Dear MMA Community,
As you have no doubt learned, schools province-wide are now closed indefinitely. While I am still hopeful that this may be only temporary, we have begun planning. Our Board and Admin have spent the past few days confirming that our continuity plan is sustainable. We are now able to begin gathering resources.
Our Board and Admin, as well as those at other similar schools, have started looking at how a Montessori education can work (and flourish) under the current isolating stipulations. In our conversations the overall well being of the child / family has been the overwhelming priority. The key to this at MMA has always been connection. While this will be a challenge, I am greatly heartened that this will be the centerpiece of our path forward.
The next step is challenging because while many community members are stepping up to begin development, it must be done systematically and staff, like students, need a break. Next week, some staff will begin establishing a platform from which students will be able to stay connected and continue their progress. This will have both analog and online components. We are accessing resources being made available to all schools as well as some specific to Montessori. I have been moved by the offers of assistance from parents with relevant backgrounds, as well as invitations to collaborate from Montessori schools across North America!
For now, I have instructed staff to rest, enjoy the sunshine, and breathe! I hope you and yours will do the same. These are strange times, but I am certain that the value-system we bring to our little home on Fairburn will hold us in good stead.
Please rest assured that MMA will continue to be a source of growth, intellect, and well-being through this crisis.
Mr Patrick Vincentine
Principal