School Life

As parents, grandparents and caregivers, we realize more and more that our children are truly a gift. Throughout time, a main priority of many has been their children and the desire for them to succeed. Over the past 20 years however, we have seen a significant shift in the meaning of the word education. Education is no longer found only in the classroom. We now realize that children learn from all of their experiences, and therefore education is found in every environment — from structured settings to more relaxed surroundings — in homes, in churches, in school settings and at extra curricular or summer programs. The main reason for this drastic movement is the concern parents have for their children and the quality of education they receive.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a unique teaching philosophy that is the foundation at The Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School & Atrium in Mississagua.  Founded by Sofia Cavalletti and her Montessori collaborator, Gianna Gobbi in Rome in 1954, it is a result of a long period of careful observation of children. Sofia saw in a child, and in numerous other children since, a way of being in the presence of God that is both unique to the child and a gift to the adult who stops long enough to notice.

 “If we want to help the child draw nearer to God, we should with patience and courage seek to go always closer to the vital nucleus of things. This requires study and prayer.  The child will be our teacher if we know how to observe.” — Sofia Cavalletti

Inspired by Montessori principals, it is an exciting alternative to the traditional religious education. The curriculum is structured so that it accommodates and nurtures the faith, moral, and psychological states of the child’s growth in a non-scholastic, hands-on approach for children aged three to 12. Building on previous sessions and the child’s experiences from previous years, the program is a multi-year commitment that prepares children to better understand their gifts from God and ask “how can I live successfully with these gifts” rather than “what do I have to do to stay out of trouble”.

The Good Shepherd Catechesis highlights essential aspects of the Christian message that nurture the child’s need to love and be loved and the child’s capacity to enjoy God’s presence in her/his life. Key features include the use of catechetical materials specially designed for children and the use of a prepared environment, the Atrium, to foster children's religious growth. Through love, patience, peace and forgiveness, compassion, protection and leadership, the love of knowledge and the willingness to learn, a positive foundation will grow. Traits that when instilled in the children of today, will make for a brighter tomorrow.

Through the combined teachings and philosophies of Maria Montessori and Sofia Cavaletti, The Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School & Atrium teaches children by “following the child while preparing the environment”  — observing and meeting the child’s real needs. Together with each family and with the Church, this will develop the intellectual, emotional, social and physical capabilities of each child, in order to live a full life by meeting the challenges that lie ahead and enriching the community as a whole. 

Give your child a strong educational and moral foundation at The Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School & Atrium.