Avalon Children's Montessori School

The following School Policies are brief and provided only for parents researching Avalon.  ALL new families will receive a current and complete copy of the School Policies upon enrolment. Parents are expected to review the complete copy of School Policies at that time and notify the School should there be any concerns or questions. ACMS reserves the right to change the policies any time.  Families will be apprised of policy changes during the year.

OUR MISSION:  To provide quality education that embraces the unique characteristics of each and every child, developing in them a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY : We aim to create a pleasant and nurturing environment, enabling intellectual, social, physical and artistic learning and development to take place. Parents, students, and teaching staff share equally in the achievement of our goals.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT : The Casa Program provides a prepared environment for children, aged 2 1/2 to 6 years. The didactic materials used in the classroom aid the child in the learning process.  Spontaneous and self-directed learning is fostered in this non-competitive environment.  Children are free to work independently or in collaboration with peers, gaining important social skills.  Self-esteem and confidence develop as children explore with the materials and master important developmental skills.

Each year the Casa programs are determined and adjusted to the needs of each and every child enrolled in the class. Parent Information Nights are offered throughout the school year and additional resources are also available for parent education.  We encourage all our parents to learn about the Montessori method of education.

Avalon Children's Montessori School is a private school. The Casa Program located at 31 Wood Glen Road is licensed by the Ministry of Youth and Child Services and follows the regulations and guidelines of the Day Nurseries Act. The Casa Program located at 140 Wineva Avenue is licensed by the Ministry of Education. 

We are a member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS) and staff are members of the Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers (CAMT).

SCHOOL DIRECTORS:  Christine Keery, Angie Samis and Sherry VanDerKooi are the owners and directors of Avalon Children's Montessori Schools. 

STAFF:  Each classroom has a fully qualified Montessori Directress, someone specifically trained in the Montessori Method of Education, and an assistant.  In the event that a staff member is absent, a succession plan is in place.

AGES OF CHILDREN :   Avalon Children's Montessori School offers 3 Casa programs, with facilities and staff to accommodate children ages 2-1/2 to 6 years.

*Enrolment at the Wineva campus begins at 3.8 years of age.

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION : The Casa programs run Monday – Friday 8:45 – 3:45. Children may attend full time (5 days per week), part time (three days per week) or half days (5 half days per week, morning or afternoon). In addition, the School is open for Before School Care from 8:00 am and After School Care until 5:00 pm. Please refer to the accompanying calendar for school closures.

*The Wood Glen campus is the only program offerring an afternoon program at this time.

ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE POLICY : New students begin in September.  An observation is mandatory for prospective parents.  Once completed, parents may then coordinate a time for an enrolment interview with a School Director.  Enrolment is confirmed once families make a non-refundable deposit equal to one month's tuition, applicable to the last month's fees. Parents are then required to choose a Payment Option for tuition. Each child is admitted on a trial period of one month.  If, within that time, the parents and/or teachers are not satisfied that the program suits the child, the child may be withdrawn from the program.  The remaining balance of tuition will be refunded at that time. 

Re-Enrolment Packages are available in January for the following school year. Returning students are required to fill out a Re-Enrolment Form and submit a non-refundable deposit of one month's tuition. Returning students are given priority concerning scheduling and spaces available. 

ACMS reserves the right to discharge any child that does not adhere to the School Policies, the Code of Conduct or is disruptive to either the staff or other students enrolled in the School.  Parents/Guardians who do not adhere to the School Policies, the Code of Conduct or are deemed disruptive to the effective operation of the programme will be discharged from the School.  No refunds will be given for mid-term discharges.

TUITION PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY:  Fees are reviewed annually and set in January for the following school year.  Upon registration, a tuition deposit equivalent to one month's tuition must be received.  Thereafter, the balance of tuition is due.  Installment options and payment dates are available and outlined in the Fee Schedule.  It is the responsibility of the parents to contact the Office regarding alternate financial arrangements.

If tuition payment is not received within 1 week after it is due, then ACMS reserves the right to immediately refuse the child's attendance at school until the situation is rectified.  The student's enrolment may be terminated only by written notice of cancellation from one party to the other.  ACMS shall retain the tuition for each month the child was in school, including the non-refundable deposit.  ACMS will refund the balance of tuition for each month not yet commenced, for the current school year.

GRADUATION:  Students may remain in the Casa Program for a total of either 3 or 4 years, depending on the month of their birth. Students will graduate in June of the same calendar year in which they turn six and are now eligible for an Elementary Program of the family's choice.  ACMS reserves the right to invite applicants from the Casa Programs for our Elementary Program. 

DISCIPLINE : Children are disciplined in a positive manner at a level that is appropriate to their actions and their ages. This is in order to promote self - discipline, ensure health and safety, respect the rights of others and maintain equipment. Spanking or other forms of corporal punishment are not permitted. Methods of discipline are discussed at staff meetings and consistent disciplinary measures are agreed upon. Staff, parents and teachers are welcome to exchange ideas during parent teacher interviews and as needed.

SUSPENSION/EXPULSION:  ACMS is committed to fairness in carrying out disciplinary measures with students.  It is in the public interest that schools operate within the principles of natural justice when it comes to expulsion of students.  A school director shall follow proper procedures when faced with the act of suspending or expelling a student.  These steps and procedures are outlined in the complete copy of School Policies.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY : Classes start promptly at 8:30 am and the morning session ends at 11:45 am. The afternoon session begins at 12:45 pm and ends at 3:45 pm. The Before and After School Program stars at 8:00 AM and the doors close at 5:00 PM sharp.

DROPPING OFF – PICKING UP STUDENTS :    Parents are responsible for the transportation of their child(ren) to and from school. 

RELEASING STUDENTS : The safety and well being of each and every one of our students is our top priority .When anyone other than the parent, or regular adult who normally takes the student home, is asked to pick up a student from school, a procedure is followed by staff.  This procedure is outlined in the complete copy of School Policies provided for parents upon enrolment. In case of any doubt, it is our policy not to release the student.

LATE FEES:  Parents who pick up children after the designated time will be charged an appropriate late fee. 

NUTRITION AND SNACKS : A nutritious snack is served twice daily.  Families are assigned a day each month to provide the daily snack for the class. We are a peanut aware zone . 

A nutritionally balanced lunch is provided by Choice Children's Catering. It is mandatory that all full day children participate and the cost is included in the tuition.  Alternate lunches will be provided by the caterer for those with allergies, sensitivities or diet restrictions.  Lunches are based on the Canadian Food Guide.

ALLERGIES : If your child has or develops any allergies please notify the teacher immediately. All allergies must be listed in the student's Information Package. Our school pet is a dog.  She meets all Public Health and Ministry licensing regulations.

ILLNESS : Please do not send children to school when ill. Parents will be called if your child becomes ill at school. If a student has had a communicable disease, such as chicken pox, the school must be informed immediately. If your child cannot participate in the required outdoor play due to illness, it is our policy that the child remain at home.

HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION : Prior to admission, each child must be immunized according to the standards of the local Medical Officer of Health. The Medical Records form must be returned to the school by mid-September or upon the child's admission if during the school year. This form must be updated each year the child returns.

If a child appears to be sick upon arrival at the school, the teacher has the right to refuse admittance. Teachers will only administer medication if prescribed by a physician. Guidelines and procedures for administering medication at school are outlined in the complete School Policies provided at enrolment. 

CLOTHING AND POSSESSIONS : Your child should be dressed in clothing that is appropriate for physical activity, the weather and the seasons. A second set of clothing (socks, underwear, pants, shirt) should be brought to school the first day and left in case of ‘accidents'. All children are required to bring a set of shoes to be worn in the school at all times. 

SLEEPING IN AFTERNOON : Parents wishing their children to sleep after lunch must provide linen in the form of a pillow, a sheet and a blanket. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure this linen is laundered weekly.

TOYS : Toys may not be brought to school, to avoid being misused, lost or broken.

CALENDAR : The new school calendar will be issued as early as possible. It is our policy to notify parents of all events, trips or visits planned by the school. The School will be closed for all statutory holidays, a Christmas break, ten days in March and Professional Development days. These closures will not necessarily match those of other public or private schools.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS : PD Days are for the teachers, and are days when they meet for discussions, new ideas, workshops or seminars. The students do not come to school on these days and parents must make alternate arrangements for their children on PD Days.

REPORTS & INTERVIEWS: Parents will have the opportunity to discuss their child's progress at Parent-Teacher Interviews. A Home Book is sent home weekly to encourage communication between parents and teachers. Progress Reports will be issued in June.  A School Director is also available, by appointment, to discuss issues and concerns with parents.

TAX RECEIPTS : Receipts will be issued early in the year for the previous taxation year. A charge will be applied for duplicate copies.

FIELD TRIPS : Throughout the year, the school will arrange field trips. An information notice will be sent home with your child in advance.  Parent volunteers may be required.

PHONE LIST : Each year the school provides a phone list for all ACMS families. It will include the name of all enrolled children, parent(s), and home phone number.  The list is available only to parents of children currently enrolled in the School and is not made available to anyone outside of the School community.  The purpose of the list is to encourage community building among the ACMS families.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the School if they do not wish to be included on the phone list.

PRIVACY:   The privacy of everyone involved with Avalon Children's Montessori School is respected, in accordance with PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Act.

NO SMOKING:  No person shall be smoking or holding a lighted cigarette anywhere on the school's property or in the school building.  No smoking signs are posted throughout the school and any person who refuses to comply is in contravention of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and shall be asked to leave immediately.

VOLUNTEERS: Parent volunteers may be required periodically throughout the school year to assist a teacher in the classroom. 

ASSESSMENTS:   We strongly believe in doing all that we can to provide your child(ren) with the best environment and skills to succeed in life.  Should the teachers feel it necessary to employ assessments, additional resources or expert advice to assist them with any behavioural or developmental challenges your child may experience, this will be discussed with you.  In most cases, parental permission is required prior to initiating any contacts.  Parents/Guardians are financially responsible for assessments, etc.

CODE OF CONDUCT:  All families enrolled at ACMS are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct.  Failure to do so may result in discharge from the School.  Please review it with all family members.