School History
History of North Star Montessori Elementary School
North Star Montessori Elementary School opened its doors to its first class of 17 students in September, 1996. Although the North Shore had and continues to have a strong contingent of Montessori preschools for the three to six year old set, few options existed for parents to continue Montessori education for their children.
As a result, a group of parents and Montessori educators-all strong advocates of the Montessori philosophy of education-worked to establish a Montessori Elementary School. Our school opened out of a small church on West 13th Street in North Vancouver.
The school moved to its present location at the North Shore Winter Club in the summer of 2005. In September 2005 it also expanded its programming to include preschool as well as after-school care. In 2009, North Star began working with Aid to Life Education and launched a Montessori Infant-Toddler parent participation program. As a result, North Star now offers programs for children from Infancy through Grade 7.
Organizational Structure of North Star Montessori Elementary School
North Star Montessori Elementary School is operated by the North Star Montessori Elementary Society, a non-profit charitable society. All parents become members of the Society upon enrolment, as a condition of their membership, support the Society through their participation and support of school events and activities. An elected Board of Directors is responsible for all matters pertaining to the Society. Board Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting held each fall.
A team consisting of the Head of School, Office Administrator, Admissions Coordinator, teaching and support staff carries out the administration of the school. This team is responsible for implementing the curriculum, maintaining an enriched educational environment, and liaising with families and the Board of Directors. They receive support and direction from the Board.
The elected Board of Directors oversees strategic planning, policy revisions, allocation of resources, budgetary responsibilities, lease and business planning.
Parents are kept informed of meetings and have access to the strategic plan. Parent participation is integral to the running of the school and maintaining our low school fees. Every family commits to participating in the school and giving time to school and community functions, field trips, etc. throughout the year.
top
