On August 31, AMI's President of long standing, Bob Portielje, retired after 28 years of commitment and dedication. Renilde Montessori, General Secretary from 1995, moved 'one up' to take on his responsibilities and Mary Hayes was welcomed as our new General Secretary, taking up office on September 1. For 130 years the last day of the month of August has been Maria Montessori's birthday. What day could be more appropriate to mark the transfer of responsibilities. The change-over took place at the AMI head office, in a quietly celebratory setting. Guests arrived, toured the AMI building, admired the newly-decorated study of Maria Montessori, and raised their glasses to the bubbly future of AMI. Some of these historic moments were captured in photographs. 31 August, signifying ... Bob Portielje signing 'off' as President of AMI Mary Hayes signing 'up' as General Secretary Renilde Montessori signing on the dotted line AMI Executive Committee and staff thanked Renilde for five extraordinary years and presented her with a painting of a black horse