Lyonsgate Update Jan. 30, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week we have an update from Casa North about their French program, ongoing sign-up for Casa Show & Share, and info about the registration open house and upcoming parent education session at the Elementary campus.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Bonjour à tous,
This month, Casa North students have been working on winter themes with lots of vocabulary in French:
- How to play outside with the snow (safety and fun);
- How to stay healthy during winter months (eating healthy, sleeping, washing hands after picking the nose or fingers in mouth, staying warm, sneezing into the elbow, etc.);
- Winter animals and their habitats;
- How to get dressed to go outside (snow pants, boots, jacket, zipper, neck warmer, hat, mittens!); this is an opportunity for our older students to help our younger students to dress and undress in the cloakroom.
Books we have been reading:
- “Enlève le doigt de ton nez, Pinocchio!” by Steve Smallman (a humourous way to teach them to not touch their nose);
- “La neige parfaite” by Barbara Reid;
- “Le véritable abominable homme des neiges” by Valentina Mendicino;
- “Jour de neige – Pat le chat” by James Dean.
Songs we have been singing:
- “Violette à bicyclette”;
- “Neige, neige blanche”;
- “je m’habille pour aller dehors” (this song helps the students when getting ready to go outside; we start with snow pants and end with mittens);
- “Ah, les crocodiles”;
- “La danse du Tyrannosaure” (the students absolutely love it!);
- “La chanson des dinosaures.”
“Restez au chaud.” Il fait froid! Brrr!
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
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
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Feb. 10-12: Show and 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 will take place at the end of your child’s school day. Sign up below:
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
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
- Saturday, January 31: Registration Open House Families who are interested in continuing with a Montessori approach to learning through our elementary program are welcome to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31, between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Current parents are always welcome to stop by and say hello! Come see us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- Wednesday, February 4: Physical Education at United Family Martial Arts (UFMA) All Elementary students will be heading to UFMA on Dundurn Street for their P.E. class. Younger students will be having fun with an introduction to karate, while older students will be working on kick-boxing! Students are kindly reminded to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to class that will allow for flexibility. Students should also be prepared to take off their socks and go barefoot on the dojo mats.
- Thursday, February 5: Parent Education Event Please join us after school for a parent education session on Discovering Algebra with the Montessori Materials. We’ll be giving presentations with the materials and inviting parents to collaborate to solve some problems. (We promise there is no test.) Parents are invited to join us on campus from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. During the event, children whose parents are attending the session are welcome to join the aftercare program at no charge. 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 this registration form by Monday, February 2. All elementary students will remain on site for regular dismissal and after care.
- NEW DATE! Friday, February 6: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 2: Changes of Puberty. The second half of the O.W.L. workshop Changes of Puberty has been rescheduled for this coming Friday, February 6. Students in Years 4-7 will be learning about body care and different hygiene products that can be supportive of tweens and teens moving through puberty. If they have not already done so, students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 3: Puberty, pages 30-52.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 23, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Community,
We have an update from the Toddler classroom this week, an upcoming Elementary Open House, sign-up for Casa Show & Share, and notice of upcoming holiday closure dates.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Hello Families!
We have had such a fun and busy time in the classroom, and wanted to share a few highlights with you. The students have been enjoying new creative activities in the classroom, including making their own personal pizza art. They love to choose their toppings and discuss their favourite foods with one another. It was a great way to encourage creativity, choice-making, and conversation.
With winter weather in full swing, we have had the chance to spend time outside enjoying the snow. The students love to help shovel and move the snow, showing lots of curiosity and enthusiasm. Outdoor play like this gives them a chance to build gross motor skills and explore seasonal changes.
We’ve also noticed a growing interest in helping one another and working together. Whether it’s assisting a friend with a task, cleaning up as a team, or showing patience while waiting for their turn, the Toddler students are demonstrating cooperation and kindness. It has been lovely to see these social skills develop. We look forward to sharing more with you soon!
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
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
- Saturday, January 31: Elementary Registration Open House. Families who are interested in continuing with a Montessori approach to learning through our elementary program are welcome to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31, between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Current parents are always welcome to stop by and say hello! Come see us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Saturday, January 31: Elementary Registration Open House. Families who are interested in continuing with a Montessori approach to learning through our elementary program are welcome to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31, between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Current parents are always welcome to stop by and say hello! Come see us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- Feb. 10-12: Show and 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 will take place at the end of your child’s school day. Sign up below:
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
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, January 28: Physical Education at Elev8 Dance. All Elementary students will be returning to Elev8 Dance on Dundurn Street for their P.E. class! Students are kindly reminded to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to class that will allow for flexibility and lots of high-energy movements.
- Friday, January 30: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 2: Changes of Puberty. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the second half of the O.W.L. workshop Changes of Puberty. They will be learning about body care and different hygiene products that can be supportive of tweens and teens moving through puberty. If they have not already done so, students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 3: Puberty, pages 30-52.
- Saturday, January 31: Registration Open House. Families who are interested in continuing with a Montessori approach to learning through our elementary program are welcome to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31, between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Current parents are always welcome to stop by and say hello! Come see us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- Thursday, February 5: Parent Education Event. Please join us after school on Thursday, February 5, for a parent education session on Discovering Algebra with the Montessori Materials. Parents are invited to join us on campus from 3:30-4:20 p.m. During the event, children whose parents are attending the session are welcome to join the aftercare program at no charge. 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 this registration form by Monday, February 2. All elementary students will remain on site for regular dismissal and after care.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 16, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
A reminder that Friday, January 23 is a PD Day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
We have an update from the Elementary program this week:
This Week’s Classroom Update
The Elementary students returned to school re-energized and eager for the new year! They were excited to dive into our study of ancient Greece, beginning with their creation myth and learning about important features of the land, from Mount Olympus to the Mediterranean Sea. This past week, some began to consider what daily life may have been like, making their own coil pots from clay, while others learned about the invention of theatre and began creating their own theatrical masks. Through the winter term, many students will also be participating in a small group novel study to develop their reading, comprehension, and writing skills, while also having fun discovering a new story alongside their friends. Chapter readings are followed by group discussions, art and drama reflections, and vocabulary-building activities. Our emerging readers are enjoying classic chapter books including Grasshopper on the Road, Ralph S. Mouse, and The Littles, while more experienced readers are diving into the middle-grade novels Charlotte’s Web, The Breadwinner, and Restart. From the couch in the library to the cushions in front of the fireplace, there is always a cozy place to read!
We hope everyone can enjoy the snowy weather and a good book this weekend.
Marissa and Michelle.
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
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, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
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
- Monday, January 19: Scholastic Orders Due. Families wishing to place an order for our February shipment should complete their online order by Monday, January 19. Remember to enter our class code, RC144312, to receive free shipping on small orders, as well as earning bonus bucks that help keep our classroom library up-to-date with new releases.
- Wednesday, January 21 and January 28: Physical Education at Elev8 Dance. All Elementary students will be heading to Elev8 Dance on Dundurn Street for their P.E. class! They had a lot of fun with ballet and acrobatics fundamentals at their first class, and we can’t wait to see what moves they come up with as they build up to some routines. Students are reminded to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to class that will allow for flexibility and lots of high-energy movements.
- Friday, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
- Friday, January 30: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 2: Changes of Puberty. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the second half of the O.W.L. workshop Changes of Puberty. They will be learning about body care and different hygiene products that can be supportive of tweens and teens moving through puberty. If they have not already done so, students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 3: Puberty, pages 30-52.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 9, 2026
Welcome to the winter term Lyonsgate families. We have an update from Casa South this week.
A number of families have been asking and registration for the 2026.2027 school year will be available by the end of this month.
This Week’s Classroom Update
The new year started with a lot of fun and lots of focus. The children came back with lots of Winter break stories to tell us and each other.
We are practicing grace and courtesy in Casa South, and the children are also excited about making tea, which is a classroom activity they were asking for before the break. The process requires lots of focus and fine motor skills work. It also helps the children to have some time for themselves and to relax.
We welcomed Mr. Cowie to our Casa South team, and the children are ecstatic about it as he is a fun, kind, and enthusiastic guide.
We hope the New Year will bring even more joy and focus to the classroom, and to your children.
Ms. Prim.
Hamilton Public Health has asked us to share information about their next set of Group Theraplay sessions for children ages 2-6: “Group Theraplay is an 8 week play based therapy program. Parents and children attend together and complete activities that focus on strengthening the parent child relationship. All programs being offered are free.” Visit https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/public-health/parenting/parenting-groups-hamilton#theraplay for more information (and see attachment to email version of this update).
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
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, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
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, January 14: Physical Education at Elev8 Dance. All Elementary students will be heading to Elev8 Dance on Dundurn Street for their P.E. class! Students are reminded to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to class that will allow for flexibility and lots of high-energy movements.
- Friday, January 16: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 1: Changes of Puberty. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the first part of the O.W.L. workshop “Changes of Puberty.” They will be learning about the role of hormones in regulating the body, as well as the body changes that come with the transition from childhood to adolescence. To prepare for this workshop, students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 3: Puberty, pages 30-52.
- Friday, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 19, 2025
Dear Lyonsgate Families,
The weather has been reminding us lately that winter is just around the corner, and the fall term is coming to a close. It has been so wonderful to see our returning students step into new roles and activities this year, and to welcome new friends and families to our Lyonsgate community.
We hope the children have settled in well and enjoyed the first term of this school year. There’s been a lot of learning, and a lot of fun! We look forward to our return on January 5th and the start of the winter term. There will be new activities to look forward to, new social connections to explore, new presentations to learn, and lots of growth and independence to build upon.
We would like to take this moment to recognize our wonderful staff who pour their heart and soul into making each day special for the children, and to thank you, our families, for your continued support and trust in us to look after your most precious gifts.
We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season filled with the perfect balance of joy and peace, and we look forward to welcoming your family back in the new year!
Rachel Lyons, principal.
Sarah Kennedy, vice-principal.
Hamilton Public Health has asked us to share the following: “We are seeing an increase in seasonal respiratory illnesses in Hamilton. There has been a significant rise in Influenza A across Ontario, including the City of Hamilton. Infants and children, especially those 5 and under, are at higher risk of serious illness.” Please see the included attachments in the email version of this update, or click here and here.
Pharmacies in Hamilton providing COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be found at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
If you are having trouble accessing publicly funded respiratory vaccines, please visit http://www.hamilton.ca/FallVaccineClinics or call 905-540-5250.
You can monitor respiratory virus transmission in Hamilton by visiting Hamilton’s Respiratory Virus Data web page.
Have a happy, healthy holiday everyone.
Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information; no photo gallery this week.
Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]
Elementary Upcoming Important Dates
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, January 5: First Day of Winter Term.
- Friday, January 23: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, January 5: First Day of Winter Term.
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
- Monday, January 5: First Day of Winter Term.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 12, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
With the fall term coming to a close, the number of important dates is winding down, while the children’s excitement for the holiday season is ramping up. We have an update from the Casa North classroom this week, and the winter holiday dates can be found in the “Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information” section. Thursday, Dec. 18, is the last day of school for students, and staff will be in on Friday, Dec. 19, to refresh and organize the classrooms to meet the students’ needs for the winter term starting on Monday, Jan. 5.
An important non-Lyonsgate date for many families is coming up: City of Hamilton Recreation Winter Programs registration opens on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The virtual waiting room is available at 7:45 a.m. and online registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Click here to view programs and to register.
This Week’s Classroom Update
It’s hard to believe the first term is already coming to an end. It has been a very busy and fulfilling few months, during which the children have settled beautifully into their daily routines, learned many new things, and formed wonderful friendships. With the holidays approaching, we have introduced several festive crafts that the children have truly enjoyed. The Casa North students were especially delighted to create a “blizzard” in our classroom by cutting out paper snowflakes and decorating the windows with them. We hope you and your families enjoy a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the next term.
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 [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]
Elementary Upcoming Important Dates
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, December 18: Last Day of Fall Term. This is the last full day of classes before the winter break.
- Friday, December 19: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, Jan. 2: Winter Break. Lyonsgate is closed for the winter holiday.
- Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Winter Term. We welcome Lyonsgate students to the new year and the new term.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
No important upcoming dates.
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
- Thursday, December 18: Class Party. The Elementary students will be celebrating the last day together before the winter break with a class party. Following outdoor recreation time, we’ll be having pizza delivered for lunch! Students are welcome to bring along any of their regular lunch items to supplement, and will still need their water bottle. We’ll have a variety of fun activities available for students in the afternoon, including a craft station, games room, music zone, reading room, and a short movie screening on the main floor. Students are welcome to bring a sweet treat or salty snack to donate to the treat buffet, with a friendly reminder to leave anything containing nuts at home. We hope you all enjoy the winter break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school in the new year!
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.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 5, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you for your generous contributions to our school’s and students’ charitable outreach projects for the upcoming holiday season. The Elementary students raised $490 to help support a family (see photo above), and toy donations for the CityKidz toy drive are starting to come in. Toys can be donated up to Wednesday morning; they will be dropped off to CityKidz Wednesday afternoon.
This Week’s Classroom Update
While the official start of winter is still a couple of weeks away we sure are getting a taste of the upcoming cold temperatures! The Toddlers have been working very hard on learning how to put on and take off all their winter gear. This self care skill helps build confidence, requires both fine and gross motor skills, and provides a sense of order as the children learn the sequence of steps to getting dressed and undressed. To support this new learning our prepared environment has low hooks so the toddlers can hang up their items, a bench to sit on to take on/off pants and boots, and a cubby for indoor shoes. The children who have mastered “the coat flip” model it for those still learning as we use language that is specific and encourages effort: “You’re working hard to get your arm in your coat,” or “I can see you’re pulling the zipper up by yourself.” We celebrate progress as much as perfection as their independence grows in small, steady steps.
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
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
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: CityKidz Toy Drive Deadline.
- Thursday, December 18: Last Day of Fall Term. This is the last full day of classes before the winter break.
- Friday, December 19: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, Jan. 2: Winter Break. Lyonsgate is closed for the winter holiday.
- Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Winter Term. We welcome Lyonsgate students to the new year and the new term.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: CityKidz Toy Drive Deadline. This is the last day to donate toys to the CityKidz toy drive. CityKidz accepts new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0 to 12. Not sure what to buy? Check out this list with their kids’ top toy requests.
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
- Community Outreach Project: Holiday Hope. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you for your tremendous support of the students’ craft and bake sale during our Elementary Open House. Their hard work was rewarded with our community’s generosity, raising $490 to help a family in our community have a happier holiday. The older students have been shopping at Wal-Mart and Fortino’s for the items on their wish list, and our donations will be delivered to St. Matthew’s House next week. They were thrilled to be able to choose warm clothes, fun pajamas, Barbies, and craft kits for other children.
- Friday, December 12: OWL #3: Body Image. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending an OWL workshop about “Body Image,” learning about physical diversity and examining the messages we receive about bodies, health, and beauty from our families, communities, and media. They are kindly reminded to complete the reading assignment found at the bottom of the page listing follow-up activities to do after attending the workshop on “Images in Popular Culture (Media Literacy).”
- Thursday, December 18: Class Party. The Elementary students will be celebrating the last day together before the winter break with a class party. Following outdoor recreation time, we’ll be having a pizza delivered for lunch! Students are welcome to bring along any of their regular lunch items to supplement, and will still need their water bottle. We’ll have a variety of fun activities available for students in the afternoon, including a craft station, games room, music zone, reading room, and a short movie screening on the main floor. Students are welcome to bring a sweet treat or salty snack to donate to the treat buffet, with a friendly reminder to leave anything containing nuts at home.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 28, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
With the first winter storm upon us, here is Lyonsgate’s “Snow Day” policy: we follow the lead of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB). If they call a snow day, both Lyonsgate campuses will also close. We will email all Lyonsgate families and post the closure on the school website as soon as HWDSB makes the call, usually just after 6:00 a.m., and if you see elsewhere that HWDSB schools are closed, you can know that Lyonsgate is also closed (please note: sometimes the Catholic board (HWCDSB) will cancel buses but keep schools open; we do not follow HWCDSB closures). Lyonsgate students and staff travel to Lyonsgate from all over Hamilton, and beyond, and HWDSB considers road conditions in the whole area.
Besides storms and snow days, it is also the season of giving. Please see below for details of a toy drive at the Primary (Casa & Toddler) campus and an outreach project fundraising sale at the Elementary campus on Monday.
See below for an update from the Elementary program!
This Week’s Classroom Update
With winter break only a few weeks away, the energy in the Elementary classroom remains high, with new lesson cycles and group activities. Over the past two weeks, all of the students received the fourth Great Lesson: “The Story of Communication in Signs,” which tells the tale of one of the greatest human innovations: an alphabet. The lesson is meant to both spark interest in the reasoned study of language and to demonstrate the connecting threads between different subject areas. The story begins with humans finding a way to communicate across distance and time, to be able to leave messages, pass on knowledge, and keep records. With the aid of a few impressionistic charts, the students imagine the enormous impact of this human invention and activity from the Lascaux caves in France to ancient Sumer, Egypt, and to the Phoenician traders who developed and spread phonetic alphabets, all the way to ancient Greece and Rome. The lesson typically ends with students exuberantly shouting or gently whispering, “Thank you, Phoenicians!”
The conscious development of gratitude is an important part of a Montessori approach to life and learning. By guiding children to reflect upon their blessings or good fortune with a sense of appreciation and contentment, we help them diminish feelings of envy and resentment. By developing gratitude for the efforts and endeavours of others, they learn to accept imperfection and focus on improvement. Gratitude helps us move on from disappointment and difficulty. Even in our academic studies, there is a place for wonder, awe, and gratitude, as these are the sparks needed to set alight new dreams and aspirations. As each child continues along their own path, choosing which pursuits bring them the greatest sense of fulfillment and security, the gratitude they carry will help them to persevere through difficulty, and inspire compassion for those without our same luck or opportunities. Compassionate thinking will shape their words and actions, and ultimately build and strengthen their personal relationships and communities.
In preparation for the holiday season, the students generously committed to an outreach project helping members of their community. They chose to register for the Holiday Hope program through St. Matthew’s House in Hamilton, and sponsor a local family to receive groceries and personal gifts this December. With the goal of raising $350 to create a bit of holiday joy, they have communicated, collaborated, and achieved their goals of preparing a variety of sweet treats, jewelry, and bookmarks to sell at their Open House after-school on Monday, December 1. All members of our Lyonsgate Montessori community are welcome to visit the Open House between 3:15–4:15 p.m. to see displays of the children’s work and do a little shopping for a great cause!
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
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, December 1: Elementary Open House and Charity Sale.
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: CityKidz Toy Drive Deadline.
- Thursday, December 18: Last Day of Fall Term. This is the last full day of classes before the winter break.
- Friday, December 19: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, Jan. 2: Winter Break. Lyonsgate is closed for the winter holiday.
- Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Winter Term. We welcome Lyonsgate students to the new year and the new term.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: CityKidz Toy Drive Deadline. This is the last day to donate toys to the CityKidz toy drive. CityKidz accepts new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0 to 12. Not sure what to buy? Check out this list with their kids’ top toy requests.
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
- Monday, December 1: Open House and Charity Sale. The Elementary students are excited to welcome family and friends to our after-school Open House on Monday, December 1st. Visitors are welcome to arrive anytime between 3:15-4:15 to view displays of the students’ work from the first term. The students will also be hosting a bake and craft sale to raise money for their charity outreach project, sponsoring a local family through St. Matthew’s House to receive groceries and gifts for the holiday season. There will be bookmarks, bracelets, baked goods, and hot chocolate available! The children will be operating a cash-only sale, and are very appreciative of small bills and coins.
- Wednesday, December 3: Upper Elementary Outing. The Upper Elementary students will be travelling on the public bus up the mountain to visit the Wal-Mart on Upper James Street. They will be using the proceeds of their bake and craft sale to shop for gifts on the wish list of their adopted family. Students in Years 4-7 are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for this outing, and to be prepared with their Presto card or cash bus fare.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 21, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
See below for an RSVP for our “Introduction to Elementary” event on Thursday, Nov. 27; while especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third or fourth year, and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. This week’s classroom update shares the wealth of progress we are seeing in Casa South.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Learning and education, especially in a student-led program such as Montessori, is never a smooth upward trajectory. Development and progress, at times, come in periods of great and rapid progress, and at other times through periods of rest, contemplation, observation, and comfort with where we’re at, what we know, and what we can do.
Casa South is starting to see students take some big steps forward in their Montessori educations. First-year students are finding their comfort and place in the classroom and amongst their peers, second-year students are realizing how much they know and how much they can do, and third-year students are embracing their classroom-leader roles and completing big work that fills them with pride and confidence in their abilities. Lyonsgate strives to educate the whole child, and we are seeing learning and development in all areas: learning to regulate our own emotions when we are upset or frustrated; discovering new physical abilities when working with manipulative materials or playing at recess; realizing that we know how to count to a certain number, respond in French, or write short phrases; and doing the hard work of learning who we are and how we want to be seen and treated in our social relations.
One way that we are encouraging them to navigate their social lives is the use of a “peace rose.” When children experience conflict, they take the rose to their friend, which means that they get to express their feelings; they pass the rose to their friend who then gets to respond. It was introduced a few weeks ago and now the students are using it independently to resolve their small personal conflicts with each other.
It is a joy and a privilege to witness and be a part of children’s growth, learning, and development. As the first term begins to wind down, we can’t wait to see what your children have in store for the rest of this school year and beyond.
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
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, 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.
- Thursday, December 18: Last Day of Fall Term. This is the last full day of classes before the winter break.
- Friday, December 19: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, Jan. 2: Winter Break. Lyonsgate is closed for the winter holiday.
- Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Winter Term. We welcome Lyonsgate students to the new year and the new term.
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 28: OWL Workshop #2. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the second OWL workshop about Media Literacy. They will be learning about different types of media and thinking about the messages they receive through popular culture, as well as from their family and friends. Following this workshop, students have a short follow-up assignment to complete at home with their families, as well as readings to prepare for the next workshop in December.
- Monday, December 1: Open House. The Elementary students are excited to welcome family and friends to our after-school Open House on Monday, December 1st. Visitors are welcome to arrive anytime between 3:15-4:15 to view displays of the students’ work from the first term. The students will also be hosting a bake and craft sale to raise money for their charity outreach project, sponsoring a local family through St. Matthew’s House to receive groceries and gifts for the holiday season. There will be bookmarks, bracelets, baked goods, and hot chocolate available!
- Wednesday, December 3: Upper Elementary Outing. The Upper Elementary students will be travelling on the public bus up the mountain to visit the Wal-Mart on Upper James Street. They will be using the proceeds of their bake and craft sale to shop for gifts on the wish list of their adopted family. Students in Years 4-7 are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for this outing, and to be prepared with their Presto card or cash bus fare.
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.
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 14, 2025
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
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.
