Our School Archives

Dec 05 2024

A Sprinkling of Holiday Ideas

By Denice Scala Article, Helpful Hints, Montessori in Action, Montessori Learning, Montessori learning at home, Our School No Comments

We have seen how children feel more grounded and cooperative when they have a role to play. Thus, whenever possible, it’s helpful to find little (and sometimes big!) ways for children to help with holiday preparations. Children’s active participation helps them develop important life skills and also helps them better adapt to changes in holiday rhythms and routines. We wanted to share a few ideas on incorporating Montessori principles into…

Nov 28 2024

Equine Assisted Learning: Personal Development for Primary Students

By Denice Scala Article, Emotional Wellbeing, Montessori Learning, Our School No Comments

This week, our 9-12 students had their second Equine Assisted Learning experience (EAL) for the year. The EAL program at FMS is part of our 9-12 leadership and personal development program. The program is coordinated by 9-12 class assistant Meghan, whose business, Growth Edges, specialises in equine therapy and personal development for schools, groups and individuals. The program provides invaluable skills in leadership and personal growth for our 9-12 students,…

Nov 14 2024

Student assessment in a Montessori school

By Denice Scala Article, FMS Values, Immersion Experiences, Montessori Learning, Our School No Comments

Like most schools across Australia, FMS will issue school reports at the end of this term. This surprises many people, who hold the common misconception that Montessori students aren’t assessed. This couldn’t be further from the truth! While Montessori students are not assessed in the traditional test and exam format, they are assessed continually, daily and personally throughout their Montessori journey. Traditional assessment: What do tests, quizzes, and grades really measure? …

Nov 07 2024

Forestville Montessori senior primary students

Leadership and collaboration in the Montessori education journey

By Denice Scala Article, FMS Values, Immersion Experiences, Montessori Learning, Our School No Comments

Leadership, collaboration and teamwork are staple features in the Montessori education journey. Children as young as 2 years of age are given leadership opportunities within their community – like these children from our toddler program, who are leading an afternoon singing activity with Emma, their guide. In our Montessori toddler program, young children develop early notions of community, collaboration and teamwork in everyday activities. For example, children tasked with setting tables…

Oct 31 2024

An Expansive Experience: Music in Montessori

By Denice Scala Article, Immersion Experiences, Montessori Learning, Our School No Comments

In Montessori, music is both interwoven into the curriculum and its own area of study. Music is part of regular weekly lessons for Forestville Montessori toddler, pre-school and primary school students. We also run music-based activities such as yesterday’s African Drumming event, and tomorrow’s close-up with accomplished musician Genevieve Lang, who will play the harp and teach students about this beautiful instrument (keep your eye on our socials to see…

Sep 19 2024

Montessori and Peace Education

By Denice Scala Article, FMS Values, Montessori in Action, Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy, Our School No Comments

"Preventing conflicts is the work of politics, establishing peace is the work of education." Dr Maria Montessori As we celebrate the International Day of Peace this Saturday, we remind families of our mission at FMS: We are a school educating for Peace. Having lived through WWII, Maria Montessori was passionate about how to help the world towards peace. Peace is woven throughout every aspect of the Montessori curriculum. Sometimes the…

Sep 12 2024

Movement Matters! The importance of movement for babies and toddlers

By Denice Scala Article, Montessori in Action, Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy, Our School No Comments

This term, Primary school students at FMS have been practising new skills, increasing their physical activity, and learning about heart health as part of the Jump Rope for Heart program. By participating in the program, FMS primary students have been jumping, skipping, hopping and moving more every day. They are also choreographing their own moves! Committing to their practice daily, out of school hours, students are spending less time on…

Sep 05 2024

Montessori Education: Planes of development

By Denice Scala Article, Montessori in Action, Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy, Our School No Comments

Dr. Montessori recognised that childhood development is divided into four main phases which she called ‘planes of development.’ Each plane builds upon what was learned in those previously, and each plane has both an active and passive phase. By fully understanding the developmental needs of a child — wherever they happen to be on this continuum — we are better able to create an environment that will be optimal…

Aug 29 2024

Forestville Montessori Commemorative Founatain

Honouring the legacy of our founders

By Denice Scala Article, FMS Values, Montessori Philosophy, Our School No Comments

This week we celebrate the birthday of our guiding founder, the visionary Dr Maria Montessori, and take time to acknowledge our school’s own founders; the progressive families who established Forestville Montessori School (FMS) on Sydney’s Northern Beaches way back in 1981. Their vision for place where their own children could enjoy the gifts of a Montessori education continues today at FMS; one of the longest-established Montessori Schools on the east…

Jul 31 2024

Kindergarten at forestville montessori sydney

Kindergarten at FMS: The crucial year between pre and primary school

By Denice Scala Montessori in Action, Montessori Learning, Our School No Comments

Many families choose FMS because they are seeking an authentic Montessori education for their children. Others look to us for a non-denominational or more holistic and personally tailored education than mainstream can offer. Others yet choose a Montessori school for the pre-school years, before their child is eligible to start kindergarten at their local public school. Once that time comes, it seems natural to make that transition. Of course, we…

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