INFORMATION & POLICIES
Approach to homework
The Montessori preschool and primary environments do not require the children to complete homework unless it is a task or project which the child has elected to complete in their own time at home. However, the adolescents attending our College will be expected to complete tasks or assignments in the form of homework daily.
College students are required to attend the compulsory assisted homework period daily from 14:30 to 15:30, where they are given the opportunity to attend to work not completed during school hours and have access to information and assistance from lecturers.
We acknowledge the importance of family time and time to take part in extra murals, sport and other activities, thus we aim to maintain a balance and not overwhelm children and parents with homework.
Technology & Electronic Devices
We embrace selected software, technology and electronic devices to assist in facilitating online and distance learning, as needed from time to time. The College environment utilize devices as part of their daily learning, as we provide access to a variety e-learning tools and online resources [Hodder Education and Dynamic learning]. All College students have access to Microsoft Teams environment where they can communicate with other children, lecturers and submit assessments as and when required. We recommend that all College students are equipped with access to a laptop or computer at home.
Where possible, and due to distraction electronic devices may have on the younger children, we discourage daily and continued use of electronic devices and technology in the Montessori Casa and Primary environments. Both these environments prefer learning through stimulating the senses and encouraging critical exploration and tactile concept development.
We encourage parents to limit the unsupervised time children spend on devices.
The school has a policy restricting access to personal electronic devices within Primary school, and restrictions around mobile phone use for those in College.
Uniform
We support and encourage individualism. Out of respect for our bodies and each other, we request that all children dress appropriately for their age group. Please consult the Parent Handbook for the recommended dress code and standards checklist, which will be issued on enrolment.
Food at school
We encourage children to eat nutritionally balanced meals. Parents are encouraged to pack a healthy, wholesome snack for school. Packed lunches could include fruit, vegetables, healthy carbohydrates and protein. All children are required to bring a water bottle to school every day. Children are encouraged to consume water at school and no other liquids will be allowed.
Due to food allergies, we discourage the sharing of food. Please note that O’Summit International School is a nut free zone.
We have a professional chef on site who prepares an optional cooked lunch to all children daily. Lunch is served at 12:00 and 14:00 and attracts an additional fee [see Fee Structure for each age group.] The menu is constructed to be healthy and nutritious comprising of wholesome, home-cooked food. Mondays and Thursdays are meat-free days and Fridays offer a fun meal.
Security and access to the school grounds
The safety of all entering our school is a priority. We control access to the main entry and exit gates as well as at the pedestrian gates which lead to the different environments.
Details to obtain entry rights will be issued on enrolment.
Learning outside the classroom & events
Age and curriculum appropriate field trips are arranged by the school for the different environments to support holistic and experiential learning. Fees associated with such events are billed upfront for the year as a levy. Fees are utilised to cover any travel expenses and entrance fees. Parents are required to sign “Acknowledgement, Permission & Indemnity forms’ for every event. These forms will be provided in advance.
Consult the Parent Handbook for further details on “learning outside the classroom’.
Any and all events will be communicated to parents well in advance.
Due to the legalities associated with transportation of young children, our toddlers and preschoolers in the Casa environment will only experience “innings.” These are external service providers which come to the school. This preserves and supports the young child’s sense of order and desire to feel more secure in a predictable environment.
