Here’s a guest post from our friends at Nova Montessori School, Christchurch. Can you help?
Christchurch land wanted for Montessori School
Nova Montessori school in New Brighton, Christchurch operates both a preschool, and the South Island’s only primary school true to the brilliant principles that were developed by Maria Montessori.
You can read Montessori’s books to get an appreciation of the genius in her method - but as a parent the thing that sells you completely is to see with your own eyes a classroom in action, and over time the difference it makes in the development of your child compared to others that attend mainstream schools.
That however is not the main purpose of this post. Despite the excellent job that Nova does and the quality of the education they offer, the school is in trouble because of its location. It is on land badly affected by the earthquake, sitting beside the Avon River on land that has sunk and now subject to regular flooding during high tides. It borders the residential red zone and has suffered a decline in role from about 100 to 60 because of the depopulation of the surrounding area, in addition to the reluctance of many parents to travel every day to this location through the flooding and desolation of the red zone.
It needs to quit its flood-prone site, reports THE PRESS.
And staff are taking pay cuts to keep the school afloat, reports NEWSTALK ZB.
I would ask that all readers of Not PC who may have a parcel of land they could sell, or know of someone who may have land available, to pass this on and get the word out. The future of Montessori education in the South Island depends on finding some viable options by 25th July.
Here is the ad and contact details for tenders.
[Top pic by THE PRESS]
1 comment:
I recently observed a morning's activities at Nova Montessori and was amazed to see the vibrant learning atmosphere in the room. Children enthusiastically engaged in activities of their choice from a designated 'genre,' alone or in self-chosen groups. They persevered with challenging tasks, helping each other if asked, and consulting the teacher if required. As a retired primary school teacher, what impressed me the most was the independence and enthusiasm displayed by the children as they worked on their tasks for the pure joy they got from their mastery of them, and the skill level was high. The social interaction was a joy to watch - happy, calm enjoyment of each other's company, while politely respecting each other's space. I am definitely an enthusiastic fan of Montessori teaching as displayed at Nova school. The proof of the pudding...as they say. Go and see for yourself. You will be made most welcome.
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