School Life – Summerland Montessori School

Daily Experiences

Our students study academic subjects that meet or exceed the objectives as directed by provincial outlines. We believe that strong minds are supported by strong bodies. Our students are provided the opportunity to enjoy daily physical education and daily French. Each student, in accordance with Montessori learning philosophies, is encouraged and supported through their learning needs, at their respective individual speeds. Our dedicated teachers are happy to meet with parents to discuss their child’s progress at any time throughout the year.

Community

Terry Fox & Heart and Stroke Foundation

In keeping with the spirit of community outreach and attention to physical exercise, Summerland Montessori participates in the annual Terry Fox Run. The Montessori school has been a supporter since 2003 and involves the entire school, staff and lots of parent volunteers.

SMS has also participated in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart Programs since 2005. To date the Summerland Montessori School has raised over $15,000.00 for this very worthy foundation and has incorporated jump rope into its physical education program.

Paying it Forward

The Summerland Montessori School is very active in the local community. One way in which the school shows its support is with visits to the local care homes. A few times a year the students visit the care homes to sing songs, play games and put on plays for the elderly. This program is very well received by both the adults and the children.

Every year SMS does its part to participate in Earth Day. This annual event is a day full of planting trees and flowers, cleaning the yard, creek and surrounding area. Teaching the children to be stewards of the earth gives them a deep respect for their surroundings and the knowledge that they are doing their part to help this planet.

French

Our French program has been singled out by many families as one of their primary reasons for bringing their child to Summerland Montessori School. We offer daily French immersion style programming, providing a solid foundation in the second national language of our country. Learning occurs through a wide variety of fun filled activities such as plays, skits, and songs. This program is a wonderful alternative to early French immersion. For children coming into SMS in the upper grades, tutoring is available to help the student feel more comfortable within this new environment.

Physical Education

Daily physical activity is an integral part of our students’ day and lays the foundation for a variety of sports education choices from co-operative play to team sports, as well as individual sports opportunities. Throughout the year students participate in a wide range of programs, including swimming, skating, and running club (all covered by the Supplies and Activities fees).

House Teams

Unicorns, Phoenix, Griffins, and Dragons –The Summerland Montessori student population is divided into 4 house teams. The teams compete in weekly spot challenges and gather monthly as a group to work together on a task. This is a great opportunity for encouraging mentorship, leadership and cooperation.

Music, Drama & Art

Our music program exposes the children to a wide array of musical styles and instruments. In the past, the children have performed with Fred Penner, one of Canada’s most beloved children’s musicians, at the Okanagan Children’s Festival. The children bring their amazing talents not only to the parents, but also to the community, performing in various venues to the delight of all who hear them.

The children are exposed to drama as well through the music and French programs. Each year, a holiday play is performed, giving children a chance to showcase their talents. As part of the French AIM program, the children learn and perform plays and skits, complete with costumes and props, helping the children to live the experience of the language.

Art is also an important part of the school’s curriculum. Encouraging the children’s budding creativity, the children are permitted to explore a variety of techniques. The grade 4/5 students participate in the Summerland Banner program, allowing the community to enjoy their talents all summer. The grade 2/3 students are introduced to Zen Tangling®. The younger grades are exposed to a variety of methods and materials to pique their curiosity and encourage their exploration.

Extra Curricular Activities

At the Summerland Montessori School we present a well-rounded education with a focus on arts, music, sports and culture. We present students the opportunity to participate in fun activities like running club, cooking classes, and gardening, just to mention a few. We hope to spark the child’s interest to encourage them to pursue their passions as they move forward in life.

SMS also offers an optional Hot Lunch Program each Friday throughout the school year. Volunteer parents prepare and serve the students a wide array of nutritious foods, encouraging the kids to try new dishes and expand their culinary experience.