Parent Policy Handbook and FAQ 2016.Every parent must read this document before the start of the Pre-School year so that the general running of the Pre-School is understood by all.

We undertake to provide the very best care and love for your child and will cherish your child as an individual.

We are sure your child will enjoy his / her stay.

Please read the Pre-School regulations carefully.School hours: Monday to Friday 07h00 – 12h30 plus optional aftercare until

17h30

The school will be closed on public holidays. Gauteng Government school holidays are observed and a holiday programme is

run for the benefit of working parents.

OUR LITTLE BEARS are SNORING between 12h30 and 14h30.

PLEASE DONOT DISTURB

RATHER PLEASE call 082-928-4411 OR 011-486-4779

www.teddybearsmontessori.co.za

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Our Mission Statement

Our job is to develop these little people into confident learners, with good values, independent thinkers that have a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong. We can do this together with the help of our colleagues and parents. This is an extremely challenging job if you are not helping us.We are committed to ensuring each child’s learning is powerful and purposeful. We design learning activities for the children to broaden knowledge, build understanding, improve learning processes and skills and explore new interests in a culture of curiosity.The teachers and staff of Teddy Bears Montessori

1. FEES, CONDITIONS AND PAYMENTS

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Monthly Fee Options : R1950 x 12 Months until 12h30R2300 x 12 Months until 15h00R2500 x 12 Months until 17h30

Payable by NO later than the first day of each month including Pre-School holidays.

Termly Fee Options:

We follow the Public school terms per year.

Half day fees per term x 4 (until 12h30)

3 Quarter Day fees x 4( until 15h00)

Full day fees x 4( until 17h30)

R5850 per term R6900 per term R7500 per termHalf day fees per annum

¾ Day fees per annum

Full Day fees per annum

R23 400 R27 600 R30 000

First payment is due on the first day of term.

Annual Fees : For Half Day is R 22 200.00 ( Discount of 5%)

For Three Quarter day is R26 700.00 ( Discount of 5%)

For Full day is R28 500.00 ( Discount of 5%) (Payable by 28 February 2016, 5 % discount applicable only if this fee is received by 28 February 2016. Late Pick up Fees is R90.00 per 30mins.

Please Note: School fees are inclusive of breakfast, Arts & Crafts, Music programme & Toilet Training (Toddler Class 18 mths to 30 months/ 2.5 Years of age); thereafter an additional fee of R400 per month will be charged for children over the age of

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30 Months who are NOT FULLY TOILET TRAINED or wearing pull ups to or at school.

Additional School Lunch: If you would like the school to provide your child with lunch everyday this is R400 additional cost each month. Please see page 20 for detail/school menu.

Juice is provided in Summer and Rooibos Tea in the colder Seasons

Banking Details :Bank: First National BankBranch Code: 256 505 MelvilleName: Teddy Bears Montessori Pre-School Education CCAcc No: 621 -33-470- 427(Proof of deposits must be submitted to the Pre-SchoolPlease use your child’s name as a reference.)Via email to: teddybears@vodamail.co.za

Please note: We reserve the right to deny admittance to any child

whose tuition is not paid by the due date. Interest will be charged on all overdue fees. Refer to drawer cheques returned will incur an additional

fee of R120.00 per item. A non-refundable registration fee equivalent to

R1800 is required. Pupils will not be accepted into the Pre-School unless this

has been paid. Fees are payable as usual during a child's absence owing

to illness, holiday arrangements and when the Pre-School closes for Pre-School holidays.

No discount is given for siblings.

A TERM’S written notice (3 month’s) or one FULL TERM’S FEES in lieu of notice, is required if you wish to withdraw your child from the Pre-School.

Parents are required to complete and sign the Enrolment Form, if this form is not received before your child’s date of admission, your child will be denied admittance into the Pre-School.

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2. PRE-SCHOOL HOURS 07h00 – 12h30 Optional After care( see above for details)

A late arrival is disturbing to the teachers and will cause your child to miss part of their morning group and art activity, please be at school not later than 08h00 daily.

Please note : Please inform the Pre-School via email or sms if your child will be collected by someone other than yourself.

3. MEDICAL/HYGIENE Please telephone the Pre-School 011 486 4779 or sms on

082 928 4411 if your child is unable to attend the Pre-School that day.

A sick child or a child showing signs of illness including coughs, runny noses, temperatures during the night and so on, may not be brought to Pre-School until he/she has fully recovered. Please consider the needs of the child, teachers and other children in this regard. Should your child be on any medication such as antibiotics etc., please keep him/her at home. Should your child be absent due to a contagious or infectious illness, please notify the Pre-School immediately.

The Pre-School reserves the right to request a medical certificate before a child may return to Pre-School after a reported contagious illness.

The children are taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom or wiping their noses and also before eating and whenever they are coughed or sneezed upon. Healthy is happy so let’s try our best to keep our Pre-School that way

Also, staff and children’s hands and surfaces are sprayed daily with a natural Anti-bacterial/virus solution.

4. SNACK TIME All children must bring their own healthy snacks to

School provides fresh fruit which are prepared by Teachers)

Children are encouraged to pack a dairy snack for the morning (yogurt/cheese) as well as a snack for the

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afternoon this may include fruit, sarmie (Bread and jam etc.), popcorn or biscuits.

5. REPORTS/ FEEDBACK

First and Third Term- Parent’s Meetings (one on one by appointment) Second & Fourth Term – detailed written report on your

child’s progress If you would like to discuss your child’s progress or any

concerns you may have, please schedule a meeting at a time suitable to all concerned via email or communication/ message book, with class teacher and principle.

6. CLOTHING Children should be dressed in clothing that they can put

on and remove easily therefore we have a school uniform. This encourages independence, self-confidence and minimises toilet accidents. We ask that parents please do not send your children in any new, expensive, or special clothing. We cannot ensure that your child will go home looking as clean as when they arrived at Pre-School. Pre-School is a place where they use paint, glue etc. that may occasionally spill on your children’s clothes. It is unfair to the children and teachers when parents get visibly upset when their children’s clothes are dirty from paint, food or sand. We do our best to ensure that your child wears an apron, does not wipe his/her hands all over their clothes and washes well. Children also love to play outside and their clothes will get dirty.

The Pre-School will not be held liable for clothes that become soiled, torn, or misplaced.

Children are not allowed to come to Pre-School dressed in ‘superhero’ outfits.

Please mark all clothing and shoes clearly. A spare set of clothing for emergencies must be kept in

your child's bag.

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If your child is not toilet trained, please ensure that you bring a labelled set of nappies and baby wipes. If your child is not yet toilet trained the teachers will work with you to facilitate successful toilet training.

Please ensure that your child has a labelled sunhat (This will be kept at Pre-School) and sun block in his/her bag.

School Uniform 2016 Turquoise & navy

Golf-Shirts R 160 each/ long sleeve shirts T, R180 each Tracksuits (navy with turquoise) R400 per track suit Beanies R 80 /Sun hats R100

All these can be worn with denims or leggings and comfortable shoes

7. TOILET TRAINING

Parents are encouraged to share their toilet training plan with their teacher to ensure a successful training experience between Pre-School and home.

Frequent communication on a child’s progress is necessary to make this experience comfortable for your child. When your child is ready to be potty trained we will take your child regularly to the bathroom. Some indications that your child is ready to be toilet trained are:

- Begins to dislike wearing a nappy, perhaps trying to pull it off when it’s wet or soiled.- Is able to follow simple instructions e.g. ‘Please give Daddy the ball’

Please remember to let your child learn at his own pace. It will also help if you have an established daily routine with your child so toilet training can be slotted into your normal routine.

8. SECURITY

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The Pre-School is linked to CAP Security and our staff carries panic buttons.

Once the children enter the Pre-School they are secure within their enclosed play areas. Use the access code that YOU have provided the school with. It is very important that this code is NOT shared with anyone .

When entering and exiting the Pre-School please ensure that you close the security gates.

Please ensure that you accompany your child when leaving or arriving at the Pre-School.

9. ATTENDENCE REGISTERAre marked daily by staff. All 3rd parties that are

authorised by parents to pick their child/children up from school must provide a letter; ID, drivers licence or passport and teachers must be informed via sms, email or phone call by the child’s parent.

10. BIRTHDAY RINGS

These are celebration days and we would love to make it extra special for your child. You are most welcome to attend the birthday ring.

Please liaise with your child’s teacher to book a suitable date for your child’s birthday ring/ party.

Please could you bring the following: Photographs of your child from each year of his/her life? And/OR

Please will you fill out the Celebration of life form ( paragraph 38) so that we can read this out to your child on the day in order to celebrate her/his uniqueness? If you are available to attend the birthday circle then you can read this out to your child. Please ask class teacher or email the principal for this letter/form. A copy is provided on page

Please ask us for a class list. We will gladly place your child’s birthday invitations in the children’s pockets for you or you are welcome to email them, should you be having a party elsewhere other than at school.

Please provide CAKE/ CUPCAKE/ MUFFINS for a dozen children, 2-3 big packets of chips/ popcorn and 2 ltr juice/

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milk shake for his/her class. 10-15 children for 3-6 year old groups and 6-8 children for the toddler groups.

Party packs are optional and should include 1 packet chips and 1 juice with max 2 sweets OR dry fruit sticks, or yogurt or cheese cubes ( no toys as the smalls might choke on them)

11. NO TOYS

No toys, sweets, trinkets, money etc. (unless it is money for Tuck shop or toys for Show & Tell) may be brought to the Pre-School. Please ensure that your child leaves these at home. These inevitably cause strife amongst the children. And it is not a pleasant feeling if my friend breaks or takes my toy.

12. CHANGE OF PERSONAL CONTACT DETAILS !!!!NB!!!!

As soon as there is a change in your contact details, please inform the school so that the correct cell number, email address or update it on D6 Communicator etc. should there be a need to contact you in an emergency.

13. Fun Weekly Activities.

13.1 Mondays : Bakers Day for Children 3yrs and Older - We have Bakers Day every Monday. Each child has a turn to be the ‘Baker man’ and is asked to bring eats for his group (8 to 10 children). Please bring something savoury and healthy- you may ask us for any suggestions. Your child will wear a Bakers

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hat and sell his/her goodies in exchange for coins. This is a wonderful time for a parent and child to work together in the kitchen and make something special for the class (goodies can be bought from your local grocery store or bakery). The classmates must please bring R5 to buy from the baker, if not your child may not take part in this activity. You will be notified when your child has been chosen to be the “Baker man”.13.2 Tuesdays : Show & Tell Children are allowed to bring a toy to school to show to their peers and speak a bit about. This fun activity builds self-confidence, vocabulary for future public speaking skills. This is the only day that children may bring toys from home to play with. No child may take another child’s toy home with them.13.3 Wednesdays :Tuck-shop for the 3 – 6 yr oldsPlease send R6-R10 every Wednesday for your child to spend on popcorn/chips/muffins or 1 or 2 sweets. The non perishable items are sent home to be enjoyed.13.4 Thursdays: HotdogHotdogs cost R30 per child. Please send in R30 every Thursday for lunch and juice. 13.5 Fridays: FunEvery Friday all children take part in outdoor organised games. This Includes ball games such as soccer, board games, water games, obstacle courses and action rhymes.

14. WASTE MATERIALS

Please help us with any of the following waste materials for our art activities: Paper, cardboard, wine sleeves, bubble wrap, buttons, ribbon, material, lace, wool, pipe cleaners, foam chips, ice-cream containers, yoghurt cups, felt, doilies, crepe paper, and confetti.

15. EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES (OPTIONAL CLASSES)

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Clay Play, EQ Explore, Buzzi Bodies all at additional cost, depending on numbers as well, are offered at the Pre-School.

These activities are done when it is outside time for the children. The various facilitators will invoice you separately for these activities and fees. If you are interested in enrolling your child in any of these activities, please ask us for an enrolment form. Registration and fees vary for each extra mural. If your child will no longer be participating in an extra-mural activity, please inform the extra mural facilitator directly.

Extra Mural Contact Details: Cooking & Baking with Preshanie on Wednesdays 4yr olds

+ Messy Play & Crafts with Monica Tuesdays 4 yr olds+ Music & Dance with Onica Thursdays 4 yr olds +

16. TO BRING ON THE FIRST DAY:For the 12 to 36 Months.

A 4 Notebook ( Communication Book) daily 3-6 Labelled Nappies -daily 1 Packet Wet Wipes - daily Barrier Cream - daily Hand Towel ( Labelled) 4 Boxes Facial Tissues ( 200’s) 12x Toilet Rolls ( 1 ply only) 4x Dettol Bar Soaps

A daily bag packed with the following: A spare set or 2 of clothing, a lunch box with a healthy snack and lunch/ juice or water UNLESS your child will be eating school Lunch. One whole fruit should be packed as a snack daily too.

Copy of deposit or registration fee Proof of payment of school fees Teddy Bears Montessori Rules return slip

For the 3 to 6 Year Olds .

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Hand Towel ( Labelled) 4 Boxes Facial Tissues ( 200’s) 18x Toilet Rolls ( 1 ply only) 4x Dettol Bar Soaps A daily bag packed with the following: A spare set of

clothing, a lunch box with a healthy snack and lunch/ juice or water UNLESS your child will be eating school

Lunch. A Whole fruit to share. Proof of payment for deposit/ registration fee Proof of payment for school fees Teddy Bears Montessori rules return slip

For Aftercare Children.

1x Stackable mattress – can order from school at the cost of R400, 00 each (incl waterproofing & sheet).

1x Cot size Duvet/Blanket

17. COMMUNICATION / NOTICES etc. A Communication book is available for parents to write a

note for the teacher’s attention – please write as we forget verbal messages.

The 12 – 36 month olds will have daily feedback/ communication ONLY in an A4 book ( please cover and label and bring to school daily)

Newsletters, invoices, term events, Baker’s day/Sharing basket notices will be sent to you via email/ hard copies & White notice board when necessary. Receipts and birthday invitations will be placed in your child’s lockers. Children’s artwork will be placed in your child’s locker. Please ensure that you check and clear your child’s locker on a daily basis.

18. SUBJECT TO CHANGE/RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED

Fees, conditions, rules and regulations are subject to change without notification.

Please note: The Pre-School reserves the right of admission.

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19. DISCIPLINE AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL“Consistency is the cornerstone of a child’s development, “Dr Maria MontessoriIt is in your child’s best interest that we work together as a team. Please do not let your child stay up later than 20h00 during the week nights.

Teach your child to sit at the table and eat meals using a knife and fork, and encourage basic good table manners.Teach your child to dress and undress himself, and to put his/her dirty clothes in the laundry basket. This will teach him/her independence and a sense of order and connectedness.

Non ViolenceToo much television/ TV games/ Computers is harmful for your childChildren do not need television. Your child needs your attention; do not use television as a convenient “baby sitter” Provide puzzles, colouring books, and play dough and reading books for your child and enjoy special moments reading to your child before bedtime.Teach your child to listen to you, and insist that they obey your instructions. Be consistent and firm. You are the adult, and you are in control. A child knows what he/she wants, but he/she does not know what is good for him/her. YOU do.

Should you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to discuss them with the Principal or your child’s class teacher. We are happy to assist you in any way that we can. It is absolutely essential that we work together to help your child reach his/her full potential.Together we can help them take their rightful place in society and encourage them to make a meaningful contribution to the society in which they live.

20. BITING POLICY

Incidents of biting can be stressful for both the children and parents involved. It is important to understand that

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frequent biting occurs when a child is frustrated and is unable to express their needs adequately. A child may be biting as an attention seeking device, to relieve teething discomfort or for oral exploration. Commonly, biting is seen in children between 13 months and 30 months of age. (Toddler Group) The children are trying so hard to be independent. ‘Mine’ are their favourite words. Learning to do things independently, making choices, and needing control over a situation are part of growing up. Biting is a powerful way to control others. If a child wants something, biting is a quick way to get what you want. It is not a sign that the child, parent or the Pre-School has failed. Repetitive incidents of biting will require a parent teacher conference.

Most bites do not break the skin. If the skin is not broken the bite will be washed with soap and water then an ice pack applied a little cream and a plaster. Lots of TLC will also be given. If the skin is broken, the parent will be contacted by phone stating the situation. When a child bites we try and teach the child new behaviour by showing the ‘biter’ with our voice and facial expressions that biting is unacceptable. We speak firmly and look directly into the child’s eyes. For example we would say “No Tom, it’s not okay to bite. It hurts John when you bite him. He’s crying. I won’t let you bite John or another child.” If the child is able to talk well enough we might say, “You can tell John to please move instead of biting him”. We realise that biting can be an uncomfortable issue for Parents and the Pre-School will try their outmost to share information about the biting and plans for controlling the situation.

21. INJURIES TO CHILDREN

Parents will be contacted immediately should their child sustain an injury. This also includes insect bites, bruises, bite marks, etc.

Teaching staff are required to record the incident in our ‘incident book’. This book is kept in the office.

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22. CHILDREN’S ART WORK

Toddler12 -36 Month old Class – 2 or 3 times a week, art activities.

3 – 6 Year Old Class – Special art activities are done on a Friday mornings..

23. THE CHILDREN’S GENERAL GROUND RULES

We have daily ‘grace and courtesy groups’. These groups demonstrate positive social behaviour which help the children adapt to life in a group and arm them with knowledge of socially acceptable behaviour. For example ‘How to say please and thank you ’Respect for others - you may not hurt others (this includes Hitting/kicking/biting/pushing/grabbing/pinching/bullying) another child or disturbing another child’s work.

Respect for self - you may not do things which might endanger your safety.

Respect for equipment - you must use the equipment with care and return it to its place ready for someone else to use.

No Hitting No guns (toy) No Kicking

Please re-inforce these rules at home

24. THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND RULES (Monitored areas and their rules)

Fence- should not be climbed on and things should not be thrown over the fence.

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Sticks and stones may not be carried or thrown. Flowers and grass should be left for others to enjoy. Trees may not be climbed or leaves pulled off.

Sandpit- sand stays in sandpit including bucket and spades. Bare hands and feet may be buried not clothes. Juice bottles may not be filled with sand. No water or juice is allowed in the sandpit.

Throwing sand is not allowed nor is transporting sandpit sand to other areas.

One child at a time on the fireman’s pole/slide or trampoline. ( playgroup equipment changes from time to time)

Swings - Child to stand at one side to wait for his/her turn. Child to sit on swings.

25. POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMEMT

We use a variety of developmentally appropriate behaviour management techniques to direct or re-direct your child in a positive, firm and relaxed manner. The children are explained the rules of the Pre-School frequently, so they are all familiar with them.

Please keep in mind that there will be disagreements between children, young children especially, who are not adept at communication. We will try our best to prevent problems/re-direct, discuss inappropriate behaviour and encourage making amends when offense involves another person.

The following methods of discipline will be used at Pre-School: Intervention and group discussions or ‘time out’ or “Peace table” -The teacher will have a discussion with the child about his/her behaviour.

26. MONTESSORI KEY CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES The Pre-School is committed to promoting quality

education for all children based on these key concepts:To foster competent, confident, independent and responsible adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers.

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Learning occurs in an inquiring, co-operative, and nurturing atmosphere.

Learning takes place through the senses. Children learn by manipulating the Montessori materials and interacting with others.

The child is considered as whole. The physical, emotional, social, moral, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important.

The most important years of growth are the first six years of life, when unconscious learning is gradually brought to a conscious level.

Children are to be respected and treated as individuals. Building a child’s self-esteem is paramount. Only high self-

esteem will help a child develop the inner motivation for thinking and acting independently and responsibly.

27. IN OUR PREPARED MONTESSORI ENVIRONMENT

Our Montessori classroom is an environment carefully and thoughtfully prepared daily by our teachers for the children. It contains all the essentials for optimal learning. Attributers of a prepared environment include order, beauty, and simplicity. Everything is child sized to enhance the children’s independent functioning. We recognise that each child learns at his/her own pace. It is a child centred approach and through our daily written observations and record keeping on each child, we are able to direct the child’s daily activities based on their needs, strengths, and developmental stages.

The Montessori materials in our classroom offer concrete, multi-sensory experiences, which actively engage the child, correcting, giving feedback and increasing the child’s opportunities for self-directed work. The materials contain many aims or goals and can often be explored at different levels.

The Montessori programme develops a positive attitude towards Pre-School and a gives the child a feeling of security, sense of order, curiosity, concentration, persistence, an ability to make decisions, a sense of independence, self-confidence and sense of responsibility towards others

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There are five distinct areas that make up the Prepared Environment: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, and Language and Culture areas.

Toddler area (Monica & Brenda) has many self-help activities that help the child to be more independent as well as basic activities such as threading, matching, puzzles and sorting. This area is simpler and slower pace than the rest of the classroom. Since this is also the age of very strong imitation, the adult in the classroom constantly models appropriate social skills, good manners and consideration of others

3-6 Year Olds: Practical life (Onica ) exercises are purposeful activities

that build on the child’s natural interest in what is around him, relating to the world he knows best- his home. The basic motor skills required for writing are found in this area as the child masters the ‘pincer grip’ and learns to work from left to right. The activities also enhance the development of concentration, co-ordination, task completion, cognitive order and grace and courtesy. Examples are: pouring water, dressing frames, squeezing oranges, tweezers exercise, and care of environment activities.

Sensorial area (Onica ) - enables the child to order, sequence, classify and describe sensory impressions in relation to length, width, weight, and colour. Each scientifically designed material isolates a quality found in the world such as size, shape etc. and isolation focuses the attention on one aspect. Examples in this area are cylinder blocks, knobbles cylinders, geometric solids, and red rods.

Mathematics (Preshanie/ Zia ) - through the uses of didactic materials in the classroom the child is able to internalise concepts of numbers, symbols, sequence, operations, and memorization of facts. Examples of these would be number rods, spindles boxes, cards and counters and golden bead material.

Language area (Preshanie/ Zia) - this includes oral language development, written expression and reading. Basic language activities linking sounds to letters and

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expression of thought through writing. Examples of some of the language materials would be sandpaper letters, metal insets. Pink, blue, and green reading material.

Culture (Preshanie / Zia) – this exposes the child to the introduction of geography, history, and the sciences. Music, art and creative movements are part of the integrated cultural curriculum. Some examples are the coloured globe, land/water forms, insect folder, magnetic / non-magnetic activities, and the musical instruments.

28. THE PRACTICALITIES

Should any problems arise that your child requires professional input, we will discuss this with you immediately and advise you on whom to approach. It is really important to note that once we do make an assessment and require this additional input, it is because we have observed the child carefully and base our assessment on a genuine concern for the child’s development. We thus require you to take the necessary action and follow up on the recommendation, within two weeks.

Please inform us of the process that is being followed which can sometimes take time. The most important thing that we need to know is that you are taking action on behalf of your child. Please provide us with any written reports as well as regular updates on his/her progress.

29. BEFORE YOUR CHILD STARTS THE FOLLOWING MUST BE HANDED TO THE PRE-SCHOOL:

An original completed and signed copy of the Pre-School’s Enrolment Form.

A copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunization records.

Your child’s assessment reports. (if any) A Copy of Medical Aid Details Both Parent’s/ Guardians ID/Passport Proof of Residence

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3 month’s bank statements 3 Accounts for References

Please note that a credit check will be down on all applicants.

30. TO BRING ON THE FIRST DAY OF PRE-SCHOOL please see the list in paragraph 16 and Proof of payment of deposit + 1st months school fees.

31. S.African School Term 2016 :

1st Term 13th Jan to 18th March ( TBM re-opens Mon 11th Jan 2016) ( TBM closed ON 23rd, 24th, 25th March Good Friday & Easter Mon 28th March & 29th March 2016 re-opens Wed 30th March 2016) 2nd Term 5th April to 24th June( school closed 25th, 26, 27th Freedom day, 28th & 29th April & 2nd May – Workers day Re-open Tues 3rd May 2016)3rd Term 18 July to 30 September( school closed on 5th, 6th,7th Oct and re-opens Mon 10th Oct)4th Term 12th October to 15th December ( school closed from 15th Dec and re-opens 9th Jan 2016)

Holiday care available upon request @ R100 per child per day, provided that we have a minimum of 10 children present for Holiday care.

Please arrange with Principal in advanceBaby sitting services available upon request as well R100 p/h

School closed on Public Holidays & weekends

32. Concert & Pre-schoolers GraduationCompulsory for all children 12 months and older, concert fee is R400 per child as it is also a fun day for ALL he children and parents and staff

More details closer to time.

33. Privacy Policy

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Facebook Page and Website for advertising to communicate and share information to the parents of TBM only and for safety and security. Nobody is allowed to share photos from this page. Consent forms attached if you would allow us to use your childs photos. We also communicate with you via D6 communicator. Please download onto phones and desktops for easy communications

34. Themes for 2016

Jan: My School Feb: Transport ( land, air & water)Mar: My Body, sensesApr: Animals from around the worldMay: ReptilesJun: Colours & ShapesJul: Solar SystemAug: Flowers & Trees & VegetablesSep: Mini Beasts ( insects)Oct: DinosaursNov: Continents Dec: What I do to have fun35. Road shows:There will be one road show per theme.Dates And Cost to be confirmed.

36. Credit Checks on all parents:Credit Checks are to be conducted through ACCOUNTABILITY on all applicants before you and your child are accepted @ TBM.

37. Daily Routine12 to 36 months old Class & 3-6 Yr. old Class07h00 - 08h00 Welcome / Free Plays 08h00 - 08h30 Breakfast // Toilet time/ nappy changing08h30 - 09h00 Morning Ring / Group Discussion / Mind Moves with Preshanie Daily09h00 - 10h20 1:1 Work Cycle / Play Dough/ Painting/

Sandpit/Colouring.

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10h20 – 10h30 Hygiene Routine / Tidy Up/ Toilet time/ Prep. Snack

10h30 – 10h45 Snack Time/ Tea Time10h45-11h30 Free Play/Work cycle/Play dough/Painting/

Colouring/Extra Murals etc...11h30 – 11h 45 Free Play11h45 – 12h00 Prep for Lunch12h00 – 12h30 Lunch Time12h15 – 12h45 Hygiene Routine/ Free Play/ Tidy Up / Story time

Home Time – Half Day12h45 – 13h00 Preparation for nap time/ toilet time/ nappy changing13h00 – 14h30 Nap Time/ Quiet Time for all 14h30 – 14h45 Wake up time/Hygiene Routine/ Toilet time/ Nappy

Changing/ prep snack/ Fold blankets15h00 – 15h30 Snack 15h00 – 17h30 Home Times / Free Play/ Painting/ Story Time

Colouring/Play Dough/ messy play16h30 – 17h20 Tidy Up/ Hygiene Routine/ Home Time

17h30 School Closed

38.CELEBRATION OF LIFE ( used for Birthday Celebration, parents please complete and return to school, you can use your creativity and imagination to explain well enough for the little ones to understand and enjoy)

A Celebration of Life is a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday by honoring a child’s life and accomplishments. If possible, please find photograph for each year of their life and write a short life story to be brought to school for this celebration (photo’s will be returned)The following is a SAMPLE life story. I ask that you let your child participate in selecting the photos and writing his or her life story for this celebration.The story of_____________________________________________ who was born on _____________________________________________ (month, day, year) in ___________________________ (city, state, country, continent) on the planet Earth. He/she had to be held and taken care of all the time, couldn’t talk or tell mom or dad what was needed, had to wear diapers, drank lots of milk and slept most of the time. By ________________ months he/she

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could_____________________________________ (sit, sit up by his/herself, crawl, etc.) When _______________________ was 1 year old he/she _________________________ ( learned to walk, etc.) He/she loved to ____________________________. At 2 years old _________________________ learned to use the toilet etc.)__________________________. When ________________________ was 3 years old he/she (came to the 3 – 6 yrs. old class of a Montessori school/ a Montessori school), could talk in whole sentences, run, ride a tricycle) and loved doing_______________________________________. At home he/she helped by________________________________________________________. When _________________ turned 4years old he/she could______________________________________. And now ________________________________ is _______________ years old! He/she can _____________________________________________ all by her/himself! His/hers favorite colour is __________, favorite food is_______________________________ favorite activity is_______________________________ etc.The Celebration of Life is done during morning snack time 10h15 (Parents are required to be there at least 5 mins before the time. Photography is permitted) you are welcome to join your child’s celebration by reading your child’s story as they carry a globe and walk around the sun that is placed in the middle of the circle/class. If you are unable to attend, a teacher will read it. In either case, thank you for your help in making your child’s celebration a meaningful and memorable event.Optional Extra’s2 Lt Fruit juice + 2 /3 Big packets of Popcorn/ Chips OR 10 to 15 Party packs

OR simply enough cake/ muffins/ cupcakes for 10 to 15 children

TBM Lunch Menu Plan 2016 R400 p.m. extra (Including Hot Dog Day)

all meals Halaal, no beef, no pork

Days of theWeek

Week 1Lunch

Week 2Lunch

MONDAYS Fish/Chicken Fingers (Grilled)

Mash/Chips Vegies

Chicken Fingers (Grilled)

Mash potatoes/ sweet potatoes &

carrots VegiesTUESDAYS Mac & Cheese,

mixed veggies on Dhall ( yellow

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the side lentils/ sugar beans ) & Rice

WEDNESDAYS Pasta, White Sauce & Fish &

Vegies or Chicken a la King

Pot Roast/ Chicken Stew

& Rice/ DumplingVegies

THURSDAYS Hot Dogs

R30Hot Dogs

R30FRIDAYS Chicken Or Mutton

Pizza’s/ Chicken sandwiches/ Sushi

Chicken Or Mutton Pies/

Spaghetti Bolognaise

The School Code of Conduct Agreement for all children especially 6 Year olds, their Parents & staff TO ENSURE mutual understanding, respect, trust & safety

( In preparation for Primary School and life)

This agreement must be signed by all Grade R pupils and their parents and returned to school, together with this application form.

I ______________________________parent/guardian of ______________________________________ agree to abide by the following rules: Name of Pupil

1. I will not be late for school.

2. I will be prepared for school.

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3. I will treat others with respect and dignity. ( Name calling is inappropriate & unacceptable at our school, no person will be discriminated against based on their race, gender or creed)

4. I will look after my belongings.

5. I will respect the property of others.

6. I will not play in areas that are out of bounds.

7. I will ensure the toilet is clean and tidy after I have used it.

8. I will make sure that I keep my classroom neat and clean.

9. I will make sure that I throw away all m rubbish in the dustbin.

10. I will ensure that I do not misuse any of the equipment. We are required to be careful with our equipment, as it is costly to replace.

11. I will not use offensive or insulting language. I understand that swearing and bad language is inappropriate & unacceptable at our school.

12. I will not bully, intimidate or behave in a violent manner. Biting, hitting, spitting and screaming is not tolerated. If I am angry I need to call someone to help me sort out any problem especially if I am in the 3-6 class/group.

13. I will not take property that does not belong to me.

14. I will follow school rules to the best of my ability.

15. I will respect my teacher and the teachers on aftercare duty.

16. I will treat the school property with respect and replace anything I break.

17. i will report anything that makes me unhappy to my teacher.

18. We are required to walk indoors at all times, as this is a safety precaution within our environment.

19. We are not allowed to bring our toys to school unless it is for Show & Tell ONLY. As we might become upset if it gets damaged or misplaced.

20. When we eat we are expected to sit at the table until we have finished our meal.

21. We are not allowed to throw things or sand at each other.

22. We are not allowed to go out of the school grounds without an adult next to us.

23. We may not always listen to our parents & teachers but we are very good at imitating them. So please be a good role model for us.

24. I have read this code of conduct and understand it.

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Signed _____________________on this day______ of__________ 20___

At ( place)___________________

HELPING YOUR CHILD OVERCOMESEPARATION ANXIETY

In order for your child to settle in happily in our school environment, we would suggest that your child be fetched early for the first week or so. We will be monitoring your child closely

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and will be giving you feedback on your child’s settling in progress.

We will gradually increase these hours until your child is ready to stay at school for the full day.

Please trust our teachers. We have helped many children cope with this transition, and they know how to make them feel at ease in their new environment.

Have discussions about your child’s school before he/or she begins. Visit the school with your child.

After the orientation morning at school, talk about what your child did and what fun things he/she can look forward to.

Help your child choose their clothes the night before to reduce stress and talk through the routine for the following day.

Make sure you arrive before the work period begins (8:30am) so that your child may be able to place his/her bag in his locker, greet his teacher, choose an activity or play outside.

You may settle your child with an activity, but please do not stay for an extended time as this causes your child to get anxious. A firm goodbye is important and let your child know when you will be fetching him/her. E.g. “I will be fetching you after snack time”

Don’t carry your child up the path or into the school. Walking in is a confidence booster. Being carried communicates to the child that protection is needed.

Be patient and positive. It will take a few weeks for your child to settle into the routine of school, get to know his teacher and make new friends. Please also remember that

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until your child has settled in, Mondays can be a ‘wobbly day’ for your child because of the weekend break.

Please feel free to sms or email us during the morning to see how your child is doing. We are here to assist your child in any way we can.

The most important factor in helping your child feels confident about going to school is consistency. Order helps your child to know that today is going to be just like yesterday, and the morning routine is crucial to communicating this to your child. No matter how verbal the child, beginning each day in the same way at the same time communicates much more to them about your routine than any words you can say. In reverse, if each day begins differently, it is easy for the child to think that maybe the day will end differently, as well, and maybe Mom will not come back this time. Please be consistent.

The more you’re tempted towards giving in to a lapse in routine, the more you need to maintain order.

If you choose to break the routine even once, it will take as many as 50 more repetitions of the routine before your child gains back the confidence lost.

Read more on the Montessori Method followed by the school

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME? Let your child have real things. Take time to show him/her

how to handle objects with care. This builds self-esteem and independence as well as concentration, coordination and responsibility. Dr Montessori stated “Any unnecessary aid is a hindrance to learning”

When you teach your child new skills, break it down into small, precise steps. “Clean your room” is overwhelming;

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show the child how to organise a specific shelf, item or area.

Respect the child’s slower sense of time and allow the child time to do a task without hurrying. Give your child choices: If your child refuses to co-operate, pull out the creative choices. If they need to put their shoes on, and this is not a choice, make it into one: “Do you want to put on this shoe or that shoe?” If your child is being picky and it seems if he will not eat say “Do you want to eat breakfast now, or wait for snack at school?” or ‘would you like weetbix or scrambled eggs?” Again be firm with your choices, letting your child know that these are the only choices available. He/she may choose not to choose at all, in which case you may choose for them. “Do you want to choose your own breakfast or would you like me to choose for you?” In most cases, they enjoy choosing for themselves and will prefer this to your choice.

Resist always helping your child. Any unnecessary help interferes with learning. Children should be allowed to help themselves as much as possible, including dressing and undressing themselves, putting away their own things etc. A child is far more capable than one may realise and this builds self-esteem and independence. Dr Montessori stated, “Any unnecessary aid is a hindrance to learning.”

Spills, mistakes and frustration are opportunities for learning. Let the child handle its own problems as much as possible. E.g. give your child a cloth to clean his own spills. ( Always step in, however, if someone may be hurt)

The child needs to repeat activities often even after it appears to be mastered. Also remember improvement comes with practice.

Remind your child to clean up or put away immediately following an activity. It is important that your child learns to finish on thing before moving on.

Make discipline interesting. ”See how quietly you can close the door.” Rather than “Don’t slam the door!” Positive language is important.

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Use precise language when speaking to the child. Concise speech and new vocabulary assist the child in expressing himself/her and the power of clear communication.

Don’t try to improve any activity your child has done while she/he is watching. Next time show the child first.

Don’t interrupt your child while he/she is concentrating. When the child plays on the floor, supply the child with a

rug or towel for activity to be placed on. This shows ownership of space and is more manageable to clean up.

Encourage hand washing after using the bathroom, wiping nose and before eating.

Remind your child to clean up or put away immediately following an activity. It is important to finish one thing before moving on.

Be consistent with requests and expectations. Read to your child every day.

Thank you for your valued supportFrom all of us @ Teddy Bears MontessoriPreshanie ( Zia) & staff.

The Pre-School reserves the right to change anything in this document should the need arise.

Right of admission is reserved.

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