The open houses are open to anyone in the community although they also serve as an orientation for the students. The children come with their families to see the school all set up and see where their hook and cubby will be.

This helps them become more familiar with the environment before the first day of school (which is the following week). The families meet one another and the children meet their classmates as well. At the open house the children try out jobs - called the learning activities - eat, and enter their names to win prizes.

"I find it amazing that we are going into our third year already," said Melanie Felvus. "We have grown from just a few students to 16 and we are hoping to expand this year to hire another teacher and teach a few more students."

A few of the original students are still with the preschool for their final year in 2008 (Senior Kindergarten). The school has also incorporated co-op students from local high schools which the children love.

The program now includes daily devotions at circle time in addition to the Montessori curriculum, daily art activities, food preparation, French and Sign Language.

Felvus said she feels very blessed to be able to provide such a beneficial program to our community.

To contact Melanie Felvus, e-mail smithvillepreschool@sympatico.ca or call 905-957-7277.