Our Pillars
Citizenship at Lauremont School
At Lauremont School, fostering a sense of citizenship is crucial for developing responsible, empathetic, and engaged global citizens. Citizenship instills values of empathy, respect, and community service, preparing students to contribute positively to society. This approach enhances academic learning and prepares students to navigate and impact the world in a meaningful way. Our programs, from Toddler to the Diploma Programme, are designed to integrate these values into every aspect of student life, creating an environment where children learn the importance of being active and informed citizens.
Toddler
Very young children are typically focused on themselves, however, when part of a community like Lauremont School, they naturally develop empathy and care for others. In our Toddler program, understanding, compassion and attention to others is role modelled by the adults around them, with the intention that our young students emulate this behaviour. Toddlers can often be seen independently comforting a crying classmate or assisting their peers. They are introduced to activities that help maintain the environment, both inside and outside. Throughout the day, they engage in recycling, gardening, watering plants, carrying laundry, and sweeping the floor. By participating in these activities, toddlers learn the importance of taking care of their surroundings and contributing to their community.
Our Toddler program also emphasizes the early development of social skills. Children learn to communicate their needs and feelings and cooperate with others. These early experiences in social development lay the foundation for empathy and respect. Additionally, the environment provides opportunities for toddlers to practice taking turns, sharing, and showing kindness, further reinforcing the values of community.
The supportive and nurturing atmosphere of the Toddler program at Lauremont School helps children develop a strong sense of self and a secure attachment to their community. This early introduction to Citizenship ensures that our youngest learners start their educational journey with a solid foundation of empathy and responsibility.
Children’s House
In the Children’s House program, Citizenship begins in the classroom, where children are members of a close-knit community. Students learn to work and play together respectfully and support each other in the classroom and on the playground. Our older students often give lessons to younger classmates or read to small groups, helping to develop leadership and collaboration skills.
Our students learn about the vast cultures of the world, respecting various traditions they explore. This exposure to diverse perspectives broadens their understanding of the world and creates a sense of global citizenship. Inspired by Maria Montessori’s advocacy for peace, our classrooms incorporate these values, teaching students the importance of harmony and cooperation.
The Children’s House program also emphasizes Practical Life skills, for example caring for the environment and participating in community service. Students engage in activities such as recycling and maintaining classroom materials, instilling a sense of appreciation for their surroundings. They participate in broader community activities, such as writing letters to veterans, collecting donations for food banks, and raising funds for charitable causes. These experiences teach children the importance of giving back to their community and making a positive impact on the world around them.
Through these activities and Mindfulness lessons, children in the Children’s House program develop empathy, cooperation, and a sense of responsibility. They learn to value diversity, respect others, and begin to understand their role in the larger community.
Elementary
The Elementary program at Lauremont School continues to encourage students to become engaged citizens, eager to make a positive difference in their community. In the Montessori environment, the child is seen as a capable individual who can impact the world around them. Students are encouraged to get involved and have numerous opportunities throughout the program to foster leadership and collaboration skills.
All students in the program participate in daily “Community Connections,” which are peer discussions under a monthly themed umbrella that includes topics such as friendship, kindness, and respect. These discussions help students reflect on how these themes relate to broader social issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion. By engaging in these conversations, students develop a deeper understanding of their role in fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
Elementary students are also involved in various activities through the school year that support community causes. These activities teach students the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility. They learn about sustainability and pertinent world issues, fostering a global perspective that aligns with the values of the IB Programme at our Upper School.
Through these experiences, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for addressing complex social and environmental issues. They learn to collaborate effectively, communicate their ideas, and take initiative in making positive changes. This comprehensive approach to Citizenship ensures that our elementary students are well-prepared to be active, engaged, and responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Upper School
At the Upper School, the IB Programme emphasizes “service as action” Grade 7 through Grade 12. Students learn about global issues and are encouraged to raise awareness and collaborate with peers to make a positive impact. The curriculum is designed to integrate action-based learning across subjects, linking topics to research, awareness building, and fundraising. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see the connections between their academic studies and real-world issues.
Students have the opportunity to participate in various co-curricular clubs, many of which are student-led, allowing them to take action in their communities in diverse ways. These clubs provide a platform for students to pursue their interests while contributing to the betterment of society.
As part of the Diploma Programme, students are required to complete their CAS (creativity, activity, service) project. This project promotes their involvement in activities that foster their growth and development as active global citizens.
Students at the Upper School are also enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program, continuing their work in Citizenship, as well as, athletics and outdoor excursions. Lauremont School also offers the opportunity to take part in the Lauremont School Schulich Experience (LSE) for Grade 9 and 10 students, which connects in-class concepts to social issues to help create sustainable social change and develop a social entrepreneurial mindset.
Through these experiences, Upper School students develop leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. They learn to take initiative, work effectively in teams, and address global challenges with innovative solutions.
