to her. I have to say, I was yet necessary questions: not ready for this type of question at 8:20 December 1 in the morning from an Extended Day Casa Casa Tour of Classrooms (2nd student. Her question was valid; she com- & 3rd years) 3:30-5:00 p.m. Are we true to our mission and values? Are municated her views in a clear, concise and our students engaged and happy? Do they effective manner. They are not kidding when December 2 Junior High Market Place feel safe and secure to self-express? Are we they say that you have to think on your feet 10:00-5:00 p.m. All welcome. preparing students to live in the real world: when working with children! to be lifelong learners, to become leaders, to December 2 think independently, to be intrinsically moti- Worship Team Performs to vated, to work cooperatively, to have a sense I told Charlotte that she posed a very good Raise Funds for St Mary’s Home of their role in the world, to develop a social question, one that I would need to think conscience and to contribute to society, to about and get back to her on. As I headed December 12-16 be secure in their relationship with God? back to my office I thanked Charlotte in my BHMS Students Raise Funds mind. She showed me what children are for Help Lesotho. Stay tuned for more information! capable of when they are in an environment As I reflect on these questions an image that is engaging. Charlotte felt safe, secure December 19-22 comes to mind..... It is 8:20 a.m. I am rushing and confident in voicing her views to a figure Report Cards out to Parents into my office and am greeted by a parent of authority. Charlotte was thinking inde- December 21 with her 5 year old daughter. The parent in- pendently. Her actions answered one of my Christmas Concert forms me that her daughter, Charlotte would questions – are we preparing students to 4:00-5:00 p.m. like to discuss something with me. Although live in the real world to think independently? hesitant at first, Charlotte proceeds to inform YES! December 23-6 me that she has been wondering why Junior Christmas Holidays - School Closed. Merry Christmas! High students are allowed to dress down on

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE2 Casa Curriculum Night

In October parents took part in an evening organized by the Casa Directors. The topics included: The Three-Year Cycle, Math, Language & Culture, Practical Life and Sensorial.

Parents gained a better understanding of what their child is doing in the class and discovered what makes them so enthusiastic about school!

Have You Met the New Warden??? by Kati Auchinleck, Music Director (ages 6 to 14 years)

I love the sense of humour in our students! Do these look like cells to you? Yes??? WAIT, NO!!! These are the three new practice rooms that have been integrated into the newly designed (and relocated) music room.

Haven’t you always longed for a place for your trombone-wielding child to call his or her own? You can admit it...those longing looks at the garage door, the wistful thoughts of a practice area in the basement. Now, students can experience the joy of a quieter, more peaceful working environment while others learn to make their instrument sing!!!

With three practice rooms integrated into the music environment, individual practice and theory lessons can be held simultaneously. Students have an opportunity to work individually or with a peer assistant during each music class. These practice rooms allow students to work on their tone with focus and purpose. In addition, the practice rooms are equipped with mirrors so students can adjust their embouchures and playing positions.

Please take a moment to see the new music room whenever you are in the building! The warden will be happy to show you the new “cells”!

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 3

A Sense of Order by Bandana Rai, Toddler Director (ages 18 months to 3 years)

We would like to welcome the returning and the new children to our Toddler Community! The Toddler classroom provides a stimulating and developmentally fulfilling environment, supporting the young child’s need for explora- tion and drive for independence. Within the Toddler Community the sensitive periods for movement, language, and order are fostered by the structure of the day. It is in the way of life or by example that the child can learn order. It can also be in the way that your daily routine is accomplished.

The Practical Life activities serve to instill in the child a sense of order, independence, and respect for himself, others, and the environ- ment around him. As the child works with the Practical Life materials, he/she develops the concentration, coordination (particularly eye- hand coordination), and motor skills needed in other areas of learning. Practical Life consists of three main areas like Care of Self, Grace and Courtesy and Care of the Environment.

Worship Team Sings for St Mary’s Home

Beginning December 2nd, the Worship Choir Team performs in the BHMS lobby to raise funds for St Mary’s Home. Please support this cause with a donation. Suggestions:

1. Cash donations 2. Gift cards to Walmart, Zellers, Giant Tiger 3. Baby toiletries - soap, shampoo, diaper creams 4. Unwrapped items for newborns: • Sleepers (sizes 0 to 12 months) • Bibs • Undershirts (sizes 0 to 12 months) • Diapers • Formula, cereals, baby food

The deadline to support this cause is December 15th. About St Mary’s Home

St Mary’s Home is an Ottawa-based social service agency that provides a full range of programs and services for young pregnant women, young moms and dads, and their infants and young children. Located within St Mary’s Home, expectant moms have the opportunity to be able to earn a high school diploma and offer resi- dence for shelter for teenage moms and their infant.

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 4

A Junior High literature seminar in the woods. Students playing “Ninja” one of their favourite games on the trip.

Junior High Community Building by Ann Flindall, Junior High Director (ages 12 to 14 years)

The Junior High community began the year with a four day camping trip to an outdoor education centre. Students and teachers cooked their meals and lived in tents while bonding in the great outdoors. Community building is the central focus of the trip since we all get to know each other in a very differ- ent way outside of the classroom. We devel- oped and completed our class constitution, went on a cycling trip to Pinhey’s Point, and participated in many group building activi- ties.

When asked to reflect on the trip, Abigail said, “I learned that when I have teammates to work together with, we can accomplish many things.” Nicholas, a new Grade 8 student to our school said, “What I learned about myself on the trip was that I was being accepted by the community.” That meant Meal preparation was a very important part of our time together. our trip had been a success because every- one felt welcomed and new bonds had been created as we experienced life on a deeper level together.

The Junior High class challenges students in many ways: academically, socially, spiritually and physically. These challenges are all opportunities for growth and help the students develop self-esteem through discovering their strengths and weaknesses in a supported environment. I look forward to many more adventures as the year progresses.

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 5 BHMS Worship by Nancy deKemp, Catechist, Good Shepherd Atrium (ages 6 to 14 years)

Many days before Worship even takes place, music warm up and practice their Worship songs. there is a buzz of energy throughout the school Above the clatter of chairs being moved, the about the preparations for the next upcoming prayer table and large plants moving in, Mrs A. ‘Worship’. keeps the students focused and calm as the noise and action of Throughout the week, student, staff and parents preparation bustles put prayer ‘requests’ or ‘intentions’ in our ‘Prayer all around them. Basket’ on the hall prayer table or in the Atriums. At the end of the week, two students type up The Junior High stu- these intentions. There is often some little per- dents set up and test son’s writing that older students peer over to try the computer and to decipher what it says… The older typists take projector to make their job quite seriously and don’t want to ignore sure everything will any requests for God’s help! be ready to display power point slides. Mrs A. chooses music for each Worship that Sometimes there is coincides with the theme of the gospel. Then a high tech glitch she gathers the choir for regular Worship Choir and the Junior High practices. Mrs A. not only gets the students to students desperately know the words and melodies to the Worship try to trouble shoot songs but they also learn actions to the songs! to find a solution before Worship begins. This This helps the choir lead the student body in our is when some of the ‘old time grade 8 computer Worship celebration. experts’ step up to help the others work through their technical dilemmas. (This is great training Throughout the week, students are offered parts for the future job market!) to read for our Worship service. The part the students like to read the most are the ‘prayer in- Our Junior High ‘actors’ dress in their costumes tentions’ which are our student, staff and parents and go through their lines in preparation for act- Reading own prayer requests. ing out the Gospel reading. in front of The Junior High students write the Worship Other students practice their Old Testament or songs into power point, along with the Opening Psalm reading for the week. This always seems the whole and Closing prayers and the Responsorial Psalm. to be louder earlier in the week, when they are student They put all of the slides into the order in which practicing in front of a small group! Reading in the celebration will unfold. front of the whole student body can be quite body can daunting but they generally do a great job! Other Junior High students choose roles (often be quite by the process of ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’) to see The grade three’s (who take turns lighting the who will get the coveted role of Jesus in the up- candles throughout the year) come up to light daunting coming Gospel play. The students practice their the candles with the help of Mrs deKemp. They roles and choose their costumes, often putting are always extremely excited about this! We just but they them away ‘safely’ so they won’t get lost before have to be careful of the dried flowers on the the next Worship (which does happen from time prayer table… generally to time!) It is finally time! The last classes file into the gym do a great During the week, a child centered homily is writ- to experience a school Worship, with prepara- ten by Mrs deKemp, one that tries to convey a tions of the students on all levels: set up crew, job! deeper insight into the message from the Gospel. candle lighters, musicians, readers, actors, high These homilies are meant to deepen the child’s tech experts! Every job is so essential to the relationship with God and show them how to live smooth running of our half hour Worship celebra- in a loving manner with all those around them. tion. It is a community effort that could not be done without our wonderful students! The day of Worship…

The choir comes down to the gym with their music and music stands in hand to begin their

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 6 Science for All Ages by Rupa Rawat, Science Director (ages 9 to 14 years)

It has been a fun filled and interesting start for science. The Junior High community had an exciting trip to Diefenbunker Cold War Museum with Mr. D and myself. Yes, it was an integrated approach to our project group studies. We studied the construction of the museum and learned a lot about our nation’s historic site. Our students were surprised to discover that back then they had strict regulations for flu check and other contagious diseases but that soldiers were allowed to smoke in the bunkers.

Our Senior Elementary community has started to explore sound, light, human body systems and human genetics. They are learning the skills of communica- tion and scientific inquiry through research projects and experiments. Not to forget our Junior Elementary community, who come with curious questions like: What is energy? How to make antimatter? What is electronic communication? What are molecules? and many more deep scientific queries.

A Nature Walk in Gatineau Park by Lijun Tang, Junior Elementary Director, American Elm Class ( age 6 to 9 years)

Montessori offers elementary students the holistic study of the universe through the cosmic curriculum, including its plants and animals.

On September 28th, the Junior Elementary students went on a nature walk in Gatineau Park. This nature walk not only provided a wonderful opportunity to welcome the new students to become members of our community, but also provide an opportunity for our students to develop the power of observation. This keeps the interest that has been generated by the Great Lessons alive.

There are some other reasons that are important for the students to go out. To follow their interests in nature and to become aware of the immense varieties outside. To discover how clever plants and animals have been in meeting their needs for survival.

From all of the activities and explorations the students take, it helps make them aware that there is a delicate balance on the earth, that is, a delicate balance between the earth, the plants and the animals. Students will realize that since this balance is so delicate, humans must work to preserve it, and they must act responsibly so that evolution can continue to unfold according to the natural plan.

During the nature walk, the students had some discussion on the protection of the environment. We hope that our students will be- come protectors of our planet through education and awareness.

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 7

News from The Big Whistle by Laura Pollon, Physical Education Director (ages 4 to 9 years)

The Ottawa Independent School Sports On October 18th students ages 8 to Association (OISSA) athletic calendar 13 joined over 800 other students at is underway. 15 students represented the annual cross-country Pumpkin BHMS in the grade 3-4 co-ed soccer Run at South Nepean Park. Over 100 tournament at Ashbury College on Octo- students participated in each race, ber 3rd. It was a beautiful day for soccer ranging from 1.5 to 3 km. Everyone – pouring rain and a field full of mud. got a pumpkin at the end of the day! Four students lost their shoes in the muck, but BHMS soldiered on, finishing For more news, The Big Whistle has a fourth among eight teams. Thanks to all bulletin board outside the gym doors. the parents who helped with driving and providing umbrellas.

“As important BHMS in the Community Support as financial HELP LESOTHO Help Lesotho assistance is Lesotho 2012 necessary and On Friday, November 4th, representatives Calendars $10 appreciated, from Help Lesotho visited BHMS for presen- In the office tations to students, staff and parents. The the commu- presentations focused on the progression of improve- nication and ments made at Mahlekfane Primary, our sister school, the sharing of since we twinned with them information be- in 2003, through photos and a discussion. All presenta- tween BHMS tions were aimed at each and Mahlek- particular age level. fane Primary The complete ‘Help Lesotho 2010/2011 Annual Report’ is has been com- posted in the BHMS lobby. mendable.” Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 8

Class President Election in Red Oak by Maria Gomez and Natalie Gamble, Senior Elementary Directors (ages 9 to 12 years)

On October 6, 2011, Ontario voted for their MPP’s and The candidates invited the Junior High Community as Premier and Red Oak voted for class president. Led by well as Mrs. Sasouni to listen to the speeches and vote Bernice, a second year student, the class chose three on Election Day. Standing on the class’ platform each candidates who wanted to participate. Dawson directed candidate delivered a speech and then each person went the Awesome Party (Dawson and Aryan), Amit represent- to the voting booth to cast a secret ballot. Afterwards, ed the TAMP Party (Talia, Amit and Marita’s Party) and Bernice carefully counted the votes and gave the antici- Regan was head of the Green Party (Rob, Aurchon). The pated result to the group: Regan won with 22 votes from three candidates and their supporters wrote a platform Red Oak and five from Junior High. She has since then for each party, and accompanied it with a speech that taken the lead in several endeavours such as a Christmas reflected it. There was a Candidate Debate where each Fair and Pet Day. Congratulations Regan! party presented the platform and answered questions from the body of voters.

Opera Lyra Visits BHMS THE BARBER OF BYTOWN

Students and staff were treated to the amazing experience of opera. Each performance offered a lively 50-minute show (portable set, costumes & accompanied by piano) in English followed by a short question-and-answer session with the cast. Srijan in the Junior High class, accepted a role in the performance. Well done Srijan!

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 9

So What Did My Child Do Today? by Karen Scantlebury, Casa Director (ages 3 to 6 years)

Whenever a parent asks their child, neatly on the boot trays, remove the eyes dried and she started to smile. “so what did you do today”, typically chairs from the tables, cut bananas She eventually transitioned on to the the child will respond by saying: “I and carrots for others to enjoy during Flower Arranging Exercise where she had snack and played” or they will snack time, or sweep up any sand remained focused for quite some simply say nothing. Along with hav- or dirt that may have entered the time. ing snack and playing each day in a environment. Montessori classroom the children There are many choices available to are being exposed to, on a regular With each passing day in a Montes- each child at any given time during basis, an enriched vocabulary where sori environment the children will their Montessori day. During the the qualities of prisms, quatrefoils, build on what they may already work cycle your child may observe, equilateral triangles etc., are dis- know. For example, let us look at repeat or receive a presentation from cussed. For a budding four-year-old a child who has been in the same the Practical Life, Language, Math, these are words that they are storing environment for the past two years Sensorial or Cultural areas of the en- internally for use later on. Children where she has been verbally learning vironment. Just imagine a four-year- may not think information like this is the vocabulary associated with the old trying to reiterate their busy day what parents may be interested in. In name relating to Things on the Street, at school. Next time you may want a Montessori classroom the children Transportation, Things in the Kitchen to start the end of day conversation learn by using a hands-on approach or Tools. Now she is old enough to by giving some tidbits about your to make abstract concepts clear. The use labels to identify the names on day and then simply say to your child children are given lessons on each each card. Children may be working “how was your day at school today”. material, be it individually or in small with the math materials another child No guarantees, but you may just get groups. They are then invited to is skip counting using the square and a different response. repeat in order to gain a better under- cube of seven while another is build- standing of what has been presented. ing on what he knows with respect By working and repeating with the to the mechanisms of addition of Geometry Cabinet and Cards for numbers to 10. instance, they are becoming more fa- miliar with many different shapes they Happiness, and peace and a sense may encounter inside and outside of of community is what the children are our school walls. offered each day, because without these elements in their day the sci- The children are guided in a man- ence of learning may not be as won- ner so as to take ownership of their derful to them as you would want it to small yet active community. They be. In a little story to be told: A child will naturally come in and prepare the came in on a rainy day and was just environment for a day of work. One on the verge of tears. When asked may ask how do they prepare and what was wrong she said she missed take ownership of their environment. her mommy. She then was invited to This happens when all the children help water the plants in the environ- independently place their boots ment. Minutes later her glazed over

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 10

Fun & Enrichment for the Casa Children by Leslie McIlhinney, Casa Director (ages 3 to 6 years)

Maria Montessori designed the Casa environment with about the habits of animals such as rabbits, hedgehogs, an emphasis on both reality and nature. The Cultural geckos and chinchillas. Within small groups, the children materials expose the children to animals, plants, music could watch each animal move around and those brave and people from all corners of the globe. While there are enough were able feel them! Great fun was had by all. many activities within the classroom, a “hands on” expe- Our Extended Day children went out to Saunders Farm rience is often the most satisfying for the child. To this to learn about the harvest time and pumpkins. At the end, we have field trips for the third years and bring in end of October we enjoyed Opera Lyra’s presentation visitors for the younger children that offer direct contact of The Barber of Bytown. While familiar with the instru- with Nature, Music, Science and Art. ments of the orchestra and various styles of music, this may be a first introduction to the opera for many of our A recent visit from The Zoo Crew gave the first and children. We look forward to many more exciting enrich- second year Casa children the opportunity to learn ment activities this year.

After-School Program News by Wendy Marquardt, After-School Program Coordinator

I look forward to reconnecting with you, and to those who are new to the after-school program, getting to know you.

First, I would like to thank all the children in the after-school program that completed the survey at the end of last year. In response to their feedback we have added a variety of new courses to our program, such as cooking, basketball, hip-hop, and science. We are also very fortunate to have back this year, by popular demand, Katsumi teaching Aikido and art and Mrs. Tang teaching Chinese.

I look forward to implementing more exciting programs. Watch for cross-country skiing, the return of French and apothecary, and maybe even digital photography. Field trip to the Tulip Festival last spring Wendy also coordinates PD day field trips for Elementary students.

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 11

The winner of the bubble bath set donated Jeremy was the winner of the 25/25 draw, Winner of the coffee gift set donated by by LUSH is Nathan in Willow class, whose and won $25 of books for his family and $25 STARBUCKS at Hunt Club & Merivale mom, Pamela was chair of the 2010 book fair. of books for his class, American Elm. was Katherine’s mom (Garden Lily).

BHMS Community At Work SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR by Anna Bogdan and Kathy MacLean, Parent Volunteers, Scholastic Book Fair

The annual Scholastic Book Fair was held October 26, and staff who contributed time and resources to make this 27, 28 and proved the generosity of the Bishop Hamilton fair a resounding success: Aleatha C., Pam C., Justin C., Montessori School community. The total sales surpassed Rick C., Lisa F., Rosie G., Wendy H., Elliot H., expectations: $3,479.91! Thanks to parents and students Katsumi I., Sara L-P., Li L., Jan L., Susan S., Debbie S., who purchased books, teachers who took the time to Anju S. and Nicole Y. make wish lists, and to all those who purchased gifts for classrooms. An extra special thank you goes out to BHMS office staff, especially to Tom and Helen (who met each request for Special thanks to parent Michael M. and Starbucks also information or assistance with cheerful helpfulness) and to for donating coffee and “timbits for teachers” during their the Junior-High students who provided logistics support. preview. It is because of all of you that Bishop Hamilton now has The chair, Kathy MacLean and the co-chairs, Maria Glieca access to over $2,200 in books and classroom resources and Anna Bogdan would like to thank all parents, students from Scholastic!

Thank you ‘Two Men and a Truck’!

Thank you so much to the Bimm family and owners of ‘Two Men and a Truck’ for assisting us by trans- porting the many items from our East location to the West.

Their donation of time and great staff were most helpful during our process of relocating items.

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca THE BHMS BUZZ PAGE 12

Le Français Vivant by Melina Vacca-Pugsley, French Director (ages 6 to 12 years)

Quoi de neuf oeuf? Or in the immortal words of Bugs Bunny “What’s up doc?”

What royal is hiding in the number 3? If you know how to say 3 in French, then of course you know the answer is “le roi” ( the king).

Which letters of the French alphabet can be drunk? Which letter can fly? Which letter can cut a tree? Which letter can roll?

These are some of the funny questions which tickle the funny bone of the 6-9 years old during French lessons.

Capturing the child’s imagination and interest is paramount in devel- oping a love of any subject and particularly so in a second language where too often the focus is on dry, grammar exercises. One little boy goes into hysterical laughter when he reads a little telephone exchange between a witness to a robbery and a police officer. One robber becomes 717 and all because of a play on the words “ sept, dis, sans, dix.”

Language is best learned in meaningful, practical exchanges. Ideally children learn a second language when engaged in playful interaction often on the playground. During French, our classroom is often the play- ground. At BHMS we are fortunate to have small class groups which enable this playful interaction where oral language can develop naturally, spontaneously and amusingly. And if your child comes home and says that on Thursday they played in French class that’s because the French word for game is “jeu” and it forms part of the French word for Thursday “Jeudi”. Little do they realize that “les Jeudis” when playing Go Go Dragon, Word Pizzazz, Scrabble, Flinstones or Go Fish, they are actually working on applying their vocabulary, sen- tence structure, definitions, and grammar principles. This is what is known as le Français Vivant!

Parent Education Workshop - French: Casa to Junior High ...AND THE SURVEY SAYS... The survey confirmed that parents who attended this session gained a better understanding of our program and its outcomes. Thank you to parents who attended and completed the survey. Your feedback will help us organize future workshops.

Parent Education Workshop Session - French: Casa to Jr High Renette welcomes parents to French Session

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School | 2199 Regency Terrace, Ottawa, ON K2C 1H2 | 613.596.4013| bhms.ca