Fostering Creative Thinking, Action, and Expression!
Why us ?
At FEM, we nurture the authentic Montessori teaching
Strong believers in the genuine Montessori philosophy, in the sustainability of human development and environmental respect, we bring important contribution to the education thanks to our "savoir, savoir-faire et savoir-être" to support and leverage the students’ knowledge and apprenticeship since their early age.
The "French Elite Montessori" – FEM - school will meet parents' needs for quality teaching and total immersion in a bilingual English-French environment for students. In addition, the emphasis will be on raising awareness of "Mother Earth" and respect for flora and fauna, an essential means of preserving the future of our planet.
Furthermore, FEM is pleased to be located on the premises of St George's Anglican Church, the oldest faith community in the city of St Catharines, where generations have found strength and peace through prayer, fellowship and service.
The proximity with such a community can only enrich and strengthen the development of our spirituality, personal growth and sense of common purpose.
Our Mission
Accompanying and guiding children - in an environment of total bilingual immersion - is our mission.
The FEM school is committed to providing authentic, quality Montessori education that influences and supports lifelong learning of our Elite students by emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and universal human values.
Our values
Based on the five elements, our values simply reflect our belief in the universality of the human being.
Air : Creativity
Creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as a good command of mathematics, science and languages.
Earth : Generosity
The generosity of "Mother Earth" is exemplary, allowing every student to have access to plants, flowers and vegetables, extending respect for Nature and learning to "give first to better receive".
Fire : Compassion
Compassion is the love we share with others, the help each child gives to the other, and the pride in our diversity and differences that makes us stronger.
Metal : Integrity
Confucius held faithfulness as an indispensable virtue for a human being who will be appointed to key tasks and accountable to high responsibility. Learning to build trust for each child means learning to increase one's integrity and win the faith of folks and team members.
Water : Inclusion
Regardless of each child's abilities, aptitudes, differences, culture or challenges, everyone has the right to be respected and valued as an invaluable member of a class and a community.
The Principal
“Driven by a passion for Montessori pedagogy and a love of early childhood, I wish to offer an environment based on respect for the child, his/her personality, rhythm, and stages of development, immersed in a full bilingual English and French environment.
Our children are more than just a generation; they are the architects of the future, tomorrow's elite.
Together with the teaching team, we have a shared responsibility to guide them with kindness and encourage them to explore their passions. By supporting them in their learning, we help forge a future elite that not only excels academically, but is also endowed with strong ethics, critical thinking and compassion for others.
Every child is a shining star, unique and precious. Together, as parents, teachers and members of the teaching team, we have the opportunity to nurture these stars so that they shine brightly into the future. I encourage you to continue to take an active part in our children's education, for it is together that we build a promising future”.
The Principal’s Background
With 25 years of professional experience in the human resources in private airlines and banking sector in Switzerland, Madam Annick, a native of French speaking, was trained by professional teachers at the very recognized Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) for the obtaining of the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) diploma. Such certification is recognized globally for its excellence, rigour, and authenticity and issued by the worldwide leader in Montessori education.
Madam Annick joins a global network of professionals who believe in creating the right environment for children to develop emotionally, socially, behaviorally, and academically through the genuine Montessori philosophy and methodology.
After teaching in various Montessori schools in Toronto and St. Catharines, her main aspiration and goal is to continue guide children to actively engage in their own development, discover the joys of learning and become well-rounded, empathetic individuals and leaders-with-a-vision for generations to come.
Calm, consistent, courteous, and caring, Madam Annick will provide the bond between the classroom and the parents, meeting with each student’s parent to discuss progress. The most important attribute is the love and respect she holds for each student’s bien-être (well-being) and personal development.
The Team
A qualified and motivated teaching and support team works alongside the principal to help achieve the school's mission: to accompany and develop the abilities and skills of every child.
The Montessori Method
“Education of even a very small child… does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” Dr. Maria Montessori
“There are many who hold, as I do, that the most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. But not only his intelligence; the full totality of his psychic powers.”
The Absorbent Mind
Dr. Maria Montessori