“International conference of Pre-Primary Principals”, the two-day event being convened by City Montessori School, Innovation Wing commenced today at CMS Kanpur Road auditorium. The conference got inaugurated today by the President, Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), The Netherlands, Mr Andre Roberfroid by lighting the lamp of learning whereas the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs Marite Roberfroid and Guest of Honour Mrs Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director, AMI graced the occasion with their benign presence. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr Andre Roberfroid said that education cannot be confined to geography, maths, history, and other subjects rather it is very vast. He adviced to give more and more project works to students and make education a life style for them. Mr Roberfroid profusely commended CMS and said that its the unique school where peace is an indispensable part and other schools should also follow it.

The first day of the event had been very interesting as the educationist, principals and teachers came from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, USA, UK, Argentina, Finland, Singapore, Netherlands and various states of India poured out their utmost knowledge and experience in this international event being convened with the purpose to bring about revolutionary changes in teaching methodology. While discussing in detail the educators came from India and abroad unanimously said that its the time when we can instil the concept of world unity, brotherhood and divine unity in the minds of children. Such value based education will remain forever with them and produce an ideal citizen for the society. Earlier the prayer presented by music teachers of CMS and All Religion Prayer and songs presented by the students of CMS Jopling Road filled the whole auditorium with spiritual fervour. Ms Susmita Basu Organizing Secretary of ICPPP-2011 welcomed the educators came from India and abroad and discussed over the aims and goals of ICPPP with the help of video presentation on the topic ‘Implementing Change at Pre-Primary in City Montessori School’. On the occasion, Founder of CMS and renowned educationist, Dr Jagdish Gandhi expressed views on ‘Broader and Bolder Education’ as we wish to take education out of classroom and associate it with life and fill children with self confidence to enable them to face all challenges of tomorrow.

Dr Sunita Gandhi, Chief Academic Advisor of CMS and Co-Founder, Council for Global Education, USA, spoke meaningfully on ‘Getting the Outcomes We Want : A tool kit for a Broader, Bolder Education in the 21st Century’. Mrs Meena Chandavarkar, Director, New India School spoke on ‘Role of Home and School - Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Development of a child’; Mrs Shirley Madhavan Kutty, Founder, Magic Years Pre-School, New Delhi spoke on the topic ‘Integrating School into Pre-School Education’; Ms Rekha Reddy from bangalore spoke on ‘Socio-Cultural Approach in Montessori Education’. Apart from it the experienced Principals quenched the queries of new teachers in ‘Interactive Session’. During this session some common problems of children like homework, classroom, sports, paucity of time, tension of examination and heavy school bags were discussed. Apart from it, CMS students presented colourful educational-cultural items and mesmerized all educators, principals and teachers.

Earlier, the educators came from India and abroad met with the press at the press conference at CMS Kanpur Road auditorium and bared out their hearts for the cause of students. Addressing the press reporters, Mrs Lynne Lawrence, Executive Director, Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Netherlands said that we are very much obliged and grateful to City Montessori School which has provided us with the opportunity to interact on a global platform and think deeply and discuss the system of education that is best suited to the needs of the little child of the 21st century. This is the age of innovation when each child wants to do something new and unique. In this age, the role of teachers is of utmost importance. Similarly, Dr Robert Saunders, Co-Founder, Council for Global Education, USA said that the basic function of education is to impart universal human values and create ideal citizens in society. For this, it is necessary for us educators for sit together on a global platform as this and find out ways and means to develop a global educational system tailored to the needs of the day. Mr Sunil Tenakoon, Director Administration, Royal International School, Sri Lanka, said that if we give the message of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’, (the earth is but one family) since the beginning to the children then they will naturally develop a global mindset, become world citizens and work for the welfare of humanity when they grow up. Ms Stella Fernandez, renowned educationist from Singapore, spoke about creative and thinking classrooms. She said that we must recognize the talents of children and polish their skills like expert jewellers. We must keep encouraging them to perform with excellence.

On this occasion, the Organizing Secretary of ICPPP-2011 and Head, Quality Assurance and Innovation Department, CMS, Ms Susmita Basu highlighted the aims and objectives of his conference saying that it provides a platform for educationists of various countries to confer and exchange ideas on new educational strategies and methods at international level. It seeks to draw out the full potential of students by using the right techniques like playway method, Hands on Maths, Music, story telling, pictures, dramatics etc. Further it combines learning with values like kindness, love, compassion, affection, responsibility, cleanliness and so on so that children become both good and smart. Mrs Basu further stated that this international conference is being organized in collaboration with Association Montessori Internationale, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Mr Hari Om Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of CMS said that the teachers of India and abroad are very excited about this international event. He said that CMS has provided a great opportunity to the educators for thinking, understanding and stirring new methods for overall development of children through this conference which proves to be a motivating experience for them.

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