2019/02/28 by R.M.S.

Stopping Bullying on Pink Day

In recognition of Anti-Bullying Day on February 28th, the RMS community wore pink. Pink symbolizes caring, tenderness, acceptance and calmness. National Pink Shirt Day was inspired by students from a high school in Halifax, NS. David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy for a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. They took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of this student by distributing pink t-shirts to all the boys in their school. For more information on this initiative, click here. This practice of not tolerating bullying has now become wide spread in schools, and at RMS as a community we are coming together to celebrate inclusiveness and acceptance of the things that make us unique, while connecting us at the same time. We are continuing to reinforce the positive messages of the WITS program that was introduced in the Fall of last year. The WITS program brings together schools, families and communities to create safe, responsive environments that help elementary school children deal with bullying. Our teachers are encouraged to review the messages of the WITS Anti-Bully Campaign, to talk about what acceptance looks like inside and outside of school, and to take pictures and to play fun games that engage students in creative role-play in the classroom, all while learning about bullying prevention.

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, bullying of any kind is not acceptable. We know that bullying is defined as repeated or habitual aggressive behaviour, abuse or intimidation of a person, because the person or persons bullying have more power or advantage (based on any number of factors such as size, status, age, being part of a group, abilities, or other attributes). We make sure that our students are very aware of why bullying is not acceptable, and we help our students understand what bullying is and what it is not. We make an effort to empower and encourage students to act responsibly to create a positive environment in our school and be proactive in stopping and reporting bullying should it occur. It is not just on Pink Day that we encourage anti-bullying. At RMS, we follow the WITS Anti-Bullying Program that includes many activities for students that reinforce the importance of making positive choices all year long. We encourage all teachers, administration and support staff to actively create a safe learning community where children can thrive and model behaviours that support tolerance, cooperation and understanding.

According to the Government of Canada, “all adults – including parents – should talk openly about bullying with the children in their care, and should be prepared to deal directly with any problems that arise, whether at school, among groups of friends, or in other social situations.” For more information on how to recognize signs of bullying and for tips on intervention, click here. For more information on preventing cyber bullying, click here and find out how to get “CyberSafe.”

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2018/11/28 by R.M.S.

Anti-Bullying Week at RMS

According to the Ontario government, teaching students about bullying, is the best way to prevent it from happening. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, bullying of any kind is not accepted. This year we decided to put together an anti-bullying committee to showcase the traits of cooperation, tolerance and positive role-modeling. Last week this committee lead our students in celebrating Anti-Bullying week. It was a fun-filled week of learning about how to prevent bullying, that educated out students about what bullying is, and how to stop it. The week kicked off with an assembly at the Academy Campus where students were encouraged to come together and sing a song called “The WITS Song”. WITS is an acronym that helps children to remember some very important steps to resolving a conflict. W = walk away, I = ignore, T = talk it out, S = seek help. Everyone loved the song, and the experience of learning it together was truly memorable. Watch the video below of students together singing “The WITS Song.”

Day 2 consisted of students making posters with a positive message, that were formed into a collage. Students were also asked to create positivity cards, with messages and images that described themselves, that could be traded with other students to promote their positive self-image. On day 3, students shared their lunch-time and made a new friend from a different class. The Grade 8 class really took some initiative and paired themselves with students from the Pre-Kindergarten classes. At lunch time, teachers encouraged students to eat with someone that they had not previously socialized with, in order to show students how easy it can be to make new friends. Students were given a list of questions to help them start a conversation, and used it to ask their peers questions like “What is your favourite thing to do” and “What is the funniest thing you saw today.”

Students made a pink anti-bullying shirt

Students made pink anti-bullying shirts

On day 4 of Anti-Bullying week, students were asked to make a card that they could give to a friend, to help them learn about the importance of inclusion. Then on day 5, students and staff dressed in pink, and were asked to show random acts of kindness throughout the day. Teachers encouraged students to find opportunities to give compliments to each other, their teachers and the staff throughout the day. Students were also asked to write down what they appreciated about each member of their family, team or class. All positive comment cards were then collected, organized and shared with each student. This way every student received some positive comments from their peers.

Finally, teachers reviewed the the RMS policy on appropriate internet usage with students, to make sure that students fully understand what cyber-bullying is, and how to make sure it is never something they participate in. We are very proud of our students for making an effort all week to learn about bullying prevention, and for providing their commitment to never become a bully. For more information on how to prevent bullying with your children, take a look at the resources available from the Ontario government, by clicking here.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

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2015/11/09 by RMS

Will You Fill My Bucket?

Did you know that everyone has an imaginary bucket?

Grade 2A has been learning all about Bucket Filling and what it means to fill, or dip into, someone’s bucket. The purpose of this activity is to promote harmony and kindness not only within the classroom, but in the students’ everyday lives outside of school as they begin to emulate these behaviours.

Will You Fill my bucket?

So what does it mean to fill someone’s bucket? The Grade 2’s read a story called “How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer. The story explains how everyone has an imaginary bucket above their heads that, when full, helps them feel a sense of happiness and care for themselves and for others. When someone’s bucket is being dipped into, they feel sad. The story sends a great message to ensure that children understand what it means to fill someone’s bucket, and how, in turn, their bucket gets filled in the process!

Students immersed in reading about the concept of “Fill my bucket”

After the story was read, the Grade 2’s discussed ways that they can fill someone’s bucket. Some examples of bucket filling were: invite someone to play with them if they don’t have anyone to play with; be kind and respectful towards others; make someone feel better when they are sad; help to clean up a mess even if the mess was not yours; and say nice things to one another. All of the ideas were thought of by the students themselves, and since the exercise, the students have been much more aware of what they say and how they treat their friends. This story is definitely a great tool for creating a warm, caring environment within the classroom. It also helps bring to light positive ways to deal with social issues before they possibly become bullying situations.

Bucket Fillers 101 is a website with many great resources that can be used to reinforce the Bucket Filling philosophy both in the classroom and at home. There are many publications and versions of the “How Full is Your Bucket?” story that are suitable for many ages and grades, because you are never too young or old to fill someone’s bucket!

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our 5 welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others if you found it informative and helpful by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2015/11/05 by RMS

“Say NO to Bullying – Dis NON à l’Intimidation”

Everything started with a French group assignment. The students were assigned a task to write a short story in French about a new boy who, at first, was not included in a game with the other children of the class. After the new boy shared his feelings about being excluded, the boys invited him to join them and they were all happy, playing basketball together. All students explained very clearly in their books that exclusion hurts. In addition, they illustrated their books with pictures explaining the content. Also, they made a poster saying: “Say NO to Bullying” – “Dis NON à l’Intimidation.”

After they completed their assignments, the grade 5 students read and explained their ideas to the Grade 1 classes during reading buddies. This was an excellent opportunity for the senior students to explain what bullying meant to them, and that no one should be left out of any game. Everybody plays together without excluding anyone because it hurts people’s feelings. And, of course, all of this was done in French, which gave our students ample practice with French reading and pronunciation!

In short, while the students from Grade 1 learned new French words and loved spending time with reading buddies, the Grade 5’s were happy assisting the little ones and explaining what bullying means. They took initiative and leadership roles, and enjoyed teaching the younger ones about the value of friendship through their French activity. Well done Grade 5’s! Your French assignments were awesome! Vous avez fait un très bon travail!

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our 5 welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

Please kindly SHARE this post with others if you found it informative and helpful by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.

2015/10/30 by RMS

Bullying Prevention Awareness

As we approach the month of November, we again turn our attention more directly toward the prevention of bullying in schools. Bullying awareness initiatives have become increasingly important in our schools and communities. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, our anti-bullying initiatives have been very well received, and we continue to be mindful of them every day.

In the first week of November, during our annual bullying prevention week, several activities will be aimed at increasing awareness of bullying in all its contexts. This includes challenges faced when encountering bullying, both in person and online, as well as reinforcing the identification and prevention steps to which we are all committed. Assemblies, classroom assignments, and presentations by our RMAAC (Rowntree Montessori Athletic and Academic Council) student leaders will be scheduled so that every student and staff member in the school has a chance to stay up to date with current initiatives, and address any concerns or questions they may have. Additionally, we are also happy to welcome our designated Peel Police Constable from the Youth Education Bureau to take part in presenting workshops for all students, ranging in topics from “Everyday Hero” through “Kind is Cool” and “Cyber Citizenship”.

At RMS, we strive to create a respectful learning environment where students are taught the benefits of kindness, consideration, and inclusiveness. These are school-wide beliefs, and we enforce these behaviours all year long. Bullying prevention week allows us the opportunity to work with our staff and students, as well as parents and the community, to consider new strategies for the prevention of bullying.

A wealth of information on our policy and its implementation can be found in our “Parent/Student Handbook”, but we would also recommend having a look at a couple of great, recently published articles; one from the Ontario College of Teachers “Professionally Speaking”, and the other from “Edutopia”.

http://oct-oeeo.uberflip.com/i/461668-ps-march-2015

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/cultivate-a-bully-free-community-megan-mccarter

We encourage all and particularly parents to consistently build your child’s confidence at home through positive energy and feedback, and encourage open conversation on the topic of bullying prevention everywhere!

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our 5 welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here .

2015/04/09 by RMS

Mrs. Laureen Harper enjoys student performances at Rowntree Montessori Schools

Rowntree Montessori Schools’ staff and students were very excited and honoured to welcome two very special guests to the Rowntree Montessori Schools’ Academy Campus today. Mrs. Laureen Harper (@LaureenHarper), the spouse of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, together with Mr. Parm Gill (@ParmGill), the current Member of Parliament for the Brampton-Springdale riding, visited our school and attended a special assembly hosted by our students. Rowntree staff and students planned an entertaining assembly to showcase our belief in promoting individual talents, embracing multiculturalism, and encouraging social acceptance through anti-bullying ideals. In keeping, Mrs. Harper is a well-known advocate for acceptance and tolerance, and noted just how topical the Grade 8 Class presentation was on this sensitive current events issue.

Kindness. That was the message that Mrs. Harper delivered to the students of Rowntree Montessori Schools when she addressed them during the assembly. Her words to our students were quite profound. “Be kind…it may sound easy, but sometimes it’s not…Being kind makes you feel good, and makes the people around you feel good”. Mrs. Harper took the opportunity to remind students that kindness can have a very positive impact, and we should all endeavour to bring a little bit more kindness into our lives.

Since arriving in Ottawa in 2006, Mrs. Harper has been a strong advocate for anti-bullying initiatives, and she works closely with several organizations to educate youth and their parents about bullying. We at Rowntree are very proud of our anti-bullying programs, and we were privileged to show the Rowntree standard of inclusiveness to Mrs. Harper and Mr. Gill.

The Junior choir, the grade 4 class, the grade 8 class, Richard R. and Aaryan K. were very excited at the opportunity to display their talents for Mrs. Harper and Mr. Gill. We would like to extend a very special thank you to these students for their wonderful performances, and to the staff members who helped arrange them.

At Rowntree Montessori Schools, we strive to develop social awareness in our students. We believe in Mrs. Harper’s message of kindness, and truly thank her for promoting this message to our students.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

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2014/10/23 by RMS

Invitation to Anti-Bullying Magic Show

The Rowntree Montessori Schools Parents Association is pleased to extend a special invitation to the families of our community, to attend the feature event of this year’s Bullying Prevention Campaign:

The Anti-Bullying Magic Show, on Wednesday, November 5^th at 6:00 pm, at the RMS Academy Campus, located at 3 Sunforest Drive, Brampton, just east of Bovaird and Hurontario (Hwy 10). Presented by professional magicians and performers “IncrediBrent and Super Sarah”, the show is sure to be a family favourite, while packing an important and lasting social message.

Amazing Magic

Please see details here RMSPA-Anti-bullying_Magic_Show and join the Rowntree families for this much anticipated event!

Also, please arrive early, or stay a little later, to enjoy a guided tour of the RMS Academy Campus and learn more about the academic and extra-curricular programs offered!

RSVP 905-790-3838 to reserve your family’s spot soon! (suitable for children JK and older, on-site care available for children under 3, upon request)

Rowntree Montessori Schools cordially invites your family to please drop in ANYTIME at any of our 5 welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses.

We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud.

Please drop by any of our campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.

Please kindly SHARE this post with others if you found it informative and helpful by clicking onto one or more of the icons below. We would appreciate it and thank you in advance.