Jason Phillips

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

Parent-Teacher conferences are coming up from Nov. 17-21. Sign-up is available below if you still need to book a conference timeslot. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 21, but childcare will be available during your conference. Meet Ms. Early below!

This Week’s Classroom Update

My name is Ms. Early, the new English-language Assistant in Casa North. It has been a wonderful few months now in our classroom, filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection. The students have especially enjoyed “Making Tea” lately – they take great pride in carefully choosing a flavour, pouring the water, steeping the tea, and then enjoying a warm cup while sitting at a table with friends. It has been a beautiful way to practice patience, grace, and care of oneself.

This week, we also made cardstock poppy crafts in honour of Remembrance Day. The students created their own poppies using a quatrefoil stencil, sponging red paint, and then cutting and gluing a black circle into the centre. They were then offered the opportunity to further practice their scissor skills by cutting their poppies from the cardstock. The mindful art experience opened gentle conversations about peace, gratitude, and remembering those who have cared for others. At circle, we read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae.

We have been ending our days with joyful music and songs that include plenty of movement and actions. The students all participate happily in this time to sing together, express themselves, and unwind after a busy day of learning and exploring.

It is always such a pleasure to witness their growing independence, kindness, and enthusiasm each day. Watching the children build new friendships and strengthen relationships from previous years has been lovely. With the buzz of a busy classroom quietly settling into normalization, I look forward to what discoveries the colder months will bring.

Warmest regards,

Ms. Early.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Friday, Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 21, to accommodate Parent-Teacher conferences. Childcare is available during your conference. Please click here to select your conference timeslot.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, November 27, 3:30-4:15: Parent Education: Introduction to Elementary. While especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third-year and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. Lyonsgate’s Elementary Montessori guides will present, “A Cosmic Education: The Montessori Approach to the Elementary Years.” Casa students are welcome to remain at the Primary campus for after care while parents attend the session at the Elementary campus. Please click here to RSVP your attendance. Thank you.

Casa Parent Observations: Casa North Observations | Casa South Observations

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Friday, November 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents are invited to sign-up for a conference to discuss their child’s recent achievements, current work, and upcoming goals. Please follow this link to sign-up for a P.D. day conference with your child’s lead guide, Michelle for students in Years 1-3, and Marissa for students in Years 4-7. If you are unable to attend that day, please contact your child’s lead guide to arrange another time. While the students have the day off, on-campus child care is available during your conference time. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

• Friday, November 28: OWL Workshop #2. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the second workshop in the O.W.L. program on media literacy. They will be examining popular stories to identify what messages or values are being communicated. Following this workshop, students have a follow-up assignment to complete at home with their families, as well as reading before our next workshop in December.

• Monday, December 1: Open House. Families and friends are invited to join us for an after-school Open House to see displays of the children’s work from the first term. The classroom will be open to visitors from 3:15-4:15, with aftercare still available for students. The students will also be hosting a bake and craft sale to raise funds for their community outreach project. The upper elementary students have chosen to “adopt-a-family” through St. Matthew’s House for the holiday season. They will be shopping for groceries, winter necessities, and fun gifts to make their adopted family’s holiday season a little brighter.

Elementary Parent Observations: Parents are welcome to email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to arrange a classroom observation time, at least one week in advance please. Observations take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:30. (Other days and times may be available if needed). You will be observing the whole Elementary environment and classroom, not solely your own child.

Photo Gallery

Hi Lyonsgate Families,

We have an update from the Toddler classroom for you all to enjoy this week. Sign-up for Parent-Teacher conferences is below, as well as info about the Elementary class’s upcoming field trip. There are also some great photos in the gallery.

This Week’s Classroom Update

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This month in Toddler the children are really working on friendships during outdoor play. They are learning how to make things together as a group. They are enjoying tracing each other bodies with chalk and seeing how different everyone’s body is. They are also learning from each other how to jump off the balance beam and make sure there is enough space between everyone. The children are also really engaged in language work, and in learning how some animals live on land and some animals live in the water. We have talked about how some animals in the water jump in and out of the water to go places and others use their tails in different ways to move. We have talked about animals on land and where they would see these animals in every day life. For example, they would see cows on farm lands but we would see dogs and cats either in our home or places we visit.

As colder weather approaches, we please ask that you send your child to school with everything they would need to be outside for the duration of the day’s weather. Also, if you could kindly label everything as things tend to get blended in hallways and we want to make sure we are sending your child home with the right hats and gloves.

Thank you,

The Toddler team.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Friday, Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 21, to accommodate Parent-Teacher conferences. Childcare is available during your conference. Please click here to select your conference timeslot.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, November 27, 3:30-4:15: Parent Education: Introduction to Elementary. While especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third-year and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. Lyonsgate’s Elementary Montessori guides will present, “A Cosmic Education: The Montessori Approach to the Elementary Years.” Casa students are welcome to remain at the Primary campus for after care while parents attend the session at the Elementary campus. Please click here to RSVP your attendance. Thank you.

Casa Parent Observations: Casa North Observations | Casa South Observations

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Wednesday, November 12: Class Field Trip. All elementary students will be travelling by public bus to attend the Brott Education Concert: Blast Off! Orchestra in Orbit at FirstOntario Concert Hall. The class will be leaving campus by 8:55 a.m. so please help your child prepare to arrive on time! All students should arrive wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt. Students planning to use cash are asked to bring it in a securely closed plastic bag labelled with their name on Monday, November 10, and those using a Presto card are welcome to bring it in advance or on the morning of the concert. After the performance, students will return to school for lunch and their regular physical education class.

• Friday, November 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents are invited to sign-up for a conference to discuss their child’s recent achievements, current work, and upcoming goals. Please follow this link to sign-up for a P.D. day conference with your child’s lead guide, Michelle for students in Years 1-3, and Marissa for students in Years 4-7. If you are unable to attend that day, please contact your child’s lead guide to arrange another time. While the students have the day off, on-campus child care is available during your conference time. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Elementary Parent Observations: Parents are welcome to email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to arrange a classroom observation time, at least one week in advance please. Observations take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:30. (Other days and times may be available if needed). You will be observing the whole Elementary environment and classroom, not solely your own child.

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

Sign-up for Parent -Teacher conference times is available below. This week, we have a classroom update from Elementary. We are also wishing you all a restful, candy-filled weekend after the excitement of Friday. Be sure to check the sections below for important dates and information.

This Week’s Classroom Update

The Elementary classroom is always a busy hive of activity, with lots of communication and collaboration! To work effectively together as a social group, it is important for each child to have an understanding of their own family’s culture, as well as that of their friends and others in our community.

During the elementary years, children experience an intense drive to discover and adopt the culture that surrounds them. In the early years, an absorbent mind develops the fundamental skills of physical autonomy and communication in order to navigate the world outside the womb. From around the age of six, children employ their reasoning minds to study the motivations, behaviours, and consequences of human culture. This second stage of development is marked by a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of life, and the importance of human community to meet our fundamental needs.

As we move through the fall season, the children are developing their experience of time, living with the rhythm of seasonal change, witnessing the cycles of the natural world, and discovering days of significance for their human community. Learning about the reasons for these days, as well as how to observe them, contributes to each child’s understanding of social norms and shared experiences beyond the family. The goal is to introduce awareness of the diversity of cultural expression in human communities while also emphasizing what they have in common. We are planting seeds of interest that may germinate later for some children, while laying dormant in others.

This term, we began by learning about the significance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as some of the history and traditions of Indigenous groups such as the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Inuit. They heard the creation story of Turtle Island and traditional ways of life on this land. They learned about what happened when settlers arrived from Europe, and learned about the 94 Calls to Action for Canadians to work toward reconciliation.

At Thanksgiving, they discussed our material and spiritual needs, and expressed gratitude for all the things humans have been gifted and achieved. For Diwali, they heard the story of Ramayana, and talked about how in the conflict between good and evil, our courage and compassion can lead to the triumph of light over dark. They also worked in teams to create rangoli designs with coloured salts, and experienced the impermanence of all things when their beautiful art was simply swept away.

Last week, the children enjoyed talking about their own Halloween traditions, and preparing for the holiday with silly jokes, scary songs, and baking some pumpkin bread to share. They also had a great time finding symbols of Halloween on an indoor scavenger hunt, and visiting our haunted classroom library for a spooky sensory story.

Through classroom explorations of days of significance, from their origin and traditional observances to where and how they are honoured today, the children deepen their understanding of themselves and others. As they move beyond the tangible elements of these days and focus more on the ideals reflected, the children can consider which virtues are most important to them, and begin to construct their own sense of morality and justice. This is a key part of Montessori’s commitment to education toward a more peaceful world. In the coming weeks, the students will continue this important work as they learn about other days of significance, such as Remembrance Day, Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

We look forward to welcoming you into the classroom soon for parent observations through November, and at our after-school Open House in December!

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Friday, Nov. 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 21, to accommodate Parent-Teacher conferences. Childcare is available during your conference. Please click here to select your conference timeslot.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• November 4, 5, and 6: Casa Show & Share. Show & Share is an opportunity for Montessori students to invite their parents into the classrooms to show them some of the materials they work with. Show & Share takes place at the end of your child’s school day, from 3:30-4:00, and you will be visiting the classroom with up to 6 other families. We ask that phones and other devices are please not used to take photos or video during Show & Share; thank you. Please click below to select a day for your Show & Share visit:
  • Casa North Show & Share
  • Casa South Show & Share

• November 4 – June: Casa Parent Observations. Beginning Nov. 4, Casa parents are invited to book an in-class observation during the morning work cycle. Observations are an option and not a requirement, and bookings are open for the rest of the school year. You are welcome to schedule one observation each term (the current fall term, the winter term from Jan.-March Break, and the spring term from late-March-June). Please click the link for your child’s classroom below to book your observations:
  • Casa North Observations
  • Casa South Observations

• Thursday, November 27, 3:30-4:15: Parent Education: Introduction to Elementary. While especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third-year and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. Lyonsgate’s Elementary Montessori guides will present, “A Cosmic Education: The Montessori Approach to the Elementary Years.” Casa students are welcome to remain at the Primary campus for after care while parents attend the session at the Elementary campus. Please click here to RSVP your attendance. Thank you.

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Tuesday, Nov. 4-June: Parent Observations Open. Parents are welcome to email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to arrange a classroom observation time, at least one week in advance please. Observations take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:30. (Other days and times may be available if needed). You will be observing the whole Elementary environment and classroom, not solely your own child.

• Wednesday, November 12: Class Field Trip. All Elementary students will be travelling by public bus to attend the Brott Education Concert: Blast Off! Orchestra in Orbit at FirstOntario Concert Hall. The class will be leaving campus by 8:55 a.m. so please help your child prepare to arrive on time! Each student will need either a children’s Presto card to travel for free on the HSR transit system or $3.75 exact cash fare for each direction ($7.50 total). If your child does not yet have their own Presto card, please visit your local library and show your child’s library card to receive one, and far enough in advance to ensure it is activated before the trip. Students planning to use cash are asked to bring it in a sealable plastic bag labelled with their name on Monday, November 10, and those using a Presto card are also welcome to bring it in advance.

• Friday, November 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parents are invited to sign-up for a conference to discuss their child’s recent achievements, current work, and upcoming goals. Please follow this link to sign-up for a P.D. day conference with your child’s lead guide, Michelle for students in Years 1-3, and Marissa for students in Years 4-7. If you are unable to attend that day, please contact your child’s lead guide to arrange another time. While the students have the day off, on-campus child care is available during your conference time. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This week, we have a classroom update from Casa South French Language Assistant, Mme Gervais. For Casa and Toddler families, we have an RSVP for an upcoming Parent Education session, and sign-ups for Show & Share and in-class observations. There is also information about Elementary parent observations and important details for some Elementary outings and trips.

This Week’s Classroom Update

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

Hello! I am Elise Gervais. I am the French Language Assistant in the Casa South classroom. I am new to Casa South but not so new to Lyonsgate. I was the Toddler Montessori Guide for many of the students who are now in Casa. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness all the growth and development of the ones I have known from before, and also to meet new students and discover each of their unique, intricate personalities.

Throughout the day, I am speaking French to the students and using French language materials to build their vocabulary, and each day just before lunch we have a French circle where we sing French songs and read French books. I am always amazed at children’s ability to adapt and absorb everything in their environment, especially at this age. I have been impressed by their capacity and enthusiasm to learn new things and acclimatize to the routine and habits of being at school.

The students are already able to understand most of the frequently used French phrases that I have been using from the beginning of the year such as, “Lave-toi les mains s’il te plait” and “Choisis un travail s’il te plait.” Sometimes I can hear them quietly singing some of the songs we have been singing at circle time while they are working or getting ready to go outside.

This is a song that we have been singing about the leaves falling:

Les Feuilles (to the tune of Freres Jacques)

Les feuilles tombées, les feuilles tombées,
C’est l’automne, c’est l’automne
Rouge, orange et jaune
Rouge, orange et jaune
C’est l’automne, C’est l’automne

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Friday, November 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 21, to accommodate parent-teacher conferences (child care will be available during your conference). Sign-up for conference timeslots will be available soon.

• Halloween: We know that Halloween is a very exciting time for children. However, we ask that costumes and candy are not brought to school, and are saved for after-school fun with family and friends.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, Oct. 27: Fall/Winter lunch menu starts. You can view the lunch menu under “Parents” on the school website, and you can see which week we are on on the school calendar.

• Wednesday, Oct. 29: Casa and Toddler Parent Education Session. Casa and Toddler parents and caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend our next Parent Education sessions, running concurrently from 3:30-4:15 on Wednesday, Oct. 29, covering the concept of independence as relevant to the different age groups. Please click here to RSVP.
  • Toddler: “We will explore the language and ways that we encourage children to learn to care for themselves, their classroom, and the world around them.”
  • Casa: “We will explore how we help your children grow their independence skills using Montessori materials such as Dressing Frames, and Care of the Environment and language activities”.

• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. Casa students will travel by school bus from Lyonsgate to Brantwood Farms. Barring traffic delays, we intend to depart Lyonsgate on the bus at 9:30. Toddler parents and students can meet the Toddler staff at Brantwood from 9:45. The program runs for 2 hours from 10:00-12:00, with a snack break (provided by Lyonsgate). Cost for the field trip, payable by cash or e-transfer to accounts@lyonsgate.ca, is:
  • Casa students: $25
  • Toddler parents and students: $17/person (ie. $34 for one parent and child).

Lyonsgate students will enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, farm animals, a wagon ride, and a corn maze. Tours run rain or shine so please ensure students are wearing appropriate outer and footwear for the day’s weather. Each student is asked to bring 1 or 2, clearly labelled, durable reusable bags to bring home apples, pumpkin, and popcorn cob (Toddler parents, bring a bag for yourselves as well).

After the field trip:

• • Toddler students will enjoy lunch with parents after the field trip and can return to Lyonsgate at 1:00 p.m. for regular afternoon nap, activities, dismissal, and after care.
  • Casa students will return to Lyonsgate by school bus and will have their regular lunch at 1:00, followed by afternoon work cycle or nap at 1:45, with regular dismissal and after care.

• November 4, 5, and 6: Casa Show & Share. Show & Share is an opportunity for Montessori students to invite their parents into the classrooms to show them some of the materials they work with. Show & Share takes place at the end of your child’s school day, from 3:30-4:00, and you will be visiting the classroom with up to 6 other families. We ask that phones and other devices are please not used to take photos or video during Show & Share; thank you. Please click below to select a day for your Show & Share visit:
  • Casa North Show & Share
  • Casa South Show & Share

• November 4 – June: Casa Parent Observations. Beginning Nov. 4, Casa parents are invited to book an in-class observation during the morning work cycle. Observations are an option and not a requirement, and bookings are open for the rest of the school year. You are welcome to schedule one observation each term (the current fall term, the winter term from Jan.-March Break, and the spring term from late-March-June). Please click the link for your child’s classroom below to book your observations:
  • Casa North Observations
  • Casa South Observations

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Wednesday, October 29: Upper Elementary Outing. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4-7 will be travelling by public bus up the mountain and hiking down the Bruce Trail. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their child fare-free Presto card or bus fare ($3.75 cash in each direction). Students should be prepared to hike in any weather in comfortable closed-toe footwear. They are welcome to bring along a pocket-size, nut-free and nutritious snack (e.g. granola bar, dried fruit) and water bottle.

• Friday, Oct. 31: Halloween. Elementary students have a regular school day with community lunch, while the students from the Primary campus enjoy a field trip to a local farm. While we save costumes and candy for celebrations with family and friends after school, Elementary students can anticipate some fun, Halloween-themed activities during the day. Please help your child to remember to leave their candy, chips, and chocolate at home to enjoy in the coming weeks.

• Tuesday, Nov. 4-June: Parent Observations Open. Parents are welcome to email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to arrange a classroom observation time, at least one week in advance please. Observations take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:30. (Other days and times may be available if needed). You will be observing the whole Elementary environment and classroom, not solely your own child.

• Wednesday, November 12: Class Field Trip. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be preparing to attend the Brott Education Concert: Blast Off! Orchestra in Orbit, learning about the instruments of the orchestra, concert etiquette, and studying a few of the pieces we will hear played live. All Elementary students will be travelling by public transit to and from the concert hall during the morning work cycle. Each student will need either a children’s Presto card to travel for free on the HSR transit system or $3.75 exact cash fare for each direction ($7.50 total). If your child does not yet have their own Presto card, please visit your local library and show your child’s library card to receive one, and far enough in advance to ensure it is activated before the trip. Students planning to use cash are asked to bring it in a zip-closure plastic bag with their name on it on Monday, November 10.

• Coming Soon: Friday, November 21: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This week’s classroom update introduces Casa North French teacher Mme Murati, who provides a summary of the French program and lists some of the phrases, songs, and books your children are familiar with from school. We also have information and RSVP for the next Toddler and Casa Parent education session on Oct. 29, the details for the Oct. 31 Casa and Toddler field trip, and all of our busy Elementary student information.

This Week’s Classroom Update

Bonjours chers parents d’élèves,

I’m Mme Murati, the French teacher in Casa North. I am on my 14th year of teaching French at Lyonsgate. “Je suis très heureuse de débuter une nouvelle année scolaire!” Thank you to all the parents for informing your children that one of the teachers speaks only French in the classroom. They were well prepared!

In Casa North, we gather for “French circle” daily where the students learn how to greet in French, to introduce themselves, express their emotions and feelings, and preferences for food, animals, etc. We sing lots of French songs, we read French books, and do finger plays.

Phrases we learn:

• Comment ça va?
  • Ça va bien
  • Ça va comme-ci comme-ça
  • ça va mal
• All students learn how to introduce themselves to others in French (name, age, where they live): “Je m’apelle (name), j’ai (age) ans, et j’habite à Hamilton.”

Songs we have been singing:

• “Bonjour, Bonjour!” by Alain le lait
• “Petit Escargot”
• La Famille Tortue”
• “Pomme de Reinette et Pomme d’Api”
• “Frère Jacques”

Books we have been reading:

• “Trop de carottes!” by Katy Hudson
• “Les écureuils qui se querellent” by Jim Field
• “Est-ce que je peux jouer?” by Mo Williams
• “Veux-te jouer dehors?” by Mo Williams

Merci de votre confiance,

Mme Murati.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Wednesday, Oct. 29: Casa and Toddler Parent Education Session. Casa and Toddler parents and caregivers are invited and encouraged to attend our next Parent Education sessions, running concurrently from 3:30-4:15 on Wednesday, Oct. 29, covering the concept of independence as relevant to the different age groups. Please click here to RSVP.
  • Toddler: “We will explore the language and ways that we encourage children to learn to care for themselves, their classroom, and the world around them.”
  • Casa: “We will explore how we help your children grow their independence skills using Montessori materials such as Dressing Frames, and Care of the Environment and language activities”.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. Casa students will travel by school bus from Lyonsgate to Brantwood Farms. Barring traffic delays, we intend to depart Lyonsgate on the bus at 9:30. Toddler parents and students can meet the Toddler staff at Brantwood from 9:45. The program runs for 2 hours from 10:00-12:00, with a snack break (provided by Lyonsgate). Cost for the field trip, payable by cash or e-transfer to accounts@lyonsgate.ca, is:
  • Casa students: $25
  • Toddler parents and students: $17/person (ie. $34 for one parent and child).

Lyonsgate students will enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, farm animals, a wagon ride, and a corn maze. Tours run rain or shine so please ensure students are wearing appropriate outer and footwear for the day’s weather. Each student is asked to bring 1 or 2, clearly labelled, durable reusable bags to bring home apples, pumpkin, and popcorn cob (Toddler parents, bring a bag for yourselves as well).

After the field trip:

• • Toddler students will enjoy lunch with parents after the field trip and can return to Lyonsgate at 1:00 p.m. for regular afternoon nap, activities, dismissal, and after care.
  • Casa students will return to Lyonsgate by school bus and will have their regular lunch at 1:00, followed by afternoon work cycle or nap at 1:45, with regular dismissal and after care.

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, Oct. 20: Diwali. Elementary students will be participating in lessons and activities to learn about the history and celebration of Diwali.
• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate students of all ages are invited to meet up at Beulah Park after dismissal for some free play. This is also a wonderful chance for parents to socialize and get to know some of the other families. If your child’s routine dismissal plans are altered by planning to go to Beulah Park, please let us know via email to elementary@lyonsgate.ca. We hope to see you there! Regular after-care will still be offered on campus until 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 29: Upper Elementary Outing. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4-7 will be travelling by public bus up the mountain into the Westcliffe neighbourhood and hiking down the Bruce Trail back to our area of Kirkendall North. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their child fare-free Presto card or bus fare ($3.75 cash in each direction). Students should be prepared to hike in any weather in comfortable, closed-toe footwear. They are welcome to bring along a pocket-size, nut-free and nutritious snack (e.g. granola bar, dried fruit), and water bottle.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Halloween. Elementary students have a regular school day with community lunch, while the students from the Primary campus enjoy a field trip to a local farm. While we save costumes and candy for celebrations with family and friends after school, Elementary students can anticipate some fun, Halloween-themed activities during the day. Please help your child to remember to leave their candy, chips, and chocolate at home to enjoy in the coming weeks.
• Wednesday, November 12: Class Field Trip. We are thrilled to be attending the Brott Education Concert: Blast Off! Orchestra in Orbit at FirstOntario Concert Hall to hear orchestral music inspired by the cosmos, from famous classical compositions to popular movie themes. All students will be travelling by public transit to and from the concert hall during the morning work cycle. Each student will need either a children’s Presto card to travel for free on the HSR transit system or $3.75 exact cash fare for each direction ($7.50 total). If your child does not yet have their own Presto card, stop by the desk at a Hamilton Public Library and show your child’s library card to receive your fare-free card. Please keep an eye on our weekly updates for more details as we get closer to the big day!

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This week, we have details about the Casa and Toddler field trip on Oct. 31, an update from the Toddler class, and a reminder about sick students.

Illness Prevention: Please do not send children to school if they have exclusionary symptoms (see: Sick Child? Here’s What to Do). If you feel your child requires symptom relieving medication to attend school, we ask that you please keep them home. Symptom relief medications inevitably wear off during the school day and we often end up calling you to pick up a sick child mid-day, and they can still spread germs to other children and staff. Thank you.

This Week’s Classroom Update

The toddlers have been busy building independence this month! As we move into the second month of the school year, the children are feeling more settled and secure in their classroom routines which allows them to learn and explore with growing confidence. Many children are joyfully practicing taking off their shoes and putting them on independently, setting their lunch table with a placemat and required tableware, and cleaning up their items when done. It is wonderful to hear them confidently exclaim, “I did it!” when completing a task on their own. We are also seeing excellent progress in emotional regulation –waiting for their turn for snack or for a favourite material provides daily opportunities for patience and respect for others. It is a joy to witness their growing sense of community and self-reliance each day!

As the weather is starting to get colder and more layers are needed, we please ask that you label any hats, mitts, jackets, etc., that are brought in. Thank you very much!

The Toddler Team.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. Casa students will travel by school bus from Lyonsgate to Brantwood Farms. Barring traffic delays, we intend to depart Lyonsgate on the bus at 9:30. Toddler parents and students can meet the Toddler staff at Brantwood from 9:45. The program runs for 2 hours from 10:00-12:00, with a snack break (provided by Lyonsgate). Cost for the field trip, payable by cash or e-transfer to accounts@lyonsgate.ca, is:
  • Casa students: $25
  • Toddler parents and students: $17/person (ie. $34 for one parent and child).

Lyonsgate students will enjoy apple picking, pumpkin picking, farm animals, a wagon ride, and a corn maze. Tours run rain or shine so please ensure students are wearing appropriate outer and footwear for the day’s weather. Each student is asked to bring 1 or 2, clearly labelled, durable reusable bags to bring home apples, pumpkin, and popcorn cob (Toddler parents, bring a bag for yourselves as well).

After the field trip:

• • Toddler students will enjoy lunch with parents after the field trip and can return to Lyonsgate at 1:00 p.m. for regular afternoon nap, activities, dismissal, and after care.
  • Casa students will return to Lyonsgate by school bus and will have their regular lunch at 1:00, followed by afternoon work cycle or nap at 1:45, with regular dismissal and after care.

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Elementary Request: We kindly ask that plastic toys, stuffed animals, over-size backpack-charm toys, and make-up kits be left at home. Thank you.
• Friday, October 17: OWL Workshop 1. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending “Workshop 1: Sexuality and Values,” having completed their orientation to the OWL program at their first meeting in September. Students will be bringing home their OWL handbook with the reading assignments and follow-up activities that day. There are no required readings to prepare for the first workshop.
• Wednesday, October 29: Upper Elementary Outing. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4-7 will be travelling by public bus up the mountain into the Westcliffe neighbourhood and hiking down the Bruce Trail back to our area of Kirkendall North. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their child fare-free Presto card or bus fare ($3.75 cash in each direction). Students should be prepared to hike in any weather in comfortable, closed-toe footwear. They are welcome to bring along a pocket-size, nut-free and nutritious snack (e.g. granola bar, dried fruit), and water bottle.
• Wednesday, November 12: Class Field Trip. We are thrilled to be attending the Brott Education Concert: Blast Off! Orchestra in Orbit at FirstOntario Concert Hall to hear orchestral music inspired by the cosmos, from famous classical compositions to popular movie themes. All students will be travelling by public transit to and from the concert hall during the morning work cycle. Each student will need either a children’s Presto card to travel for free on the HSR transit system or $3.75 exact cash fare for each direction ($7.50 total). If your child does not yet have their own Presto card, stop by the desk at a Hamilton Public Library and show your child’s library card to receive your fare-free card. Please keep an eye on our weekly updates for more details as we get closer to the big day!

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This week, we have the first update from our Elementary class for you, as well as an upcoming special Thanksgiving lunch for Casa and Toddler students.

This Week’s Classroom Update

It has been a beautiful start to the school year in the Elementary environment! The classroom is buzzing with activity and the sound of children collaborating and creating together. Through September, students received three of Montessori’s Five Great Lessons, a series of stories that invite children to use their imaginations in pursuit of understanding how their world came to be, with wonder, awe, and gratitude.

On the first day of school, they heard a tale of “The Coming of the Universe,” which lays the foundation for explorations in geology, physics, and chemistry. This led to further lessons on the Big Bang, volcanoes, the elements, and even molecular models.

During the second week, students were invited to a story about “The Coming of Life,” which reflects on the emergence of life in the oceans, and how life adapted and diversified over millions of years. From discovering invertebrates like trilobites and geoducks to deeper investigations of mammals, the children’s passion for learning about other creatures is evident! They’ve been busy researching and recording facts, drawing diagrams, and are now beginning to construct models and dioramas of interesting marine mammals and marsupials.

Most recently, they continued with “The Coming of Humans,” which helps them identify the most important gifts of humans: their ability to use their minds, their emotions, and their hands to achieve great things. They were called upon to use their imaginations to think about how early humans lived, from Homo habilis and Homo erectus to the Neanderthals. We focus on the importance of human invention, compassion, and collaboration to achieve our common goals, and our role in caring for each other and our planet.

On Thursday, the students were eager to join together with more than 250 Montessori students at an annual Charity Run raising funds for the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. While many were excited about the athletic challenge of the day (completing a 1 km or 2 km race), all of our students took great pride in their social goals for the day: supporting friends and classmates, celebrating students from other schools, and mentoring younger children. They brought tremendous school spirit and camaraderie to the event, and we couldn’t be prouder of their focus on good sporting conduct and enjoying a beautiful day together.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Sat./Sun., Oct. 4 & 5: Telling Tales Festival. Canada’s largest children’s book festival. 9:45-5:00, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park. Admission is free, register here: https://tellingtales.org/festivals-events/telling-tales-festival/

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Friday, Oct. 10: Thanksgiving Lunch. The lunch caterer, Wholesome Kids, will be providing a special Thanksgiving lunch on Friday, Oct. 10. Students will enjoy sliced roasted turkey with gravy, peas & carrots, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, whole wheat baguette, and fresh fruit (all appropriate allergy replacements will be provided).
• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. [Toddler Parents: please plan to attend the field trip with your toddler student].

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.

Photo Gallery

Hi Lyonsgate Families,

Thank you for another wonderful week with your children. This week’s classroom update is from Casa South, and we have sign-ups available for bouquet of flower contributions to the Toddler and Casa classrooms. The students will use the flowers for their Montessori Flower Arranging activity. Nothing too fancy, and they can be from a store or your garden. Please bring flowers on the Monday morning of your chosen week (or Tuesday if it’s a holiday). Thank you.

We are thankful to Kerry’s Place for facilitating an engaging and informative PD session on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them. It can show up in many different ways — like having trouble picking up on social cues, being sensitive to sounds or textures, or repeating certain actions. As every child is unique, autism presents differently for everyone. For more information please contact kerrysplace.org/ or speak with your child’s guide. – Ms. Findlay.

This Week’s Classroom Update

The beginning of the school year has been a true delight in Casa South. The whole class has been working together to become a whole. From the staggered start to this week’s learning journey, the children who were here last year helped our new students to settle into the routines and rules of the classroom. Now that our Casa South team is back, we will enjoy working and growing together with the children alongside us. We can already see old and new friendships bloom, as well as the trust the children are putting in our new team.

Every child has seemed to adapt quickly to the new daily routine and even if some tears are still to be expected, the consistency in the classroom will ease the transitions more and more every day.

We’re really excited to hop on this journey with your children!

The Casa South Team.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Sat./Sun., Oct. 4 & 5: Telling Tales Festival. Canada’s largest children’s book festival. 9:45-5:00, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hendrie Park. Admission is free, register here: https://tellingtales.org/festivals-events/telling-tales-festival/
• Parent Survey Share Request: Share your experiences with newborn screening (the blood test done shortly after birth to check for rare but treatable conditions) through a short 5-minute survey for parents of children born 2019-2025. Your feedback will directly inform improvements to the care available for families across Ontario. The direct survey link is: https://online2.snapsurveys.com/ParentSurvey_PublicLink This survey is being administered independently by two Ontario-based consultancies, The Evidence Network and Amplify Engagement, on behalf of Newborn Screening Ontario. If families have any questions, they can reach us at newborns@theevidencenetwork.com. Click here for info flyer with QR code.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, Oct. 23: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. [Toddler Parents: please plan to attend the field trip with your toddler student].

If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Tuesday, September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all children will participate in group discussions or lessons to learn more about the culture and history of Indigenous peoples, and the importance of this day.  Students are always welcome to express their support for Indigenous communities by wearing an orange shirt recognizing the impact of the residential school system, but this is an individual choice.
• Thursday, Oct. 2: Elementary Cross Country Run. The class will be travelling by chartered school bus to La Salle Park in Burlington to participate in a cross-country trail run with students from other Montessori schools.  This is a wonderful field trip where individuals can work toward their personal goals, cheer on their peers, and build their community spirit. This event is hosted by Fairview Glen Montessori as a fundraiser for a charity of their choice, and Lyonsgate will be donating the entry fee for all our elementary participants. Students should come prepared for a big day outdoors wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, and shorts or pants that are comfortable for running. They should also bring a robust litterless snack and lunch along with their water bottle, and sun protection such as a hat or sunglasses.  The children will have the opportunity to enjoy some of their snacks at the park before the event begins mid-morning.  Staff from all schools will be along the well-marked trail to guide and support children during their run.  Afterwards, the children can enjoy a picnic lunch and playground time mid-day, followed by a brief ceremony celebrating the participants.  The children will be returning to campus in time for regular dismissal and aftercare.
• Friday, Oct. 3: Scholastic Orders Due. Your child recently brought home a flyer from Scholastic with great deals on books for all ages, and many more titles available on their website.  If you would like to be included in our October shipment, please place your family’s online Scholastic order by Friday, October 3rd.  This is a great opportunity to  save on the humorous picture books of Jory John, pick up the latest additions to the Dragon Masters or Disaster Squad series, or find a new Gordon Korman title for older kids. Every order earns bonus bucks that keep our classroom library up-to-date with contemporary stories.
  To receive free shipping, simply include our class code RC144312 when checking out, and your order will be grouped together with others from the school, and shipped to campus.  Please let us know if there are any surprise or gift items in your order you would like to be kept hidden from your child, and we’ll set it aside for you to pick up discreetly.  Happy reading!

Photo Gallery

Happy Weekend Lyonsgate Families,

We are two full weeks into the school year and all of our students have started school. Thank you to everyone that was able to attend our Casa and Toddler parent education event this past week, and we look forward to welcoming Lyonsgate parents to the first Elementary parent education session this coming week. It’s Photo Day on Tuesday!

This Week’s Classroom Update

It has been a busy start to the school year getting back into the swing of things. It is nice to finally have our whole class together as we worked through the staggered starts. The older children have been great helpers for our new friends in Casa North, and the new children are starting to get settled in the classroom and get used to the daily routine. We know it’s hard at the beginning of the year, and there are some tears, but consistency makes it easier for your children. We have already seen some new relationships form as well as old ones reconnect.

We’re looking forward to a good school year in Casa North!

The Casa North Team.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Tuesday, Sept. 23: School Photo Day! All Lyonsgate students will have their school photos taken by Lifetouch.
• Friday, Sept. 26: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Monday, Sept. 22: Vaccine history forms for Casa and Toddler students are due. Please complete and return the provided Public Health form (do not just send a copy of an immunization record).
• Thursday, Sept. 25: Toddler and Casa Scholastic book orders are due. Fall catalogs will come home with your children. Please order online using the school’s “class code.”
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. [Toddler Parents: please plan to attend the field trip with your toddler student].

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Tuesday, Sept. 23: School Photo Day! Elementary students should be sure to arrive on time, as the class will be leaving campus at 8:50 a.m. to walk together to the other campus for photo day.  Once all the elementary students have had their picture taken, the class will return to the Elementary Campus together for the rest of the morning work cycle.
• Wednesday, September 24: Upper Elementary Outing. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4 – 7 will be travelling by public bus into Westdale to hike the Royal Botanical Garden trails at Cootes Paradise. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their child fare-free Presto card or bus fare ($3.75 cash in each direction).  Students should be prepared with comfortable, closed-toe footwear, and are welcome to bring along a pocket-size, nut-free and nutritious snack (e.g. granola bar, dried fruit), and water bottle.
• Thursday, September 25: Elementary Parent Education session. Please join us for our first Parent Education Event of the year on Harnessing the Power of Imagination: Learning in the Second Plane of Development. Parents are invited to join us on campus from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m.  During the event, child care for elementary students will be provided at the HAAA park with Lyonsgate staff, with the children returning to campus at the end of the presentation.  Younger siblings enrolled at the Primary Campus may remain there for aftercare during the event.  Please let us know how many adults plan to attend, and whether your children will be staying in childcare by completing the registration form by Monday, September 21. All Elementary students will travel to the HAAA park ahead of the event for dismissal, even if they are not staying for childcare.  Students regularly registered for aftercare will also be at the HAAA park, if you plan to pick up before the group returns to campus at 4:20.
• Thursday, Oct. 2: Elementary Cross Country Run. The class will be travelling by chartered school bus to La Salle Park in Burlington to participate in an annual cross-country run with students from other Montessori schools. This is intended to be a fun run where each of our students is working toward their personal goal while supporting their peers. For some students, this means having the courage to go to the starting line and try running with friends along a marked course. Others may be setting the goal of improving their pacing, their endurance, or their speed.
  This event is hosted by Fairview Glen Montessori as a fundraiser for a charity of their choice, and Lyonsgate will be donating the entry fee for all our Elementary participants. Students should come prepared for a big day outdoors, wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, and carrying a robust litterless snack and lunch along with their water bottle, and a hat or sunglasses if desired. They will have a chance to eat some of their snack at the park before the charity run begins mid-morning. After their run, students will enjoy a picnic lunch and playground time mid-day, followed by a brief ceremony celebrating the participants. The students will be returning to campus in time for regular dismissal and aftercare.

Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

Read below to learn about the start of the school year in Lyonsgate’s Toddler classroom, important upcoming dates and other information, and for photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at all levels engaged with their Montessori materials and in their Montessori school days.

This Week’s Classroom Update

Welcome to our Montessori Toddler Community! We are so excited to begin this meaningful journey with you and your family. One of the most important foundations of early childhood development is the feeling of safety and security. In our classroom, we strive to create a warm, predictable, and nurturing atmosphere. We have spent the first week together getting to know each other, doing very familiar things like singing “Wheels on the Bus,” reading books about cars and farms, and enjoying lots of sensory play. We know that young children thrive when they feel emotionally and physically safe, and that trust is essential for their learning and development. We understand that toddlers need time to build trust, and we gently support this process through respectful communication, consistent routines, and reflective observation. Over time, this secure bond will allow your child to feel confident and free to explore, try new things, and take healthy risks in their learning.

When children feel safe and connected, they are better able to regulate their emotions, cooperate with others, and engage fully in their environment. Our classroom encourages the development of self-regulation through gentle limits, clear expectations, and supportive guidance. Throughout the year the children will learn to express their feelings, manage frustration, and resolve conflict with kindness — all essential skills for lifelong emotional health.

“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing [them] for school, but for life.” Maria Montessori.

The Toddler Team.

Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

Photo Gallery

Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information.

Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information

• Tuesday, Sept. 23: School Photo Day! All Lyonsgate students will have their school photos taken by Lifetouch.
• Friday, Sept. 26: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• September 17, 18, and 19: City of Hamilton Fall Recreation program registration opens; click here for info.
• Hamilton Public Health offers a Group Theraplay program that is free for caregivers and children ages 2-6; click here for more information.

Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, Sept. 18, 3:45-4:30: Lyonsgate principal Rachel Lyons will present the first Parent Education Session for Toddler and Casa families at the Primary campus on Aberdeen Ave. The topic will be Montessori’s First Plane of Development. Students of attending parents will have child care provided by Lyonsgate staff, and we will provide a snack to tide them over. Please register for the Parent Ed. session here and for kids’ snack no later than Monday, Sept. 15.
• Monday, Sept. 22: Vaccine history forms for Casa and Toddler students are due. Please complete and return the provided Public Health form (do not just send a copy of an immunization record).
• Thursday, Sept. 25: Toddler and Casa Scholastic book orders are due. Fall catalogs will come home with your children. Please order online using the school’s “class code.”
• Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
• Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. [Toddler Parents: please plan to attend the field trip with your toddler student].

Elementary Upcoming Important Dates

• Friday, September 19: Elementary Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Workshop 1. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4 – 7 will have their first OWL workshop of the year, where they will discuss the concept of developing values and collaborate to create a set of social guidelines to keep OWL workshops, fun, informative, and ensure everyone is both comfortable and supportive of their peers. Students will receive an OWL handbook with a list of readings to complete at home from the book It’s Perfectly Normal, as well as follow-up activities to do with a trusted adult. Families are strongly encouraged to purchase a copy of the book for use at home, and children also have a copy in the classroom. There are no required readings before the introductory OWL workshop.
• Tuesday, Sept. 23: School Photo Day! Elementary students should be sure to arrive on time, as the class will be leaving campus at 8:50 a.m. to walk together to the other campus for photo day.  Once all the elementary students have had their picture taken, the class will return to the Elementary Campus together for the rest of the morning work cycle.
• Wednesday, September 24: Upper Elementary Outing. During the afternoon work cycle, students in Years 4 – 7 will be travelling by public bus into Westdale to hike the Royal Botanical Garden trails at Cootes Paradise. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their child fare-free Presto card or bus fare ($3.75 cash in each direction).  Students should be prepared with comfortable, closed-toe footwear, and are welcome to bring along a pocket-size, nut-free and nutritious snack (e.g. granola bar, dried fruit), and water bottle.
• Thursday, September 25: Elementary Parent Education session. Please join us for our first Parent Education Event of the year on Harnessing the Power of Imagination: Learning in the Second Plane of Development. Parents are invited to join us on campus from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m.  During the event, child care for elementary students will be provided at the HAAA park with Lyonsgate staff, with the children returning to campus at the end of the presentation.  Younger siblings enrolled at the Primary Campus may remain there for aftercare during the event.  Please let us know how many adults plan to attend, and whether your children will be staying in childcare by completing the registration form by Monday, September 21. All Elementary students will travel to the HAAA park ahead of the event for dismissal, even if they are not staying for childcare.  Students regularly registered for aftercare will also be at the HAAA park, if you plan to pick up before the group returns to campus at 4:20.
• Thursday, Oct. 2: Elementary cross country with area Montessori schools.

Photo Gallery