Testimonials
2011
My son's been attending Montessori Preschool for over a year now. I love how much attention he gets from his teachers who are very friendly and caring. They encourage him to express his true feelings and they know him very well. He is receiving fantastic education, I believe the best possible start thanks to his dedicated teachers and strong academic Montessori Program. My son's made amazing progress within a year, he's learnt independence and made lots of friends. Ben is very lucky boy to be part of Montessori Preschool on Ellerton Rd.
I want to thank you so much for making Ben's time at kindy such a happy and settled one.
I am student Michael father. Today is Michael’s fifth birthday and his last day in Montessori. I am writing to give our special thank you to Mrs Alpana Chandra and Mrs Anulani Liyanagama.
We are greatly grateful for the excellent work they have done with Michael. Michael was a very shy boy and not confident enough to make friends or learn new knowledge. But thanks to their patience, love and great teaching skills, Michael is now a totally different child. He is good at reading , writing, math and basic computer skills. He has friends at school, and most of all, he is a happy kid. When we ask Michael who he wanted to invite to his Birthday party, he replied “Mrs Alpana and Mrs Anulani”.
We know we have made the right decision to send Michael to Smart Start Montessori, and we have been lucky to have Alpana and Anulani as Michael’s teachers.
Once again, thank you for all your efforts and remarkable work.
William is leaving Montessori once he completes this 4th Term due to starting Primary education from February 2010.
His experience at Montessori has made a strong fund towards his confidence in his next step. Michael and I are pleased to see William’s development led by Mrs Chandana, Mrs May, Mrs Vivian and other teachers.
Thank you for all your support.
We (my husband and I) feel that the environment (at Smart Start Montessori, Grange Rd) is truly terrific. Alex attends two full days a week. She has developed tremendously over the year that she has attended. The outstanding staff has been/are truly wonderful in providing her with a gentle, calm and nurturing environment to shine in. Alex loves all her teachers and feels safe and secure.
We are very happy with the ‘curriculum’ as it is providing Alex with a good knowledge of the content and skills essential to the basis of literacy and numeracy. We recognize there are two three hour programmes that Alex partakes in, within the day. She has less outside free play time then other providers, but we are comfortable with this balance. She has plenty of time to run off energy in those slots. We also provide her with opportunities for imaginative play in the home.
The flexibility that Smart Start offers around the structure of the hours has given the opportunity to join the work force again. This opportunity does not present itself within the local Kindergartens – providing a long day programme.
We are very happy with our decision for our daughter to be educated within a Montessori environment. She is a well balance little girl. Once again the staff is truly exceptional in the job they do.
I just wanted to pass on my thanks to the teachers at Ellerton Rd for their great work. They have been organizing some great activities for the children and I think it is marvelous. Bruno particularly enjoyed the yoga and gardening. He is really keen to do some activities again. It is wonderful for him to have the opportunity to explore his world and his body, and find himself capable of doing things. It can only help with building his self esteem, so important in our beautiful little ones.
You have a great team at Ellerton Rd with Anulani and Alpana.Anulani seems a lot more comfortable in her new role and that confidence is visible in the calm of the classroom. It is the lovely place to be. Alpana is an absolute gem. Her love of children radiates from her and she is great at keeping me about what Bruno is doing, both when I pick up Bruno and in the stories she has added to Bruno’s book. We all value the book as a family and share it with extended family. Thomas is so proud of his little brother and Bruno loves sharing his book. Alpana is truly wonderful with the children.
"I think that our Preschool is Mt Eden's hidden treasure!"
June 2010
Oh Rebecca you are more than welcome - sorry it wasn't much but we really do appreciate everything our Smart Start family have done for us!! I told Mrs Mei it was the best decision we ever made to send Maya and Noah there and we thank everyone for making their time there such a success.
Noah is settled into school nicely (said he found the first day "awesome, awesome, awesome") and Maya has been keeping an eye on him, making the transition a little easier. I think it has been harder for me and I am really missing him being around most of the day - the house is too quiet now!! I am such a sook!!
We are missing everyone at Smart Start already so don't be surprised if we pop in for a visit every now and then (please!!). If its possible - can we please be kept on the mailing list as we would like to stay in touch and possibly come to future events (eg. the show).
Rebecca, I cannot speak more highly of your preschool and the amazing teachers you have - I would not hesitate to recommend Smart Start to anyone.
Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you!!
'Ofa atu,
Wynn
