Association of Chinese Montessori International
Constitution
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL
1. This Association shall be known as Association of Chinese Montessori International (hereinafter referred to as “the Association”)
2. The Association is an Not-for-profit organization
3. The Association is for Chinese and Overseas Chinese, with individual Sub-division at its locality
4. The place of business of the Association shall be at “1 Selegie Road, Paradiz Centre, #06-12 Singapore 188306” or such other addresses as many subsequently be decided upon by the Council of Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) and approved by the Registrar of Societies. The Association shall carry out its activities only in places and premises which have the prior written approval from the relevant authorities, where necessary.
5. The objective of the Association is to lead the Chinese & Chinese medium for the development of the scientific pedagogy advocated by Dr. Maria Montessori. Through exemplifies and supporting the teachers’ education program of Self-Awareness, Professionalism and the Spirit of Service for the full development of the human being.
6. The goal of the Association is spreading and upholding the pedagogical principles and practice formulated by Dr Maria Montessori, which ensure the independence of the child’s personality through successive stages of growth until s/he reaches full normal development by means of his/her own activity
CHAPER 2 MEMBERSHIP
7 Membership shall be divided into the following four categories. Every application for membership must be made in writing using the application form prescribed by the Council. The prescribed fee for application must be enclosed with each application. Every application shall be subjected to the approval of the Council whose decision shall be final.
7.1 Enterprise member: Any enterprise which business is related to Montessori Education, training, publication, etc.
7.2 Honorable member: Any person, who has contributed to the Early Childhood Education and the Montessori Method of teaching. Nominated by the member of the Association, with the consent of at least two-third of the Council, an invitation shall be forward to the individual to invite She/he to become the Honorable member of the Association.
7.3 Individual member: Any individual who qualified for any of the following:
7.3.1 Attending CMI Training Programme or Obtained CMI Diploma
7.3.2 Obtained AMI Diploma
7.3.3 Obtained AMS Diploma
7.3.4 Obtained MACTE accredited Diploma
(i), (ii), (iii) shall have a minimum of 470 hours of training hours
7.4 School membership:
7.4.1 Affiliated School: Obtain a minimum of 50% of the CMI School Assessment,
7.4.2 Recognized School: Obtain a minimum of 80% of the CMI School Assessment,
7.4.3 Normalized School: Obtain a minimum of 100% of the CMI School Assessment.
8 MEMBER’S RIGHTS
Members have the following rights:
8.1 All Members except the Honorable Members can vote at general meetings, can stand for election and can hold office. The number of representatives for enterprise and school members allowed to vote and hold office in the association is one only.
8.2 Members shall have the right to participate in activities organized by the Association and utilize its facilities provided they comply with the member’s obligations
8.3 Entitle to free Periodical magazine
8.4 Entitle to special discount on activities organized by the Association.
9 MEMBER’S OBLIGATIONS
Members are obliged:
9.1 To comply fully with the Constitution, rules and regulations and any resolutions passed by the Association;
9.2 To pay all fees as and when they fall due;
9.3 To notify the Secretariat of Association (hereinafter referred to as “the Secretariat”) of any change in their address; and
9.4 To represent the Association in any activities or events upon the recommendations by the Council.
9.5 To participate in voluntary tasks for the children which advocated by the Association or local community.
10 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
10.1 Any member may terminate his/her membership by giving at least 30 days’ notice in writing to the Secretariat. The Association may serve a notice of termination of membership on any member who fails to comply with the Constitution, member’s obligations or misconducts him/herself in a manner detrimental to the good image of the Association. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be signed by the president of the Association (hereinafter referred to as “the President”) or any other officer designated by the Council. Notice is deemed to have been given if it is mailed to the member at his/her last known address registered with Association. The member may object in writing to the termination of membership within 14 days from the date of such notice. The objection shall then be handed over to the Council for its investigation. If more than 50% of the Council members voted for the termination, the membership shall be terminated. The member being expelled shall be entitled to appeal to a General Meeting shall against the decision of the Council. A General Meeting shall be convened by the Council as soon as practicable for that purpose on request by such member, provided that such request shall be made within two (2) weeks of receipt of the decision of the Council. The decision of the General Meeting shall be by way of a simple majority and shall be final and binding on such member. If no such request is made or such request is not made within the prescribed time period, the decision of the Council shall be final and binding on such member.
10.2 Any member who fails to pay his/her dues within 180 days after the due date shall be notified in writing by the Treasurer of the Association. Notice is deemed to have been given if it is mailed to the member at his/her last known address registered with the Association. If the dues are not paid within 30 days from the date of such notice, his/her membership shall automatically be terminated. The member may re-apply for membership after paying the outstanding dues.
10.3 The rights and privileges of a member whose membership has been withdrawn or otherwise terminated shall immediately be forfeited. S/He shall ease to represent the Association in any manner and shall have no claims whatsoever on the Association but shall continue to be liable to the Association for any outstanding dues. S/He shall return his/her membership card to the Secretariat within 30 days from the date of termination.
CHAPTER 3 ORGANIZATION (see diagram)
CHAPTER 4 DUTIES & POWERS
11 The Council shall administer the affairs of the Association and has the following powers and duties:
11.1 To plan, organize and supervise activities in furtherance of the objects of the Association.
11.2 To approve or reject any application for membership.
11.3 To appoint suitable members to fill vacancies remaining in the Council.
11.4 To interpret the provisions in the Constitution and decide on any issue not expressively provided herein, subject to review at a general meeting; and
12 The Standing Committee comprising of the President, Deputy Presidents, Secretary General, Deputy Secretaries General, and all the 5 Section chiefs and Deputy chiefs. The Standing Committee has the following duties and powers:
12.1 To carry out the resolutions and other matters of the Council.
12.2 To appoint from time to time such members to form a sub-
Committee under the Presidentship of a Council member to deal with specific issues of interests to the Association; to prescribe the scope of work of and to evaluate and, if appropriate, to implement proposals put forward by the sub-Committee.
12.3 To employ staff for such term and at such remuneration, and to dismiss or replace him/her as the Council may deem fit.
12.4 To delegate to any staff such of its administrative powers as the Council may deem necessary for the operations of the Association.
12.5 To appoint the Council members who shall be authorized to sign bills, notes, receipts, acceptances, endorsements, cheques, releases, and any other documents on behalf of the Association.
12.6 To authorize any one expenditure of not exceeding the annual Budget of the Association.
12.7 To approve press statements and other public announcements, such as letters, circulars or pamphlets.
12.8 To make, amend and repeal all such by-laws as the Council may deem necessary for the proper conduct and management of the Association.
12.9 To administer the affairs and deal with urgent matters of the Association with the understanding that all decisions made by the Standing Committee shall be reported to and shall be endorsed by the Council at its meeting.
13 In the case where Council Members comes upon any matter, in which s/he has a personal interest, s/he shall voluntarily withdraw from the Meeting in order to avoid misunderstanding; otherwise, s/he shall be responsible for any disadvantage suffered by the Association.
14 Duties and powers of the President:
14.1 Act as Chairman in all general meetings and the Council meetings.
14.2 Represent the Association in its dealings with external bodies.
14.3 Be responsible for the overall supervision and management of the Association.
14.4 In case of emergency, the President can appoint a member to stand-in for his/her duties.
14.5 The Deputy Presidents shall assist the President in managing the affairs and activities of the Association. The President shall appoint one of them to deputize for him/her in his/her absence.
15 The Secretary General shall be responsible for:
15.1 The general administration, daily operations and the coordination of the various activities organized by the Association.
15.2 Sending out notices of meetings, recording minutes of all meetings and maintaining the relevant records/documents.
15.3 Submitting the necessary returns/reports to the relevant authorities.
16. The Treasurer shall be responsible for:
16.1 The custody of the Association’s assets, funds, inventories, keys and financial records handed over from his/her predecessors at the commencement of his/her term of office.
16.2 The handling of all financial matters in accordance with normal accounting practices and ensuring the maintenance of proper financial records.
16.3 The reporting of monthly statements of income and expenditure to the Council.
16.4 Conducting an annual inventory count, together with the Internal Auditors, by 31 December.
16.5 Preparation of the annual financial reports for auditing and the subsequent presentation to the Association at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
16.6 Handing over to his/her successors of all the assets, funds, inventories, keys and financial records that are held by him/her at the end of his/her term office.
17 Internal and External Auditors
17.1 During the election of Council members, two members who are not Council members shall be proposed and elected as Internal Auditors of the Association.
17.2 The Internal Auditors shall audit the accounts of the Association to ensure that they are kept in accordance with the financial regulations of the association. The President may require the Internal Auditors to audit the accounts at any time and make a report to the Council.
17.3 The External Auditor appointed at the Standing Committee shall audit the annual accounts and report his/her findings to the Council. The External Auditor may be re-appointed.
18 Trustees
18.1 If the Association acquires any immovable properties, such properties shall be vested in the trustees subject to a Declaration of Trust. Three members who are not Council members shall be elected as Trustees at a general meeting. The Council shall notify the Registrar of Societies the addresses of all immovable properties acquired, the names and personal particulars of Trustees and of any subsequent changes.
18.2 The Trustees shall act in accordance with the resolutions passed at any general meeting or by the Council.
18.3 A Trustee may resign from his/her trusteeship by giving at least 14 days’ notice in writing to the President.
18.4 If a Trustee dies, becomes of unsound mind or is absent from duty for period exceeding One year, s/he shall be deemed to have vacated his/her office.
18.5 If a Trustee is guilty of misconduct such as to render him/her unsuitable to continue in office, s/he may be removed at a general meeting convened for the purpose.
18.6 Vacancies in the trusteeship may be filled at a Council meeting.
18.7 Notice of any proposal to remove or appoint a Trustee to fill any vacancy in trusteeship must be posted on the notice board or Website of the Association at least 14 days before the general meeting.
19 Honorary Presidents, Advisors and Patrons
19.1 The Council may appoint members with long and distinguished services or contributions to the Association, or well respected individual who have contributed distinctly to the Chinese Montessori Education to be the Honorary Presidents of the Association.
19.2 The Council may appoint a maximum of five members with long and distinguished services or contributions to the Association, or well respected individual who have contributed distinctively to the Chinese Montessori Education as Advisors of the Association. The term of appointment shall coincide with that of the Council.
19.3 The Council may appoint persons of distinction to be Patrons of the Association. The term of appointment shall coincide with that of the Council.
20 Term Of Office
20.1 The term of office of Council members and internal Auditors shall be 4 years from the date of election or until the next Council is elected.
20.2 All Council members are eligible to be re-elected to the same post except the Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer and the Internal Auditors who shall be re-elected for every two years and shall not be re-elected to the same or related post for a consecutive term.
CHAPTER 5 ELECTION OF COUNCIL
21 The Association shall have a Council of 29 members, whose term of office shall be 4 years. Election shall be held once every 4 years for 24 members. The remaining 5 members shall be nominated by the 24 elected members. Election of the 24 Council members shall be held according to the following procedures:
21.1 At least 6 months before the Annual AGM. The Council shall appoint an Election Preparation Committee comprising at least five members with whom from the Advisory Counsellors to oversee all election matters.
21.2 The system of nomination shall be adopted. The Election Committee shall be formed six months before the Election Year. Each and every member shall be notified by the circular, the date of the AGM. A copy of the name of each Member and a copy of Nomination Form shall also be unclosed and send by mail. Every nominee shall be proposed by 2 members, who shall only be permitted to propose only once. The nominee shall also sign on the Nomination Form to indicate his/her consent. If the name of a member appears as a proposer in more than one Nomination Form, all the Nomination Forms with the same proposer shall be invalidated.
21.3 All the Nomination Forms, duly completed, shall be sent to the Secretarial of the Association for registration three month before the Election Date.
21.4 If not more than 24 candidates are nominated for the Election, the candidates shall be deemed to be elected to the Council and they shall designate such number of other members as are needed to fill the remaining vacancies at the first Council meeting. The members who being designated shall serve on the Council and shall have the same power and term of office as the Elected Council members.
21.5 If more than 24 candidates are nominated, the Election Preparatory Committee shall, under the scrutiny of more than half of the Election Preparation Committee Members, list out the names of all the Nominees. The list of the nominees and a copy of the ballot paper shall be sent by mail to each and every member, at his/her last known address registered with the Association. At least one month or before the July 7, the date of the Association's AGM, for member to cast their votes.
21.6 All the Ballot Papers, either through mail or personal delivery, shall be cast into the sealed ballot box to be opened for counting only at the AGM. The 24 persons with highest numbers of votes shall become Council members. A number of persons with lesser votes shall be listed as Reserved Council Members. The 24 Elected Members shall meet within 14 days after their election to nominate another 5 members to form the Council. The total number of 29 shall elect among themselves the 20 office-bearers, who shall take an oath of office within 2 months after their elections. The remaining 9 members shall be Ordinary Council Members
21.7 In the event of an equality of votes, a re-cast of Votes will be carried out.
21.8 The President, 4 deputy Presidents, Secretariat and 2 deputy secretariats, and Committee members of the Standing Committee and the Chiefs and Deputies of various Sections are to be elected by the Council by secret ballot.
21.9 In the absence of a Council member, the Reserved Council Member who polls the most votes among the Reserved Council Members shall fill the vacancy.
21.10 The Election Preparatory Committee shall be dissolved after the completion of elections.
CHAPTER 6 THE COUNCIL
22 The Council is the governing body of the Association. It consists of 29 members. The election of the Council shall be held every 4 year.
23 The elected Council members elect among themselves suitable individual to hold the following offices at the first Council meeting to be held 14 days immediately after the AGM:
23.1 One President
23.2 Four deputy Presidents
23.3 One Secretary General and two Deputy Secretaries General
23.4 One Treasurer and one Deputy Treasurer
24 The Standing Committee
24.1 The Council shall set up a Standing Committee, comprising of the President, the deputy Presidents and the 5 chiefs and deputy chiefs of the various sections.
24.2 The Standing Committee members shall reflect the International entity of the Association.
25 Special Council Members
The Council shall have the power to appoint members as Special Council Members to assist in organizing the Association’s activities. The terms of appointment shall coincide with that of the Council. The special Council members are allowed to attend Council meetings but they shall have no right to vote at such meeting.
26 Vacation Of Office Of Council Member
26.1 Any Council number may resign his/her office by notice in writing to the President.
26.2 If any Council member is absent for 3 consecutive Council meeting without satisfactory explanation, s/he shall be deemed to have vacated his/her office.
26.3 A Council member shall automatically be removed from office if s/he is certified to be unsound mind by a registered medical practitioner.
26.4 The Council shall continue to operate while any vacancies in the Council are being filled.
CHAPTER 7 SUPREME AUTHORITY, GENERAL MEETING AND COUNCIL MEETING
27.1 The supreme authority of the Association is vested in a General Meeting of the members.
27.2 An Annual General Meeting shall be held in July.
27.3 At other times, an Extraordinary General Meeting must be called by the President on the request in writing of not less than 25% of the total voting membership or thirty (30) voting members, whichever is the lesser, and may be called at anytime by order of the Council. The notice in writing shall be given to the Secretary setting forth the business that is to be transacted. The Extraordinary General Meeting shall be convened within two (2) months from receiving this request to convene the Extraordinary General Meeting.
27.4 If the Council does not within two (2) months after the date of the receipt of the written request proceed to convene and Extraordinary General Meeting, the members who requested for the Extraordinary General Meeting shall convene the Extraordinary General Meeting by giving ten (10) days’ notice to voting members setting forth the business to be transacted and simultaneously posting the agenda on the Society’s notice board.
27.5 At least two (2) weeks’ notice shall be given of an Annual General Meeting and at least ten (10) days’ notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting. Notice of meeting stating the date, time and place of meeting shall be sent by the Secretary to all voting members. The particulars of the agenda shall be posted on the Society’ notice board four (4) days in advance of the meeting.
27.6 Unless otherwise stated in this Constitution, voting by proxy shall not be allowed at all General Meeting.
27.7 The following points will be considered at the Annual General Meeting:
(a) The previous financial year’s account and annual report of the Council
(b) Where applicable, the election of Council Members and Honorary Auditors for the following term.
27.8 Any member who wishes to place an item on the agenda of a General Meeting may do so provided s/he gives notice to the Secretary one (1) week before the meeting is due to be held.
27.9 At least 25% of the total voting membership or thirty (30) voting members, whichever is the lesser, present at a General Meeting shall form a quorum. Proxies shall not be constituted as part of the quorum.
27.10 In the event of there being no quorum at the commencement of a General Meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned for half an hour and should the number then present be insufficient to form a quorum, those present shall be considered a quorum, but they shall have no power to amend any part of the existing Constitution.
27.11 Regular Council meetings shall be held at least once in every year. Special meeting may be called by the President as and when s/he may deem it necessary, or upon the written request of at least five Council members. Notice of meeting shall be sent to all Council members at least thirty (30) working days before the meeting.
27.12 The quorum for a Council meeting shall be fifteen Council members.
27.13 In the event that there is no quorum at the commencement of the Council meeting, the meeting shall be adjourned to thirty (30) minutes later at the same place and should the number then present be insufficient to form a quorum, those present shall constitute a quorum, but any resolution adopted at such a meeting shall be ratified at a Council meeting where the required quorum is present.
27.14 The President shall preside as Chairman at every Council meeting. If s/he is not present 15 minutes after the time set for the meeting, the Council members present shall elect one of the Council members to be the President of the meeting.
27.15 Unless otherwise specified, all resolutions arising at any Council meeting shall be determined by a simple majority of votes of the Council members present. In the case of an equality of votes, the President shall have a second and casting vote.
CHAPTER 8 FINANCE
28 The Financial year of the Association shall end on 31 December.
29 The Council shall have the power to determine the subscription and any other fees.
30 The Council shall have the power to determine the fees to be charged for each activity and organize activities to raise funds for the Association.
31 The Council members, the Standing Committee Members, the Special Council Members, Internal Auditors, Trustees and any other person who may be appointed to any sub-Committee shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration from the Association.
32 The budget shall be completed two months before the next AGM. The Council members and all the various Section Chiefs shall submit the proposed activities and its budget to be presented and approved by the Next Council Meeting.
33 The Treasurer shall deposit all monies received into the bank accounts of the Association. A petty cash float of 1000RMb may be maintained.
34 The Treasury is authorized to pay up to S$2500 (Singapore Dollars only) or RMB 10,000 only per any one expenditure incurred by the Association, above which the prior approval of the Council or the Standing Committee must be obtained.
35 All cheques must be signed jointly by the Treasurer or the Deputy Treasurer and the President or the Deputy President appointed by the Council.
36 An expenditure of not exceeding $5000(Singapore dollars five thousand only) can be approved either by the President and the Honorary Treasurer. For amount over $5000 but not exceeding $10,000 shall be approved by the Standing Committee. An expenditure of over $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000 is to be approved by the Council while that of over $100,000.00 shall be approved only by a General Meeting of Members, except payment to Government Departments arising from a post resolution.
37 Bank account shall be operated in the name of the Association. All Cheques for withdrawals must bear the seal of the Association and the signatures of either the President or a Deputy President in addition to that of the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer. Every voucher must be approved by the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary.
38 Receipt for money received is to be jointly signed by the treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer and the paid Executive Secretary, and the money shall be deposit into a bank named by the Council within two working days. The Treasurer is allowed to keep a sum of cash on hand not exceeding $1000. Expenditure of over $100 is to be paid for by cheque.
CHAPTER NINE FUND
39 The Association’s fund shall be derived from the following
channels:
39.1 Subscriptions
39.2 Special subscription and donations
39.3 Incomes from various activities organized by the Association
39.4 Incomes from Training and Consultation
39.5 Property
39.6 Foundation and its interests
39.7 Any other incomes resolved by the Council.
40 Management of the Fund
40.1 The Association’s Fund shall be used for any publication of the Association, organizing of activities and any other daily expenditure.
40.2 The Association’s Fund shall be managed jointly by the Treasurer and the Honorary Secretarial.
40.3 The subscriptions period shall be subscribed annually, with effect from the date of subscription. Beginning from 1st January to 31st December. Membership subscription shall announce annually and shall be supervised by the members
41 Prohibitions
41.1 The Association shall not hold any lottery, whether confined to its members or not, in the name of the Association or its office-bearers, Council or members
41.2 Gambling of any kind is forbidden on the Association’s premises. The introduction of materials for gambling or drug taking and of bad characters into the premises is prohibited.
41.3 The funds of the Association shall not be used to pay the fines of members who have been convicted in court of law.
41.4 The Association shall not attempt to restrict or interfere with trade or make directly or indirectly any recommendation to, any arrangement with its members which has the purpose or is likely to have the effect of fixing or controlling the price or any discount, allowance, or rebate relating to any
goods or service which adversely affect consumer interests.
41.5 The Association shall not indulge in any political activity or allow its funds and/or premises to be used for political purposes.
41.6 The Association shall not raise funds from the public for whatever purposes without prior approval in writing of the Assistant Director Operation, Licensing Division, Singapore Police Force and other relevant authorities.
41.7 Unless approved by the Council in writing, no person shall be allowed to carry out any personal or commercial activities within the Association’s premises or in conjunction with the Association’s activities.
41.8 The Society shall not engage in any trade union activity as defined in any written law relating to trade unions for the time being in force in Singapore.
42 Amendments to the Constitution
No alternations or additions/deletions to this Constitution shall be made except at a general meeting and with the consent of two-thirds (2/3)of the voting members present at the General Meeting and they shall not come into force without the prior sanction of the Registrar of Societies.
43 Dissolution
43.1 The Association shall not be dissolved except with the consent of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all voting members expressed either in person or by proxy at a general meeting convened for that purpose.
43.2 In the event of the Association being resolved as provided for above, all debts and liabilities legally incurred on its behalf shall be fully discharged, and the remaining funds shall be distributed according to the instructions determined at the general meeting.
43.3 A Certificate of dissolution of the Association shall be given to the Registrar of Societies within 7 days of the passing of the resolution of dissolution at the general meeting.
44 Visitors and Guests
Visitors and guests may be admitted into the premises of the Association but they shall not be admitted into the privileges of the Association. All visitors and guests shall abide by the Association’s rules and regulations.
45 Interpretation
In the event of any question or matter pertaining to day-to-day administration which is not expressly provided for in this Constitution, the Council shall have the power to use their own discretion. The decision of the Council shall be final unless it is reversed at a General Meeting of members.
46 Disputes
In the event of any dispute arising amongst members, they shall attempt to resolve the matter at an Extraordinary General Meeting in accordance with this Constitution. Should the members fail to resolve the matter, they may bring the matter to a court of law for settlement.
