Oak Bay school to be recognized for its 40 years of service

St. Christopher’s Montessori School will be recognized for its 40 years of service this Friday.

Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Andrew Weaver will present the school with a 2018 Child Care Legacy Award, which recognizes the contributions of licensed child care facilities with more than 40 years of service to B.C. children and their families.

“We have been a strong part of the community for 40 years, the parents recognize how much the teachers contribute to their children’s well-being and it feels good to be formally recognized,” said Principal Ricky de Souza.

St. Christopher’s Montessori School, a non-profit organization owned by parents and operated by a board and a principal, opened in the fall of 1978.

READ MORE: Oak Bay Montessori celebrates 40 years of education

It was an offshoot of the original Montessori school in Victoria – Queenswood Montessori School. When that school closed, a group of dedicated parents organized the Queenswood Montessori Society, and found a new location on the corner of Currie and Newport in Oak Bay.

The early 1900’s building had originally been a small primary school, later enlarged and converted to a dance studio.

According to the school, the Montessori method is an alternative educational system that values “freedom, choice and the ability to move.” The Montessori curriculum shapes an individualized program for each child according to their own interest, learning style and natural pace.

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St. Christopher’s Montessori School is one of 18 licensed child care facilities in B.C. receiving the Child Care Legacy Award.

“Parents entrust child care providers with their kids each and every day as they head to work or school; the time spent away from their children is made easier by knowing their child care professional is invested in making their child’s day full of fun, learning, exploration, comfort and kindness,” said Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy.

The award will be presented at the school at 1 p.m.