About Perth Children’s House

Perth Children’s House Montessori School (PCH) was formed in 1974 by a dedicated group of parents in the Perth area who decided that their children, and their community, needed another option for early education. PCH continues to be a parent-run organization where parents enjoy taking an active role in the school.

PCH currently offers two programs: an Early Childhood Education program, Casa Montessori, as well as a grade 1-6 Elementary Montessori.

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Role of parents in program

As has been the case since its inception, the success of Perth Children’s House Montessori School comes down to the support from the community of families and friends that it establishes within the greater community of Perth. PCH is a non-profit, parent-run school, which means that families’ involvement and assistance is required in order to operate the school. In an attempt to keep tuition affordable, the school relies heavily on parent volunteerism. In addition to the financial benefit, volunteerism helps parents become involved in life at Perth Children’s House, which helps build a strong community of families, one of our core values.

It is expected that each family will contribute their gifts, experience, and time through the different volunteering and fundraising opportunities that occur during the year. This not only involves driving for field trips, but also serving on the Board of Directors, which administers the school, and/or on various committees that are responsible for advising the board, and for the day-to-day operations of the school and its activities. These include, but are not limited to: special events, fundraising, governance, laundry & cleaning, maintenance, communications, and field trips & community outreach. 

Each family must contribute a minimum of 10 hours (Casa) and 40 hours (Elementary) of volunteerism throughout the year, or they may choose to pay a non-refundable opt-out fee at the beginning of the school year. 

Attendance at one board meeting per year (of your choosing) and the Annual General Meeting are mandatory, for all families.

The elementary program families will also commit to meeting as needed, up to once per month, and these meetings are also mandatory. Paying an opt-out fee does not exempt attendance at these meetings nor does attendance at meetings count towards the minimum volunteer hour requirement as it is viewed as a requirement for ​all​ families to actively participate in our community-minded program.

Board of Directors

Chair, Lisa Hawkey
Vice Chair, Kathryn Ransom-Hodges
Treasurer, Ashley Armstrong
Secretary,  Dayna Clark
Registrar, Alexandra Appleby
Liaison, Sarah Henson
General Member, Miriam Keyes
Expansion and Sustainability, Tanya Sweeney

Standing Committees

These committees are responsible for advising the Board, creating ad hoc committees for meeting annual objectives and facilitating the day-to-day operations of the organization. Committees include Field Trips, Special Events, Fundraising, Maintenance, and Communications. Any parents interested in contributing to the school in any of these categories would be encouraged and welcome to join their desired committee(s). Other Committees may be added as necessary.

Vision & Mission

PCH’s mission is to allow children to experience the joy of learning at an early age, while promoting the development of independence, concentration and self-discipline, and fostering love and respect for others and the environment.

Our aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning, and to strike a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community.

It is our mission to promote the health, safety, nutrition, and well-being of all children and are considerate of each child’s emotional, physical, and psychological state. Teachers and support staff will provide, supportive, positive, and responsive daily interactions.

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Montessori Method

In a nutshell, the Montessori method allows children to experience the joy of learning at an early age, while promoting the development of independence,

concentration and self-discipline, and fostering love and respect for others and their environment.

The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to strike a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community.

Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials may be introduced to an individual child or to a small or large group.

Multi-Age Class

The multi-age community interaction is intrinsic to Montessori. The Montessori classroom has three age groups within the same class, allowing children to learn from each other. The multi-age grouping in each class provides a family-like setting where learning can take place naturally.

Benefits of multi-age classes:

  • The more experienced children share what they have learned, reinforcing their own knowledge and skills. This encourages rich language experiences, and opportunities for the development of empathy and social learning.
  • Children are able to work at their own pace. Teachers are free to spend more time in certain areas with a student if needed, allowing others to move forward at their own pace.
  • Teaching to the individual as opposed to the group allows for more flexibility.
  • Younger children are able to shadow others and absorb what the older ones are doing, and the older children become role models and gain self-esteem.
  • Conflict resolution skills and empathy develop as a result.
  • These interactions over the three year span develop strong sense of community, love of learning and self-confidence.

Teachers & Staff

Amy Neron
Amy NeronLead Montessori Elementary Teacher/PCH Supervisor
Amy is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma in the primary 3-6 year old program and elementary 6-9 year old program and is a certified English as a Second Language instructor.
Read more about Amy
Holly Hall
Holly HallCasa Lead Teacher
Holly has been a registered Early Childhood Educator for 9 years. She moved to Perth when she was 12, and has since enjoyed getting to know the community of Perth. She loves to garden, cook and considers herself a nature enthusiast.
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Kyla Haley
Kyla HaleyUpper Elementary Teacher & French Teacher
Read more about Kyla
Sarah Strong
Sarah StrongCasa Classroom Assistant, RECE
Sarah Strong grew up in Perth and continues to reside in this lovely small town. Growing up surrounded by a family full of teachers, and a neighbourhood full of them too, Sarah was always drawn to education, and working with children whether it be babysitting or summer camps.
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Ron Cosens
Ron CosensElementary Assistant & Classroom Monitor
Ron is excited to be starting a new Montessori journey by joining the elementary team this year.
Read more about Ron
Tara WolffCasa Classroom Assistant
Coming Soon
Read more about Tara Wolff
Olivia MilotteLunch Monitor
Coming Soon
Read more about Olivia Milotte
Mary-Lynn PaulCasa French Teacher
Mary-Lynn is a Concordia University Graduate with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She worked in various daycare settings before becoming a certified Primary, Junior and Special Education Teacher. This past June, Mary-Lynn retired from the Upper Canada District School board after teaching there for over 27 years. She has missed teaching and guiding young children and so feels very blessed to be a part of the Montessori family.
Read more about Mary-Lynn
Cheryl Forbes GilliesonHuman Resource & Program Administrator
Cheryl has been part of the PCH family for many years in various roles, as a parent, board member, volunteer and staff.
Read more about Cheryl
Bobbi-Jo ChirwaCasa Lunch Monitor
Coming soon
Read more about Bobbi-Jo

Important Dates

Perth Children’s House generally follows the calendar of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB). You can find a list of important dates for the 2022-2023 school year below. 

Important dates for the 2023-2024 school year

Careers

Perth Childrens House is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

  1. Supply Teachers – ongoing occasional coverage for our Casa and Elementary programs.
  2. Montessori Teacher – Anticipatory Position based on potential future program expansion, Date: TBD
  3. Montessori Assistant – Anticipatory Position based on potential future program expansion, Date: TBD

If you are interesting in being considered for one of the above positions we ask that you submit your resume and cover letter using the file upload below or by sending an email to cheryl@perthchildrenshouse.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Perth Childrens House, however only successful candidates will be contacted.