Name of school
The name of this school is quite interesting. There are a couple of different reasons for using this particular name. Zebra crossing is known as a crosswalk in some parts of the world. Children usually cross the street using a crosswalk to get to school, so it is very fitting. This term also came about from an African Safari where the Wildebeest and the Zebra travel together through the Serengeti to the Masai Mara parks and meet at a river to cross it. This is a very dangerous task for them and much planning is required, as they trample over one another or drown or get eaten by crocodiles. Once they have crossed the river, they have been successful and can celebrate, but not quite yet, as they are very tired from the task just performed and still have to be alert for carnivores ready to attack. This is an annual occurrence where many tourists travel to see this great event of millions of animals and is known as the 7th wonder of the world.
Director
Aliya Khakhi:
I graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2004 with a degree in Business, majoring in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. I worked for 4 years in this field.
I am married and have a son. I started my own home based business, a day home, as I enjoy children very much. I am currently in the process of completing a Child Care Supervisor diploma.
I have also received a diploma as a trained Montessori teacher through the North American Montessori Centre. I strongly believe in the Montessori philosophy and understand how important the first few years of a child’s life really are.
Teachers
Kaukab Saher:
She has graduated from the Association Montessori Internationale and also holds a Bachelors Degree in Science. She has been in the teaching profession for over 18 years and during this period she has had the opportunity to teach at all levels of academics from preschool to undergraduate.
“I personally enjoy teaching children 2 ½ - 6 years of age as I see that the Montessori method of learning and philosophy allows each child to experience the excitement of learning by their own choice rather than by being forced and by helping them to perfect all their natural tools of learning, so that their ability will be at a maximum in future learning situations. I am very excited and look forward to working with the children and parents in the Montessori environment.”
Carolina Ramirez:
I came from the South American country, Columbia six years ago with my family. I will offer Spanish/English bilingualism to Zebra Crossing Montessori. I have my level I of child care through the Government of Alberta Children and Youth Services, and am currently taking my level II in early childhood education. I also have my Montessori preschool/ kindergarten Diploma and am a trained teacher. I am a very passionate, patient, and creative person, who will help Zebra Crossing Preschool and Kindergarten children achieve an incredible sense of self-esteem, independence, and tolerance.
Farheen Hanif:
She has her level one child care certificate through the Government of Alberta, and is currently working on her Montessori Certificate. “I have four children ages ten, seven, four and three. I believe that children flourish in an environment where structure and fun are key and self-esteem is always nurtured. I have over twelve years of experience working with children. I believe building a child's self-esteem is paramount.”
"The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist."
- Maria Montessori