RMS Archives - Rowntree Montessori Schools

2018/07/13 by R.M.S.

Learning Digital Citizenship through Games

This year students at Rowntree Montessori Schools were given the opportunity to learn about online safety through various interactive games. As part of learning about Digital Citizenship, students were given the opportunity to explore different worlds through the use of a Google created game called Interland, that teaches children how to be responsible online. Students had to complete various challenges that taught them how to recognize fake content, to build a safe password, about online etiquette and tasks designed to educate them on what is and is not appropriate to share over the internet. According to Matt Brian of Engaget, “Interland is a puzzler that takes kids through four mini games. Tower of Treasure is designed to help teach younger internet users how to create strong passwords that keep them one step ahead of hackers and Reality River presents 10 multiple choice questions that help identify who and what to trust online. Kind Kingdom educates children on trolling and being nice on the internet, while Mindful Mountain highlights how important it is to share information only with people you trust.” For more information about Interland, click here to read an article by Matt Brian from Engadget.

Student playing Interland and learning about Digital Citizenship

At RMS, we make every effort to keep our students safe and to keep them informed about hwo to be good citizens in this new digital world. For some basic helpful tips about how to be a good online citizen, set strong passwords, and how to set privacy settings, take a look at the article by CBC 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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2018/05/24 by R.M.S.

Teaching Financial Literacy Early

Recently our Grade 3 students at the Academy Campus had the opportunity to learn some fundamental skills to support their learning of financial literacy through the use of currency calculations on interactive whiteboards. Below is a video of students working in pairs to count money spent on purchases, then calculate the change from a given amount. Teaching the concept of spending and saving through the interactive whiteboard and corresponding applications is very enjoyable for students, and extremely useful to start at a young age in preparation for more challenging financial concepts taught in later years at RMS.

We believe it is very important for students to learn the first skills necessary for financial literacy as early as Kindergarten here at Rowntree Montessori Schools private schools. Experts such as Toronto financial literacy analyst Tricia Barry agree that these types of lessons need to be introduced to students at a young age. In fact, for public schools, Barry suggests that “mandated financial literacy lessons need to be introduced by Grade 6, including incorporating the concepts into math class.” However here at RMS Private Schools, we teach these concepts even earlier, giving students a head start towards perfecting their ability to succeed in their futures, when it comes to the topic of finance and related management. For more on this topic, click here to review an article by The Toronto Star.

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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2018/05/04 by R.M.S.

Coding is Vital in Education

Hands on knowledge of how to code is becoming increasingly more important to employers, and as a result is a vital part of a well-rounded education. Coding skills are used in many different career paths, including Information Technology Workers, Data Analysts, Artists and Designers, Engineers and Scientists. According to a report written by Burning Glass Technologies, programming jobs are growing faster than all other types of jobs. Review the full report by clicking here.

Here at Rowntree Montessori Schools, we start teaching the foundation of coding skills very early in Pre-Kindergarten Montessori as part of the private school education. Our Kindergarten students use Dash and Dot robots to learn how to block code, by giving command instructions to robots, making them follow a path, light up different colours, throw a ball and complete other actions. Take a look at these Grade 4 students working on a challenging online game called Code Monkey. With this learninig game, the students solve problems on a map to the left of the screen by typing in the commands to the right. We use this to transition students from block coding in preparation for more complex coding languages that will be taught after Grade 4.

Grade 4 student at Rowntree Montessori Schools using coding application on a computer at his private school

Grade 4 student using coding game

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 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 .

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

2018/04/27 by R.M.S.

STEM Projects Solving Problems

Every year our Grade 1 to Grade 8 students participate in the Annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Fair. This is a great opportunity for our Private School students to enhance their problem solving and public speaking skills. Students start working on their STEM projects in early January, and those in Grades 1-4 are judged upon their use of the scientific process, where they must observe something and try to hypothesize and explain why is has been seen. We had many great projects this year, including one that reviewed the density of objects such as raisins by seeing how they floated in water. Another looked at how well plants would grow depending on what they were given, whether water, milk, pop and other liquids.

Grades 5-8 RMS private school students are judged upon their use of the engineering process, which often times means designing a product (like a machine or computer code) that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain task to solve a problem. Some of the noteworthy examples this year included one group that engineered the idea of a peanut detector, whereas another set of students redesigned the standard garden rake to be more efficient.

Students explaining their project at RMS STEM Fair 2018

Grade 6 students explaining their winning project at RMS STEM Fair 2018

Students were judged from parents and experts from multiple fields, and it was clear that they put in a lot of time and effort into their projects this year. Selecting the winners is not an easy process, but it allows us to recognize the exceptional efforts and creativity of those that followed the scientific process and the engineering process. Following the STEM Fair is a day of learning and fun for everyone! To celebrate the efforts of the students involved in the STEM Fair, on the second day we enjoyed a school wide bake sale and outdoor learning activities.

RMS Private School students in Brampton at the bake sale

Students at the RMS yearly bake sale

This was especially exciting for our Grade 4 students, who dressed up as scientists and helped take our younger students to the bake sale and to the learning stations outside. All students were able to participate in many learning games and stations, such as learning about density of multiple objects at the water station, learning about how to clean the ocean at the magnetic station and more! In many ways, these two days are some of the most exciting days of the year, as students look forward to showcasing their work, followed by a delicious snack and outdoor learning activity!

RMS Private School students at RMS learning about the density of various objects at school activity

Students learning about density and what will float at an outdoor learning activity

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 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 .

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

2018/04/26 by R.M.S.

RMS Wins Top Choice Award!

We are pleased to announce that RMS has been voted as the Top Private School in Brampton for the fourth consecutive year by the residents of Brampton and surrounding area consumers through Top Choice Magazine. During an open-ended nomination process that started in November 2017, consumers were asked to nominate their favourite private school for this prestigious mark of excellence award. RMS would like to extend a warm thank you to all families who supported us again this year. It is our privilege to teach such wonderful students and work with so many caring families. The video below shows an interview with Mr. Harris (the Director of Education and Academy Principal) at last year’s Awards Gala explaining what makes RMS such an exceptional school and choice for your child.

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 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 .

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

2018/04/09 by R.M.S.

Shaping Values in Private School

As a 21st Century Private School in Brampton, we pride ourselves in shaping students with strong values that will ensure a successful future for our students and our world. The Student of the Month assembly is one of our many school-wide initiatives that foster good values. Each month we celebrate a value and we recognize students who demonstrate that value on a daily basis. Students also present a skit or a song that depicts the value of the month. Below is a video of the Grade 3 students performing a song about Determination, entitled ”The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

This month we are focusing on building “Leadership” among our students at the Academy Campus. Students can be recognized for demonstrating this value when we see them 1) Thinking for the future, learning from the past, and acting in the now 2) Influencing others to participate 3) Being able to deal with and overcome failures, mishaps, and mistakes 4) Understanding the importance of setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound 5) Pushing oneself to learn more, work harder and compete for the greater good 6) Being effective at delegating to all members 7) Being open to working with all channels 8) Listening before speaking 9) Continually asking questions or 10) Knowing the rules. Not only do we focus on ensuring that our academic curriculum is challenging and always 1-2 years ahead of the Ministry set guidelines in each subject, but we also make sure that we are supporting the overall well-being of each child, offering well rounded opportunities to grow and develop into good citizens of the world.

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 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 .

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

2018/03/08 by R.M.S.

Math Day a Success at RMS Private School in Brampton

Over the past week students of all grades at our private school campuses have participated in Math Day activities to engage in learning mathematics through numerous hands on simulated experiences. At the Academy Campus, students were able to shop at the mock “Rowntree Central Mall.” The students from grades four to seven were assigned the responsibilities of setting up stores, the grade eight students took on the responsibility of organizing the finances, and our kindergarten to grade three students had the privilege of being shoppers! Rowntree Montessori School’s Athletic Committee, “RMAC”, also volunteered their services as mall security. Over the course of the day, the grade eight students did an amazing job of explaining the banking system to our shoppers. Plenty of guidance and advice was offered to the younger students, who excitedly spent their Rowntree dollars! It was indeed interesting to watch how the students shopped, some went through their money even before their shopping spree had ended. Others were more thoughtful and careful in their spending! Take a look at the video below for a preview of an exchange being made between buyer and seller.

Grade 7 students at the Academy Campus participated in the Real-Estate Fair, where they acted as real-estate agents, trying to showcase and sell their properties. This gave them an opportunity to learn how to calculate commission rates, understand mortgage rates, mortgage contracts and all the necessary steps to sell homes. Students at our Preparatory Campuses also participated in Math Day. Those at the Central Park Campus participated in a mock ice cream shop, making delicious purchases with mock money. They also had a money trivia room and a money arcade, to keep learning exciting and fun. Downtown Campus students participated in grocery shopping, ran a book store and enjoyed a math games room, while students at the Mayfield campus made pizzas in order to learn about fractions, had multiple counting games to participate in, and made a math craft activity.

This was another successful Math Day at our Award Winning Private School in Brampton, where teachers witnessed a kaleidoscope of virtues and values, from dedication, responsibility, co-operation, commitment, leadership and unity. Watching our students lead each other, and guide each other with such confidence and ease, makes us realize that this is truly a one of a kind student community. The sheer potential of our Rowntree Montessori School students never ceases to amaze us!

Students at Rowntree Montessori Schools private school in Brampton selling real estate in math day 2018.

Students showcasing a property for sale

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 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 .

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

2018/02/28 by R.M.S.

Learning about How to Stop Bullying on Pink Day

Today our students are learning about why it is important to treat others with respect. Here at RMS, our student code of conduct is based on 3 Rs. Students are expected to monitor their behavior by demonstrating Respect for Themselves, Respect for Others and Respect for Property. As part of our support for Anti-Bullying, today our students at the Academy campus are dressed in pink. We are also spending the day learning about the importance of positive self-esteem and the need to speak out against bullying.

Private School students at RMS in Brampton wearing Pink in support of Anti-Bullying

Students at the Academy campus wearing pink in support of the importance of Anti-Bullying

Our students are also watching a performance geared at helping them understand the importance of speaking out about bullying. This performance called Bully and the Beanstalk is about a boy named Jack who gets bullied. He then makes a wish to be brave, and in the end befriends the bully. Using this type of performance for our students allows us to teach modern lessons using familiar characters and stories. The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by our students. View the video below for a snapshot of the first performance of the day.

For more information on how everyone can work towards stopping bullying in schools, click here:

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 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 .

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

2018/02/23 by R.M.S.

The Value of the Arts in Education

We recently completed our 12th Annual Festival of the Arts at Rowntree Montessori Schools – Top Private School in Brampton. We are very proud of all of our students for showcasing their talents! We agree that “learning art goes beyond creating more successful students. It creates more successful human beings” (Neil Swap, Creativity and Academics: The Power of an Arts Education, 2016). According to Neil Swap, there are five main benefits of an Arts Education. Firstly, “through the Arts, students develop skills like resilience, grit, and a growth mindset to help them master their craft, do well academically, and succeed in life after high school.” We see this especially from our students who graduate in Grade 8 who have achieved significant successes in their educational achievements and lives outside of the school. With a well-rounded education as their foundation they are able to continue into successful future studies. Swap also says that the Arts help increase a student’s self-confidence. We recently witnessed this in many performances at the Festival of the Arts. Students who continue to perform each year make improvements in their self-confidence inside and outside of the classroom and on stage. Below is a video featuring one RMS student who has made great achievements with his ability to play the piano.

Swap also points to research that “connects learning music to improved verbal memory, second language pronunciation accuracy, reading ability, and executive functions in youth.” He also shares an example of how participating in a music ensemble allows “students learn to verbally, physically, and emotionally communicate with their peers, conductor, and audience.” Finally, he suggests that an appreciation for the Arts deepens cultural and self-understanding. We could not agree more about the importance of Arts in a well-rounded education. Below is a video of a pair of siblings completing a beautifully choreographed dance, which clearly has taken time and effort to prepare.

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 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 .

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

2018/02/16 by R.M.S.

Register Today for Summer Learning Camp

Register online today for our Summer Learning Camps for this upcoming Monday July 2nd to Friday August 24th, 2018! We offer Kindergarten Montessori Readiness (children turning 4 in 2018), Prep-One Readiness (children turning 5 in 2018), Grade 1 Readiness (children turning 6 years old in 2018), a Grade 2-5 Enrichment and Remedial Educational Programme, and a Grade 6-8 Math/English Enrichment and Remedial Programme. Our summer programmes are specially designed to allow students to continue school throughout the summer months and to get a head start for the upcoming year, while enjoying fun and exciting activities and outings. Dedicated, caring, and qualified teachers and instructors will conduct a wide variety of activities that will complement and enhance your child’s academic needs and address their extracurricular preferences. Camps are offered in safe environments as a morning only (Academic), afternoon only or full day programme. Students will have the opportunity to have the best of both worlds by participating in a learning programme for the morning session, and then take part in planned activities in the afternoon, with a scheduled weekly field trip. All activities will coincide with a planned weekly theme. Parents will be given a calendar outlining the weekly events scheduled throughout the summer.

To learn more about our summer learning camps and weekly themes/fun afternoon activities and outings, click here.

To directly register online for summer learning camp, click here.