Lyonsgate Update Nov. 12, 2021: Observation & Conferences
Happy Friday Lyonsgate Families,
Friday, November 26 is a PA day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to accommodate parent-teacher conferences. Parent-teacher conferences are 20 minutes in length and will once again take place via Zoom. Please look for a separate email closer to conference time containing the relevant Montessori guides’ Personal Meeting ID (PMI) and Passcode. At the time of your child’s conference simply open your Zoom app, click on “Join,” and enter the PMI and passcode as prompted.
Please remember to limit your conference to the selected 20 minute time slot so that we can keep everybody on schedule throughout the day. Thank you.
Please click here to select a parent-teacher conference time.
This week, the Toddler and Casa guides are sharing the role and importance of observation in Montessori, and the Elementary guides explain how Remembrance Day is addressed with elementary-aged children.
Please remember to label everything that comes to school with your child. Thank you.
Toddler
Observation is the cornerstone of Montessori. Maria Montessori was a medical doctor and a scientist and she approached her research on child development from this perspective. All of her theories and insights resulted from the many hours and years of observing children.
In the toddler community, there are many kinds of observation happening all at once! The guides are observing the children either formally (with a pen and paper) or informally making mental notes of things they see throughout the day. The children are observing the guides and also their fellow classmates. We are aware that the children are always observing and absorbing everything around them.
“There is in the child a special kind of sensitivity which leads him to absorb everything about him and it is this work of observing and absorbing that alone enables him to adapt himself to life.” Maria Montessori in The Absorbent Mind. [please excuse the dated language]
Virtually everything a child learns in life happens through observation of the world around them and then trying it out through their own experiments. The guides in a Montessori toddler community prepare the environment, but they must also prepare themselves to be excellent role models since everything we do in the environment will be repeated. If we want the children to sit while they are eating we must not walk around while we are eating. Toddlers do not understand double standards.
Observation requires a quiet and open mind, and a scientific approach like that of a naturalist. We are looking for new insights into what the children are trying to accomplish so that we can help them develop themselves into confident, independent people. It requires self-awareness to be objective and non-judgmental, curious without expectations or assumptions, and ready to see what is really happening so that we can be an aid to life. — Ms. Gervais
Casa North
Our Casa North team are big lovers of reading, so it feels appropriate to quote Sherlock Holmes (Arthur Conan Doyle) who said, “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.”
Maria Montessori had a background in science and medicine before she found education. She viewed the classroom as “a laboratory for the study of man,” which is why Montessori pedagogy is so heavily focused on observing its students. The belief is that we must observe our students to form an understanding of how to better meet their needs; it is simply not enough to expect children of the same age to know the same things, be interested in the same things, learn the same way, or need the same things. If we want to instill a love of learning we need to provide options and a proper environment, observe, allow each child to reveal themselves, and then follow that child.
I also want to thank our parents for their participation in signing up so swiftly for the Montessori Flower Arranging bouquet contributions; the students are loving the activity and have been deeply engaged with both the before and after care of flowers (check the gallery below for photos). — Ms. O’Sullivan
Casa South
Greetings from Casa South
A former teacher trainee said to me, after spending some time observing in my classroom, “I was always very fond of little children, especially my own, but until now I could never have imagined that they might be interesting.” I realized that this was a feeling I shared early on in my work with children; a feeling that has certainly shifted.
Young children continue to interest me more and more with the passage of time. I have watched them and been with them at many times and places, and I find not just more pleasure but more food for serious thought in what they say and do as they move and grow. I have come to feel and to hope that I will learn many interesting and important things about your children’s learning.
As I observe each child, I get to know what their interests are, what they are capable of, and how to adapt the environment to meet them where they are, as well as where they might be headed. I’m sure the journey will continue to be more than “interesting.”
Reminders:
Please remember to label everything (hats, mittens, etc.). With the approaching colder weather there is sure to be a multitude of belongings to keep track of. Also, sending in an extra pair of socks will be helpful when feet get wet.
Thanks for all your support; I’m looking forward to our parent-teacher conferences in two weeks. — Ms. Robinson
Elementary
This week the Elementary students worked toward a deeper understanding of the history and purpose of Remembrance Day. They considered how large conflicts may develop and discussed ways in which they, as kids, can work to be peaceful in their community. They discussed truly listening to others, calmly offering their own perspectives, and approaching differences of opinion with respect. Our Remembrance Day ceremony included a student reading of In Flanders Fields, listening to “The Last Post,” and displaying their handmade wreaths of poppies.
— Marissa and Michelle
HAAA Renewal Design: Over the last year, Lyonsgate Elementary students have been involved in the HAAA renewal process by submitting design and feature ideas. The final preferred concept design is being revealed via virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) presentations on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 10:00 a.m. You can register for either PIC by visiting https://engage.hamilton.ca/haaarenewal
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 4, 2021: PD Day Tomorrow
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We have a few quick reminders and notes for you this week before you hear from your children’s classrooms:
- Remember that tomorrow, Friday, November 5, is a PD day at both Lyonsgate campuses.
- Also remember that the clocks fall back one hour this weekend.
- Casa and Toddler Families, school photo day at the Primary campus will be next Friday, November 12.
- Due to ongoing COVID restrictions, we will not be holding an in-person winter concert this year.
- Please try to be vigilant about toys and items coming from home, especially for our Casa students. They often cause distress and upset when they come out of pockets during recess due to loss, breakage, and others wanting to play with them.
- Elementary Families: if your child is in their third year of Elementary or above, remember to submit a release form for Gravity Climbing Gym before November 12: https://www.gravityclimbinggym.com/release-form.
Toddler
Bonjour. My name is Allie and at school the children call me Madame Craigie. I have been with Lyonsgate for several years and this will be my second year back since taking a few years off to start my own family. I personally feel very privileged to be able to come back and not only be a part of your child’s classroom, but I also have the wonderful job of speaking French! My background coming from Ottawa introduced me to the French language early on in my life and it really has followed me everywhere I go. This year my focus while I help guide your child in the classroom is to open their vocabulary up to many of the common words they would hear in English, such as: thank you, no thank you, yes, no, chair, table, washroom, clothes (shoes and socks, etc.).
Along with words, we are learning basic songs like “Brother John” and “Head and Shoulders,” which I will say are getting very good responses! Also, on some of our language cards we have the translated word in French which allows me to work with many children! I look forward to the rest of the year and all the many leaps and bounds I know each and every one of your toddlers will make.
Casa North
Bonjour,
My name is Fatia Murati and the children call me Madame. I’m the French assistant in Casa North and I’ve been a part of the Lyonsgate team for almost 10 years.
In September and October, most of my work with the students is French vocabulary. We enjoy a daily French circle with songs and stories for repetition, and I work one-on-one with Montessori Classified Cards (for ex. fruits and vegetables, farm animals and safari animals, flowers, and insects) and with all of the preliminary Montessori Casa materials (such as the Montessori Colour Boxes, Sandpaper Numerals, and the Geometry Cabinet). The students are also very drawn to special French materials I create such as a lunch box, family members, and people in the community.
I am so proud of the progress we’ve seen so far, and am looking forward to a great year en Francais.
Bonne fin de semaine.
Mme Murati.
Casa South
Bonjour! Salut tout le monde!
C’est incroyable, Septembre et Octobre sont déjà passés!
It has been wonderful getting to know the children these past couple of months. I especially enjoyed sharing with them some of my favourite childhood songs from long, long ago.
Tête, épaules, genoux, orteils…
Petit navire…
Sur le pont d’Avignon…
and more…
We worked on naming and matching animals, colours, and transportation. We sorted objects by size using gros, moyen, et petit. We are looking at froid et chaud and enjoy counting in French whenever the opportunity arises.
I have a must share moment too: I was working with a little friend with Sandpaper Numbers. As I was tracing and saying “SEPT,” the child corrected me saying “SEPT is when the sun goes down madame.”
So much cuteness!
Sincerely,
Madame Renée Perazzo
Elementary
The Elementary students focused this week on exploring the festival of Diwali, one of the largest religious holidays celebrated in Canada. They heard the epic story of Ramayana, following Prince Rama’s fourteen years of exile, the kidnapping of his wife, Sita, the great battle against Ravan, and Rama and Sita’s triumphant return home. Some students crafted diyas out of clay, and brought these to place in the beautiful rangoli designs created by teams of students using coloured salt. As each design was completed, the lights were dimmed, and the diyas were lit for a miniature festival of lights. Happy Diwali!
– Marissa and Michelle
Lyonsgate Update Oct. 29, 2021: Boo!
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you for another wonderful week with your children. There is much Halloween excitement in the air. We always ask that Halloween remains a fun family event and that candy and treats stay at home and don’t sneak their way into pockets, backpacks, or lunches (for our Elementary students). Have spooky time this weekend and we’ll hear all about it on Monday.
Reminder: next Friday, Nov. 5, is a PD Day. Lyonsgate staff will be attending a virtual Montessori conference or working in the classroom environments.
This week we have news about a new community fridge in the neighbourhood, introductory words from the Casa and Toddler English assistants, and from Elementary some seasonal culture work, a required activity release, and a reminder about school photo ordering. There is also a photo gallery of the week at Lyonsgate.
Community Fridge
From one your fellow Montessori parents:
We are pleased to share that the neighbours of Locke Street and Blessings Church have opened up a community fridge to help address food insecurity to folks in need in the community. If you are unfamiliar with them, community fridges are a volunteer run, publicly accessible, low barrier resource, from which community members can get free food.
The fridge is located outdoors and is accessible 24/7 on the side of the Blessings Church at 115 Stanley Avenue. Signage will be up by October 28 to clearly indicate its location. Any member of the community is welcome to come take whatever they need, at any time, no questions asked.
If anyone wishes to donate, there is a pantry, fridge and freezer on site where you can come as little or as often as you like to drop off donations – every bit helps! Examples of much-needed items include fresh or frozen fruit & vegetables, bread, eggs, dairy & alternatives, commercially produced frozen meals, canned goods, grab-and-go snacks, cereal, baby formula, menstrual products, and hygiene items. Donation guidelines are available online.
If you’d like to learn more, or you are interested in volunteering, please contact the volunteer team by email at lockest.fridge@gmail.com or on Instagram @Locke.Street.Fridge, or reach out to one of your fellow Lyongate parents that is volunteering: rachael.collier@gmail.com
Toddler
My name is Brad but the children call me Mr. Davis. I am pleased to say that this is my fifth year as an assistant at Lyonsgate. This is my third year in the Toddler community and there is never a dull moment. There are so many firsts and new experiences that I am often in awe at the resilience and determination of the children. Some of my lifelong passions are baking and music, two things that I am happy to bring into the classroom and share with the children any chance that I get. We definitely have some musical talent in our classroom that I have seen firsthand during our jam sessions and post-nap dance parties. The Toddler banana bread makes the entire school smell wonderful. I am looking forward to seeing them grow increasingly more independent and watching their already big personalities grow!
Casa North
My name is Jessica Dewey and I am the English assistant for Casa North. I spend my day observing and working alongside your children, attending to their physical needs, and maintaining the classroom environment. I also have the privilege of spending each recess outside with the children, which allows me some extra opportunities to connect with the children and gain insight into their characters and interests. I have previous experience as an educator in play-based learning environments, which are quite different from the Montessori philosophy, and one of the most beautiful and important distinctions between the two is the three year age group. In the last seven weeks we have observed so much mentorship between our students, and some lovely (sometimes unexpected) friendships forming. This naturally fosters independence, cooperation, leadership, and communication, and greatly reduces the need for adult intervention or redirection. It’s wonderful to see such young children building a community amongst themselves.
I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
Casa South
Happy Friday Casa South families! My name is Ms.Sullivan and I am the English Assistant in Casa South. This is my third year at Lyonsgate, and my second as a part of Casa South’s classroom community. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing some of your children for the past year, and have been enjoying getting to know all the new faces this year.
As an English Assistant my role is to support the classroom, the children, and the lead teacher in a variety of ways. Whether it is preparing materials or reading a story with a small group, the assistant’s role is to help keep the classroom running smoothly. My most favourite part of my job is working one on one with your children or holding small groups. I love getting to see their personalities shine through in these settings. I also get to be outside during all recesses and watch all the social interaction, joy, and fun that recess brings.
This week has been a busy one, with lots of new presentations and fulfilling work with the children. I’ve spent a lot of time working on blank chalkboards practicing writing letters, numbers, and playing sound games with the children. As any week before Halloween, we’ve got to hear about some of the costumes coming up this weekend and the excitement is palpable. I love hearing the unique costume ideas the children come up with (my favourites this year are a taco, a sock in a shoe, and a shovel!).
I am grateful to have a space in your child’s life here at Lyonsgate and look forward to what the year brings for all of us. Have a safe and fun weekend!
Elementary
Elementary children love to explore cultural activities and traditions, discovering the history behind their own celebrations as well as investigating cultures different from their own. This week, the students prepared to celebrate Hallowe’en by learning about its origin in the festival of Samhain, studying the parts and life cycle of a pumpkin, researching bats, painting ghosts, and of course, carving pumpkins! We wish you all a wonderfully spooky weekend. Stay safe and have fun! — Marissa and Michelle.
- Elementary Photo Ordering: Earlier this week, Elementary families received notification of a folder share containing the photo proofs of school photos and an email containing package and a la carte ordering instructions. Elementary families can place orders for packages or a la carte items using this order form. You can also access the form via the photographer’s website: https://www.
tarasmithphoto.com/
Please note:
-
- If you are ordering for more than one child, please complete a separate form for each child.
- The deadline to order photos is November 1, 2021.
- If you would like to order more than 1 copy of an a la carte item, please make a note in the comments section.
For any questions, please email Tara at: info@tarasmithphoto.com
- Required Release Form for Gravity Climbing Gym: On the mornings of November 12 and 19, Elementary students in the third to sixth years will be rock climbing at Gravity Climbing Gym. Please complete and submit the climbing gym’s required release form before Nov. 12: https://www.gravityclimbinggym.com/release-form.
Students will not be permitted to climb if a release form is not on file at the gym. Thank you.
Students will bring their clean, dry indoor shoes (must be running shoes) with them and should wear clothing they can comfortably move, climb, and wear a harness in.
- Karate: First and second year Elementary students will be participating in an introductory martial arts program at United Family Martial Arts, just down the street from us, during the afternoons of November 12 and 19. Students will need to wear clothing they can be comfortably active in.
- Reminder: Phys. Ed. on Thursday, Nov. 4. When there is a PD Day on a Friday, phys. ed. will take place on the Thursday of that week (there will also be phys. ed. on Thursday, Nov. 25, to accommodate Parent-Teacher conferences on the Friday).
Photo Gallery
Lyonsgate Update: Oct. 22, 2021 News from the Classrooms
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week we have some updates for you from the Casa and Toddler Montessori guides about how the school year is going so far — progress, interests, goals, and beautiful moments — as well as more about the ongoing Montessori great work at the Elementary campus.
We want to remind everyone that the next PD day is in two weeks on Friday, Nov. 5.
We'd also like to emphasize the importance of consistency for Montessori students, especially our younger children who may still be struggling a little bit at drop off. The best thing you can do for your child is a regular, consistent, and brief drop off. A reassurance that you will see them at the end of the day, a hug, and a goodbye will set your child up for success and for the developmental progress Montessori strives for. Extra promises that may sooth a child in the moment will become the primary focus of their day and can often lead to greater upset throughout the school day. Thank you, and please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's Montessori guide for tips on how comfort and confidence can be developed in your child.
Toddler
The toddlers are hard at work each day building their bodies, exploring with their senses, and discovering themselves. Now that the routine of coming to school has been established, we can see their true personalities shine. What a fantastic group we have in our classroom this year! It is wonderful to see new friendships developing, and it is a wonderful time to lay down the foundations of grace and courtesy. There have also been great strides in independence since September. Thank you to all of you for carefully selecting clothing and footwear that makes that independence possible. We love to see how pleased they are to acquire new skills, and we love to hear them triumphantly say "I did it!" — Ms. Gervais
Casa North
The year is moving as swiftly as anticipated! Our students are navigating routine & transitions extremely well, and we are focusing on lots of Grace & Courtesy (how to move, engage with work, speak to others in the classroom, etc.) and Preliminary Activities (pouring, cutting, folding, opening and closing various fastenings). We are endlessly proud of the growth we are seeing so far.
I, personally, appreciate all of the effort our students & families have made in participating in my name-switch mid-year. Some of my personal favourites so far have been: Ms. O’Doherty, Ms. Sullivany, Ms. Doh’Sullivan, and “Hey! Ms. Sullivan is in Casa South!”
A reminder to begin practicing for any & all winter attire. Give yourselves lots of time in the morning to bundle up with boots, mittens, coats, etc., and have your child attempt to dress by themselves. The goal is independence and confidence, and we want to set our students up for success.
Looking forward to chatting further during Parent-Teacher Conferences this upcoming month. — Ms. O'Sullivan
Casa South
As you can imagine, we’ve had an active start to this school year with plenty of exploration. It didn’t take long for everyone to begin adjusting to both the physical and social environment that makes up our classroom community. There are many new things to learn including: scheduling, how to move, interact, and work with materials. The children have absorbed enough of this in order to arrive at what Dr. Montessori identified as periods of “normalization.”
This refers to times of balance, when there is a purposeful hum of activity in the room due to a positive level of engagement. While these are currently brief moments in time, they have the potential to become longer as we all continue to develop deeper connections with each other and our learning.
We are observing more and more spontaneous offers from children to help a classmate or take care of the classroom. This is another great sign of connection, skill development, concentration, and how we are growing stronger together as a small community. We’ve included a lovely example of your children working together.
As a side note, if your child arrives at school with an umbrella on rainy days it’s best if they leave it with you rather than bring it onto the playground. Thanks for your support! — Ms. Robinson
Elementary
This week the Elementary students continued explorations in written language, working with Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and Inuktitut syllabics. The Lower students received the fifth Great Lesson — "The Story of Our Numerals," spurring on their work in math. The Upper students turned their attention to biology, further investigating the six kingdoms of life and learning to classify organisms as archaebacteria, eubacteria, protists, fungi, plants, or animals. — Marissa
No Nut Reminder: please remember that both Lyonsgate campuses are nut-free facilities at all times, and there is an anaphylactic nut allergy at the Elementary campus. Please ensure no products containing nuts are coming into the school, especially items like granola bars. Thank you.
Have a fantastic fall weekend everyone.
Lyonsgate Update Oct. 15, 2021: Parent Webinar and Staff News
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and had the chance to spend some great time with family. There are a few items to update you all on this week.
Free Parent Webinar
The Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA) is offering a free webinar for parents on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 6:00 p.m. The topic is "Montessori Education & Inclusion - Do the pieces fit?" a webinar exploring the opportunity to include students with disabilities in Montessori schools. The webinar and a copy of the report are free but you must register in advance. For more information and how to register please click here.
Primary Buzz
With the children's return after the long weekend, the Primary campus has been abuzz with stories of Thanksgiving, the food enjoyed, and the highly anticipated visits with family. It has created lots of wonderful conversations amongst the children. Interest in pumpkins is certainly starting to appear as they anxiously await the next "celebration" of the month, with special requests for pumpkin songs.
Staff News
This year we have a new Learning Resource Specialist at Lyonsgate: Kim Fiocca. Kim has been working at the Elementary campus and starting next week will be also be working at the Primary campus. Kim joins us with a wealth of experience in her field and in Montessori learning environments. Kim will be working directly with Lyonsgate students, parents, and Montessori guides to ensure that students with diverse learning styles receive the services, accommodations, and educations they deserve, as well engaging with all students in their classrooms and during outdoor times.
Joining Kim at the Primary campus on a more regular basis will be Jason, who has been working out of the Elementary campus for the last few years. This will give us the opportunity to have our entire admin team together at one location.
These moves are made possible by the addition of Caitlin Pace to the Elementary campus as a program assistant. We'll have more details about Caitlin for you soon.
Elementary Update and Photo Day Reminder
Speaking of the Elementary program, Montessori Guide Marissa Achong has an update for you all about the great work the Elementary students have been engaged with so far this year:
Through these first six weeks of school, the Elementary students have embarked upon the course set out by the Great Lessons: exploring the creation of the universe, the elements, and an introduction to the laws of physics; the emergence of life, the evolution of species, and the development of hominins; and an introduction to our human history, with its great discoveries and innovations. This week, Michelle shared the Story of Communication in Signs, guiding students to imagine how humans first began to write, from petroglyphs and pictographs, to hieroglyphs, to the development of different alphabets.
Remember Elementary parents, photo day for Elementary students is on Monday, Oct. 18. Photos will be taken outside so Tuesday, Oct. 19, is the rain date.
You can always find up to date information about events throughout the school year on the calendar at lyongate.ca, under the "Parents" tab.
Have a wonderful fall weekend everyone.
Long Weekend Update: Someone's Getting Married
Have a great long weekend Lyonsgate families!
Lyonsgate is closed on Friday, Oct. 8 (PD Day) and on Monday, Oct. 11 (Thanksgiving holiday).
(Please find a message from Hamilton Public Health about safe gatherings attached to the email of this post)
A Couple of School Notes:
- No Parent Observations: parent observations were on the calendar for November; unfortunately, we have had confirmation from Hamilton Public Health that we will not be able to welcome parents into the classroom yet.
- Elementary Photo Day: Elementary school photos will be taken on Monday, Oct. 18. The photo-taking will take place outdoors so there is a rain date of Tuesday, Oct. 19. (Note: Primary campus photo day details to come).
New Names and Faces:
- New, Returning Elementary French Assistant: Anne Prat Kalonji, who previously worked as the Elementary French assistant, will be returning to that role at the Elementary campus when we return from the long weekend on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Welcome back Anne!
- Ms. Doherty has a New Name: Casa North's Ms. Doherty is getting married this weekend! When we return to school on Tuesday congratulations are in order, and Ms. Doherty will now be known as Ms. O'Sullivan.
Thank you all for your diligence and care with the ongoing COVID protocols so far this year. Enjoy some much deserved time with your wonderful children and families this weekend, and we'll see you on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
Lyonsgate Update, Sept. 24 2021
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
A short update for you this week with reminders about sick students, fall weather and ventilation, and Parent Education events for Casa and Toddler families next Thursday.
Please do not send children to school when they are sick.
A few symptoms were removed from the provincial COVID-19 screening tool this school year (runny noses, sore throats, and fatigue). Please remember that even if a child passes the screening they should not come to school if they are sick. Hamilton Public Health provides a table of various, non-COVID-related illnesses that require students to stay home from school, and for how long.
You can find the illness exclusion table on the school website here: https://lyonsgate.ca/sick-children-info/ (it is under the "Parents" tab).
Please also remember to complete the required COVID-19 screening form each morning before you arrive to drop off students at school, using the forms linked to on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca.
Fall Weather
The temperature seems to have dropped as soon as the calendar turned to fall. Windows in all classrooms will remain open throughout the year for increased ventilation as part our layered COVID mitigation approach, so at least a cozy sweater or cardigan is helpful for those moments and places in the classroom when a cool draft may be blowing through.
Please remember to also check the weather forecast each day to ensure students have appropriate outdoor weather gear.
Thank you.
Primary Campus Parent Education
Next Thursday, Sept. 30, the Casa and Toddler Montessori guides will be hosting online Parent Education events. These are great opportunities for you to learn more about the Montessori education you have chosen for your children.
- Toddler: 4:00-5:00 p.m. You will be learning about your child's "Sensitive Period of Order."
- Casa (combined): 5:00-6:00 p.m. You will be learning about the role and importance of "Independence in Montessori."
Your children's Montessori guides will send Zoom links closer to the date.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone.
Public Health and Truth and Reconciliation Info
Hello Lyonsgate Community,
We have a few updates for you this week from Hamilton Public Health, and some information about the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Public Health Updates
- Validation of screening will continue to be required until at least the end of October. No changes to what you are already doing; please continue to complete the relevant screening form(s) found on the Home page of lyonsgate.ca before arriving to school each day.
- Public Health also informed us that they may add symptoms to the screening form if they deem it necessary (for example, York region public health has put runny noses back on their screening forms).
- Next week, you will also find a new Return Attestation Form on the Home page. This form must be completed any time a child who has failed screening, or who is sent home from school with symptoms, is ready to return to school.
Everything related to COVID-19 protocols is available on the Home page of lyonsgate.ca, including:
- screening forms
- COVID-19 Supplemental Parent Handbook
- direct links to Sick Child at Home and Sick Child at School Decision Charts from Hamilton Public Health
- Child and Youth Mental Health Support resources from Hamilton Public Health
- COVID-19 test booking link
- Lyonsgate COVID-19 Advisory Page (where we are required to post any positive case information)
- And, sometime next week, the new Return Attestation form.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day Truth and Reconciliation is Thursday, September 30. Truth and Reconciliation Day is a federal statutory holiday in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls “upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
At the Primary campus (Casa and Toddler) the City of Hamilton has provided a resource called "Honouring Our Children/Every Child Matters" developed by staff from Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg. As part of this resource, we have been provided orange shirts for each child that we will be sending home on September 29 that your child may wear to school on September 30, if you wish. (All of the shirts are youth size small so may fit quite large on some students). Primary staff completed training on the Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg resource on the PD day this week, and we were also provided a lovely collection of books that will be available and read in the classrooms.
Elementary students will be engaged in discussions about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and orange shirts in advance of September 30. While we will not ask staff or students to wear orange shirts, staff and students who want to are very welcome! We want the students who do so to have chosen to do it themselves so as to make it a meaningful choice.
Student Vote
Elementary students will be participating in the Student Vote on Election Day on Monday, Sept. 20. Make sure you all get out to vote too!
Have a great weekend everyone.
Updates from Lyonsgate
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We are so excited that another school year is about to begin. The staff are busy setting up the classrooms and getting ready to warmly welcome your children into their care. While we would have liked a “normal” return to the school year we realize the world is far from that, and we hope you will understand the special circumstances that we all find ourselves in to keep the children, your families, and the community as safe as possible. Thank you for your adaptability in all of this, and most of all, thank you for entrusting your most precious children into our care. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with you, and thank you for allowing us the pleasure of watching your child grow to their full potential. Here is to a wonderful year ahead!
Sarah (Miss Kennedy).
COVID-19 Protocol Changes
As we approach the beginning of the school year we are receiving regular updates to COVID-19 protocols from both the Ministry of Education and Hamilton Public Health Services. Significantly, there have been changes to the daily screening form and procedure.
We are now required to "validate" screening every day for the first two weeks of school (for now; Public Health expects this to be extended). For returning families, this will work the same as last year when you completed the campus-specific online screening form prior to arrival and we confirmed your submission upon arrival. For new parents, on Tuesday, September 7, the provincial screening tool on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca will be replaced with three Lyonsgate forms that mirror the provincial tool: Primary campus screening form, Elementary campus screening form, and a staff and visitor screening form. You are required to complete the relevant screening form each day after 5:00 a.m. and before you arrive at school. Once submitted we will be able to see that you have done so upon arrival. At this point, temperatures are not required to be taken upon arrival.
The screening forms have also changed with the addition of some new questions, changes to procedures if screening is failed, and the removal of a number of symptoms that previously required exclusion from school. Students are no longer screened for: sore throat, runny nose, headache, and extreme tiredness or muscle aches. The "Lyonsgate COVID-19 Exclusion of Sick Children and Staff Policy and Procedures" will be updated soon to reflect the symptom changes, and Public Health will be providing updated decision charts that guide parents and school staff when children are ill.
Pandemic or not, please do not send children to school when they are ill.
Hamilton Public Health hosted an information session for schools on Wednesday and we can tell you that other changes will come in the following areas:
- Staff vaccination disclosure: This requirement was announced on August 17 and we were told by Public Health, on Thursday, Sept. 2, to: "Please note: The ministry is working on a guide and sample policy to support licensees in implementing the proposed policy. Further details about the proposed policy, testing strategy, and reporting expectations will be communicated in the coming weeks." All Lyonsgate staff members will be required to disclose their vaccination status to the school and undergo regular testing and attend an approved education program if not vaccinated. Lyonsgate will not disclose the vaccination status of any staff member.
- Contact management and outbreak management: This covers contact tracing, what will happen if there are any confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the school community, and if Public Health declares an outbreak at the school. We have been told to expect this update by mid-September.
PD Day Clarity
You will notice on the school calendar that there are a number of PD days early in the year. Mostly, these affect ONLY the Primary campus which is unavailable to Lyonsgate during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
The Lyonsgate Primary campus (Aberdeen: Casa and Toddler) will be closed on Sept. 7 and 8 (Sept. 9 is the first day of school for returning students at Primary) and will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 16 (Yom Kippur).
Schedules
We will be continuing with separate arrival and pick-up times for each Casa classroom, and a separate pick-up period for the Toddler class. There have been changes to the Elementary arrival and pick-up times and procedures. The daily schedules are as follows:
Toddler Class
8:00 – 8:30: Group 1. Eligible workers and staff students, and Casa North siblings.
8:30 – 9:00: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
Toddler students will be greeted by a Toddler staff member at screening and will enter the building using the grey door off the parking lot.
3:00 – 3:30: Dismissal from the playground.
Casa North
8:00 – 8:15: Group 1. Arrival for eligible workers and staff students.
8:15 – 8:30: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
3:30 – 4:00: Dismissal from the playground.
Casa South
8:30 – 8:45: Group 1. Arrival for eligible workers and staff students.
8:45 – 9:00: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
4:00 – 4:30: Dismissal from the playground.
After screening, All Casa students will proceed to the main school doors or playground via the main walkway on the east side of the building.
Elementary
8:00-8:30: Registered Before School Care.
8:30-8:45: Arrival/screening for all students.
Screening upon arrival will take place on the front porch.
3:30-3:45: Dismissal and pick-up from back yard.
3:30-4:30: Registered After School Care (pick up from front porch).
Online Orientation Sessions
Each Casa class and the Toddler class will be hosting online orientation sessions on Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. A Zoom link will be sent to each class's parents that day.
Elementary Montessori guide Marissa will be hosting an online Orientation for Elementary families on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. A Zoom link will be sent to all Elementary families that day.
Thank you, and see you all in the coming weeks.
School Year Update from Lyonsgate Montessori
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We know you are all anxiously awaiting information about the upcoming school year. We have received information from the Ministry of Education and Hamilton Public Health and can now tell you about some of the changes and requirements for the coming 2021.2022 school year at Lyonsgate Montessori School.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to impact regular school operations, although there are changes to some requirements. Here are the highlights, but please take the time to review the "COVID-19 Supplemental Parent Handbook."
Please Note: the information below may change as we receive further information, clarifications, or revisions from the Ministry of Education and/or Hamilton Public Health Services.
Masks: mask requirements for students at both campuses will be the same as last year with the exception of outdoors. Masks no longer need to be worn outdoors. See the "Lyonsgate COVID-19 Mask and PPE Policy and Procedure" in the "COVID-19 Supplemental Parent Handbook" for details.
Screening: parents are still required to complete screening for each child, each morning before bringing students to school. Please use the Provincial COVID-19 School Screening Tool to self-screen children each day. A link to the screening tool is available on the Home page at https://lyonsgate.ca/ . Temperatures are no longer required to be taken prior to entry.
If you bring your child to school at either Lyonsgate campus, it is assumed you have completed and passed self-screening every day prior to arrival.
Pandemic or not, please do not send children to school if they are unwell.
Illness/Exclusion: strict exclusion rules are still in effect for children who are ill or who become ill at school. Be prepared for children to be home from school more frequently than usual. Siblings of sick children must also be excluded. See the "Lyonsgate COVID-19 Exclusion of Sick Children/Staff Policy and Procedures" document in the "COVID-19 Supplemental Parent Handbook" for more detailed information.
Staggered Starts and Dismissals: We will be continuing with separate arrival and pick-up times for each Casa classroom, a separate pick-up period for the Toddler class, and staggered arrival and dismissal groups for Elementary. The daily schedules are as follows:
Toddler Class
8:00 – 8:30: Group 1. Eligible workers and staff students, and Casa North siblings.
8:30 – 9:00: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
3:00 – 3:30: Dismissal from the playground.
Casa North
8:00 – 8:15: Group 1. Arrival for eligible workers and staff students.
8:15 – 8:30: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
3:30 – 4:00: Dismissal from the playground.
Casa South
8:30 – 8:45: Group 1. Arrival for eligible workers and staff students.
8:45 – 9:00: Group 2. Arrival for remainder of cohort.
4:00 – 4:30: Dismissal from the playground.
Elementary
8:00-9:00: Staggered drop-off groups. Detailed group lists to come.
3:30-4:00: Dismissal from backyard and front porch.
4:00-4:30: Pick-up of after school care students.
Mandatory Staff Vaccinations or Testing
This was announced earlier this week and details are still to come. All Lyonsgate staff will be required to provide disclosure of full vaccination status or undergo regular testing if not vaccinated. Lyonsgate will not share the vaccination status of any employee.
Calendar
Remember to check the Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date information. An updated printable calendar will be attached to the email version of this post (we got the February PD day/Family Day holiday dates wrong on the first version).
Vaccinations
Vaccination continues to be the most effective means of getting the virus under control. Please visit the City of Hamilton’s vaccine information website at https://www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-resources.
Their vaccine hotline is another resource that is available to everyone at 905-974-9848 ext. 7
More to come
We know you may have questions not answered here. Please be patient. You will receive more information soon about things like orientation visits for new students and their families, and specific classroom information from your children's Montessori guides.
Enjoy these last few weeks of summer vacation with your wonderful children. We can't wait to see them and hear all of their summer adventure stories.