Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori

About Bright Scholars

Our Philosophy

Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools follow the educational method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori philosophy seeks as its goal an independent, self-directed child. Our program fosters the development of responsibility, collaboration, cooperation, and an enjoyment of learning through exploration, purposeful play, and inquiry. Specially designed Montessori materials are integrated with other developmentally appropriate activities to provide the child with progressive learning in areas of Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Culture (which incorporates Drama, Music, Art, Science, Geography, Engineering, History, and Technology). 

Our program provides a total curriculum that allows for the optimum growth of children from 18 months up to and including 6.5 years old in all areas. Children are supported by our dedicated, Montessori-trained and RECE educators. Our team consists of child advocates who respect each child’s individuality and are committed facilitators who strive to educate the whole child and their families. 

Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools believes in a strong partnership between the school and our families for a consistent, seamless experience for the children. We strive to maintain close contact and develop relationships to connect with our families through Daily Communication (verbal and/or written), Parent Education Events, Newsletters, Surveys, and Formal Meetings throughout the school year.

Our Mission & Values

Mission

Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools strives to provide a program that optimizes a child’s potential to expand their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, cognitive, and spiritual development. We recognize that children are competent, capable, curious, and have a natural desire that inspires them to reach their potential. Our goal is to nurture a child’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination in a carefully prepared environment that fosters independence, self-confidence, respect, and a life-long love of learning.

Our Values

How Does Learning Happen and the Montessori Philosophy

Our values at Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools are reflected in the Ministry of Education’s Policy Statement as set out in “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” (HDLH). The four crucial foundations help strengthen the quality of our program and early years’ environments across the province. The language used in this document may differ but the goal of a lasting, positive impact on children, families, and the community are the same. Rather than “play”, we term the exploration of materials as “work”; modelling that purposeful play furthers a child’s sense of accomplishment, independence, and shapes them into contributing members of society.

Our ten principles include the following:

  1. Belonging – Each child, family, and home is welcome and recognized as being unique. Family styles, values, culture, and traditions are respected and reflected in our classrooms. 
  2. Community – We partner and draw from local community agencies for enhanced inclusion, professional development, and learning resource support.
  3. Inclusion – We welcome and integrate all children with physical, intellectual, developmental, social, and emotional needs with equality, fairness, dignity, respect, and privacy.
  4. Responsive – We “grow people” by selecting only the most knowledgeable, responsive, and reflective educators with ongoing professional education. 
  5. Curiosity – We prepare our environment to nurture the child’s spirit, interests, curiosity, and exuberance to enhance their learning.
  6. Nature – We provide opportunities within our indoor and outdoor classrooms for children to develop an authentic connection with the natural environment. We are conscious of nutritious food as fuel for growth and promote physical activity 
  7. Harmony – We work toward peace education through positive discipline for respect, citizenship, and self-fulfillment.
  8. Generosity – We encourage a generous spirit in our children through an emphasis on philanthropic efforts, compassion for others and the environment, and the value of sharing is caring.
  9. Individualized – We follow the child, observing and connecting to create individual learning plans based on each child’s strengths, interests, and capabilities.10. Self-Regulation – We model and facilitate positive behaviour guidance and provide children with the tools to regulate emotion and develop healthy social relationships.
  10. Self-Regulation – We model and facilitate positive behaviour guidance and provide children with the tools to regulate emotion and develop healthy social relationships.

Leadership Team

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for your interest in Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to become part of our family.

We look forward to a very positive learning experience for your child. I am proud to say that I have staff who have a “soul”. They not only educate a child’s mind but nurture their spirit through positive learning experiences within the school. 

Since 1988, I have had the pleasure of operating authentic Montessori schools. We have five sister schools; Bright Scholars Academy in Streetsville, Bright Scholars Academy in Cooksville, Bright Scholars Montessori in Meadowvale, Bright Scholars Montessori in Caledon, and Heritage Montessori in Oakville, Ontario.

At Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools, teachers and parents/guardians form a partnership to provide optimal learning environments for each child. Many parents/guardians participate by sharing their vocational information during the course of the year to bring more insight into real-life experiences. 

Twice a year, parents/guardians have a formal opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher and discuss their progress over the term. In addition, a written observation of the child is provided to each family at the end of the year.

Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori School strives to provide ongoing communication through monthly newsletters via email along with daily updates from our Parent Communication app, HiMama. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our community and ensuring that communication between home and school is upheld with diligence. 

One of my favourite special events is our concert, which is held bi-annually for children to have their first experience expressing themselves in front of an audience and to show their talents to parents/guardians. 

Please feel free to share your ideas and thoughts. We are committed to continuous growth and development to provide the very best possible experience for your child and family. 

Sincerely, 

Shela Minhas 
Director 
Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools

Our History

Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori Schools Inc. was founded in the year 1988 by Shela Minhas, opening her first Montessori school with a small group of children. With a community of support behind her, a special love for children, and a knack for business, she was guided by the Ministry of Education to open her very first location. This one decision has led to thousands of lives touched by a series of schools, consulting services, Montessori Teachers College, and a strong presence within several community organizations. Shela is an Executive Board Member and Past President of CDRCP (Child Development Resource Connection Peel), ADCO (Association of Day Care Operators) and EFFORT (Extended Family Forum Offering Relief and Trust). She has been involved in international projects for the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, “Learning through Play” and the World Forum on Early Care and Education, as well as local initiatives as Chair of ADCO’s Walkathon supporting Children’s Hospitals in Ontario. Shela is a member of CCMA (Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators), MTANA (Montessori Teachers Association of North America), and was involved in ADCO’s Book Project, “Approaches to Early Years Learning”. Shela is an advocate for children’s rights and mental health for the whole family. Her leadership has informed the culture of the school to be one of believing in the child, leading with your heart, a gentle touch, and the importance of quality time spent. 

Along with her hard work, it is the hardworking, dedicated staff that makes the schools. Over the years, the staff, comprised of career Montessorians and RECEs, have brought years of experience and dedication to the classroom. We would also not have provided the level of care and programming for it not have been for the thousands of families that have come in and touched our lives. 

What makes the schools different is the emphasis placed on interactions between educators and the families with the goal of a self-regulated, independent, and fulfilled child. Not only are staff focusing on positive connections within the classroom, but they also act as early years experts to help parents/guardians overcome challenges in the home. We are a solutions-based school, looking to grow with and for the children. We look forward to getting to know your family.

Careers

If you are interested in joining the Bright Scholars & Heritage Montessori team, be sure to submit your resume for review at bsakirwin@live.com.