Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate the NWT Montessori Society on their 40th anniversary. The society has been part of the Great Slave riding for many years, delivering a high quality Montessori Casa preschool program from the society’s location on 52nd Street.
Yesterday the society celebrated their 40th anniversary with festivities at their downtown and N.J. MacPherson locations. Students were treated to a surprise visit from a mock Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori method, collected material from a time capsule and enjoyed a reception with cake and fruit.
The Montessori approach provides a carefully planned, stimulated learning environment that helps children develop a foundational habit, attitudes and skills that are essential for a lifetime of creative thinking and learning. Since the original preschool program started in 1975 with only 24 preschool-aged students, the program has seen a lot of change.
Today the society has grown to 83 school-aged students at five Casa classes spread out between the downtown Yellowknife Montessori School and N.J. MacPherson School. As well, through a partnership with the Yellowknife Education District No. 1, Yellowknife families have the option of a free Montessori elementary program. This unique partnership provides families with an option not available in many other Canadian cities.
Forty years ago a group of dedicated parents, committed to the principles and philosophies of Dr. Marie Montessori, founded the NWT Montessori Society. The work of those first parents has been carried forward through the years by countless parents, volunteers and teachers.
I congratulate all of those involved, parents and staff for their many years of commitment to the education of the Yellowknife community. The NWT Montessori Society occupies an important place in the educational landscape of our community and I hope the society continues to serve Yellowknife families for at least another 40 years. Thank you.
