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.
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 may involve tasks such as driving for field trips, coaching, serving on the Board of Directors/various committees or for maintenance and cleaning tasks necessary for the day-to-day operations of the school and its activities.
Each family must contribute a minimum of 20 hours 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 the Annual General Meeting is 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.
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 and their chairs include:
Parent + Community Engagement: Kailyn Turner & Alex Appleby
Human Resources: Katie Ireton
Policies and Procedures: Kathryn Ransom-Hodges
Financial Oversight: Amber Percival
Development + Donor Relations: Christian Allan
Facilities Management: Tanya Sweeney
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.
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
Important Dates
Perth Children’s House generally follows the calendar of the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB).
Careers
Perth Childrens House is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
- Supply Teachers – ongoing occasional coverage for our Casa and Elementary programs.
- Montessori Teacher – Anticipatory Position based on potential future program expansion, Date: TBD
- 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 vicechair@perthchildrenshouse.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest in Perth Childrens House, however only successful candidates will be contacted.