Elementary School Policies
The following is a brief version of the complete School Policies and is provided as information for those parents researching Avalon. ALL families will receive a complete and current set of School Policies upon enrolment. Parents are asked to review the complete set of School Policies at that time and notify the school of any concerns or questions. ACMS reserves the right to change the policies at any time. ACMS families will be apprised of any 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 leaming and development to take place. As a private school, we feel strongly that parents, students, and teaching staff share equally in the achievement of our goals.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: The Montessori Elementary program provides an enriched leaming environment for children, 6-14 years. The older child no longer explores in a sensorial manner. The didactic materials used in the classroom, based on the pedagogy developed by Maria Montessori, aid the child in this process.
Spontaneous and self-directed leaming continues in a 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 develop leadership skills.
ACMS - Elementary is a private school, registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education. ACMS is not mandated by the Ontario Curriculum and is a member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools (OFIS). ACMS teachers are also 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 trained teacher and, depending on the number of enrolled students, may also have a qualified assistant. In the event that a staff member is absent, a succession plan is in place.
AGES OF CHILDREN : Avalon Children's Montessori School has facilities and staff to accommodate children ages 6 to 14 years.
DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION: The Elementary Montessori program runs Monday - Friday 8:45 to 3:45. In addition, the School is open for Before School Care from 8:00 am and After School Care until 5:00 PM.
ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE POLICY : Children enrolled at Avalon progress to an elementary program in the year they turn six. ACMS reserves the right to invite students into the Elementary program.
Prospective families should complete the Application Form, accompanied by the non-refundable registration fee. Copies of final school reports for the previous school year, including any reports from the current year must accompany the application form.
No child attends school without a completed registration form on file at the school. New students are required to make a non-refundable deposit of $1000.00. Parents are then required to choose a Payment Option for tuition.
An interview with parents and prospective students is required before the child attends. Each child is admitted on a trial period of one month . If, within that time, the parents and/or teacher are not satisfied that the program suits the child, the child may be withdrawn from the program.
Registration packages are available in the spring for the following school year. Returning students are required to fill out a new registration form and submit a non-refundable deposit of $1000.00. Returning students are given priority concerning scheduling and spaces.
TUITION PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY: Fees are reviewed annually and set in January for the upcoming school year. Upon registration, a tuition deposit of $1000 must be received, along with a fully completed registration agreement, before admission will be confirmed. Thereafter, the balance of tuition is due. Installment options and payment dates are available and provided in the Fee Schedule. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to discuss financial arrangements with the Office. A full outline of the Tution Payment and Refund Policy is provided in the School Policies provided upon enrolment.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY : Regular attendance is mandatory and attendance records for each student are retained as part of the Ontario School Record. If your child is unable to come to school or will be late for any reason, please advise ACMS accordingly. Failure to adhere to this policy can result in dismissal.
To ease congestion during busy times of the day, ACMS has a staggered schedule. Early drop-off is 8:30 - 8:45 and late drop-off is 8:45 - 9:00. The Before and After School Program starts at 8:00 am and the doors close at 5:00 pm sharp.
LATE FEES: Parents will be charged an appropriate late fee when picking up a child after the designated time.
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 discipinary 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. The procedures a School Director shall follow for suspension or explusion are outlined for parents in the complete copy of School Policies.
DROPPING OFF - PICKING UP STUDENTS : It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to provide transportation for his/her child to and from school.
RELEASING STUDENTS : When anyone other than the parent, or regular adult who normally takes the student home, is asked to pick up a student from school, procedures are in place and will be followed by staff to ensure the safety and well-being for each child. This will be outlined for you in the complete set of School Policies provided upon enrolment.
We want to ensure every child goes home with the appropriate adult.LUNCHES AND SNACKS : Nutritious, daily snacks are provided by parents. The School will assign snack dates which are included in the monthly calendar.
Lunch is catered by Choice Children's Catering and the cost is included in tuition. This is a mandatory program. Lunches are based on Canada's Food Guide.
ALLERGIES : If your child has or develops any allergies please notify the appropriate teacher immediately. All allergies must be listed on the student's Information forms prior to the start of school.
HEALTH AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION : Each child must be immunized according to the standards of the local Medical Officer of Health.
Should your child require medication during the school day, steps and procedures are outlined for you in the School Policies available upon enrolment. Teachers may only administer medication prescribed by a physician.
If a child appears to be sick upon arrival at the school, the teacher has the right to refuse admittance.
ILLNESS: Please do not send children to school when ilI. 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.
UNIFORMS: All students attending ACMS - Elementary are required to wear a school uniform. We believe that a uniform instills respect for self, peers and the learning environment. A uniform eliminates stereotypes among peers. Click here for a link to our uniform supplier - In Schoolwear.
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. The School will be closed for all statutory holidays, a Christmas break, a March break and for Professional Development days.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS : Our PD days may differ from those of other private and public elementary schools.
REPORTS: Parents wiII have the opportunity to discuss their child's progress at Parent Teacher Interviews. Report cards will be issued in December and June.
TAX RECEIPTS : Receipts will be issued early in the year for the previous taxation year.
FIELD TRIPS: Throughout the year, the school will arrange field trips. An information and permission notice will be sent home with your child in advance informing you of the destination, time, date and cost.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES : Students will participate in a variety of activities to enhance their learning experience. Parents will be notified of upcoming activities, special requirements and any additional costs.
GOING OUT : A major aspect of the Montessorl Elementary program involves 'going out'. Children are encouraged to supplement their education by going out into the community. These activities are arranged by the children and involve individual small groups. Parent volunteers are required to assist with these activities. Further information is available in September.
BIRTHDAY BOOKS: Many children enjoy sharing their birthday with their schoolmates. Students are invited to donate a book to the School library.
HOMEWORK: Your child's homework is his/her responsibility and s/he should be encouraged to develop independent study skills. Parents are expected to assist their children with the establishment of homework routines and to ensure that homework assignments are completed. The school will provide further information and ideas upon enrolment.
PHONE LIST: Each year the school provides a phone list for all ACMS families. It will include the name of all currently 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. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to inform the School if they do not want to be included in the phone list.
PSYCHOLOGICAL/BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENT: An assessment may be deemed necessary for the child to continue to in the Program if the School deems it necessary. Parents/Guardians are financially responsible for the assessment.
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. Please refer to the accompanying form for details regarding the privacy policy.
CODE OF CONDUCT: All families, enrolled in Avalon Children's Montessori School, 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.
VOLUNTEERS: Parent volunteers may be required periodically throughout the school year. Volunteers may be required to submit a current criminal reference check. If the conduct of a volunteer is deemed disrespectful or disruptive, the School reserves the right to terminate his/her services.
NO
SMOKING: No person shall be smoking
or holding a lighted cigarette in the school, the building or anywhere else
on the property during school hours. Any one found doing so is in
contravention of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and will be asked to leave immediately.