In the Spring of 2007 the Credit Valley Montessori School in Mississauga celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Maria Montessori was an extraordinary woman who made a great contribution to education and child developmental studies. Through her work she has made an influence on society and created child centred schools that foster and encourage independence, creativity, and cosmic education. It has been one hundred years since the first Montessori school has been opened in 1907 San Lorenzo, Rome. Since then, the Montessori philosophies have continued to inspire and develop the full potential of children all over the world. The Credit Valley Montessori School has been keeping the Montessori traditions alive and will be celebrating their 25th anniversary on June 16th.
Maria Montessori believed that there are two crucial periods of development. The first stage was called the absorbent mind which occurred from birth to age six. “Based on her observations of children, Montessori determined that the overriding goal of this period is the development of the self as an individual being,”(pg.24, Montessori Today). The second stage of development occurs from age seven to twelve. The focus of the children transform from the formation of the individual to the development of the social being. The Credit Valley Montessori School fulfills the needs of children at each stage of development through creating an environment that fosters and encourages academic and social development.
The history and life of Credit Valley remains strong through the dedicated staff such as Mrs. Bhupi, who has taught in the school for twenty-years, and Mrs. Joanne who has also taught as a music teacher in the school ten years. To commemorate this auspicious occasion the school held a bar-b-que at the school in June 2007. The school displayed an international pavilion recognizing countries from all over the world that each child is from with delicious treats and unique artifacts representing each culture. There were entertaining games with great prizes, and a live exotic animal exhibit. This occasion reunited many past students who have attended this exceptional school.
This extraordinary school is another great example of how the beliefs of Maria Montessori are still practiced today. The Credit Valley Montessori School is a place where children can interact, explore, and discover academic and social independence.
Elisa Khan
Montessori Directress
The Credit Valley Montessori School
