On the 6th January 2007 it will be 100 years since the first Casa dei Bambini was opened by Dr. Maria Montessori in San Lorenzo, Rome.  One hundred years of Montessori is certainly something worth celebrating. 

The Macquarie dictionary defines “celebrate” as;-

           to observe or commemorate with ceremonies or festivities
           to make known publicly
           proclaim
           to sound the praises of
           extol
           to engage in a festive activity
           have a party

Which ever way you look at it, a celebration is a great time.  It is a time to be with others to acknowledge and enjoy!

There are endless ways that you and your colleagues can celebrate 100 years of Montessori.

Below is a list of ideas for celebrations that other schools and centres have used. Thanks to all those who have contributed ideas to this list.  This list is not finite.  Further ideas can be viewed on the Message Board page. Any suggestions you have that could be added to this list, please email to montessoricentenary@bigpond.com.

	Hold an Open Day
	Tree planting
	Ball (fancy dress / black tie / semi formal)
	Balloon release
	100th Birthday party
	Outdoor mosaic project
	Commemorative dinner
	Lantern festival
	Earth Day Celebrations (science fair that is “green” and friendly)
	Alumni Day
	International Day
	Peace Day
	Solstice Celebration (cultural, historical and geographical in nature with lots of singing and dancing)
	Morning / Afternoon Tea
	Book Fair
	Fair / Fete / Picnic
	Plaque unveiling
	Time Capsule
	Fundraise for sister school
	Fundraise for a Montessori or Children's charity
	Centenary Song writing / Poetry writing
	Organise a simultaneous celebration with a “Sister School” in another part of the world
	Create a temporary classroom, where people can come and see Montessori in action
	National Flora / Fauna Day
	Create a collective work of art or quilt
	Participate in a program run by UNESCO
	Open a new classroom
	Undertake to establish a new garden or an addition to the outdoor environment - "Centenary Garden"