Early Starters Group (Yellow Group)
This is a two hour session where your child is left with the teachers who introduce developmentally appropriate learning activities. These activities promote practical life skills and sensorial development. The aim of these activities is to develop your child's gross and fine motor skills as well as independence and self esteem, thus preparing them for the 3 year old program. Students must be at least 2 years and 6 months of age. Students must be able to work independently for a short period of time.

Cycle 1
Consists of 3, 4 & 5 year olds (Pre-school and Prep).
Three year old children attend the school for 3 morning sessions per week from 9.15am - 12.15pm. Four year old children attend the school for 4 to 5 morning sessions. On the recommendation of the staff and in consultation with parents, children may be invited to attend an additional afternoon session. Children who are 5 years or older will attend full time (being 9.00am to 3.15pm) five days per week. These children will work in the Cycle 1 room during the morning sessions and some afternoon sessions. Specialist classes may be held in the multi purpose room.

Cycle 2 & 3
Cycle 2 consists of 6 to 9 year old children and Cycle 3 consists of 9 to 12 year old children. These children attend from 9.00am to 3.15pm.

Staff
The policy of this school requires all teaching staff to have recognised teaching qualifications as well as Montessori qualifications and experience. Because of the standards set by the Registered Schools Board in Victoria, it is necessary for the classroom teachers to have a clear understanding of the curriculum requirements and teaching standards as set by our State. This enables the school to provide an appropriate context for the method that Dr. Maria Montessori developed early in the 1900's.

Curriculum
Whilst complying with the requirements of the Department of Human Services and Victorian Registered Schools Board our curriculum is designed to fulfill the learning requirements of children as espoused in Dr Maria Montessori's philosophy. The integrated Montessori curriculum covers the Key Learning Areas documented in the Curriculum Standards Framework.

In addition to the Montessori program full time students will regularly participate in specialist programs such as Physical Education, Art, Music, Languages Other Than English program (L.O.T.E.). and Yoga.

Parent Participation
Each family is required to contribute 6 hours per term to assist with the smooth operation of the school.
For example: 3 hours per term on a Working Bee
3 hours per term on Classroom Duty
Should a family be unable to contribute their time, they may alternatively pay a Maintenance & Equipment Levy. This will enable the school to source external labour for maintenance and cleaning jobs.

Cycle 1 parents are required to provide fruit and crackers for snack once per term.

Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed to help with day to day office duties or equipment making. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the education of all children and the development of the school.

Individual classes may request parent assistance with a specific project or excursion. In this event, notices will be sent home.

Parent Committee
A parent run committee assists with the organisation of fundraising, maintenance, equipment making and marketing. This provides opportunities for families to be involved with the development of the school.

Enrolment Procedure
For a child to be eligible for the offer of a place at Gisborne Montessori School, a registration form with the registration fee must be received by the School. This fee covers administration costs and is non-refundable. This fee does not guarantee your child a place at the school.

This form registers one child only and it is recommended that siblings be registered early to be eligible for future placement.

A child may be suitable for enrolment at Gisborne Montessori School when:
1. the child is two years and six months of age or more and can work independently for short periods of time
2. the child and at least one parent or the child's guardian has attended an interview with a designated Director of the School

Once the registration form and fee is received, the child is placed on our pre-placement waiting list. In due course the child may be asked to attend an interview.

Once your child has been interviewed he / she may be offered a place.
Criteria for assessment is based on Gisborne Montessori School being able to meet the needs of the applicant while continuing to meet the needs of the other students enrolled at the School.

To Register Your Child
Anyone interested in the school is encouraged to make an appointment to observe the classroom during a session. When you decide that a Montessori education would benefit your child, you will need to register them with the school. Please complete the Registration Form and forward to the school.