Live and learn
Truro woman preparing to open private school
Michelle Thibault wants to do more than help children learn; she wants to nurture creativity, compassion and a love of nature.
She is opening a small school called Sunstone Academy in Truro this fall with a vision statement of “Engaging youth in socially responsible education.”
“The four pillars are connecting to knowledge, arts, environment and citizenship,” said Thibault. “It’s important to nurture those things and help children develop an ability to function in many different settings with confidence.”
While living in Calgary she taught at a Montessori school and with children who’d experienced trauma and abuse, as well as working as an ESL teacher.
Impressed by what she saw, she studied and received a diploma in Montessori teaching methods, and since returning to Nova Scotia six years ago has been teaching in the CCRSB.
Sunstone Academy is a small, private elementary school that will follow the NS Department of Education language arts and math programs, but also includes
yoga, mindfulness, outdoor days, workshops with artists and visits from specialists.
Children will be taught about the importance of environmental stewardship and social justice, and are encouraged to be creative and healthy. Inter-generational learning will also be incorporated, with elders sharing knowledge on
skills such as knitting.
“I want the children to experience passion, reflect on it and learn from it,” said Thibault, who is a mother of five.
She said a quote from Maria Montessori that she feels is important is, “Give nothing to the mind before giving to the hand.”
Sunstone Academy will be located downtown with easy access to the park and library.
The phone number, which will be active Aug. 2, is 902-893-8112.
More information is also available online at www.sunstonelearningacademy.com.