Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. Casa girls wear a navy crested tunic with a white blouse or button-down shirt. Casa boys were grey dress pants with a white button-down shirt or golf shirt. Elementary school girls wear a kilt or grey dress pants and a navy crested blazer, and boys wear grey dress pants and a navy crested blazer. Both boys and girls wear Oxford-style shirts in white. The uniform also includes a red crested vest or v-neck pull-over and a school tie. Uniform guidelines are outlined on our parent handbook that is provided to all families at the beginning of each school year.
Is there a bus service?
No. However, all campuses encourage car pooling. Please talk to the admissions coordinator for more information.
Does the curriculum vary from campus to campus?
The Montessori program is offered at different grade levels at our campuses. For more information on Montessori education, please visit http://www.montessori.edu. Beginning in grade four our program transitions to a progressive and enriched program, based on the Ontario Curriculum.
How do the multi-age classrooms work? How can teachers work with so many different children at different levels?
“Follow the child” is a basic principle of Montessori education. It focuses on an individualized approach to learning where teachers direct individual students toward particular work and activities. Concepts are explained when readiness is shown. Students then apply the concepts using their own curiosity and creativity. They work at their own pace and understand they are responsible for completing their own work. Our teachers have specialized Montessori education and are trained to observe their students, stepping in when a child is “stuck” or ready to learn a new skill. The teacher’s primary focus is observing how your child learns and tapping into those styles and approaches that work best for your child.
What level of communication can I expect from my child’s teacher?
Rotherglen prides itself on providing open and continual communication with parents throughout the year. We have implemented a secure parent portal where parents are provided with direct contact with their child’s teacher. Every Rotherglen teacher manages their classroom pages within the Parent Portal which gives parents up to date information on homework, permission forms, class trips and any other special announcements pertaining to the classroom. We encourage parents to contact their teacher with any questions or concerns regarding their child’s progress.
What are the qualifications of Rotherglen teachers?
All teachers are required to hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized University. Our Montessori teachers also hold a teaching certificate in Montessori education. Teachers in our traditional programming all hold a Certificate of Qualification from the Ontario College of Teachers.
What makes your school unique?
At Rotherglen, we pride ourselves in providing a welcoming, nurturing and stimulating educational environment that promotes not only intellectual growth, but positive social growth as well. We encourage and have implemented comprehensive “safe school” initiatives that promote not only the physical safety of your child, but emotional safety as well. Beginning with our youngest students, we teach inclusivity of all students and celebrate the uniqueness and acceptance of all students.
When is the best time to enroll?
It is never too early to start the admissions process as there are times when parents are disappointed when they proceed to enroll their child and learn that there is a waiting list. We accept applications year-round and encourage you to contact our admissions coordinator to set up a personal tour. This will give you the opportunity to see the campus when school is in session, and ask any questions you may have.
Does Rotherglen participate in standardized testing?
Yes. Students in Grades 1 to 6 all take part in writing the CAT4 standardized test. Standardized testing allows us to gain an understanding of the quality of our program and the performance of our students in comparison to students of a similar grade level across Canada. It also provides us with the data to examine the strengths and weaknesses of our programming to drill down to instruction.
Are you a peanut free facility?
Rotherglen has comprehensive allergy aware policy that is clearly communicated to parents. We do not permit peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish at Rotherglen and focus on avoidance and prevention. Our school anaphylaxis plan conforms to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and Peel District School Board Anaphylaxis Protocol. The plan is designed to ensure that students at risk are identified, strategies are in place to minimize the potential for accidental exposure and staff and key volunteers are trained to respond in an emergency situation. Although Rotherglen is proud to be an Allergy Aware school, we do not and cannot guarantee a nut-free or shellfish free environment.