Montessori school one-step closer to having a playground

Raising over $4000 to go towards the construction of a brand new playground that was estimated to cost $10,000 total, the Child’s View Montessori School (CVMS) was thrilled with the phenomenal success of their Second Annual Gala held at the Oliv Tasting Room, 14 High Street East. With only a little more to go before they reach their goal, the CVMS hopes to host another event this upcoming Valentine’s Day to finish off their fundraising efforts before turning their eye to a new project or addition for the school. “By next year we hope to have the $10,000 so we can raise money for something else,” said Temi Adewumi, a member of the Parents Advisory Board for Montessori School. Based on the tremendous success of their two galas so far, they certainly plan to host another one next fall. Those in attendance enjoyed free drinks and food provided by Oliv. There was a silent auction with donations from number of local organizations including the Moose Jaw Warriors, Blue Whale Financial, Core Strength Pilates, Allied Lumberland Home Building Center & Amy Gillett Interiors, Living Elements Spa, Chow McLeod, Parsons Dietrich Pottery, Fifth Avenue Collection, Orschic Creations, Sahara Spa, Alternate Root Organics, G de G Portrait Artist and Super Meats Catering. Other contributors included individuals such as Byron Babich, Julie Fukishima, Sue Hunchuk, Tracy Hemus, Dennis Noreen, Candle Lynn McLeod, and Cheryl Smyslo. “We’d like to say a big thank you to all the parents and all the businesses that donated. We really appreciate what they did,” said Adewumi of the tremendous support they received from locals. The CVMS employs four full time staff members who are charged with overseeing the 2 to 5 year olds, helping them develop practical life-skills to carry on into elementary school. A number of activities are designed to help kids learn how to care for themselves (dressing, washing their hands, preparing food), care for the environment (cleaning up, gardening, washing their clothes), and to learn how to behave courteously (sharing, using good manners, treating others with respect). The CVMS also strives to help children heighten their sense of sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. Furthermore, they look to improve a child’s language skills, help them understand mathematics and improve their cultural knowledge on a daily basis. Regular class curriculum includes music, gym, cooking, technology, and arts and crafts, among many other things. “The goal of the CVMS is to prepare children for regular school and to really teach them. It’s not just a play group. Even as the children are playing they are learning their numbers and they are learning their letters. They learn everything,” explained Adewumi. “It’s a very good school. It’s very relaxed.” To learn more about Child’s View Montessori School visit www.childview.ca or call (306) 692-3533.