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Our Montessori School in Kleinburg alumni have gone on to find incredible success after their years with us
Client Success Specialist
My name is Caroline Tomei and I attended the Montessori School of Kleinburg between 2002 and 2005. I was lucky enough to spend the first three years of school in Casa Blue, learning from many wonderful teachers who still come to mind almost 20 years later, including Ms Rachel and Ms Bianca, as well as Mrs Lida, Mrs Mary and Mrs Enza of course! Although I attended MSK many years ago when I was very young, I still have fond and vivid memories of the classrooms, the school, activities, playground, nature walks and summer camp. To this day, I am very thankful that I had the privilege to spend a few years here before heading into elementary school, and the older I get, I really appreciate the positive and nurturing environment that was created for me as a student. It really is a magical place.
Following my graduation from MSK, I attended Our Lady of Fatima for elementary school and moved on to complete four years of highschool at Emily Carr Secondary School, where I discovered my passion for business and decided to pursue further education and a career down that path. I completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management and graduated in 2021 with distinction, also having earned numerous awards along the way thanks to my dedication to academics that was instilled in me from an early age.
Since the end of my academic career, I have been working in the financial services and capital markets industry for over four years now at the Toronto Stock Exchange. I completed several internships throughout my undergrad and went on to secure full time employment which really kick started my career upon graduation. Working in this field has proven to be highly competitive and constantly pushes me to be outcome focused, a strategic thinker and problem solver, all while having an open mind. These qualities are not learned overnight and I can only credit my positive experiences through my schooling for giving me this strong foundation. I am especially thankful to MSK for starting me off on the right foot and teaching me plenty more than what can be found in a book. MSK was inviting, colourful, fun, unique, inclusive and truly one of the best places to be in the early stages of a child’s life.
I always enjoy looking through old photos on the Alumni instagram page to reminisce about old times and old friends, but also to see how far the school has come decades later.
Thank you MSK.
MSK Graduate 2011
Hello MSK community, my name is James Colella, and I am a proud former MSK Casa student. Graduating from the program in June 2011, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this esteemed alumni community. My journey at MSK began at the age of 2 and a half, and the memories and experiences I gained have profoundly shaped my educational foundation.
Currently, I am a grade 11 student at Bill Crothers Secondary School who is a multisport athlete playing AAA hockey, ultimate frisbee and elite baseball. I currently play for the Ontario Royals U17 Baseball Team. My positions as a left-handed pitcher and center fielder fuel my aspirations of being recruited for baseball in the United States. While my education journey still has several more years ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in the sports or business fields.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and staff at MSK who have played a pivotal role in shaping my education to an advanced level. To all future MSK students, I wish you the best of luck on your academic journeys and to always follow your dreams. Mayou come to cherish MSK as much as I have.
Hi everyone, my name is Lori Cirillo and I was lucky enough to spend the first seven years of my academic career as a proud member of casa yellow, Ms. Sharmilla, and Ms. Lydia’s classes!
From a very young age, myself and my teachers were able to notice that I had a love for math and science that went beyond the scope of the classroom. MSK was able to give me the foundation that I needed to find my passion and love for what is now my current academic career.
I graduated from St. Thomas of Villanova College in the class of 2021 and am now a third year at McMaster University in the Honors Life Sciences program with a specialization in Origins of Disease and a certificate in Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology – with the hope of continuing my love of science into graduate school studying Immunology! I am also the Outreach Exec for McMaster’s Relay for Life, a Science Mentor, and a proud Welcome Week representative for the faculty of Science.
For those that may remember me from MSK, you make recall me as one of the quiter children when I was growing up but MSK gave me the tools I needed to fluorish! As I progressed through my academic career I was slowly able to find my voice and let my passion shine through. I will never forget the one-on-one lessons with Ms. Pam in my early casa days where all I wanted to do was math and science! I want to thank all my MSK teachers who allowed me to find my passion, nurtured it, and helped me fluorish! MSK also helped me to problem-solve and find my independence at a very young age which has helped me progress so far in my life in and outside academia!
Thank you for everything MSK!!
Entrepreneur
HI!
My name is Sophia and I got to spend 5 years of my childhood learning and growing at MSK!
As a 25 year old woman now, I can honestly say that I am living the life of my dreams. I am a Mindset, Empowerment, and Business coach for women, and I fulfilled my goal of becoming a digital nomad by moving to Antigua, Guatemala earlier this year.
I have incredible friends, a massive vision, and a die-hard belief in myself ! I truly believe that my time at MSK developed my character and helped me become the woman I am today.
One thing I will ALWAYS thank MSK and the Montessori philosophy for is the autonomy it gave us, even as kids! We were always encouraged to plan our days, set goals for ourselves, and take it upon ourselves to accomplish those goals.
MSK taught me to be self-disciplined and self-motivated, which is an essential for me now as a full-time entrepreneur.
Furthermore, lessons were always customized for each student. I got to advance so much faster in my speaking, writing, and mathematics than I would have at any other school because I was allowed to join the lessons of the grade above me!
This set me up for success in my academic life, all the way up to my University Graduation as a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering.
The values of community are another thing I cherish from my time at MSK.
I always loved how intimate the classroom setting was, and how all of us were encouraged to play our part and take care of our environment. Daily clean up time taught me to give back and think about my impact on others. I learned to contribute in every room and relationship I enter into, and it’s a character trait I am very proud of.
Apart from all of this, MSK genuinely gave me some of my best childhood memories.
I will never forget playing capture the flag in the forest, winning my first game of volleyball in the gym, playing house at recess!
I feel blessed that I got to have the best education money could buy, with a faculty who truly cared for me like family. I know I would not be so boldly pursuing my dreams if I hadn’t.
Thank you MSK, for everything!
University of Toronto
Hello!
My name is Matthew Pocrnic and I am thankful to have been chosen as alumni of the month! I attended MSK from 2005-2007 for grades 1 and 2. Today, I am a researcher at the University of Toronto, currently working on my PhD in theoretical physics. I am happy to share about my experiences at MSK and where they have taken me.
MSK provided an environment where I was consistently motivated to develop new interests and challenged to learn new skills. I was able to explore math concepts suitable to my level and pick interesting science experiments to try. I was also able to practice the piano as a part of my music learning. My favourite part was the annual science fair which allowed us to explore a project of our choice. I remember learning about how suspension bridges were designed and built some of my own with popsicle sticks and fishing line. To my surprise, they were strong enough for my brother and I to stand on! As well, I learned about magnets and how they can be used to build high speed trains. These experiences helped to instil the passion for science I have today.
In more recent years, I graduated from the Integrated Science program at McMaster University with a concentration in physics. I then went on to the University of Toronto where I completed a Master’s degree in theoretical physics. Currently, I am working towards my PhD at UofT as quantum computing researcher. Here I collaborate with others to calculate the power of future computers built on the laws of quantum mechanics, which can provably solve classes of problems that modern computers will never crack!
From reading about science as a hobby, to now being able to make some small contributions towards a field, I can’t help but reflect and be grateful for the experiences that first ignited my interests. Many of which were at MSK.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Post-Degree Program University Student
Hello everyone!
My name is Sofia Tibollo. I am thankful to have been chosen as alumni of the month and am appreciative of the opportunity to speak on my experiences at MSK. I was a student at MSK from the age of 2 and a half. Following this, I attended De La Salle College “Oaklands” from grades 5 through 12. I then went on to receive my Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University in London, Ontario, from which I graduated this past June. Currently, I am studying marketing through a post-degree program also offered at Western University. With all the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my education, I aim to pursue a career in the marketing industry. Throughout these years, I have taken up several hobbies, including horseback riding, tennis, and learning to play various musical instruments, many of which I participated in with friends that I met through MSK.
Reflecting on my time at MSK brings feelings of happiness, comfort, and gratitude. I have many fond memories of the years I spent there despite being so young, which truly demonstrates the extent of the positive impact MSK had on me. From being introduced to new activities to being able to collaborate with students in the other classes and grades, every day was a new adventure filled with a lot of laughter, fun, and, of course, learning! MSK was more than just a school to me. It was a place where I was challenged, encouraged to be myself, and supported in every task I participated in. The teaching methods used at MSK, along with the nurturing environment, set me up for great success both in my academic and professional career and my day-to-day life. Through daily school activities, I learned many important skills, such as problem-solving, independence, teamwork, leadership, and resilience, all of which were foundational to where I am today. MSK allowed me to form many lifelong friendships, and for that, I am forever grateful. Whenever I get together with these friends, we always have so many amazing memories of MSK to reminisce on. I wish you all the very best!
Sincerely,
Sofia Tibollo
University Student
Hello MSK family, My name is Lauren Colella, and I graduated from the MSK Casa Program in June 2007. I am so grateful to have been chosen as this month’s alumni! I started at MSK at the age of 3 with many fond memories that formed my foundation of learning, through cursive writing and mathematical problems. Presently, I am a second year University of Toronto student pursing a major in Biology for Health Sciences. I continue to have several more years in my post secondary education, with the hopes of a career in the medical or education fields. As being apart of the MSK community a special thank you goes out to all the teachers and staff who brought my education to an advance level prior to my time in elementary and high school. To the future and current MSK students, I wish you much luck on your academic journeys. I hope you continue to love MSK just as much as I did. Hope to come and visit everyone soon. Much Love, Lauren Colella
University Master’s Student
Hey everyone!
My name is Chloé, and I attended MSK from 2003-2008 and was a proud member of Casa Blue.
MSK was the start of my educational journey and helped build the foundations for where I am today. I will never forget my graduation from Casa Blue into grade 1 when I was asked to get up on stage and announce what I wanted to be when I grew up. At 5 years old, how was I supposed to know what I intended to do in the future? Yet, at MSK, they encouraged you to believe that the possibilities in life are endless and that you can be anything you want to be as long as you don’t give up on your dreams.
The potential to be anything I wanted motivated me to set goals and work my hardest to achieve them. I attended Queen’s University for my undergrad, where I received a BScH as a Life Science major while also playing on the Women’s Varsity Water Polo team. However, during my second year of undergrad, while competing, I sustained a concussion, which significantly disrupted my life and my goals. Looking back, when I was faced with this setback, I had no idea how I was going to overcome it. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, when you are faced with a challenge that may be a STRUGGLE at the time, it is all a part of the journey that will shape you into who you are. Do not be discouraged if something doesn’t go your way. Sometimes, you may get bogged down with a challenge, but what matters is that you get back up and try again.
Currently, I am at the University of Toronto, completing my Master’s at the Institute of Medical Science with a specialization in Neuroscience. I am conducting a clinical trial, utilizing my lived experience with this injury, and working towards developing potential interventions to help aid patients’ recovery. After my master’s, I am hoping to attend medical school, and I am thinking about becoming a physician-scientist. I want to be able to help treat patients while continuing with my concussion research to help contribute to the field.
At 5 years old, I had no idea this was where I would end up today, but that’s what’s so exciting about the journey! Sometimes, things that are outside of your control will happen, but what matters is that you don’t give up. Those setbacks will make you stronger.
If you have any questions or want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Never give up on your dreams, Chloé
Countertenor
Bachelors of Aerospace Engineering, UOFT
I have just graduated with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering. It seems like a lifetime ago but I once was a student at MSK, and I can say without a doubt that it was MSK that prepared me for what I would face in my future education. MSK taught me how to work hard and organize my time in order to complete everything which needed to be done, but more importantly, it taught me the value of pursuing that which I am passionate about. You see it was during my time at MSK I began to be interested in the sciences, it was at MSK where the passion that now burns inside of me was ignited. I am very grateful for the time I spent at MSK, and how even now I am still encouraged every time I return. MSK is a place which points your view to the sky so that you aim not at that which is right in front of you, but that which lies with the stars waiting for you to discover it.
Physiology Specialist Student, UOFT
While I was only a young student just beginning my academic career at the time of my study there, I believe the Montessori School in Kleinburg put me on the path to success for the rest of my very long journey. Overall, I credit them with teaching me independence, individuality, and how to learn in ways beyond any typical classroom. My time at MSK taught me how to love to learn. The academic curriculum is exceptional, and when my time at MSK was up I was light years ahead of classmates at my new schools in everything from reading and writing at a much higher grade, being able to proficiently multiply and do long division by third grade, and immaculate handwriting. Looking back, beyond academic curriculum, MSK taught life and social skills, confidence in myself, a sense of discipline and maturity at a young age, and how to be a leader but also how to respect others. I believe my success as a student and beyond, and that of any student, comes from the guidance they received when they were young students. MSK provided me with an unparalleled foundation upon which I built the rest of my life and successes as a student.
To date, I have graduated high school amongst the top 10 highest academically achieving students in my graduating class. I graduated with both an Honours Ontario Secondary diploma and also a successfully completed International Baccalaureate Programme diploma. I am currently studying at the University of Toronto at the St. George campus part of Trinity College; and I will be beginning my third year of study in September 2018 towards the completion of a Physiology Specialist. I have high aspirations of medical school and beyond for the many years of lifelong learning I want for myself, and truthfully I don’t believe I would be the student I am today had it not been for the staff and teachers at the Montessori School in Kleinburg. I am so grateful for the time I spent with them.
Aspiring Chiropractor and Entrepreneur
By attending a Montessori school, it allowed me to obtain a set of unique interpersonal skills that can not be achieved from an ordinary public school. By using a “hands-on” approach along with being confined in a loving environment, it allowed me to become the strong, confident, and determined woman that I am today. Your youth is where most information is absorbed and retained and the Montessori education system uses this time to not only teach what is required but to also teach what is important. My childhood is where I picked up all the skills that helped me be successful today. I was able to explore my academic interests through the use of materials allowing me to enjoy and have fun with my education. The teachers were always an excellent support system, always providing me with opportunities to pursue my interests and not once did I ever feel pressured or judged. Time management is a skill that prominent in every aspect of my life and through the help of the Montessori teachers along with the materials used I was able to adapt this skill at a very young age.
Growing up in a Montessori environment provided a foundation for an overall successful education due to being introduced to many skills at such a young age. Along with being taught necessary working habits, I was also taught how to love myself along with those around me. Growing up, Montessori taught me how to work cooperatively with those of different ages, races, and skill sets. Through the help of Montessori I adapted excellent work habits that allowed me to graduate high school with excellent marks and be in my second year undergraduate of kinesiology. Constantly being taught to follow my dreams as a child allowed me to continuously strive despite the obstacles I was faced with and now i continue to chase my dreams of becoming a chiropractor and opening up my own clinic. The Montessori School in Kleinburg made what looked impossible to me, possible. While attending the Montessori School in Kleinburg, I never felt like a student, I felt like a daughter who was apart of one big family. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing school and be apart of a loving family who never doubted me. I would not be where I am today if it was not for wonderful staff, principal and education system.
Aspiring Teacher
Education is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to a person; both child an adult. It encourages an individual to pursue a passion, or even assist in discovering a passion one was unaware they possessed. My passion for education stems from my many years at M.S.K. I was a student at M.S.K for ten years, and the skills I’ve learned have stayed with me to present day. M.S.K is much more than a school, it is a family. All the staff encourage their students to strive for excellence and be the best person they can be. They take the time to sit down with students one-on-one to ensure all concepts and lessons are fully understood. This not only helps students gain confidence in their academic abilities, but also provides them with a number of strategies they will use to understand assignments on their own.
From my time at M.S.K, I witnessed how dedicated all the teachers were to their career. They always put their heart into everything they do and teach. All the students are treated with the same respect and kindness; no student is ever isolated from their peers. It is M.S.K’s exemplary staff that made my decision to pursue education an easy one. I have always believed that it is everyone’s right to a proper and solid education, and M.S.K demonstrates this in everything they do.
My hopes for the future is to be an amazing teacher who is loved by her students. My many role models at M.S.K have taught me that my dreams can become a reality if you do the best you can, and treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Staff from MSK spent endless hours teaching me proper work ethics, concepts, and manners. M.S.K has truly shaped me into the person I am today. When it is my time to be an educator, I will carry on what M.S.K has taught me and continues to teach; education truly is the best gift.
Client Success Specialist
My name is Caroline Tomei and I attended the Montessori School of Kleinburg between 2002 and 2005. I was lucky enough to spend the first three years of school in Casa Blue, learning from many wonderful teachers who still come to mind almost 20 years later, including Ms Rachel and Ms Bianca, as well as Mrs Lida, Mrs Mary and Mrs Enza of course! Although I attended MSK many years ago when I was very young, I still have fond and vivid memories of the classrooms, the school, activities, playground, nature walks and summer camp. To this day, I am very thankful that I had the privilege to spend a few years here before heading into elementary school, and the older I get, I really appreciate the positive and nurturing environment that was created for me as a student. It really is a magical place.
Following my graduation from MSK, I attended Our Lady of Fatima for elementary school and moved on to complete four years of highschool at Emily Carr Secondary School, where I discovered my passion for business and decided to pursue further education and a career down that path. I completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management and graduated in 2021 with distinction, also having earned numerous awards along the way thanks to my dedication to academics that was instilled in me from an early age.
Since the end of my academic career, I have been working in the financial services and capital markets industry for over four years now at the Toronto Stock Exchange. I completed several internships throughout my undergrad and went on to secure full time employment which really kick started my career upon graduation. Working in this field has proven to be highly competitive and constantly pushes me to be outcome focused, a strategic thinker and problem solver, all while having an open mind. These qualities are not learned overnight and I can only credit my positive experiences through my schooling for giving me this strong foundation. I am especially thankful to MSK for starting me off on the right foot and teaching me plenty more than what can be found in a book. MSK was inviting, colourful, fun, unique, inclusive and truly one of the best places to be in the early stages of a child’s life.
I always enjoy looking through old photos on the Alumni instagram page to reminisce about old times and old friends, but also to see how far the school has come decades later.
Thank you MSK.
Hi everyone, my name is Lori Cirillo and I was lucky enough to spend the first seven years of my academic career as a proud member of casa yellow, Ms. Sharmilla, and Ms. Lydia’s classes!
From a very young age, myself and my teachers were able to notice that I had a love for math and science that went beyond the scope of the classroom. MSK was able to give me the foundation that I needed to find my passion and love for what is now my current academic career.
I graduated from St. Thomas of Villanova College in the class of 2021 and am now a third year at McMaster University in the Honors Life Sciences program with a specialization in Origins of Disease and a certificate in Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology – with the hope of continuing my love of science into graduate school studying Immunology! I am also the Outreach Exec for McMaster’s Relay for Life, a Science Mentor, and a proud Welcome Week representative for the faculty of Science.
For those that may remember me from MSK, you make recall me as one of the quiter children when I was growing up but MSK gave me the tools I needed to fluorish! As I progressed through my academic career I was slowly able to find my voice and let my passion shine through. I will never forget the one-on-one lessons with Ms. Pam in my early casa days where all I wanted to do was math and science! I want to thank all my MSK teachers who allowed me to find my passion, nurtured it, and helped me fluorish! MSK also helped me to problem-solve and find my independence at a very young age which has helped me progress so far in my life in and outside academia!
Thank you for everything MSK!!
MSK Graduate 2011
Hello MSK community, my name is James Colella, and I am a proud former MSK Casa student. Graduating from the program in June 2011, I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this esteemed alumni community. My journey at MSK began at the age of 2 and a half, and the memories and experiences I gained have profoundly shaped my educational foundation.
Currently, I am a grade 11 student at Bill Crothers Secondary School who is a multisport athlete playing AAA hockey, ultimate frisbee and elite baseball. I currently play for the Ontario Royals U17 Baseball Team. My positions as a left-handed pitcher and center fielder fuel my aspirations of being recruited for baseball in the United States. While my education journey still has several more years ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in the sports or business fields.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and staff at MSK who have played a pivotal role in shaping my education to an advanced level. To all future MSK students, I wish you the best of luck on your academic journeys and to always follow your dreams. Mayou come to cherish MSK as much as I have.
Entrepreneur
HI!
My name is Sophia and I got to spend 5 years of my childhood learning and growing at MSK!
As a 25 year old woman now, I can honestly say that I am living the life of my dreams. I am a Mindset, Empowerment, and Business coach for women, and I fulfilled my goal of becoming a digital nomad by moving to Antigua, Guatemala earlier this year.
I have incredible friends, a massive vision, and a die-hard belief in myself ! I truly believe that my time at MSK developed my character and helped me become the woman I am today.
One thing I will ALWAYS thank MSK and the Montessori philosophy for is the autonomy it gave us, even as kids! We were always encouraged to plan our days, set goals for ourselves, and take it upon ourselves to accomplish those goals.
MSK taught me to be self-disciplined and self-motivated, which is an essential for me now as a full-time entrepreneur.
Furthermore, lessons were always customized for each student. I got to advance so much faster in my speaking, writing, and mathematics than I would have at any other school because I was allowed to join the lessons of the grade above me!
This set me up for success in my academic life, all the way up to my University Graduation as a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering.
The values of community are another thing I cherish from my time at MSK.
I always loved how intimate the classroom setting was, and how all of us were encouraged to play our part and take care of our environment. Daily clean up time taught me to give back and think about my impact on others. I learned to contribute in every room and relationship I enter into, and it’s a character trait I am very proud of.
Apart from all of this, MSK genuinely gave me some of my best childhood memories.
I will never forget playing capture the flag in the forest, winning my first game of volleyball in the gym, playing house at recess!
I feel blessed that I got to have the best education money could buy, with a faculty who truly cared for me like family. I know I would not be so boldly pursuing my dreams if I hadn’t.
Thank you MSK, for everything!
University of Toronto
Hello!
My name is Matthew Pocrnic and I am thankful to have been chosen as alumni of the month! I attended MSK from 2005-2007 for grades 1 and 2. Today, I am a researcher at the University of Toronto, currently working on my PhD in theoretical physics. I am happy to share about my experiences at MSK and where they have taken me.
MSK provided an environment where I was consistently motivated to develop new interests and challenged to learn new skills. I was able to explore math concepts suitable to my level and pick interesting science experiments to try. I was also able to practice the piano as a part of my music learning. My favourite part was the annual science fair which allowed us to explore a project of our choice. I remember learning about how suspension bridges were designed and built some of my own with popsicle sticks and fishing line. To my surprise, they were strong enough for my brother and I to stand on! As well, I learned about magnets and how they can be used to build high speed trains. These experiences helped to instil the passion for science I have today.
In more recent years, I graduated from the Integrated Science program at McMaster University with a concentration in physics. I then went on to the University of Toronto where I completed a Master’s degree in theoretical physics. Currently, I am working towards my PhD at UofT as quantum computing researcher. Here I collaborate with others to calculate the power of future computers built on the laws of quantum mechanics, which can provably solve classes of problems that modern computers will never crack!
From reading about science as a hobby, to now being able to make some small contributions towards a field, I can’t help but reflect and be grateful for the experiences that first ignited my interests. Many of which were at MSK.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Post-Degree Program University Student
Hello everyone!
My name is Sofia Tibollo. I am thankful to have been chosen as alumni of the month and am appreciative of the opportunity to speak on my experiences at MSK. I was a student at MSK from the age of 2 and a half. Following this, I attended De La Salle College “Oaklands” from grades 5 through 12. I then went on to receive my Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University in London, Ontario, from which I graduated this past June. Currently, I am studying marketing through a post-degree program also offered at Western University. With all the knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my education, I aim to pursue a career in the marketing industry. Throughout these years, I have taken up several hobbies, including horseback riding, tennis, and learning to play various musical instruments, many of which I participated in with friends that I met through MSK.
Reflecting on my time at MSK brings feelings of happiness, comfort, and gratitude. I have many fond memories of the years I spent there despite being so young, which truly demonstrates the extent of the positive impact MSK had on me. From being introduced to new activities to being able to collaborate with students in the other classes and grades, every day was a new adventure filled with a lot of laughter, fun, and, of course, learning! MSK was more than just a school to me. It was a place where I was challenged, encouraged to be myself, and supported in every task I participated in. The teaching methods used at MSK, along with the nurturing environment, set me up for great success both in my academic and professional career and my day-to-day life. Through daily school activities, I learned many important skills, such as problem-solving, independence, teamwork, leadership, and resilience, all of which were foundational to where I am today. MSK allowed me to form many lifelong friendships, and for that, I am forever grateful. Whenever I get together with these friends, we always have so many amazing memories of MSK to reminisce on. I wish you all the very best!
Sincerely,
Sofia Tibollo
University Student
Hello MSK family, My name is Lauren Colella, and I graduated from the MSK Casa Program in June 2007. I am so grateful to have been chosen as this month’s alumni! I started at MSK at the age of 3 with many fond memories that formed my foundation of learning, through cursive writing and mathematical problems. Presently, I am a second year University of Toronto student pursing a major in Biology for Health Sciences. I continue to have several more years in my post secondary education, with the hopes of a career in the medical or education fields. As being apart of the MSK community a special thank you goes out to all the teachers and staff who brought my education to an advance level prior to my time in elementary and high school. To the future and current MSK students, I wish you much luck on your academic journeys. I hope you continue to love MSK just as much as I did. Hope to come and visit everyone soon. Much Love, Lauren Colella
University Master’s Student
Hey everyone!
My name is Chloé, and I attended MSK from 2003-2008 and was a proud member of Casa Blue.
MSK was the start of my educational journey and helped build the foundations for where I am today. I will never forget my graduation from Casa Blue into grade 1 when I was asked to get up on stage and announce what I wanted to be when I grew up. At 5 years old, how was I supposed to know what I intended to do in the future? Yet, at MSK, they encouraged you to believe that the possibilities in life are endless and that you can be anything you want to be as long as you don’t give up on your dreams.
The potential to be anything I wanted motivated me to set goals and work my hardest to achieve them. I attended Queen’s University for my undergrad, where I received a BScH as a Life Science major while also playing on the Women’s Varsity Water Polo team. However, during my second year of undergrad, while competing, I sustained a concussion, which significantly disrupted my life and my goals. Looking back, when I was faced with this setback, I had no idea how I was going to overcome it. However, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, when you are faced with a challenge that may be a STRUGGLE at the time, it is all a part of the journey that will shape you into who you are. Do not be discouraged if something doesn’t go your way. Sometimes, you may get bogged down with a challenge, but what matters is that you get back up and try again.
Currently, I am at the University of Toronto, completing my Master’s at the Institute of Medical Science with a specialization in Neuroscience. I am conducting a clinical trial, utilizing my lived experience with this injury, and working towards developing potential interventions to help aid patients’ recovery. After my master’s, I am hoping to attend medical school, and I am thinking about becoming a physician-scientist. I want to be able to help treat patients while continuing with my concussion research to help contribute to the field.
At 5 years old, I had no idea this was where I would end up today, but that’s what’s so exciting about the journey! Sometimes, things that are outside of your control will happen, but what matters is that you don’t give up. Those setbacks will make you stronger.
If you have any questions or want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Never give up on your dreams, Chloé
Countertenor
Bachelors of Aerospace Engineering, UOFT
I have just graduated with a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering. It seems like a lifetime ago but I once was a student at MSK, and I can say without a doubt that it was MSK that prepared me for what I would face in my future education. MSK taught me how to work hard and organize my time in order to complete everything which needed to be done, but more importantly, it taught me the value of pursuing that which I am passionate about. You see it was during my time at MSK I began to be interested in the sciences, it was at MSK where the passion that now burns inside of me was ignited. I am very grateful for the time I spent at MSK, and how even now I am still encouraged every time I return. MSK is a place which points your view to the sky so that you aim not at that which is right in front of you, but that which lies with the stars waiting for you to discover it.
Physiology Specialist Student, UOFT
While I was only a young student just beginning my academic career at the time of my study there, I believe the Montessori School in Kleinburg put me on the path to success for the rest of my very long journey. Overall, I credit them with teaching me independence, individuality, and how to learn in ways beyond any typical classroom. My time at MSK taught me how to love to learn. The academic curriculum is exceptional, and when my time at MSK was up I was light years ahead of classmates at my new schools in everything from reading and writing at a much higher grade, being able to proficiently multiply and do long division by third grade, and immaculate handwriting. Looking back, beyond academic curriculum, MSK taught life and social skills, confidence in myself, a sense of discipline and maturity at a young age, and how to be a leader but also how to respect others. I believe my success as a student and beyond, and that of any student, comes from the guidance they received when they were young students. MSK provided me with an unparalleled foundation upon which I built the rest of my life and successes as a student.
To date, I have graduated high school amongst the top 10 highest academically achieving students in my graduating class. I graduated with both an Honours Ontario Secondary diploma and also a successfully completed International Baccalaureate Programme diploma. I am currently studying at the University of Toronto at the St. George campus part of Trinity College; and I will be beginning my third year of study in September 2018 towards the completion of a Physiology Specialist. I have high aspirations of medical school and beyond for the many years of lifelong learning I want for myself, and truthfully I don’t believe I would be the student I am today had it not been for the staff and teachers at the Montessori School in Kleinburg. I am so grateful for the time I spent with them.
Aspiring Chiropractor and Entrepreneur
By attending a Montessori school, it allowed me to obtain a set of unique interpersonal skills that can not be achieved from an ordinary public school. By using a “hands-on” approach along with being confined in a loving environment, it allowed me to become the strong, confident, and determined woman that I am today. Your youth is where most information is absorbed and retained and the Montessori education system uses this time to not only teach what is required but to also teach what is important. My childhood is where I picked up all the skills that helped me be successful today. I was able to explore my academic interests through the use of materials allowing me to enjoy and have fun with my education. The teachers were always an excellent support system, always providing me with opportunities to pursue my interests and not once did I ever feel pressured or judged. Time management is a skill that prominent in every aspect of my life and through the help of the Montessori teachers along with the materials used I was able to adapt this skill at a very young age.
Growing up in a Montessori environment provided a foundation for an overall successful education due to being introduced to many skills at such a young age. Along with being taught necessary working habits, I was also taught how to love myself along with those around me. Growing up, Montessori taught me how to work cooperatively with those of different ages, races, and skill sets. Through the help of Montessori I adapted excellent work habits that allowed me to graduate high school with excellent marks and be in my second year undergraduate of kinesiology. Constantly being taught to follow my dreams as a child allowed me to continuously strive despite the obstacles I was faced with and now i continue to chase my dreams of becoming a chiropractor and opening up my own clinic. The Montessori School in Kleinburg made what looked impossible to me, possible. While attending the Montessori School in Kleinburg, I never felt like a student, I felt like a daughter who was apart of one big family. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing school and be apart of a loving family who never doubted me. I would not be where I am today if it was not for wonderful staff, principal and education system.
Aspiring Teacher
Education is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to a person; both child an adult. It encourages an individual to pursue a passion, or even assist in discovering a passion one was unaware they possessed. My passion for education stems from my many years at M.S.K. I was a student at M.S.K for ten years, and the skills I’ve learned have stayed with me to present day. M.S.K is much more than a school, it is a family. All the staff encourage their students to strive for excellence and be the best person they can be. They take the time to sit down with students one-on-one to ensure all concepts and lessons are fully understood. This not only helps students gain confidence in their academic abilities, but also provides them with a number of strategies they will use to understand assignments on their own.
From my time at M.S.K, I witnessed how dedicated all the teachers were to their career. They always put their heart into everything they do and teach. All the students are treated with the same respect and kindness; no student is ever isolated from their peers. It is M.S.K’s exemplary staff that made my decision to pursue education an easy one. I have always believed that it is everyone’s right to a proper and solid education, and M.S.K demonstrates this in everything they do.
My hopes for the future is to be an amazing teacher who is loved by her students. My many role models at M.S.K have taught me that my dreams can become a reality if you do the best you can, and treat everyone the way you want to be treated. Staff from MSK spent endless hours teaching me proper work ethics, concepts, and manners. M.S.K has truly shaped me into the person I am today. When it is my time to be an educator, I will carry on what M.S.K has taught me and continues to teach; education truly is the best gift.
