The Power of Montessori:

Being Present Today While Preparing for Tomorrow

Today, more than ever, Montessori education is relevant and essential. It’s important for Montessori leaders and educators to remain abreast of current social trends and to be knowledgeable about developments in education at large. This conference will bring Montessori theory and practice together within the context of these times of complexity and rapid change.

Join us for a full day of learning, networking, and celebrating the power of Montessori.

We encourage schools to use this time together to celebrate and stay to enjoy a delicious dinner and vibrant live entertainment. Be sure to check ticket options to ensure you have purchased the All-Inclusive ticket to get ALL sessions, activities, and meals.

Date: Friday, November 17th, 2023

Location: Centennial College Event Centre

Click Here to Register & Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

AGENDA:

8:00 AM  Registration & Breakfast

8:45 AM  Welcome Message

9:00 AM  Tending Our Light: Preparing the adult for true inclusion

Presented by Karen B.K. Chan and Ashley Speed B.Sc. AMI Casa, AMS Elementary:  How do we as educators ensure every child in our space is seen for exactly who they are? How does our own perspective tie into how we see others? Participants will explore the themes of identity and belonging from a personal perspective. The concept of social identity will be incorporated together with a discussion of the intersection of inclusion, belonging and social identity. ​​ This presentation will focus on the role we each have and the impact of these topics on our work with children and within our communities. Reflective and hands-on components will be included.

10:30 AM  Networking Break & Refreshments

11:00 AM  The Power of a Montessori Education: Why our work matters

An inspiring panel of alumni from schools across Canada share with us how their Montessori education is foundational to who they are today and the work they are doing.

12:00 PM  Lunch

A delicious, hot buffet and time to network, explore the exhibitors, and enjoy community.

Choose between two afternoon sessions depending on your role within your school community. 

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM  Navigating Mental Health Within Your Montessori School Community

Presented by Julia Swaigen MSW, RSW and Tina Brown B.Sc, AMI: (Audience: Whole school personnel) Educators are facing the impact of a global mental health crisis in their classrooms. Julia will share current trends in Children’s Mental Health, as well as a framework for mitigating the effects of this crisis on your school community. Tina will bring her real day-to-day experience and leadership to ground this framework within our Montessori Principles. The intention of this workshop is to develop a whole school approach. Together school leaders and educators will discuss relevant issues and unify their approach for all age levels within their own school.

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM  Using Montessori Principles to Guide School Culture

Presented by Eleonor Kerr B.A. CHRP: (Audience: School leaders) This session will present the importance of positive adult relationships within a Montessori Context. Eleonor will help school leaders define policies and practices that reflect their values as they address administrative issues such as hiring, mentoring, retaining and motivating staff; fair remuneration and/or recognition; clarity of expectations and communication. The presentation will incorporate small group conversations, peer discussion and practical planning.

PLEASE NOTE: The below sessions, activities, dinner, and live entertainment are only available to All-Inclusive (8 AM-9 PM) ticket holders. There are both CCMA-member and Non-member All-Inclusive ticket options available for purchase to grant you access to the below.

3:30 PM Afternoon Break

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM  Cultivating Connections and Celebrating Community

A culminating session bringing the community together.

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM  CCMA 2023 Annual General Meeting

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM  Cocktails & Mingling (cash bar)

6:00 PM  Dinner & Entertainment

A delicious, seasonal dinner highlighting local Ontario ingredients, prepared by Executive Chef Lilian Cardoso and the talented Centennial College Culinary Team. Enjoy vibrant entertainment from world-renowned Mariachi Mexico Amigo.

Click Here to Register & Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

VENUE INFORMATION:

Centennial College Event Centre, Progress Campus – 8th floor

937 Progress Avenue, Toronto ON M1G2T8

PARKING

Parking is available in Lots 2 and 3. Located on the North and Northeast side of R-Block

• Obtain a ticket from the machine to open the parking gate
• Upon exit, your entry ticket will be required to re-insert in the machine at which point payment is required.

A secondary parking ticket will be provided with a to exit at no charge.

EVENT CENTRE ENTRANCE

The Centennial College Event Centre entrance is located on the South-East corner of R-Block, the first building on your left when driving onto the campus.

• The Event Centre doors, are facing South.
• Once you enter the Event Centre Building, please take the elevators to the 8th floor.