About Our School
Tyee is a Montessori alternative program school, committed to providing a rich
learning environment for all its students based both on Montessori principles
and on fulfilling the expectations of the Ministry of Education for all schools.
Parents of kindergarten students can apply to Tyee Montessori as a Choice program. Students in other grades can fill out an application to go on the waitlist.
There are approximately 190 students registered in Kindergarten through Grade Seven in multi-age groupings. Students take responsibility from an early age, making decisions about how their time is spent on the learning tasks they choose under the teacher's guidance. The Montessori approach supports continuous progress, as children work on personal goals and academic challenges. Students learn to work independently, in small groups, and as members of a class. Since Tyee's beginning in the mid-1980's, parents have made a conscious choice to enroll their children in this program and are highly involved in making the school's program a success.
Pre-school is run by C.A.M.P. (Community Association of Montessori Parents). Seats are limited. Information of fees and registration is available at 604-874-4622.
An Out of School Care program is offered by Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House and is run at our site. Call 604-874-4231.
School Curriculum
Each school follows the Ministry of Education's provincially-prescribed curriculum. As well, students' educational needs are supported through a variety of services and programs including locally developed initiatives, school resource centres, learning services teams, counsellors, learning assistance centres, English as a Second Language assistance, and access to educational psychologists and speech-language pathologists.
School Highlights
The Montessori environment at Tyee offers integration of the arts, sciences, geography, history and language that stimulate a child's learning. Academic achievement is high, and many students show their entrepreneurial spirit in individual and group projects to support social and environmental causes. Links to high school programs and to community activities enrich school life. Students make use of a variety of information sources in their project work, including technology, print and human resources. They participate in intermural sports teams and Grade Six/Seven band, and showcase their science and cultural learning at annual open house events. A significant number of students attend district challenge programs to extend their learning.
The students of Tyee are a community of learners, exhibiting the responsibility and respect described in our Mission Statement. They make an effort to solve their own conflicts and work as Peer Helpers to assist others. Student Council and class meetings give them regular opportunities to discuss issues and find solutions.
In keeping with the school's philosophy, there is no recess bell to interrupt the work cycle during the morning. Students take a break when they are ready. Reporting to parents is done through anecdotal reports and student-led conferences , and student self-evaluation is essential.
Parent Involvement
In order to realize a successful Montessori Program, active parental involvement is encouraged. Parents are urged to assist in whatever way they can to support the program and asked to communicate with the teacher on a regular basis regarding the progress of their child. It is strongly recommended that the parents familiarize themselves with some of the many books by and about Dr. Maria Montessori. Such references are available from the Tyee's Parent Library, the Vancouver Public Library, online, or via your local bookstore.
Tyee Handbook
The Montessori Program
Montessori...
- Fosters competent, adaptive,
responsible citizens who are life-long learners and problem solvers.
- Promotes inquisitive learners
in a cooperative environment.
- Involves a hands-on approach
to learning.
- Emphasizes respect for self,
others, and the environment.
Characteristics of a
Montessori Program at Tyee:
- Our
Montessori program is child-centred and based on the interests and needs of the
learners.
- Attention is paid to
children’s sensitive periods for learning. These are periods of development when
the desire to learn is so strong that a child will persist in a task until
satisfied.
- In our
program, except for Kindergarten and usually grade 7, students generally stay with their teacher
from two to three years.
- Children are encouraged to be
self-motivated, monitor their own educational achievement and continue to behave
with grace, courtesy and respect towards themselves, others and the
environment.
- Children choose from among several educational opportunities and often pursue those until their need is satisfied. This encourages them to take
ownership of their learning. Children are allowed to move freely in the
classroom and to speak with other students in a modulated
voice.
- Within
the children’s reach are specialized self-correcting sensorial materials - for
example, the moveable alphabet, the binomial and trinomial cubes, and the golden
beads. Many of these materials and activities are designed to allow for
self-correction, a feature that leads towards the child’s
independence.
- Within
the classroom, various activities are taking place at the same time - one child
might be working on an art project, while another works with materials to solve
a math problem.
- An
atmosphere of respect is built between pupil and teacher. (Teachers shake hands
with students in the morning at arrival time and in the afternoon when the
student leaves.) The intrusive noise of loud buzzers is kept to a minimum and
the child’s attention is gained by the soft ringing of a small, hand-held
bell.
- As
well as their education degree in teaching, teachers have also been trained in
the philosophy and methodology of Montessori education.
- The
teacher’s role is to facilitate. This is done through observation, guidance and
by providing a variety of learning opportunities.
- Part
of the Montessori philosophy includes the opportunity for parents to be involved
in their child’s education.
- The
environment is prepared to meet the interests and academic requirements of the
students.
I.
Peace and global education are central to the Montessori philosophy. This is
achieved through:
- self-awareness (emotions,
thinking, healthy body)
- community
awareness
- cultural
awareness
- environmental
awareness.
II.
Extended work periods provide uninterrupted time for work. This gives the
children time to build a momentum for work and they may often choose when to
stop for their snack break.
III.
Multi-grade classes encourage cooperative learning.
IV.
Sequin’s three period lesson for direct teaching is used:
- Period 1:
Involves the mental process of IDENTIFICATION and requires a statement such as
“This is a trapezoid.”
- Period
2: Involves the mental process of DISCRIMINATION and requires a command such as
“Show me the trapezoid.”
- Period
3: Involves the mental process of RECALL and requires an answer to the question
“What is this?”
V. An
integrated curriculum is followed, rather than a timetable approach to specific
subjects.
Parent Involvement
Parent Advisory
Committee (PAC)
The
school has a very active, inclusive and involved parent group which meets
monthly. In addition to auxiliary and fundraising functions, the PAC, also
referred to as TEMS (Tyee Elementary Montessori Society) takes an active
interest in the classroom life of the school and affairs of the district as a
whole.
TEMS
would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the students and parents to
our school. As parents of children attending Tyee, you are automatically members
of the Parent Advisory Committee and you are invited to attend all general
meetings. The school principal, teachers and members of the Student Council are
also invited to attend PAC meetings.
Meetings are generally held on
the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school library. Child minding
for Grades K – 6 students is provided by Grade 7 students who have taken a
babysitting course. Elections for a new PAC executive take place in May or June. Additional
parent education evenings are occasionally held throughout the school year.
Minutes are posted on the PAC blog and in the main hallway to keep all families
informed of our activities. We look forward to seeing you.
Safety
At the
start of the year, the PAC sends home information regarding Earthquake
Comfort Kits. Comfort kits allow students and staff to have a few personal
comfort items at school in the event of a major disaster. Comfort kits are
stored in the earthquake bin located by the staff parking lot. They are returned
to students each fall for updating.
We have
periodic Fire, Lockdown and Earthquake drills to
familiarize both students and staff with safety procedures. The district-wide
“Big One At Two” emergency evacuation drill is scheduled for the first Thursday in May. Where
possible, parents will be asked to pick up their child and follow the formal
release procedures. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Volunteering
Tyee
has many volunteer opportunities. Attend a PAC meeting and find out how you can
help. Also, a letter is sent home by school staff at the beginning of September
to request input re: volunteering. Should you wish to offer an area of expertise
or simply lend a helping hand, please complete the form and return it to your
child’s teacher.
Fundraising
Fundraising for the school is
done on a limited basis throughout the year. The PAC hosts two major events: one
in the winter (generally a dance or silent auction), and one in the spring (our
traditional Plant Sale).
General Information
Attendance
- Absentees: If your child is
sick or away for any reason, please inform your child's teacher and the office. Requests for long
absences in unusual circumstances should be made to the principal in
writing.
- Late
Arrivals: In support of our social responsibility philosophy, all students are
expected to be on time and to be ready for the start of class. Students who are
late either at 9:00 am or 12:45 pm are expected to report to the office upon
arrival. Please remember that this is not expected to happen on a regular
basis.
- Illness: If your child becomes
ill at school, you will be phoned. Your child will not be able to leave the
school until we have contacted you; therefore it is very important that we have
your current home and work phone numbers, as well as the numbers for an
emergency back-up friend or relative. Also, we cannot administer any medication
unless supplied by the parent, with a completed permission
form.
- Departure/Arrival Outside of
Regular Hours: If a parent or designate is taking a student out of school (i.e.,
dental appointment), they should notify the teacher and the office (as well as
Out of School Care, if applicable). Intermediate students are
never allowed to go home outside regular dismissal times by themselves, unless a
phone call confirms with a staff member that there is a parent or designate
there to meet them.
Recess and Uninterrupted
Work Cycle
Tyee
Montessori does not have a scheduled recess in support of the “uninterrupted
work cycle” within the Montessori philosophy.
Lunch
Grace and Courtesy lunch
is in classrooms from about 11:40 am to 12:00 pm. Outside supervision is from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm. All children who eat lunch at school are expected to
remain on the school grounds.
There
are two supervision aides who supervise during lunch. Peer helpers, SSW’s,
parent volunteers, and the principal also assist. During rainy lunch hours,
these are the options for students:
- Rainy day
games in the upstairs and downstairs hallways (Peer Helpers)
- Library (Parent
Volunteer)
- Activity in the
gym
- Outdoor play under the covered
area
Supervision
General
supervision is provided on school grounds in the mornings between 8:35 and 8:55
am when the first bell sounds. Please do not drop children off before this time,
unless they are enrolled in the Out of School Care program, are attending a team
practice or unless prior arrangements have been made. Students only come into
school once the bell has rung, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, who
remains with them. In inclement weather, they can keep dry/warm in the
undercover area or downstairs hallway. After-school supervision is from 3:01 to
3:20 pm. By 3:20 pm, children should have left school grounds, if not supervised
by a parent or guardian, unless attending Out of School Care, or a
school-sponsored activity. If parents of students have not yet arrived by 3:20
pm, children are expected to report to the office and wait for pick-up. Please
remember to advise the Out of School Care if your child is absent or if you pick
her/him up early for an appointment or due to illness. Thanks for your
cooperation.
School Supplies
Fee
The
School Supplies Fee is $35/student and are due by September 30th. School fees can be paid on School Cash online. This fee
covers the cost of supplies used for students’ personal use such as paper,
writing tools, rulers, scissors, glue sticks, erasers and exercise books. The
Vancouver Board of Education offers this service to parents to purchase supplies
in bulk at wholesale prices, at a substantial savings. Note that the fee will be waived if there is a
need due to financial hardship. If you would like the fee waived, please contact
the principal either in writing or in person.
Code of
Conduct
At Tyee
this has been summed up as respect: respect for self, respect for others and
respect for the environment. A detailed Code of Conduct brochure is sent home at
the beginning of every school year.
Cell
Phone
The use
of cell phones in the school is not allowed unless under special circumstances.
Students may carry them but they should be turned off. Students who wish to
phone their parents should check with their teacher. Cell phones with cameras
and cameras/videos should not be used unless permission has been received from
school staff.
Internet
Policy
Students are not allowed to
access the Internet without supervision nor should they have an expectation of
privacy to their Internet use at school. Parents and students will once again be
required to sign an Internet Agreement. Our policy is explained on the reverse
side of the agreement, as well as on the web page. We recommend that parents
supervise students’ use of the Internet at home. Please be reminded that
Facebook users are expected to be 13 years of age and older.
Dressing
Appropriately
Dressing appropriately in
school is a way of showing respect for all those who work and learn at this
facility. We hope that you will help students make good
choices that prepare them for a day of active engagement in learning. The policy
of the Vancouver Board of Education is a follows:
While
it is not the function of the school system to impose or prohibit fashions or
styles of appearance, the Board of School Trustees (the "Board") recognizes, as
a custom of the elementary and secondary schools of the City of Vancouver, that
each student shall attend school clean and tidy in person, and shall refrain
from wearing hair styles, clothes, footwear, jewelry, and other articles of
personal adornment that are, by reason of extreme styling, a distraction to the
student himself/herself or his/her fellow students, or that are otherwise
adverse to effective teaching in his/her class.
Children have physical
education classes at least twice a week. It is essential for their comfort and
safety that they wear runners or shoes, shorts and a T-shirt. It is also
recommended that students, especially those in primary grades, have a spare
change of clothes at school.
Lost and
Found
Veterans of Tyee will attest
to the incredible volume of items found regularly in our lost and found. Lost items are placed in the school lost and found area in the main
hallway and are on display until notice is provided in the newsletter. Any
unclaimed items are donated to a local charity. We recommend that all articles be well labeled with your
child’s name, so that we can help with the appropriate return.
Traffic
“Safety over
Convenience”
Take
special care around the school and observe the no-parking areas. Cars may not be
parked in the alleyway beside the school (no matter how briefly). If you plan to
come in, please park on Dumfries St. or along 20th. Allowing students to walk a
block or two to the school might help to lessen the congestion.
Bicycles / Skateboards /
Inline Skates / Scooters
Students who come to school on
roller blades, skateboards, scooters or bicycles must dismount on school
property. Please lock bikes up at the bicycle racks outside of the main school
entrance. Please help us reinforce safety by ensuring your child uses a helmet…
whether it seems cool or not! We appreciate that your personal guidelines may
differ from ours, but please try to support our attempt to keep your child safe
while on school grounds during school hours
Toys
To
alleviate the disappointment of lost, stolen or broken toys – and to avoid
distraction in class – our policy is that toys remain at home.
Communication
Reporting to
Parents
We
believe that open and frequent communication is an essential aspect of effective
schooling. Teachers are available before and after school to chat with parents.
Please respect teaching time and make appointments when a longer conversation is
necessary. Also, please note our academic reporting times:
First
Term: |
Conferences in
October Reports sent home on January 31st |
Second
Term: |
Student Led
Conferences in March before Spring Break Reports sent home on the last day of school in June |
|
|
No
letter grades are assigned, however, final term letter grades
are recorded on the computer system. Should a parent wish to see their child’s
letter grades for the present school year, a request is made to the child’s
teacher. Should a parent be making this request in subsequent years for past
letter grades, a request is made at the school office.
Concerns
If
parents have any concerns or questions regarding practices or activities
occurring in their child’s classroom, they are invited to discuss these concerns
directly with the classroom teacher.
Should
you have any concerns, here is the protocol to follow:
- Phone and book an appointment with the teacher involved.
- Talk privately with the teacher (most concerns should be solved at this point).
- If not solved or if still dissatisfied, arrange to meet with the principal.
- Talk privately with the principal. Is new information available to solve the concern?
- If not, principal will meet with the teacher.
- Meeting will be held with all parties (only in extreme situations would it be necessary to go beyond this point).
- If resolution is not reached, contact the Director of Learning (604-713-4448).
- Area Associate will confer with the principal.
- Resolution is reached.
- If not satisfied with the resolution, parents can proceed with a Section 11 Appeal of School Decision.
- Resolution
Newsletter
The Tyee School Newsletter is emailed to
families every month. The newsletter is also posted on our website.
Assemblies
Assemblies are held as needed,
often on a Friday or Monday morning. The purpose of these assemblies is to promote
school unity, share information and allow children and visiting performers to
make presentations. These assemblies are coordinated by staff and led by
students. Parents are encouraged to attend assemblies which are posted
in the newsletter.
Messages from
Home
We
encourage you, as parents, to telephone the school or write a note to your
child’s teacher or principal to share information which is important for your
child’s well-being. While teachers are not usually available to come to the
telephone during class hours, they are pleased to return your phone call when
time allows.
Use of School
Telephone
Demand
on the use of telephones is high. Student use of the office telephone is
restricted to essential use (phoning home due to illness, unforeseen
circumstances – not for planning play dates). During class time, if students are
required to use the phone, the teacher will give your child permission to use
the school phone. We only have one outgoing line that is shared throughout the
school. We appreciate your cooperation in planning for after-school activities
ahead of time at home.
Agenda
Tyee
will also be providing student planners for most intermediate students at a cost
of $7.00 (some classes prefer to use class blogs). These will be sent home
during the first or second week with an accompanying letter. Parents can also
communicate through the agenda and have a good sense of project deadlines and
student workload. Please regularly review planners or the class blog with your
child.