About Casa Montessori & Orff School

Introduction

A Legacy of Learning and Music

For over 30 years, Casa Montessori & Orff School has been a nurturing space where children explore, create, and grow. Our unique blend of Montessori education and Orff music fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We are dedicated to supporting each child’s unique potential in a warm, respectful, and stimulating environment.

Our Story

In 1991, five dedicated Montessori teachers in Winnipeg set out to create a school that combined the principles of Maria Montessori with the musical brilliance of Carl Orff. Their vision, in the spirit of both Maria Montessori and Carl Orff’s philosophies, was to create an environment that would touch the imagination of the child and stimulate learning in a creative and independent environment.

Key Milestones

1991: The school opened as Crescentwood Children's Centre for Montessori and Orff, offering programs for children aged 2–6.
1998: Expanded to the Centro Caboto Centre to serve more families in the community with another 3-6-year-old classroom.
2005: Opened a two-year-old toddler (Bambini) program at the Wilkes location.

2008: Launched the Elementary Program
for Grades 1–6, extending the Montessori experience.
2011: Opened a third location on Fennell Street
to accommodate growing demand.
2018: Introduced a year-round Infant-Toddler Program for children aged 3 months to 3 years.
2023: Introducing infants: 18 months and up into the Toddler program at Wilkes.

Today, Casa Montessori & Orff School serves children across two locations in Winnipeg, continuing to uphold the vision of our founders.

Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a love of learning by:

Providing anauthentic Montessori environment that respects each child’s individuality.
Integrating the Orff approach to music
to nurture creativity and joy.
Fostering independence, confidence, and critical thinking.

We believe that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. Our goal is to create an environment where children feel empowered to explore, discover, and grow.

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Our Educational Philosophy

The Montessori Method

Our approach follows the principles of Maria Montessori, focusing on:

Child-Centred Learning: Children learn through exploration and self-directed activities.
Prepared Environments: Carefully designed classrooms that promote independence.
Multi-Age Classrooms: Encouraging mentorship, collaboration, and leadership.

The Orff Approach

The Orff music method, developed by Carl Orff, enhances our curriculum through:

Daily Music and Movement: Integrating rhythm, singing, and instruments.
Hands-On Learning: Engaging with drums, xylophones, and other instruments.
Creative Expression: Encouraging children to express themselves through music and dance.

Our Core Values

Respect: For oneself, others, and the environment.
Independence: Empowering children to think and act for themselves.
Creativity: Nurturing imagination and artistic expression.
Community: Building a supportive and inclusive school culture.
Joy of Learning: Inspiring curiosity and a lifelong passion for knowledge.

What Makes Us Unique

30+ Years of Excellence: A trusted Montessori school serving Winnipeg since 1991.
An Authentic Montessori School: Staying true to the Montessori Philosophy.
Montessori & Orff Integration: A rare and unique combination that fosters both academic and creative development.
Holistic Education: Supporting intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
Community Focus: Strong partnerships with parents and a nurturing school environment.

Meet The Founders

Our educators are Montessori-certified professionals dedicated to guiding children’s learning journeys. They bring warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping each child thrive.

Fay Sequeira and Lorraine Barnett

Fay Sequeira and Lorraine Barnett are Casa Montessori co-founders and Directors. Since 1991, they have overseen the growth of the schools and are personally involved in all aspects of the programs, including classroom teaching. Their strong partnership and devotion to the Montessori and Orff philosophies is apparent in every area of the schools. Their educational background and years of experience offer the stability, insights and enthusiasm that have allowed the schools to flourish.

Lorraine started her Montessori teaching career at Winnipeg Montessori School & then went on to be one of the co-founders of Montessori Learning Centre now known as Riverview Montessori School.

Fay was inspired to do her Montessori training by her mentor Rosemary Darville from Children’s House Montessori. Fay trained at St Nicholas College in London, England, and then joined Lorraine at the Montessori Learning centre. Later, Fay completed her Elementary Training at the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Fay is also a Master Teacher, training teachers with the Canadian Montessori Teacher Education Institute in Winnipeg.