Changing locations after 11 years is never easy. It's an extra challenge when municipal by-laws put you on a fixed timetable, developers are hesitant to build for a special use and you want everything ready to welcome your students for the 2007-2008 school year. Nevertheless, it was clear, due to increased air traffic and noise pollution that Northstar would have to make one final move with all the students under one roof to maintain the strong community it has built.



Construction of the new building started in March of 2007 so Northstar had to reassure parents that it would be ready by September. Through the collaboration and hard work of the staff and especially the long hours Rick, Virginia and family members during the last two weeks of August, Northstar was proud to open its doors to welcome the students and parents upon their return from summer vacation.

We were thrilled to see how many Northstar parents re-registered as a sign of loyalty and support of our efforts. Recalling the day when Northstar first opened its doors in September 1996 with five staff members and 19 students, we hosted the August 25th Grand Re-Opening of the school, now home to 30 staff and over 230 students, at its new location. Over 500 parents and children attended, witnessing an electrifying Lion Dance to bid Northstar the best of luck and a opening ceremony at which John and Teresa DeZen, the building/property owners and the honored guests, cut the ceremonial ribbon. Afterwards, families enjoyed live Caribbean music and treats in the gym, and were able to roam the facility.

Our new school is over 23,500 square feet, 9,000 square feet larger than our previous location. This is in part due to our 3,600 square-foot, two-storey gym. There is also more space in each classroom plus additional rooms, including a computer/library, an art/science lab and a music room. As one of only two CCMA (Canadian Council for Montessori Administrators) accredited members in Mississauga, our new, larger location continues to offer a genuine Montessori education from toddlers up to Grade 6, with room for middle school in the future.

Northstar Montessori School new location: 4900 Tomken Road, on the SW corner of Tomken and Eglinton

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Article Submitted By: Rick Ramirez, Owner/President and Virginia Ramirez, Owner/Head of School, Northstar Montessori School