ALEX BLAIKIE MONTESSORI PRE-PRIMARY / OAKHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL
POLICY & PROCEDURES 2009 : TERMS & CONDITIONS
A. INTRODUCTION
Alex Blaikie Montessori Pre-Primary and Oakhill Primary is a privately owned School, registered with the South African
Montessori Association and Education department, established in 2003. We are 100% Montessori orientated. We are
dedicated to promoting quality Montessori education for Children from age 12 months - 13yrs. Our classes are age integrated
and offer our precious children a calm, nurturing environment, where the Children are at liberty to develop their full potential.
We provide a multicultural, stimulating learning environment, committed to the advancement of all children whose Parents share
our vision. Parents are encouraged to commit themselves to the 3-year cycle of the Montessori Early Childhood curriculum,
moving up into Primary School.
We offer a complete range of equipment from the best Montessori material makers in the world: Nienhuis, Gonzagarredi and
Flashcard Junction. Our Activity Areas are filled with Interactive materials and equipment. Our garden is small but well utilised
with a jungle gym complete with a slide, monkey-bars, sandpit and Wendy House. All furnishings have been designed with the
Montessori philosophy of an aesthetically pleasing and activity orientated Prepared Environment in mind.
The balanced Daily Areas of Activity include: Grace & Courtesy (Social Skills); Practical Life; Sensorial; Language; Maths;
Cultural Subjects; Computer Literacy using Jumpstart, Letterland and PC Learning Programmes, Kindermusik, and Kiddees
(formerly KDP).
B. SCHOOL TERMS
The following school terms apply. At the end of each term we provide Parents with individual ‘Evaluation and Progress
Reports’ and School Information for the following term.
SCHOOL TERMS 2009
1st Term: 21st Jan – 3rd April
Holiday Program Open @ R50/day 7:30am–3pm Free to Aftercare Children
2nd Term: Mon, 15th Apr – 26th Jun
Holiday Program Open @ R50/day 7:30am–3pm Free to Aftercare Children
3rd Term: Mon, 20th Jul – 23rd Sep
Holiday Program Open @ R50/day 7:30am–3pm Free to Aftercare Children
4th Term: Mon, 5th Oct – 11th Dec
Optional December Holiday Program from 11th-18thh Dec 2009 @R50/day
Please Note: We are closed on all Public Holidays
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
2009
Human Rights Day
21st March
Good Friday
Friday
10th April
Family Day
Monday
13th April
Freedom Day
Sunday
27th April
Workers Day
Thursday
School Holiday
Youth Day
National Women’s Day
1st May
15th June
Monday
16th June
9th August
Heritage Day
24th September
Day of Reconciliation
16th December
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C. EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES
Kindermusik and Kiddies are included in the school fees for the Pre- primary grades and as an option for the Primary Grades.
The following activities are offered at a nominal fee and must be paid directly to the Extra Mural Facilitator:
Playball - Tel No : 021 554 5213; Modern Dancing - Tel No : 021 556 5616, Kid’s Clay – Tel:
These activities have been carefully selected to incorporate major developmental tasks and to assist in expected levels of
functioning for the Child to attain full potential. Report evaluations from the respective Extra Mural Facilitators will accompany
Term Reports.
D. COMMUNICATION
We employ the Notebook method of communication between School and Parent for the Nursery and Toddler Class . Parents
may cover or decorate their Child’s Notebook. Parents must place their Notebook into the Notebook Tray each morning. The
Notebooks will be returned to your Child’s school bag before 2pm each day. Parents should use the Notebook to communicate
with their Child’s Directress.
At the beginning of each month Parents are issued with a Newsletter via email or print, which includes:
1.
Monthly Themes
2.
Calendar of Events for the month ahead including Birthdays, Parent Education Evenings and Outings.
3.
An Article of Interest re: The Montessori Approach to Early Childhood Education.
At the end of the year Parents are requested to meet with their Child/ren’s Directress where they are provided with a written
interpretation of the Child's progress & work.
In addition, at the end of each term Parents are issued with a Term Report and invited to make an appointment to meet with
your Child/ren’s Directress to discuss any concern or appreciative feedback. All appointments should be scheduled through the
Administrator, Rebecca Burger.
Parents are to attend Parent Education Evenings, which are held once quarterly. These evenings provide an invaluable source
of knowledge to Parents with regards their Child/ren’s Montessori Education. These evenings will provide Parents/Guardians,
who are an extension to the Prepared Environment, with core Montessori values and principles. Please sign the register at
these meetings.
E. SAFETY, SECURITY & THE WELFARE OF THE CHILD
Alex Blaikie Montessori employs ADT Armed and Medical Response. In addition, we adhere to a strict policy when it comes to
the safety of our Children. Please read this section carefully!
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a. DROPPING YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL
Alex Blaikie Montessori starts promptly at 08h30. We are open for breakfast from 07h30. Please make sure that you drop your
children off on time. Children who arrive after 08h30 will be escorted into class by the class Assistant . The front gate has a
buzzer & video camera linked to the two classrooms. This will allow a Directress/Assistant to greet the Child at the gate. It is
the responsibility of the Directress/Assistant who greets the Child at the door to sign that Child in at the register, located at the
front entrance.
Parents are encouraged to let the Child ring the buzzer themselves. Once the Child has been greeted & signed in by the
Directress/Assistant in charge, we ask Parents to say good bye at the gate with a nice big hug and the verbalisation that they
will be back later to collect him/her. If necessary, the Directress will then take the Child to a particular window to wave goodbye. This gives the Child closure – they know that the Parent has gone. The Directress/Assistant will reaffirm that the Parent
will be back later to collect him/her & takes the Child through to pack away his/her bag etc. & join the class.
We reassure upset Children by getting them to think issues through for themselves, e.g. 'Where has Mummy/Daddy gone?’
'When will she/he be back?' We find these sorts of questions reassure the Children & help them verbalise what they actually
already know. We also find that the other Children then respond in the same way, e.g. if a Child says 'I want my Mummy' the
others respond with love & reassurance using the same words that we did. If all else fails we take the Child outside to blow
bubbles or talk about what the weather’s doing. It is a rare Child that can keep crying when there are bubbles about.
NEW PARENTS PLEASE NOTE that, with the exception of the 1st week, Parents will NOT be allowed into the classrooms, as
this disturbs the Work Cycle.
b. COLLECTING YOUR CHILD FROM THE SCHOOL
It is the responsibility of the Directress/Assistant in charge to ensure that the person collecting the child is authorized. Please
note that the school day finishes at 15h00 promptly. Children my be collected between 14h45 and 15h00, thereafter aftercare
rates will apply.
It is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian collecting the child from School to sign that child out in the register, located at the
front entrance.
IMPORTANT! Parents must please authorize the collection of their child/ren by a person other than themselves
PRIOR to collection. Under NO circumstances will a child be allowed to leave the property with an unauthorized
person. In addition, positive I.D. must be shown when a person, authorized by the Parents to collect the child/ren,
is, as yet, unknown to the Staff.
c. FIRST AID – POLICY & PROCEDURE
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POLICY & PROCEDURES 2009 : TERMS & CONDITIONS
The staff members of Alex Blaikie Montessori are certified in Infant/Toddler/Child First Aid. The School has a Policy for the
handling of blood-borne viruses and pathogens.
Parents are requested to make alternative arrangements for Children who exhibit any of the following symptoms: bad cough,
sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, chickenpox, measles, mumps, jaundice, undiagnosed skin rash or fever (+ 37.5 0C ).
In the case of a common cold, the Child is to remain at home as long as fever is present, or if there is a sore throat, eye
infection or severe nasal excretions.
If your Child is ill and won’t be coming to school, please call the office between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. to let us know that he or she
will be absent so we don’t worry. Students with infectious diseases must stay out of school until the contagious stage has
passed. For the sake of the other Children’s health, it is vital that you let the office know your Child’s doctor’s diagnosis as soon
as possible.
If a Child is brought to school showing symptoms of a potentially contagious condition, we require the submission of the
completed PHYSICIAN’S STATEMENT. This Statement will be emailed to all Parents on Registration for printing and storage
by Parents. No Child exhibiting obvious symptoms will be admitted to school WITHOUT this completed statement, signed by
the Child’s Physician. This policy is in place to protect each and every Child in our environment from serious infectious illness.
Considering that many life-threatening illnesses, such as meningitis, begin with mild symptoms, we do expect your full and
unconditional support.
If a Child requires the administration of medications during school hours, we require that you also complete the relevant section
on this completed PHYSICIAN’S STATEMENT.
d. MEDICATION
Except under extraordinary situations, we will not administer medication at school. Please do not send in any medication with
your Child, except under a doctor’s instructions as explained below.
When, in the opinion of your Child’s physician, it is necessary that medication be administered during school hours, a
representative of the school will give it to your Child in accordance with the following procedures:
• Any medication brought to school must be accompanied by a Physician’s Statement that the Child may be in school (i.e. the
illness is not in the contagious phase) and that the medication must be administered during school hours.
• Our staff members are prohibited from providing or administering any medication, including aspirin, to any Child except as
authorized by you as Parent/Guardian and the Child’s physician, in accordance with the following procedures:
1. Prescription Medications:
a.
We can only administer oral medications.
b.
All medications sent from home must be accompanied by the Physician’s Statement form before the first day
medication is administered at the school. Any medication sent without the appropriate completed authorization form will
not be administered and will be sent home.
c.
In cases involving long-term medication for chronic conditions, a new authorization form must be filed with the school
each year. Any medication changes during the school year must be accompanied by a new medication form.
d.
Medication will not be kept at school overnight. The original bottle containing the medication must be clearly labelled
with the student’s name, medication contained, and the time(s) and amount(s) of dosage. This policy applies to
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POLICY & PROCEDURES 2009 : TERMS & CONDITIONS
prescription and over-the-counter medications. A new authorization form must be completed for each episode of illness
and each new medication.
e.
As Parent/Guardian, you are responsible for administering the first day’s dosage of any new medication at home.
f.
As Parent/Guardian, you are responsible for notifying the school in person or by telephone on the first morning a new
medication is being brought in with the completed Physician’s Statement.
g.
Whenever possible, medication schedules should be arranged to cause minimal interruption in the Child’s school
day.
A copy of the Physician’s Statement form authorizing us to dispense medication may be obtained from the school office if a
Parent has forgotten to bring it in to school. We will strictly adhere to this policy.
2. Over-the-Counter Medication:
Absolutely no medications, including aspirin, cough remedies or other over-the-counter medications will administered at school
unless authorization is submitted in accordance with the above policy.
3. Vitamins
Vitamins and Minerals will not be administered at school
e. SCHOOL PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH ILLNESS OR INJURY:
We deal with initial Illness in the following way:
1.
We put the Child under observation detailing temperatures & symptoms in the Incident Log. If necessary we confine
the Child to the Sick Bay where he/she will be soothed by a Staff Member.
2.
If necessary we telephone the Parents for permission to treat the symptoms & to advise if the Child should be taken to
a Doctor.
3.
We follow the Parents &/or the Doctor’s instructions.
We deal with Injuries in the following way:
1.
The wound is cleaned, bandaged & the accident is recorded in the Incident Log.
2.
The Parents are telephoned if the injury is serious.
3.
Paramedics are called immediately in the case of an extreme emergency & Parents are telephoned directly thereafter.
f. SCHOOL PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR:
We deal with Social Behaviour in the following way:
1.
The Child’s Directress will report anti-social behaviour, to the Parent/Guardian in writing, a copy of which will be given
to the Administrator.
2.
If the anti-social behaviour is progressive, and the Directress’ believe they are unable to facilitate the
behavioural pattern, prompt intervention by the Parent is required for consultation with a Specialist. This will be
communicated to the Parent/Guardian through the Administrator.
3.
An Assessment Report from the Specialist is to be submitted to the school immediately after consultation, by the
Parent.
4.
The progress of the Child’s behaviour while undergoing therapy with the Specialist will be closely monitored in order to
protect every other Child in the environment.
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5.
If the behaviour is still on-going, and it is found that the staff and facilities of The Alex Blaikie are unable to meet the
requirements of the Child, even after/during Specialist intervention, we would then advise the Parent to seek an
environment that is better suited to the needs of the Child.
g. SCHOOL PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH REMEDIAL AND THERAPY:
We deal with Remedial and Therapy in the following way:
1.
We see each Child as being unique since every Child has areas of special gifts, a unique learning style, and some
areas that can be considered special challenges.
2.
In many cases Children with mild physical - or learning challenges do very well in a Montessori environment designed
for differences in learning styles.
3.
On the other hand, some Children may have to be evaluated individually by a Specialist to ensure that the school can
successfully meet a given Child’s needs and learning style.
4.
The Administrator will inform the Parent in writing, if an assessment is required by a Specialist.
5.
An assessment from the Specialist is to be submitted to the school by the Parent. This assessment will determine
whether the Child requires more specialised care and how Alex Blaikie Montessori / Oakhill can cater for this..
F. FIRE
All Staff Members are familiar with the School’s Fire Drill Procedure. These Fire Drills are held every second month to ensure
that the Children have a good understanding of the procedure. Each classroom is fitted with a hand-held fire extinguisher. In
addition, Alex Blaikie Montessori regularly invites members of the local Fire Department to come and talk with the Children.
G. HEALTH & HYGIENE
The Staff at Alex Blaikie Montessori/Oakhill Primary respect the right to a healthy environment for all Children. It is with this
philosophy in mind that:
1.
Our foods are healthy and, to the best of our ability, sugar-free.
2.
Disposable gloves are used for all food preparation.
3.
We use a water purifier for all drinking water.
4.
Each Child who requires Nap Time is supplied with his/her own waterproof mattress and blanket. All bedding is
washed on a weekly basis or as required.
5.
All the floors are tiled or wooden eliminating the possibility of infections.
6.
The bathrooms are beautiful & well equipped for proper toilet etiquette, complete with a nappy disposal service.
Bathrooms are equipped with hand airdryers, which eliminate the possibility of germs spreading through the sharing of
towels.
7.
We respect the needs of children with life-threatening allergies by banning NUTS and Peanut Butter from lunchboxes
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H. FEES
Our main source of income is tuition fees, which we keep to a minimum. Extra funds are obtained through Special Events
organised throughout the year with the help of the Parents. Parents participate in selecting the current needs to benefit from the
fundraising. Funds may be used for the benefit of the school or may be donated to our Outreach Program, which assists
Children in Need.
Fundraisers set for 2009
The Big Toddle 2km Walk
Saturday, TBE
End–of–Year Concert
Friday, TBE
FEE STRUCTURE 2009
A once-off Registration Fee R7500 per child, with R2500 refundable at the end of the last term of attendance, if a full
terms notice if provided
Payment options: A, B or C as
ONCE OFF:
less 5%
12 x MONTHLY:
no discount
Siblings are entitled to a 10% discount per sibling.
11 X MONTHLY PAYMENT
4 X PER TERM PAYMENT
ONCE TERMS NOTICE IS REQUIRED WHEN WITHDRAWING CHILDREN FROM ALEX BLAIKIE MONTESSORI/ OAKHILL
PRIMARY
OPTION A 7:30am to 12.30pm
MONTESSORI EDUCATION
Nursery and Toddler Class only
MONTHLY FEE R1450
Optional Lunch
R300 per month
OPTION B 7.30am to 14.30pm
AFTERCARE for Nursery and Toddler
R350
And normal closing time for Early Childhood
and Primary
R1800
Option C: 14.30pm to 17.30pm
Aftercare for all R500.00
Jan to November
Holiday Care is free for all children in
Aftercare – excluding December
BANKING DETAILS FOR THE ALEX BLAIKIE MONTESSORI / OAKHILL PRIMARY
Account Name
:
Pure Montessori T/A Alex Blaikie
Bank
:
First National Bank
Branch
:
Table View – 203809
Account No
:
62122574818
Type
:
Current Account
1.
Electronic Payment is the preferred means of payment. Please use your Child’s Name as reference.
2.
Please fax payment confirmation to Rebecca Burger on 021 556 8564 when making a cheque or cash payment directly
into Alex Blaikie Montessori account.
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3.
Cash payments are discouraged, however, cash payments may also be made into the Alex Blaikie box in the entrance
hall provided your payment is checked and a receipt issued by any staff member on duty.
*Kindly Note: Fees are payable on the 1st day of each month in advance. Penalties apply to late payments.
I. PENALTY SYSTEM
Fines will be levied against:
a).
Parents who arrive more than 15 minutes after their scheduled collection time of 14.30pm R25 per day.
b).
Aftercare Parents who arrive after 17.30pm to collect their child/ren - a penalty fee of R25 per 10 minutes, which will be
paid to the staff member who was delayed at the school.
c).
Parents who pay their school fees later than the 2nd of the month - a penalty of R50 per day, unless a
prior arrangement has been made with the Principal.
J. PARKING
Alex Blaikie Montessori is located in a quiet, residential area. Being away from the noise and pollution of business zones is of
enormous benefit to the Children. It is imperative that all our Parents do their utmost to ensure that the Pre-School maintains
its harmonious relationship with neighbours. We therefore request that:
Parents use the designated parking lots when dropping / collecting their Children . Please do not park across parking bays,
alongside the road or on the road, as this obstructs neighbours from getting to and from their homes. Please park inside the
school grounds.
K. RULES AND REGULATIONS : CODE OF CONDUCT
1.
Be sure to inform the school of changes of address, telephone, Medical and personal details, in writing, as it is sometimes
important to reach a Parent quickly, particularly in an emergency.
2.
Please be conscientious about telephoning the school between 07h00 and 07h30 when your Child is ill. If your Child has a
contagious condition, including a bad cough or heavy cold or diarrhea please keep him/her at home. A PHYSICIAN”S
STATEMENT is expected if a Child requires medication to be administered at school. Please give medication to your Child's
Directress in the morning along with a signed PHYSICIAN”S STATEMENT.
3.
Please make appointments to see staff members after 14.30 daily; they may not be visited during class hours. If an appointment
cannot be kept, please inform them in advance.
4.
School matters must be handled during school hours. Except in the case of emergency, please do not contact staff after hours.
5.
Please ensure that your Child is at school before 8.30am; the door bell may not be sounded after this hour when Circle-Time
begins.
6.
With the exception of "Show & Tell" which falls within the parameter of the Week’s Theme, on Fridays, please do not allow your
child to bring any other items to school.
7.
If you find school equipment in your Child's bag, please see that he/she returns it to the school. Our equipment is very expensive
and difficult to replace, and often one tiny missing part destroys the purpose of the material completely.
8.
Parents must provide a daily Lunchbox containing healthy food only. PLEASE - no junk food, chips, fizzy drinks or sweets are
permitted on the premises. Breakfast, Snacks and drinks are provided by the school. ABSOLUTELY NO NUTS or PEANUT
BUTTER PERMITTED DUE TO SOME CHILDREN HAVING LIFE-THREATENING NUT ALLERGIES.
9.
Birthdays: your child may supply cake for the class... but no sweets or chocolates. Parents are invited to attend their Child’s Sun
Circle Ceremony provided they make prior arrangement with the Administrator.
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10. For security reasons the school must be notified in advance if someone other than a Parent collects the Child. That person
MUST show positive ID before the Child will be allowed to leave.
11. Please be sure to CLOSE the front security gate securely when entering or leaving the school, even if you are just standing in the
entrance. Young Children can easily slip by unnoticed.
12. Parents may not remove materials, books or files from the school premises without the consent of the Administrator, whereupon
the Parent’s signature will be required in the loan register.
13. No smoking is permitted on the school premises.
14. No consumption of alcohol is permitted on the school premises.
15. No weapons are permitted on the school premises.
16. Only appreciative language and conversations are permitted on the school premises.
17. Any grievances should be submitted to the Administrator in writing.
18. Acceptance of Intervention concerning medical, remedial, therapy and anti-social behavioural.
19. Parent/Guardian to attend at least two ‘Parent Evenings’ per year in keeping with the school’s values, goals and principles.
Please sign the register at these meetings.
20. We employ a “Drop & Go” policy.
21. The Owner of Alex Blaikie Montessori reserves the right to dismiss any parent or cancel any child’s enrolment for the following
reasons:
1.
For not disclosing problems such as physical, mental or psychological behaviour the child may have that the parent(s) were
aware of.
2.
Parents who spread rumours to bring the name of the teachers and/or Owner of the School into disrepute.
3.
If it is in the best interest of the child or Alex Blaikie Montessori / Oakhill Primary school
L. ENROLLMENT
The following information/documentation is to be submitted and kept at the School Office.
1.
Completed Registration Form, which includes Medical Information and Financial Agreement
2.
Signed copy of Policy & Procedure : Terms and Conditions
3.
A copy of your Child’s “Road to Health” Card and Vaccination Report
4.
Copy of Parent’s IDs
5.
Certified copy of Child’s Birth Certificate
6.
When a Child is transferring from another school: copies of Child’s Academic Records; Reports and Student Recommendation.
7.
Reports from respective Specialists if applicable.
8.
Proof of payment of Registration fee.
M. PROCEDURE FOR WITHDRAWAL
One full Terms WRITTEN NOTICE is required if you wish to withdraw your Child from the School. The refundable portion of the
Registration fee will be refunded on the following conditions:
1.
2.
A full terms notice is given – apart for children in Grade 7
The refundable portion will be returned at the end of the term in which notice was handed in.
N. ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Periodic assessments and evaluations are undertaken at the Alex Blaikie Montessori School / Oakhill Primary School and any
changes to the Policies & Procedures will be amended and updated in the annual submission of our Policies & Procedures.
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I/We, ………………………………………………….Parent/Guardian, accept and understand Alex Blaikie Montessori School’s
Policy & Procedures, and agree to accept the Terms and Conditions contained herein.
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE :
………………………………….
DATE:
…………………………..
WITNESS SIGNATURE
…………………………………
DATE:
…………………………..
:
Oaklands Hill Road Summingdale Cape Town South Africa. Principal: Rebecca Burger Cell: 083 703 8451
Tel/Fax: 021 556 8564 Email: rebecca@puremontessori.com Website: www.puremontessori.com
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