Lyonsgate Update May 15, 2026
Happy May Long Weekend Lyonsgate Families,
Sign-up for the June parent-teacher conferences is available below. There are some timeslots available after school in the week leading up to Friday, June 5, when both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students to accommodate the year-end conferences. Child care will be available during your conference.
For those families looking to plan ahead, the 2026.2027 school year calendar is now published on your Lyonsgate calendar.
This Week’s Classroom Update
This Week in Casa South
Casa South, as per usual, is motivated. Students have been steadily moving through work such as pinning out parts of the world with colourful pieces of paper, or sharpening their reading and cursive writing skills. The mornings and afternoons have been humming with activity.
The students have been incredibly aware of the care needed to maintain the order and cleanliness of the classroom. Responsibility has been something they take great pride in as of late, an example being a child dropped a work full of beads, and without hesitation six other students came over right away to help tidy the mess.
The sudden change for the better weather wise has been cause for great excitement in plans for hikes and outdoor related learning. In the outdoor environment, games have been focused around the new lush colours and foliage covering the playground by making potions out of the small buds that fall to the ground, or saving worms and bugs by placing them safely in the dirt. Kindness and care for the nature and animals that are around the school has been beautiful to witness.
Mr. Cowie.
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
- Parent-Teacher Conference Booking: Please click here to book your parent-teacher conference with your child’s Montessori guide. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, June 5, to accommodate the year-end parent-teacher conferences. Child care will be available during your conference.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Parent-Teacher Conference Booking: Please click the relevant link(s) below to book your parent-teacher conference with your child’s Montessori guide(s):
Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday, June 5, to accommodate the year-end parent-teacher conferences. Child care will be available during your conference.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Friday, May 29: Casa and Toddler Scholastic orders due. If you are ordering from the recent Scholastic catalog, orders must be submitted by this date. When you order books from Scholastic, your child’s class earns credit to acquire books for the classroom.
- Sunscreen: If you would like your child to have sunscreen applied before the mid-day recess, please send some in that is clearly and permanently labelled with your child’s name; no aerosol sunscreen please.
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
- Parent-Teacher Conference Booking: Please click the relevant link(s) below to book your parent-teacher conference with your child’s Montessori guide(s):
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Wednesday, May 20: Track and Field Event/P.E. at Melrose Gym. Students in years 4-7 who have signed up to participate in the inter-school track and field event will be travelling by public bus to Dundas with Marissa to join with students from three other Montessori schools. The group will be departing campus at 8:40 a.m. to catch their bus and arrive in time to compete in the first event at 10:00 a.m. The event ends at 2:00 p.m., and the students will arrive back on campus around 3:20 p.m.
We have entrants for the shot put, long jump, and high jump events, as well as the 100 metre, 400 metre, and 4×100 metre relays. Students travelling to Dundas are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, outdoor running shoes, and bring their Presto card or bus fare.
Students in years 1-3 will continue having fun with games and learning the fundamentals of lacrosse at the Melrose gym.
- Important Dates Coming Soon
- Friday, May 29: O.W.L. Workshop #10 Healthy Relationships
- Monday, June 8: Open Classroom for All Elementary Families
- Friday, June 12: Senior Sleepover for years 3-7
- Tuesday, June 16: Graduates Trip to Toronto
- Thursday, June 18: Last Day of Class/Elementary Graduation at 3:00 p.m.
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 May 8, 2026
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our incredible Montessori Moms! We wish you a weekend full of rest, brunch, crafts, cuddles, and all of the love you deserve.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Casa North has been enjoying the spring weather and spending some extra time outdoors! The students have loved exploring, moving their bodies, and taking in all the signs of the changing season.
Thank you to all of the families who were able to join us for Show and Share this week. The students were so proud and excited to share some of the work they have been doing in the classroom with you. It was wonderful to see their confidence and joy as they guided you through their learning experience.
This week, students also worked very hard on a special Mother’s Day craft. We hope you enjoy it! Be sure to ask your child about what they made and how they created it.
Wishing all of our mothers and caregivers a very happy Mother’s Day this Sunday!
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
- Wednesday, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Friday, June 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students this day to accommodate the year-end parent-teacher conferences. Child care will be available during your conference. Sign-up will be available next week.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Wednesday, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Friday, May 29: Casa and Toddler Scholastic orders due. If you are ordering from the recent Scholastic catalog, orders must be submitted by this date. When you order books from Scholastic, your child’s class earns credit to acquire books for the classroom.
- Friday, June 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students this day to accommodate the year-end parent-teacher conferences. Child care will be available during your conference. Sign-up will be available next week.
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, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Wednesday, May 13: P.E. at Melrose Gym/Track and Field Outing. Students in Years 1-3 will be returning to P.E. classes at the Melrose gym to begin working on the fundamentals of lacrosse with Michelle. Students in Years 4-7 will be travelling by public bus to Dundas with Marissa to meet up with other Montessori schools preparing for a friendly track and field event on May 20. The students will have the opportunity to try high jump, long jump, and shot put, and practice 100, 200, or 400 metre track sprints. Students in Years 4-7 are kindly reminded that they will need a Presto card or exact bus fare for both trips, and to bring their red Lyonsgate t-shirt to wear on the trip, with lots of time to change after the Year 6 graduation photos are taken.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Friday, June 5: Parent-Teacher Conferences. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students this day to accommodate the year-end parent-teacher conferences. Child care will be available during your conference. Sign-up will be available next week.
Important Dates Coming Soon
- Wednesday, May 20: Upper Elementary Track and Field Event
- Friday, May 29: O.W.L. Workshop #10 Healthy Relationships
- Monday, June 8: Open Classroom for All Elementary Families
- Friday, June 12 Senior Sleepover for Years 3-7
- Tuesday, June 16: Graduates Trip to Toronto
- Thursday, June 18: Last Day of Class/Elementary Graduation at 3:00 p.m.
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 May 1, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week, we have a video update for you from the Toddler class. Please see the sections below for Casa Show & Share sign up, and the Elementary section for all of their upcoming activity. May 13 is graduate photo day; more details below.
This Week’s Classroom Update
This week, the Lyonsgate Montessori School Toddler students built and erupted their own volcano!
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
- May 5, 6, and 7: Casa Show and Share. Please click here to select a Show and Share visit in your child’s class.
- Wednesday, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- May 5, 6, and 7: Casa Show and Share. Please select a Show and Share visit date in your child’s class:
- Wednesday, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be 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, May 4: Scholastic Orders Due. It’s time to start building a great summer reading list! Please place your family’s online Scholastic order by the end of Monday, May 4, to be included in our next shipment. For developing readers, the latest Dragon Masters and Sports Zone are available, while those looking for more challenging and spookier stories should check out the Thrills and Chills section. To receive free shipping, simply include our class code RC144312 when checking out. Your order will be grouped together with others from the school, and shipped to campus. Every book purchased earns bonus bucks toward keeping our classroom library up-to-date with contemporary stories. Happy reading!
- Wednesday, May 6: P.E. at Soccer World. We’ll be returning to Soccer World for our last session of baseball. The kids have had a great time learning specific skills through fun challenges like Feed the Hippo and Battleship, and end each visit with a practice game batting from a tee. Students are kindly reminded to come prepared to tie back long hair, and wear either their red Lyonsgate shirt or baseball attire. Students are welcome to bring their own mitt to use during P.E. class, but these are not required.
- Friday, May 8: O.W.L. #9. Students in Years 4-7 will attend the O.W.L. workshop on Consent and Peer Pressure, to practice essential communication skills for navigating social relationships. In preparation, students should read p. 93-96 and p. 106-107 from the book It’s Perfectly Normal.
- Wednesday, May 13: Graduation Photo Day. Students graduating from the Elementary and Casa programs will have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch photography. Graduates are students completing their sixth year of the Elementary program or their third/fourth year of the Casa program.
- Thursday, May 14: Park Play Day. Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, May 18: Victoria Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Important Dates Coming Soon:
- Thursday, May 14 – Beulah Park After-School Play
- Wednesday, May 20 – Upper Elementary Track and Field Outing
- Monday, June 8 – Open Classroom for All Elementary Families
- Friday, June 12 – Senior Sleepover for Years 3 – 7
- Tuesday, June 16 – Graduates Trip to Toronto
- Thursday, June 18 – Last Day of Class / Elementary Graduation at 3:00 p.m.
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 April 24, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week’s classroom update comes from Lyonsgate’s Elementary program and is a beautiful illustration of the interconnectedness of human and natural life in celebration of Earth Day. Casa families can find sign-up for Show and Share, taking place May 5, 6, and 7, in the sections below. The Toddler class is also looking for some spring cleaning donations; details are below. Lyonsgate staff at all levels were busy observing classrooms at other Montessori schools on Friday morning before returning to share new ideas, innovations, and inspirations.
There is no photo gallery this week; our apologies.
This Week’s Classroom Update
The spring term is always a beautiful time in the Elementary environment, as warm breezes entice students into the outdoor classroom and toward new questions and discoveries in the natural world. The class has been busy investigating all forms of life the past few weeks, from preparing the soil in the garden and raising seedlings, to studies in plant and human reproduction.
Younger students are introduced to early work in botany through hands-on gardening and simple plant experiments to observe key concepts and learn about the scientific process. To investigate the fundamental needs of plants, a group took four viola specimens and created variable conditions for each, including a control plant. Each day the group met to discuss and draw their observations of the plants given either no water, no light, or no heat, as well as a plant that received all three. They were excited to see the impact of different conditions on their plants and, after a week of observations, the young botanists are now trying to nurse the plants back to health by providing their basic needs.
Older students continued their botanical studies by learning more about flowers, ovaries, and fruits, and had a lot of fun cutting up fruits to make botanical drawings, and eating their models afterwards. They then turned from Kingdom Plantae back to the animal world, learning about human conception, gestation, and birth in an O.W.L. workshop. They were thrilled to welcome a visitor to class, Lyonsgate parent Jackie Weatherill, who has a background in public health and midwife education, and brought along fun props including a plastic pelvis, fabric placenta, and a baby doll complete with an amniotic sac. The students had a great time learning about the process of birth, including the interaction between the pressure of the baby’s skull and the release of oxytocin to strengthen contractions for delivery.
In recognition of Earth Day, everyone in the class heard “The Story of Coal,” learning more details about the Carboniferous period and the origin of fossil fuels. This is the starting point for further conversations about compost and recycling, the historical and environmental impacts of fossil fuels, and the pursuit of cleaner energy sources for the future. Through studies of geology, botany, zoology, and human history, students discover the wondrous life cycles of our planet, where matter and energy are never lost, but rather become part of something new. From this idea of constancy and transformation, students discover the role they can play in conservation and stewardship of the natural world.
Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels and other valuable information:
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
- May 5, 6, and 7: Casa Show and Share. Please click here to select a Show and Share visit in your child’s class.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Toddler Donation Requests: If Spring cleaning is happening at your home there are a few things that our classroom would love to give new purpose to:
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- Our extra clothes bin could use replenishing: t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and pants size 18 months-3T; rain boots or a rain jacket would also be welcome as we use these to practice in the classroom.
- Magazines: travel, cooking, sports, gardening.
- Bars of travel size soap.
- Outside toys: lawnmowers, wheelbarrows, small play wagons or push/pull toys.
-
- May 5, 6, and 7: Casa Show and Share. Please select a Show and Share visit date in your child’s class:
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be 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, April 27: Food Drive Collection Bag Delivery. Students will be delivering grocery collection bags to nearby residences in preparation for the annual Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Food Drive in support of Mission Services. Students are asked to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts while delivering the collection bags. Families who wish to contribute to our collection bag at school are welcome to send in nut-free goods by Friday, May 1.
- Tuesday, April 28: Upper Elementary Outing to Central Library. The Upper Elementary students have planned a return outing to Central library to make use of the Hamilton archives on site and conduct further research for their provinces and territories assignment or personal projects. They are planning to leave campus around 9:00 a.m., work at the library through the morning, and stop at the Farmer’s Market or food court for lunch. Upper Elementary students who wish to attend this outing are welcome to bring a packed lunch to eat on the outing, or money to purchase their lunch. Attending students are kindly reminded to bring their Presto card or bus fare for travel.
- Wednesday, April 29: P.E. at Soccer World. Students will return to Soccer World on Frid Street for a P.E. class on baseball. The class will be departing campus at the start of the afternoon work cycle and walking to and from the sports dome as a group. Students are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts and to tie back long hair.
- Friday, May 1: O.W.L. Workshop #8 – Decisions and Actions. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending an O.W.L. workshop about making healthy decisions related to intimacy and relationships through group discussion, self-reflection questions, and role play. They are kindly reminded to complete the reading assignment found at the end of their follow-up activity for Workshop 7 before class on Friday.
- Friday May 15: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be 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 April 17, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We have an update from Casa South French language assistant Mme Gervais this week, as well as information about the upcoming PD Day, Elementary baseball phys. ed. and food drive, and Show & Share in the Casa classes.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Bonjour aux Familles de Lyonsgate, et Joyeux Printemps!
In Casa South, the students have been enjoying the warmer weather and are navigating the fluctuating temperatures each day with their outerwear. We marvelled this week at the huge downpours of rain and the loud electrical storms. All week we were faced with questions about whether or not we can go outside for recess or dismissal.
At circle time lately, we have been starting with this song to get us moving after the work cycle.
We have been reading books about springtime and the flowers popping up out of the ground. One book, C’est Ma Fleur, by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater, texte Francais d’Isabelle Allard, gave us an opportunity to talk about what flowers need to grow and thrive such as “la pluie,” “le soleil,” “l’air,” et “les abeilles.”
We spoke about what each of us like about Spring: “Qu’est-ce que tu aimes au printemps?” I encouraged them to begin with the phrase, “J’aime le printemps parce que…” One child said “J’aime le printemps parce que I like blue bells and I like to walk to the park and lie down in the blue bells.” Another child responded with, “J’aime printemps parce que, riding my bike, wearing nothing, and I have a skateboard.”
Thank you for trusting us with your extraordinary children! Merci de votre confiance!
Mme Gervais.
P.S. We are also collecting toilet paper and paper towel cardboard rolls for a craft project and would appreciate any you may be able to donate. Thank you.
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, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Tuesday, May 5 to Thursday, May 7: Casa Show & Share. Sign-up will be available next week. Show & Share takes place at the end of the school day.
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, April 22: P.E. at Soccer World. Students will be developing their baseball skills with three weeks of P.E. classes at Soccer World on Frid Street. The class will be departing campus at the start of the afternoon work cycle and walking to and from the sports dome as a group. Students are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, be prepared to tie back long hair, and to ensure they have outdoor running shoes for PE, even if it’s rainboot weather the rest of the day. ☂️
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, April 27: Food Drive Collection Bag Delivery. Every spring, the students donate their time and energy as volunteers for the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association Food Drive, by delivering grocery collection bags to nearby residences, making it simple for neighbours to contribute. Students are asked to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts while delivering the collection bags on Monday, April 27. On the morning of Saturday, May 2, other neighbourhood volunteers will be picking up packed donation bags from porches, with the goal of filling a whole HSR bus with donations to Mission Services. Families who wish to contribute to our collection bag at school are welcome to send in nut-free goods by Friday, May 1.
- Registration for Mapleside Montessori: Parents interested in a Montessori approach to the elementary years are invited to book a private campus tour and learn more about the program from our classroom guides. We are proud to continue the program for Years 1- 6 established at Lyonsgate, and excited to extend it to include a middle school option for students in Years 7 and 8. Interested families are welcome to visit us online at maplesidemontessori.ca or arrange a tour by emailing admin@maplesidemontessori.ca. We look forward to meeting you!
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 April 10, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
The new Spring/Summer menu for Casa and Toddler students goes into effect on Monday, April 13. You can view the menu here: https://lyonsgate.ca/lyonsgate-lunch-menu/ (it’s always under “Parents” on the school website), and you can always check the week of the lunch menu on the Lyonsgate calendar.
This week, we have an update from Casa North French language assistant, Mme Murati.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Bonjour …c’est le printemps!
This week our students shared their Easter experiences from the past weekend, and I’ve heard that the Easter bunny was very generous!
So, they worked on expressing their preference in French:
“Est-ce que tu préfères les oeufs de poulet ou biens les oeufs au chocolat?” As you can imagine, their answer was, “Au chocolat, miam miam!!”
In Casa North, our little friends have been working on French spring, insects, and forest animals vocabulary. Daily, we start our French circle by saying the date (day, the month, year) and what’s the weather outside (windy, sunny, cloudy…).
Lately, we have been singing “les mois de l’année,” and “la-chanson du printemps.”
We had a lot of conversations after reading “Comment ne pas se faire manger par les ours.” If you ever get to meet a black bear, don’t climb a tree and don’t run! If you ever get to meet a brown bear …play dead! At the end, everyone agreed it’s simple, don’t meet a bear, it’s dangerous.
En attendant le beau soleil, je vous dis à bientot,
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
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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
- Friday, April 17: O.W.L. Workshop # 7: Reproduction and Staying Healthy, Part One. Students in years 4-7 will be participating in the O.W.L. workshop Reproduction and Staying Healthy, Part One, discussing the responsibilities of being a parent and learning about the prenatal stages of development. Please help your child remember to complete the larger reading assignment listed at the end of the follow-up activity for Workshop 6 in their OWL handbook.
- Wednesday, April 22: P.E. at Soccer World. Beginning on April 22, the students will be developing their baseball skills through P.E. classes at Soccer World on Frid Street. The class will be departing campus at the start of the afternoon work cycle and walking to and from the sports dome as a group. Students are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts for this outing, and to dress in flexible clothing and secure, closed-toed shoes for active play, and be prepared to tie back long hair. Let’s play ball!
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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 April 3, 2026
Happy Easter long weekend Lyonsgate Families,
We hope everyone is enjoying the weekend however your family celebrates — religiously, chocolately, restfully, or with family. We’re hoping for some warm, consistent weather as we head into the final three months of the school year. Show & Share for Casa students is coming up in May, and year-end parent-teacher conferences take place the first week of June.
We have an update from the Toddler program this week.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Spring has sprung and the children are noticing! Bulky snow pants and heavy winter boots are gone and have been replaced with splash pants and bright rain boots. Our classroom weather exploration of ice to water has become a reality as the children splash in puddles that used to be ice. Our weather song is always a favourite as we discuss what it looks like outside. The toddlers take turns on the learning tower giving a weather report …is it sunny, cloudy, snowing, or raining?
The children have been showing a keen interest in living creatures as we discuss how ladybugs begin as grubs, caterpillars become butterflies, and how tadpoles grow into frogs. Outside, we are listening to the birds chirping, feeling the wind blow, and noticing small buds on the trees. These sensory rich experiences support independence, build vocabulary naturally, and encourage curiosity, allowing toddlers to understand weather as a meaningful part of their everyday environment.
Wishing all those who celebrate a Happy Easter!
Mrs. Findlay.
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, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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
- Springtime is for Gardening! Over the coming weeks, our younger students will be working to raise seedlings to transfer to the gardens in the outdoor classroom. We expect to get a bit wet and dirty and have noticed the children growing like weeds the past few weeks, so it may be time to refresh your child’s spare clothes stash in the cloakroom. As the weather gets warmer, children should continue to wear socks and closed toed shoes to school to be ready for all activities. We look forward to more explorations outdoors!
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Tuesday, April 7: “Going Out” to Central Library. Over many years in the Elementary program, our senior students have developed an awareness of community resources, as well as the confidence and skills to pursue them. To facilitate their independent projects this term, several of the Upper Elementary students have requested to plan a trip to Central Library to access materials only available on site, with a Montessori guide shadowing them through the journey. Students in Years 4-7 who wish to go out on Tuesday afternoon should ensure they are wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and have their Presto card or bus fare with them, and the others are welcome to continue their work on campus.
- Friday, April 10: O.W.L. Workshop #6: Feelings and Attractions Students in Years 4-7 will be participating in the O.W.L. workshop Feelings and Attractions, with games and role-plays related to changing relationships, intimacy, and attraction. Please help your child remember to complete the short reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, p. 6-7.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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 March 27, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Community,
We hope everyone had a restful, or adventuresome, March Break. It’s wonderful to be back and to see everyone a little bit taller! This week we have an update from the Elementary program, upcoming dates for Easter and an April PD Day, and information about the HAAA park closure in the Elementary section.
This Week’s Classroom Update
The Elementary students returned from the March Break eager for spring and new explorations. Montessori’s “cosmic” approach to education emphasizes the web of interconnections between all things in our universe, from the simplest elements to planetary bodies, and encompassing all kingdoms of life. This week, the students received a variety of lessons about the effects of planetary movements on life on Earth and our human experience. Depending on each student’s prior experiences and knowledge, they are called to receive a new lesson that emphasizes further connections. Some of our younger students learned about how the Earth’s rotation produces day and night while its tilt and elliptical revolution is the reason for our seasons. Other students explored the composition of the Earth by making clay models of its layers, while many of the senior students examined how the tilt of Earth’s axis results in the equinoxes and solstices.
They were also asked to imagine what it was like in ancient times to wonder about our world, without the scientific knowledge to understand observations. They thought about how the ancient Greeks would create myths as salve for scientific curiosities left unsatisfied, and heard how they imagined the seasons came to be, with the story of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and her daughter, Persephone. When Hades, the god of the underworld, abducts Persephone and drags her down into the Earth, her mother falls into despair and brings the first winter upon the world. Through the interventions of the Olympians and the trickery of Hades, Persephone is fated to divide her time between the world above and the world below, resulting in the cycle of seasons.
Outside of the these common lesson threads, some younger students were excited to begin preparing some weather reports in French, create personal dictionaries of English-to-Spanish translations, or continue working with the maps and atlases to identify major rivers around the world. Older students were eager to step out of the classroom, planning a trip to a local art gallery and cafe on Ottawa Street North, advancing their independence at going out with friends into the community for both education and entertainment. We look forward to many more opportunities to go out in our community through the spring term!
Wishing you a lovely spring 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, April 3: Good Friday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, April 3: Good Friday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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
- HAAA Park Closure: April 2026-Spring 2027. The Hamilton Amateur Athletics Association Park (H-Triple-A) is the oldest sports park in Hamilton, first hosting The Hamilton Cricket Club in 1874. The current park facilities are due for an extensive renovation, which will require the full closure of the park to the public from spring 2026 to spring 2027.
To accommodate the students’ mid-day recreation time outdoors, our primary park location for the duration of the renovations will be Hill Street Park, across from the Hill Street Community Gardens and adjacent to the local dog park. We may also utilize other parks and playgrounds in the neighbourhood from time to time, such as Jackson Street Park or Beulah Park.
You can check out the plans for the new park at HAAA Park Project – City of Hamilton. Previous students at Lyonsgate were part of the consultation process many years ago, advocating for built-in sports nets, a bouldering wall, and chess tables. We are excited for all the new amenities and improvements that are planned.
For families and students who use Charlton Avenue to go to and from school, please be aware that the north sidewalk will be closed intermittently to accommodate trucks entering or exiting the HAAA grounds. A flag person will be present and pedestrians will be asked to use the south sidewalk. There will also be reduced street parking available on Charlton Avenue between Locke St. and Queen St., and drivers are encouraged to consider other parking options in the area.
- Friday, April 3: Good Friday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are 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 March 6, 2026
Greetings Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you all for a wonderful, and very wintery, winter term with your children. They all deserve a joyful, restful, and adventuresome March Break. We’ll see you all back to school on March 23 for the spring term when the leaves and flowers, and Lyonsgate’s students blossom into bigger, beautiful, bundles of joy that each do their small part to make their worlds a better place.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Casa South has been moving at a steady, consistent pace these last few months. Many of the new students have found their rhythm, thanks to guidance not only from the Montessori guides, but also their fellow classmates.
February ignited with the student’s passion to learn more and move through Montessori material work. There is an incredible motivation moving through all the children, and many of the third years have taken it upon themselves to teach the younger students; the patience displayed by the ones teaching a new work, and the determination and desire to master new and challenging work by the ones learning, is something so special to see. The care of work, and of the classroom, has been strong and constant thanks to the new job chart. Each student has their picture placed next to a shelf to tidy at the end of the day. They carry this responsibility for the entire week, and are switched to another job the following week. Along with cleaning shelves, some students got the sought after task of delivering the garbage, recycling, and compost to the kitchen to be sorted into the proper bins, and bringing the dishes to be washed at the end of the day.
The days leading up to Valentine’s Day were full of excitement with the students sharing what they hoped would happen on the day, the unspoken promise of treats and fun family visits hung in the air most days, which was fueled by Valentine’s Day themed crafts that each student could bring home on the special day. One of the stand out moments from the last few months has been when Ms. Prim hosted a crepe making seminar with the children.
All in all, the atmosphere of Casa South has been full of motivation, care, and achievement.
Mr. Cowie.
Spring Recreation Program Registration: City of Hamilton spring recreation program registration starts at 8:00 a.m. on March 11, 12, & 13, 2026. Spring Registered Programs virtual waiting room is available at 7:45 a.m. and online registration begins at 8:00 a.m. To view FAQ’s, learn about the virtual waiting room, search for programs, or to register, visit https://www.hamilton.ca/HowToRegister
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, March 23: First day of spring term
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, March 23: First day of spring 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, March 9: Scholastic Orders Due. If you would like to place an order from the Scholastic spring flyer to be included in our classroom shipment, please submit it online by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9. Your order will be ready for pick-up at school after the March Break. When you include the classroom code RC144312 in your order, we earn bonus bucks toward new library books and craft supplies.
- Wednesday, March 25: Upper Elementary Outing. Students in Years 4-7 will be travelling by public bus to Crown and Press Gallery and Cafe on Ottawa St. to see works from a variety of Canadian artists. Students are welcome to bring their own pocket money to purchase a baked good or drink at the cafe, but this is not required. Students are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, and to bring the necessary bus fare or Presto card for travel.
- Monday, March 23: First day of spring 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 Feb. 27, 2026
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Casa North has an update for you all this week; we hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into all of the Montessori environments at Lyonsgate.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Casa North has been busy since Winter Break, returning with renewed energy and focus. The students have settled beautifully back into their routines, and it has been a joy to watch their independence and concentration continue to grow.
As we moved into February, the class eagerly embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day — they have truly been enthusiastic about every seasonal celebration so far this year. We thoughtfully rotated several materials on our shelves to reflect the theme, including spooning activities with small plastic hearts and fine motor work using tweezers with felt hearts. These subtle changes have sparked fresh interest, particularly among students who had begun to master — and perhaps tire of — the traditional spooning and tweezing works. By refreshing familiar materials with a seasonal touch, we were able to re-engage their curiosity while continuing to strengthen the same foundational skills in coordination, concentration, and independence. We also introduced “heart trees,” where they practiced pasting hearts onto a bare tree outline, as well as paper heart chains that quickly became a classroom favourite. The heart chains were chosen consistently each day and provided an opportunity to practice using a stapler (with teacher guidance), further refining hand strength and control.
Our classroom community also came together for special shared experiences this month. On Pancake Tuesday, the students helped mix the batter before gathering to watch the pancakes being prepared on the griddle. They then enjoyed sharing a snack together, reinforcing both practical life skills and our sense of community. A few weeks ago, we were fortunate enough to have Casa South share crepes with us, offering them an exposure to a different style of cuisine and broadening their cultural awareness in a meaningful and delicious way.
Music continues to be a joyful part of our afternoon circle — the bilingual “I am a Pizza” song is still very loved, and they frequently request the “Months of the Year” song. It has been wonderful to see their growing confidence as they sing along. Speaking of months of the year, we are hopeful that the spring weather will soon be upon us! As the snow begins to melt and outdoor play becomes wetter, we kindly ask that you ensure your child has extra pants and socks at school in case they become drenched during their outdoor exploration.
We are looking forward to another engaging and productive month ahead.
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
- March 9-20: March Break.
- Public Health Information: Hamilton Public Health has asked us to share the following measles prevention and vaccine information with you prior to the March Break:
Routine vaccinations are the most important and effective way to protect against vaccine preventable diseases including measles which continues to spread globally. If you or your family is planning to travel over March break, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that you are up to date on all recommended routine vaccinations to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Contact your healthcare provider or a Hamilton Public Health Vaccine Program Nurse at 905- 905-540-5250 to ask about what vaccines are available for you and your family. Report Vaccinations to Hamilton Public Health To report your child(ren)’s vaccines, please scan the QR code or call 905-540-5250. Thank you for keeping our community safe. Have a great March break!
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- March 9-20: March Break.
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
- Mapleside Montessori is Online! We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who have wished us well as the elementary program at Lyonsgate transitions to Mapleside Montessori in the fall. We are thrilled to have so many of our students returning in September, and to welcome new students from the primary campus at Lyonsgate, as well as Westdale Nature School and Stoney Creek Montessori. You can now visit us online at www.maplesidemontessori.ca or find us on Facebook. The parents’ portal of the website is password protected and will be open to registered families near the end of the spring term. Mapleside families will receive invitations during the third term for incoming students to visit the elementary class during the school day. We look forward to seeing your children again soon!
- Monday, March 2: Open Classroom for Current Parents. The classroom will be open to family visitors on Monday, March 2, from 3:15-4:15 p.m. to see displays of the children’s work from the second term. Students will be showcasing work related to their study of ancient Greece, the Olympics, reading and literature circles, as well as independent projects. When you arrive, please come to the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child and tour the classroom. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 4: Elev8 Dance. The class will be returning to Elev8 Dance for a final class to practice their dance moves and work on joining them together into dynamic routines. Students are kindly reminded to wear comfortable layers, and be prepared to tie back long hair and go barefoot in the studio.
- Friday, March 6: Last Day of Term and Class Celebration. As the winter term comes to an end, the class will celebrate the coming of March Break and spring with a class party and the closing ceremonies of the Lyonsgate Olympic Games. During the morning work cycle, students will have the opportunity to craft, game, or enjoy a screening of The Secret Garden, followed by their usual recreation time. For community lunch, the children are excited for a class favourite, macaroni and cheese, before heading to the Melrose Church gym for the afternoon. We hope everyone has a wonderful March Break!
- March 9-20: March Break.
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.
