Lyonsgate Update Oct. 14, 2024
Happy Thanksgiving Lyonsgate Families!
We hope you are all enjoying a wonderful long weekend with family and friends.
Elementary Parent Education takes place this week on Thursday, Oct. 17. Marissa and Michelle will be leading a workshop exploring the geography curriculum and materials with parents. See the Elementary section below, or your Lyonsgate calendar for details.
The Casa and Toddler Field Trip to Brantwood Farm takes place next week on Thursday, Oct. 24. Please see your Lyonsgate calendar for details.
Fall Weather Wear: The cold mornings, warmer afternoons, and sporadic rainstorms make for adventuresome days during the fall. Please take a moment to check the weather forecast each day and send students to school with whatever variations of outerwear and layers are appropriate (and remember to label everything!). Thank you.
Updates from your children’s Montessori levels, and photos from the past week, are linked below:
Hello Toddler Parents,
As we look around our classroom and school we see so much to be thankful for. We have beautiful classrooms and materials, we have happy friends, caring teachers, and our outside playspace where our bodies can run with the wind …and sometimes dance in surprise rain showers! Most recently the children have begun to show us who they are thankful for, and that is Ms. Covic. She is a smiling face that always greets the children warmly, is ready to offer help to any child or teacher, and most importantly (to the toddlers!) is the person who prepares and brings our yummy lunch to the classroom. One day during lunch a child said, “Thank you Ms. Covic” and began clapping their hands as she entered the classroom. Now, a round of applause is had daily as we enjoy our food, and remember to be thankful.
Vanessa Findlay.
Bonjour!
Bienvenue l’année scolaire 2024/2025. C’est un grand plaisir de revoir mes ami(e)s!
I’m Mme Murati, the French teacher in Casa North.
French is integrated into the work cycle. It is both a separate subject and something students are exposed to daily and feel secure and confident about.
The French circle (gathering) is one of the hits in Casa North. Frequently, the students ask “When is French circle, Madame?” Once a day, we all gather, we sing French songs, read French books, we communicate in French, and we do finger plays.
Here are some of the books and songs we are reading and singing so far this year:
Books:
- Qui sera mon professeur, by Jerry Pallotta
- Que se passe-t-il dans la salle des profs?, By Jerry Pallotta
- Brindille, by Aura Parker
Their favourite book is La rentrée de papa, by Mike Wohmoutka. They laugh loudly because the little boy is ready to go to school but the daddy isn’t. The teacher had to kick him out of the school (we won’t do that!). Apparently, all the Lyonsgate dads did a great job letting their children go to school 😉.
Songs:
- “Bonjour les amies, Comment ça va?” by Alain le Lait.
- “Frère Jacques.”
- “Si tu es content et tu le sais…” (“If You’re Happy and You Know It…”)
- “Tapent, Tapent petites mains…”
We are also practising to greet each other in French:
“Comment ça va?”
- “Ça va bien.”
- “Comme-ci, comme-ça”
- “Ça va mal.”
I hear often: “Ça va bien mais Maman, Papa me manquent!” (“I’m fine but I miss Mommy and Daddy!”)
Joyeuse Action de Grâce,
(Happy Thanksgiving)
Mme Murati.
Parent Education Event: Thursday, October 17
Our next parent education event will be taking place after school on Thursday, October 17, from 3:30-4:15. Parents are invited to join Marissa and Michelle to learn more about our geography curriculum. Please note, all Elementary students will be traveling to the HAAA that day at 3:20, ahead of the parent presentation.
Elementary students whose families are attending the parent education event will be included in the aftercare program (free of charge). These students will return to the Elementary campus by 4:30. All other students will be dismissed from the HAAA park between 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca with how many adults are planning to attend, and whether you require Elementary or Primary child care that day, by Tuesday, October 15.
Upper Elementary Community Outing: Thursday, October 24 A.M.
Students in years 4-6 will practice traveling by public bus up the mountain during the morning work cycle, and enjoying a fall hike down the escarpment. Students should be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, their Presto card or bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way.
Senior Student Charity Bake Sale: Thursday, October 24 P.M.
from Charlie, Colin, and Theo:
The Make a Wish Foundation is a charity where Canadian kids with critical illnesses get a life changing wish. These wishes are usually experiences like: going to Disneyland, a vacation, or getting a pet. Our goal is to raise as much money for Make a Wish Foundation as possible. We are holding this bake and art sale on October 24 from 3:00-4:45 and 100% of profits are going to Make a Wish Foundation. All items will cost from $1-$5. This is what we’re selling:
Learning Resource-Parent Conferences: Friday, November 1
While the campus will be closed to students, staff will be on-site refreshing the classroom and preparing lessons for the rest of the term. Parents of students who routinely work with our learning resource specialist, Kim, are invited to schedule a parent-teacher conference with her that day. Please check next week’s update for a link to schedule your conference.
Lyonsgate Update Oct. 7, 2024
Happy Monday Lyonsgate Families,
Toddler and Casa Parent Education events take place this week:
- Toddler Parent Education will focus on toilet learning and will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 3:30-4:15. We hope you can attend to learn more about your child’s Montessori experience. Please click here to RSVP if you are able to attend.
- Casa Parent Education is entitled “Food for Thought” and will take place on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 3:30-4:15. If you are able to attend we’d love to welcome you; please click here to RSVP.
- For Parent Education events, please enter via the glass foyer doors off the parking lot. Children are welcome to stay in after care.
[Note: the next Elementary Parent Education event is on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 3:30-4:15 at the Elementary campus; see the Elementary section below, or your Lyonsgate calendar for details.]
PD Day and Thanksgiving: this Friday, Oct. 11, is the first PD Day of the school year and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed. The PD Day leads into the Thanksgiving long weekend and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14, for the Thanksgiving statutory holiday.
See below for updates from the Lyonsgate Montessori levels:
We have had another busy week settling into our new environment and routines. As each day passes more progress is made!
In the classroom, we see a lot a feelings and emotions that all range from happy or sad, to frustrated or proud, and everything in between! We have been focusing on noticing feelings in one’s self, leading to an understanding that our feelings are valued in our community. Next, we see and start to value other friends’ feelings and emotions in the classroom! The children begin to recognize their feelings and emotions in themselves and others, leading to trust and bonds forming.
We have also seen children cheering themselves on with “I did it!” or others with “You did it!” We have seen friends concern and empathy towards friends who may be upset, asking “Are you okay?”
It’s pretty amazing to see the community in the classroom take shape!
Ms. Relic.
The Casa students, in their ever-observant, ever-aware way, were excited to see the new windows in their classrooms this morning. Coupled with the new HVAC system that was installed last year, we are all looking forward to comfortable classrooms as the weather starts to turn colder.
With the cooler weather and the extra layers, please remember to label every single article of clothing that comes into the school with your child. Things like coats, sweaters, hats, and mitts are shed over the course of the day as the cool, early fall mornings turn to warmer, lingering memories of summer in the afternoons.
We are excited to bring you our first Casa-specific Parent Education event this week on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 3:30-4:15. If you are able to attend we’d love to welcome you; please click here to RSVP. For Parent Education events, please enter via the glass foyer doors off the parking lot. Children are welcome to stay in after care.
The Casa Team.
Last week, in recognition of Orange Shirt Day, each Elementary student participated in lessons honouring the history and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. While younger students heard the creation myth of Turtle Island, older students discussed what it means to be indigenous, or the concept of reconciliation. They were saddened to learn of the residential schools that failed to provide love and care to the children there, but eager to learn more about Indigenous people in our communities today. The children then turned their attention toward the beloved cross-country charity run at La Salle Park, where five Montessori schools come together for a fun day of outdoor races while also raising funds for the Red Cross Initiative for Indigenous Communities. The day was a great success, with wonderful moments of mentorship, perseverance, and beautiful sporting conduct in cheering for the athletes from every school, as well as our own Lyonsgate team.
Wishing you a lovely long weekend ahead, with gratitude.
Marissa and Michelle.
Parent Education Event: Thursday, October 17
Our next parent education event will be taking place after school on Thursday, October 17, from 3:30-4:15. Parents are invited to join Marissa and Michelle to learn more about our geography curriculum.
Please note, all Elementary students will be traveling to the HAAA that day at 3:20, ahead of the parent presentation.
Elementary students whose families are attending the parent education event will be included in the aftercare program (free of charge). These students will return to the Elementary campus by 4:30. All other students will be dismissed from the HAAA park between 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca with how many adults are planning to attend, and whether you require Elementary or Casa child care that day, by Tuesday, October 15.
Upper Elementary Community Outing: Thursday, October 24
Students in years 4-6 will practice traveling by public bus up the mountain, and enjoying a fall hike down the escarpment. Students should be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, their Presto card or bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way.
Save-the-Date! Elementary Student Charity Bake Sale: Thursday, October 24
Senior students Charlie, Theo, and Colin will be hosting a charity bake sale on campus after school. Check your email next week for more details from the kids!
Lyonsgate Update Sept. 30, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Here are this week’s updates and reminders:
- The Elementary students will be venturing to a cross-country running event hosted annually by Fairview Glen Montessori School. See the Elementary section for details.
- We recommend ordering school photos online from Lifetouch, but if you would like to complete the included order form instead, please return it to Lyonsgate no later than Oct. 1. Thank you.
- The next set of Parent Education events are coming up next week:
- October 9: “Toilet Learning” for Toddler parents from 3:30-4:15. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/hndMq87Vdvrmrohw7
- October 10: “Food for Thought” for Casa parents from 3:30-4:15. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/3WomXmnTRoc5HFUU8
- For Parent Education events, please enter via the glass foyer doors off the parking lot. Children are welcome to stay in after care during Parent Education events.
- Friday, October 11, is the first PD Day of the year and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- ASCY (Affiliated Services for Children and Youth) has asked us to share a great, free program for children aged 0-6 — Ask a Professional: “a Speech-Language Pathologist, Resource Consultant and Mental Health Counsellor are available monthly at select EarlyONs to answer questions about child development and well-being. Bring your child (ages 0 to 6) to an Ask a Professional session and talk to a Speech-Language Pathologist and/or Resource Consultant and/or a Mental Health Counsellor for free. No pre-registration required.” Please click here for more information and the schedule.
See below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels:
It has been a great week with the children continuing to become more comfortable in the classroom and with routines being built throughout their days. We have introduced our flower bouquet activity to the group, as well as helping them continue to work on mastering their skills with previously introduced activities. We had our first parent education night of the school year, and hope to continue to find ways for the children to grow throughout their year in the Toddler room!
Mr. Ardrey.
Hello Casa Families!
We had another busy week in the Casa classrooms. Many new friendships have been made in the classroom and on the playground. The children are all transitioning into the new school year and routines well. The children are all getting more comfortable with their new environment and returning to school.
We have been practicing a lot of grace and courtesy in the classroom and on the playground. We have been working on using our manners, tucking in our chairs, not interrupting others, and covering our mouth when sneezing and coughing. We have also been working a lot on independence in the classroom with changing shoes, clothing, going to the bathroom on their own, as well as working independently. Having clothing and shoes that your child can get on easily by themselves helps set them up for success. We hope you are seeing these skills for yourself at home.
We wanted to say thank you to all the families that were able to make it out to our first parent education night this week and we hope to see you all at our next one.
-The Casa Team.
Last week, the class was brimming with artistic exploration as many children incorporated painting, sculpting, or knitting into their work in other subjects. The children enjoyed seeing some of their peers perform a short play about the web of life in our oceans, and how they applied their art lessons to creating costumes and props to turn themselves into ocean creatures, including zooplankton, different types of fish, a squid, a seal, and even an orca! Everyone was excited to begin working on a whole class play for our dramatic studies this term. To begin, the students listened to the story, decided which roles were of the greatest interest to them, and were introduced to a casting process that includes balloting and even some auditions. Today, the students will be honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by learning more about the history of Indigenous groups from our area.
Marissa and Michelle.
Charity Fun Run: Wednesday, October 2
On Wednesday, October 2, 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 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, carrying a robust litterless lunch and water bottle, and a hat or sunglasses if desired. The charity run will take place in the morning, with the children enjoying lunch and playground time around mid-day, followed by a brief awards ceremony. Due to the capacity limits of the city rental agreement, this event is limited to students and staff, and parent spectators are not permitted. We kindly ask that parents wait to hear about the event after school from their child.
Lyonsgate Update Sept. 23, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
We are hosting a “Montessori 101” this Thursday for our first primary (Casa and Toddler) Parent Education event of the school year, and we hope you will join us! It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what your child is doing, how they are developing, and to see friendly faces and meet new families! Mrs. Lyons will be hosting the session. The presentation will introduce you to how and why Montessori is different, with a specific focus on what Montessori called the First Plane of Development (ages 0-6). Come and discover how a Montessori environment is best for your child, and how to encourage natural development at home. The session will run from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., with time for questions at the end. Childcare will be provided for those students whose families are participating. We ask all families that are participating to please RSVP here. Please enter via the glass door foyer off the parking lot. We look forward to seeing you!
We’ll have full photo galleries for you starting next week. This week, please enjoy some images from the Elementary program taken by some student photographers. Click the links below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels.
Hello Toddler Families,
I am excited to see familiar faces and welcome new ones as we kick off another fantastic year at Lyonsgate! These first few weeks of school have seen us busy getting to know each other, exploring the classroom, and learning new routines. During our in-class work cycle, the children have been cutting fruit for snack, exploring the materials, and reveling in sinks with taps at just their height. Lunchtime sees the children setting the table with placemats, plates, and cutlery, and trying new foods. The last days of summer have brought beautiful weather and the children have enjoyed their time outside kicking balls, playing in the sandbox, and using sidewalk chalk. A friendly reminder as our clothes change to fall sweatshirts, rain coats, and boots to please label everything. If you have any questions or something you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we love chatting with you about your amazing children!
Vanessa Findlay,
Toddler Guide.
Greetings Casa Parents,
We’re off and running into a new school year with plenty of smiles, a few tears, and no doubt some early nights. It’s been so good to welcome returning faces, to see how much the children have grown and how happy they are to rejoin their classrooms. It’s been equally nice to welcome our newest members, to help them settle in, grow accustomed to daily routines, and get to know their unique personalities.
The returning children are really stepping up to fulfill their role as mentors and guides for their newer classmates. We have already observed connections in the making, the sharing of knowledge, and helping hands in action. Learning to lead and leading to learn are processes we witness and practise on a daily basis.
Now that all the children have joined us, our classrooms are complete and we have begun to form micro communities in both the North and South Casa classes. The outdoor space is a whirlwind of activity with all those energetic bodies interacting and making up games as they build strong bodies and friendships.
As always, we thank you for your support, especially at this time of transition, and look forward to getting to know all of you more throughout the year. Please join us this Thursday afternoon for our first Parent Education session which offers not only an opportunity to expand your Montessori knowledge but also time to get to know other parents in our Lyonsgate community.
See you at the gate,
The Casa Team.
We had a great time last week as the children continued to think about the enormity of the universe, the great expanse of time, and the emergence of humans. Younger students received classic Montessori lessons including the Black Strip and the third Great Lesson: The Story of Human Beings. Older students familiar with these lessons enjoyed exploring a material called the timeline of human beings, which introduces them to different early humans such as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo neanderthalensis from the Stone Age.
We have lots of things coming up, so please check below for important dates and reminders! Please also enjoy the pictures provided by this week’s student photographers, Colin and Rory.
Warmly,
Marissa and Michelle.
Upper Elementary Community Outing — Thursday, September 26
On Thursday, students in years 4-6 will practice travelling by public bus toward a starting point on the Bruce Trail for our first hike of the fall season. Students should be prepared with their red Lyongate t-shirt, their Presto card or bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way.
Scholastic Book Order — Friday, September 27
Your child recently brought home a Scholastic book flyer, offering discounts on books for families and encouraging a love of reading. The monthly flyers will highlight new, popular, or seasonal items, with even more choices available on the website.
When you place an order online with our class code, RC 144312 (written on the front of each flyer), your family’s order will be grouped together with others from our class into one shipment, and all the books will arrive at the school. We’ll let you know when your order has arrived, and you can send in a labelled, reusable bag for your order to be brought home. If there are any surprise or gift items in your order you would like to be kept hidden from your child, please let us know, and we’ll set it aside for you to pick up.
With every order placed using our class code, we earn “bonus bucks” for the classroom, which can be used toward new library books, art supplies, music resources, and other classroom materials.
If you would like to be included in our September shipment, please place your family’s online Scholastic order by Friday, September 27th. Orders placed from the September flyer after that date will be included in our October shipment.
Charity Fun Run — Wednesday, October 2
On Wednesday, October 2, 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 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, carrying a robust litterless lunch and water bottle, and a hat or sunglasses if desired. The charity run will take place in the morning, with the children enjoying lunch and playground time around mid-day, followed by a brief awards ceremony. Due to the capacity limits of the city rental agreement, this event is limited to students and staff, and parent spectators are not permitted. We kindly ask that parents wait to hear about the event after school from their child. Thank you.
Lyonsgate Update Sept. 16, 2024
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
School photo day is this Friday, Sept. 20. All photos will be taken at the Primary (Aberdeen) campus. Elementary students will walk over to have their photos taken. Toddler students will go first while they are still put together for the day.
Casa and Toddler Parents: Hamilton Public Health vaccine history forms are also due back to Lyonsgate on Friday, Sept. 20. If you maintain up to date vaccine records for your child online with Public Health, and do not need to return a vaccine history form, please let us know.
Also, the first parent education event of the school year is at the end of the school day on Thursday, Sept. 26, and will focus on Maria Montessori’s First Plane of Development. All Toddler and Casa parents are encouraged to attend.
See below for an update from the Elementary program, and your first photo gallery of the school year, giving you a glimpse into your children’s Montessori week.
Last week, the students received the second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life, a story from history and biology about the emergence of life in the oceans and the evolution of millions of species through time. Many students were delighted to focus on special features of arthropods, and learn about a time when cockroaches grew to over twelve inches in length! Others focused on the concept of keystone species and the delicate balance maintained between living things and their environment. The children have also been enthusiastically learning to cork, crochet, and knit with needles!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
Marissa and Michelle.
Upcoming Dates to Note
Friday, September 20: No Crossing Guards
Please note that on public school P.D. days, the neighbourhood crossing guards will not be available. Please advise any children who are self-dismissing that day of any changes to their dismissal routine or walking route.
Friday, September 20: School Photo Day
Elementary students will be walking together as a group to the Primary campus to have their annual school photos taken.
Thursday, September 26: Upper Elementary Community Outing
All Upper Elementary students will require their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and bus fare or Presto card in preparation for our hike on the Bruce Trail.
Lyonsgate Update Sept. 9, 2024
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We are looking forward to welcoming Toddler and Casa students who are new to Lyonsgate this week. Our returning students gave us all a great start to the school year, and they are excited to meet new friends this week.
In the coming weeks we will have regular updates from the Casa and Toddler levels for you, as well as a gallery of photos from the previous week so that you can get a glimpse into their Montessori days. See below for an update from the Elementary program.
Here are a few reminders for the school year:
- Vaccination History forms for Casa and Toddler students are due by Sept. 20.
- Sick Child?: If your child is sick, please email admin@lyonsgate.ca and your child's classroom, or leave a message at 905-525-4283. Please see the "Sick Child? Here's What to Do" page under your "Parents" tab on the school website for a table from Hamilton Public Health about how long children are required to be absent from school, depending upon the illness.
- Lunch Menu: The lunch menu for Casa and Toddler students is also available under your "Parents" tab, and you can always check the school calendar to see which week of the 4-week rotation we are on.
- Parent Contact Info: This week, you will receive contact information provided by the families of the other students in your child's class. Please note that not all families choose to share contact information. Please use the contact information for things like birthday party invitations, arranging playdates, carpools, and pick-ups.
We had a wonderful time last week welcoming new students into the classroom! To get acquainted with the six students who moved up from Casa this September, the class broke into small groups to conduct interviews and get to know them better. Afterwards, the new students lay down on pieces of mural paper to have their body shape traced and decorated to look like them! Each group proudly presented their new friend to the class on Friday before our first community lunch of the year. The other major highlight of the week was the presentation of the first Great Lesson: The Creation of the Universe, with simple demonstrations of the laws of physics and the eruption of our model volcano. We are excited to present the second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life this week.
Happy Monday!
Marissa and Michelle
Upcoming Dates to Note
Friday, September 13: O.W.L. Workshop #1 - Part 1
Please review the introductory note in your child's OWL booklet with them. There is no required reading before the first workshop.
Welcome to the 2024.2025 School Year at Lyonsgate
Hello Lyonsgate Montessori Families,
We're very excited to welcome everyone back to school next week. Here are some things to know:
- Staggered Start Dates:
- All Lyonsgate Elementary students, and Casa & Toddler students returning to the same program as last year, start school on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
- Lyonsgate students moving up to the Casa program from the Toddler program start school on Thursday, Sept. 5.
- Siblings of existing Lyonsgate students that are starting in the Toddler program this year will visit for the morning on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 8:30-11:15. Siblings' first full day is Friday, Sept. 6.
- New Lyonsgate Casa & Toddler students received their staggered start date in their "Welcome to Lyonsgate Montessori" email. New Toddler students will have a morning visit before starting full time. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
- Family Park Party: In case you missed it on the school calendar, we will kick off the school year with a gathering at Dundas Driving Park on Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 11:00-2:00. This is a chance to reacquaint with classmates, meet new students and other parents, and to start off the year with a fun day where students can see staff and other students with the comfort and support of parents nearby. Elementary program staff will be hosting their orientation at 10:00 a.m. at the park. Elementary parents are requested to meet there at that time. Pack a picnic lunch for your family (no potluck for this event), and things like a blanket, towels and bathing suits for the splashpad and wading pool, and park fun like soccer balls and frisbees are also good to pack.
- Casa & Toddler Meet-the-Teacher: We are very excited to welcome our new Lyonsgate Casa and Toddler students and their families to visit their new classrooms and meet their teachers on Friday, August 30. If you still need to select a visit time, please do so here: https://go.oncehub.com/2425MeettheTeacher. If you have already selected a time, you will have received an email from "OnceHub" with the details when you signed up (and please don't hesitate to email us at admin@lyonsgate.ca if you are unsure).
When you come for your visit, please bring items that will stay at school like changes of clothes, sunscreen, diapers and wipes for our Toddler students, indoor shoes, and any nap items, if applicable, such as blankets and stuffed animals that will stay at school. Toddler parents, please also provide a 4X6 picture of your child and a 4X6 picture of your family. Also, PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!!
- Information Updates: If anything has changed since registration, please visit your "Parent Form Portal" to let us know, especially if there is updated nap information for our Casa students. Please take a look to see what forms are available and use this portal (under your "Parents" tab) throughout the school year to let us know of any changes.
- School Website: The school website, lyonsgate.ca, is your go-to source for up-to-date information. Please take a look for what is available under your "Parents" tab. [Please note: if you click on the "+Google Calendar" button at the bottom right of the calendar, you can add it to your own calendar].
- After School Care: After care is available for Toddler students from 3:30-4:00, for Casa students from 4:00-4:30, and for Elementary students from 3:30-4:30. There is $100/month fee for After School Care. If you need to register for after care, limited spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you believe you may have registered but are unsure, please email admin@lyonsgate.ca to check before registering again. You can register at:
- Transparent Classroom: Families new to Lyonsgate this year will have received an email invite to join Transparent Classroom, the app we use to share photos of your child at work in the classroom, and short messages from their teacher. If you did not receive an invite email, please let us know. Existing Lyonsgate families will have received an invite if you provided a new or different email address on this year's registration form. Please let us know if you have any questions or issues.
Lyonsgate Update, June 14, 2024, Summer!
Dear Lyonsgate Families,
The weather has been a strong indicator that the end of the school year, and start of the summer break, is fast approaching. As a teaching staff, we always find the end of the year full of mixed emotions. We feel excitement and pride in the children's development over the year, and while we feel sad to be saying goodbye to some dear students, we are happy for them that they have reached the next stage of their development, and look forward to welcoming new students in their place. One of the beautiful aspects of Montessori is that we get to spend multiple years with the students, and can look forward to the return of most in the fall, and the continued building of skills and relationships.
At the Primary campus location, we've endured some banging and noisy machinery this year, but in return we have a beautifully functioning, brand new heating and air system that keeps us cool and comfortable in the warmer months. Working through the noise was certainly worth it -- and assisted in building our sense of concentration!
We are looking forward to celebrating the end of the school year with you and your family at Dundas Driving Park on Friday, June 21, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. If you are planning to attend, we are hosting the Casa students' graduation ceremony at 12:30 p.m. at the concrete section of the park. It's a nice time to recognize their accomplishments over their Casa years. A special recognition also goes out to our Toddler students moving up to Casa, and to our Elementary students graduating after 9+ years with us.
Part of the fun of the day includes a potluck lunch. Please be mindful of allergies and ensure anything you bring is nut free. Lyonsgate will provide the plates and cutlery. With a splash pad and lots of play space, it's always good to remember to pack a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and other fun activities to enjoy with your family and friends. It's always such a fun day to celebrate together!
As always, we are grateful for the opportunity you have given us to watch your children blossom and flourish in the Montessori environment with us. Thank you for entrusting your dearest family members, and bright future creators, to our care.
We wish you and your family a fabulous summer break together. We hope it is filled with laughter, inquisitiveness, relaxation, and most importantly, a feeling of joy in togetherness.
Rachel Lyons, principal.
Sarah Kennedy, vice-principal.
Lyonsgate Update June 10, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
We have a few reminders for you as we head into the final two weeks of the school year:
- TODAY!: Elementary Cultural Fair from 3:15-4:15. See the Elementary section below for details.
- Welcome to Elementary Orientation: Wednesday, June 19, 3:30 – 4:15pm. See your Lyonsgate calendar for details.
- Last Day of School: Thursday, June 20, is the last day of school, and we hope to see you all at Dundas Driving Park on Friday, June 21, for the year-end picnic!
See below for updates and messages from your children’s Montessori levels:
What is a three year old?
Maria Montessori identified four main planes of development. From 0-6 years is the first plane. In the Toddler community, we meet the children in first sub-plane of development, ages 0-3, and we bid farewell to them as they pass through to the second sub-plane, roughly ages 3-6 when they enter the Casa community.
A child approaching three is a poised between two states of being. This is when they move from the unconscious absorbent mind to the conscious absorbent mind. It can happen gradually and in some cases fairly quickly for others. Their skills are all still emerging. As they get past this stage they begin to use all of the raw scientific research from the past few years to refine and organize their information.
They are seeking order and have begun to categorize and organize their impressions of the world. I recall a child examining a see through rain stick and watching the tiny pellets fall through as he tipped it over. He watched for a while and then it occurred to him, “Balls!” There were tiny balls inside of the rain stick! He then had to show everyone with great excitement, “Balls!” His research so far led him to this conclusion and he wanted to tell everyone about his discovery.
A three year old is a magnificent creature. After gathering impressions for three intense years, day after day, processing and building themselves, guided by their own unique inner drives, they have found themselves! Their personality is on display!
It has been my great pleasure to observe this daily construction site of little people discovering and creating themselves. At the end of our journey together I am shaking the hand of a very different yet vaguely familiar little person!
Mrs. Elise Gervais
Toddler Montessori Guide
Thank you to all the parents that were able to come in for Parent-Teacher conferences this past week. It’s always great to have the opportunity to discuss all the wonderful things that your children have done throughout the year.
It’s hard to believe that there are only a few more weeks left of school; it feels like the school year has flown by. As we get closer to the end of the school year, we reflect on how much your children have grown and all that they have accomplished. For some children, they started off at a new school, others were going into their last year here, and some were moving up from the Toddler program to Casa. As the year ends, we will be saying goodbye to our graduates and wishing them well. It has been a great school year and we’re looking forward to next year.
The Casa team.
Today! Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please enter through the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. The children will have some staff supervised outdoor time at the HAAA and a snack at the end of the school day. They’ll be returning to campus by 4:30 for some pre-dinner activities, followed by Domino’s pizza, veggies, and fruit. After dinner, we’ll be playing games, telling stories, and making s’mores. There will be some healthy snack options again before bedtime, with pancakes, eggs, and fruit for breakfast in the morning. Students should be picked up on Saturday morning between 8:45-9:00 a.m. It’s going to be a great night!
Thursday, June 20: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation
The last day of school is quickly approaching! Your child will be bringing home their report card, indoor shoes, and any other special trinkets or clothing items that have been residing in the cloakroom. The Elementary students will have some fun activities to wrap up the school year together, and end the day with the Elementary Graduation ceremony. Each sixth year student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the graduation ceremony on campus. Graduates’ family members are welcome to arrive from 3:00, with the ceremony beginning at 3:10, and refreshments to follow.
Lyonsgate Update June 3, 2024
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This Friday is a PA Day to accommodate year-end Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you haven’t already done so, please select a conference timeslot. The link is in your update email.
Elementary parents: please also see your update email to sign up for the Elementary senior sleepover, and see the Elementary section below for details.
Please see updates from your children’s Montessori levels below, and a staff update for the 2024.2025 school year.
2024.2025 Staffing Update
As we close in on the end of this school year, we wanted to let you know of some staff changes to expect for the 2024.2025 school year.
We are thrilled to welcome back Ms. Janelle Duhig to the Primary campus where she will return to the Montessori Support role. She will be assisting the classrooms when needed, and out at recess everyday with the Casa children. We are looking forward to her return!
The Toddler community will unfortunately be saying goodbye to Ms. Elise Gervais. She has been such a beautiful role model for the Toddler children, and we feel blessed to have had her share her warmth, kindness, and expertise with the Lyonsgate community. We wish her and her family the very best in the future.
Leading the Toddler team next year will be Ms. Vanessa Findlay. Current students and families are all very familiar with Ms. Findlay and the beautiful way she speaks with the children. She is our early childhood educational assistant in the classroom who has gone back to school to become a Montessori Toddler Guide! We are very excited for her to enter her new role in the Toddler classroom. Stepping into the role as Toddler early childhood assistant will be Ms. Jessica Dewey. Many families are already very familiar with Ms. Dewey as well, who has been a friendly and knowledgeable assistant in the Casa communities. We look forward to welcoming Ms. Dewey to this new role! We are also very happy that Ms. Sydney Relic will continue to share her warmth and gentle guidance in the Toddler classroom.
With sadness, we will also be saying “au revoir” to Mme Renee Perazzo, but please join us in wishing her a wonderful retirement. Mme Perazzo has been such a gentle, friendly, and supportive member of the Casa South community. We wish her and her family all the best.
The Casa South team will continue to be led under the attuned and watchful eye of Ms. Laurie Robinson. We will welcome Ms. Shelby Gelder as the new early childhood education English assistant and Mlle Jessica Moniere as the new French assistant. Your children are already becoming well acquainted with Mlle Moniere, as she has been assisting with recess daily.
The Elementary campus will be saying “au revoir est bonne continuation” to Anne. She has been a guiding light who has shared an abundant amount of knowledge and enthusiasm for the French program, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours. In her place, we are thrilled to welcome Michelle Morra, who comes to us with previous experience teaching French within the Montessori education program. She has spent time with Anne and the Elementary students already in preparation for this switch in roles.
We are sad to be saying goodbye to such valuable members of our team, but happy and grateful to share that all other staff will remain the same.
We hope you will join us in wishing the very best to our staff who are leaving, and welcoming the new staff who are joining the Lyonsgate team!
Hello Toddler Families,
And just like that it’s June! The Toddler classroom has many beautiful materials and engaging activities, but as I reflect back on the year none are so beloved and consistently used as our classroom library.
As educators, we strive to have familiar books in the class that many children rea to us; there is the rhythmic flow and simple illustrations of Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? or the perennial favourite, Goodnight Moon. We have brightly coloured picture books of cars and trucks that children will repeatedly point to and ask about. There are books about opposites and colours, numbers and letters, feelings, farms, and find it books. Every day, without fail, a child will ask to be read to. To sit at a table, to snuggle in a teacher’s lap, or to gather with their friends on the carpet to explore a book. Chances are, if you give a child access to a library they are going to want to pick a second (and third!) book. So as the days of summer get closer don’t forget to pack a book or two in your bag for the park or beach, you’ll be glad you did.
Vanessa Findlay, RECE.
Summer Books
As we move closer to the summer break you may be looking for longer books to read with your children. It goes without saying that it’s great to continue reading picture books, but if your children are ready, adding in just the right chapter book can add a new dimension to your read aloud time. The following list begins with books that three year-olds might enjoy and progresses to those recommended for four and five year-olds.
Oh Sal, Kevin Henkes
Hickory, Palmer Brown
Dinosaur Trouble, Dick King-Smith
Lady Lollipop, Dick King-Smith
Milly, Molly, Mandy, Joyce Lankester Brisley
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, Megumi Iwasa
Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Kate DiCamillo
Mrs. Noodlekugel, Daniel Pinkwater
The Very Very Far North (series), Dan Bar-El
Catwings, Ursula K. Le Guin
Jenny and the Cat Club, Esther Averill
Teddy & Co., Cynthia Voigt
My Father’s Dragon (series), Ruth Stiles Gannet
Babe the Gallant Pig, Dick King-Smith
The Mouse Called Wolf, Dick King-Smith
The First Case, Ulf Nilsson
The Adventures of the South Pole Pig, Chris Katz
Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren
Happy Reading!
Ms. Robinson.
The Elementary classroom is humming with energy both inside and out! With the beautiful weather, many of the children have taken their work out of doors, as they compose short stories and book reviews, rehearse their French plays, and transplant their seedlings into the garden. Everyone has been getting ready for the Cultural Fair next week, preparing clay models, paintings, essays, and slideshows to share with you some of the discoveries they’ve made this term. Our graduating sixth year students also traveled to the ROM in Toronto last week. They enjoyed their first subway ride and were awestruck by the artifacts on display. They were delighted to discover the ROM’s collection and how it connects to their years of cultural studies in history, biology, and geography. While the class elders were away, the rest of the children were excited to welcome the graduating Casa students to the Elementary campus for a tour, language games, and some yoga! To end the week, everyone had fun learning volleyball skills at the park for P.E.
We look forward to speaking with everyone at the Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday!
Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please enter through the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover
Students in Years 3-6 have the option to join Marissa and Michelle on campus for a Friday night sleepover! The final day to sign-up for the senior sleepover is Thursday, June 6. Please follow the link in your update email to sign-up!
Thursday, June 20: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation
The last day of school is quickly approaching! The Elementary students will have some fun activities to wrap up the school year together, and end the day with the Elementary Graduation ceremony. Each sixth year student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the graduation ceremony on campus. Graduates’ family members are welcome to arrive from 3:00, with the ceremony beginning at 3:10, and refreshments to follow.
Marissa & Michelle.
