Lyonsgate Update April 1, 2022: No Foolin', It's Spring
Welcome to the spring term Lyonsgate families.
We’ve been happy to hear that many good times, fun times, and restful times were had over the March Break. It’s always great to see all of the students back at school, and to see how much the Toddlers have grown in just two weeks.
Your children’s Montessori guides have introductions to the spring term for you.
This week, the $10/day child care agreement — Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care System (CWELCC) — was signed and announced. Lyonsgate’s Primary (Casa and Toddler) campus is required to operate as a licensed child care centre. At this point, there are many steps and details to come. Here’s where we’re at:
- The program will be administered through the City of Hamilton’s Early Years division. We have been told they will receive information on eligibility and the enrolment process in “Spring 2022” and will then communicate details to us.
- The deadline for child care centres to enrol is September 2022. Centres can choose to opt out of CWELCC and continue charging their own fees. For example, if Lyonsgate would not be able to continue offering authentic Montessori education at the capped funding level, we could choose to opt out. Until we know what the actual funding amounts are we cannot make that decision.
We will keep you up to date as we learn more. If you have any questions, please email us at childcareagreement@lyonsgate.ca.
Lyonsgate will continue to require masks until at least April 8. Please continue to screen each day, before arriving to school, using the provincial school screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ (you can also use this tool to see what the latest requirements are depending on different circumstances). The screening tool and other COVID resources are available on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca.
We have an updated “Letter to School Communities” for you that contains a link to instructions on how to do both oral and nasal swabs when using rapid tests. Please click here for the updated letter.
Toddler
Welcome to the Spring term toddler families! This week seemed to switch abruptly from Winter to Spring, and back again. This back and forth can sometimes persist for a while so please continue to consult the weather report and send the appropriate gear. We will be spending more time outside as the weather becomes warmer. With less outerwear to put on the children are able to get themselves ready more quickly! We will have our afternoon snack in the playground whenever possible.
We were so excited to have that warm blustery day this week. The wind seemed like a new character in our lives. One child pointed up to the top of a tree and laughed and said, “Windy.” I commented to one child how the wind was blowing his hair around and he agreed and added, “And my eyes!” We watched in amazement as one of our riding cars seemed to be driving itself!
If you have time this weekend I encourage you to take a walk with your toddler in your neighbourhood and see if you can spot some signs of Spring. The early spring flowers have begun to poke through, crocuses and the leaves of daffodils and tulips. Other signs of Spring might include seeing people out riding bicycles or out digging in their gardens, puddles of rain water to splash through. Go at their pace and see what they notice. Let them lead the walk and the conversation! — Ms. Gervais.
Casa North
Welcome to Term 3, Casa North — between the upcoming Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, Parent Observations, Summer Concert, Graduation Ceremony, and meeting our end-of-year academic goals, we find this is our fastest semester of all!
By now, we are hoping you have heard about the re-introduction of our Food Prep activities. The students are very excited to peel clementines, slice apples, squeeze juice, make tea, pit cherries & olives, make butter, and assist with baking as we prepare to move back into Food Prep full force for the 2022/2023 school year. We are always looking for new small batch recipes, so if you have any favourites from home that you’d like to pass on, please do!
As you all know, our Montessori program aims to “follow the child,” meaning that we have gotten to know the students, we have observed them, and we are able to set individual academic goals for each child to reach before our school year ends. The three-year commitment to our Casa programme means we have time to reach new concepts as each child becomes ready, and allows us to work at a pace that’s attainable & unique for that student.
With these individual academic goals in mind, we can share that collectively our 1st years are continuing to work with Sound Games (hearing phonetic sounds in words) and number symbols to 10 daily, and are refining their fine motor, gross motor, and control & coordination of movement through their Practical Life work. Many of our 2nd years are working with Teen Numbers (11-19) and beginning Ten Boards (10, 20, 30, etc.). They are also continuing Sandpaper Letters and Chalkboard work to help them cement the phonetic sounds they know with their matching letter symbol; in many cases, our 2nd years are working with or observing Moveable Alphabet and Phonetic Cards (as introductions to reading and writing). Our almost-graduates (3rd years) are reading, focusing on Functions of Words activities (the parts of speech), and working hard to gain a variety of exposure to the math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, short & long division) before leaving the Casa classroom.
We trust that each & every child will arrive where they need to be exactly as they’re meant to, and we committed to providing the right tools so they can accomplish that.
Looking forward to finishing the year stronger than ever!
Best,
Ms. O’Sullivan
Casa South
Greetings from Casa South.
Is it Spring yet? We’ve noticed very early signs including bird sightings and snowdrops and are eager to see the end of winter …snow pants, mitts, hats and heavy boots.
We are in the preliminary stages of gardening; discussing what we would like to grow, when to begin, and how to take care of young plants. So far there is interest in carrots, daisies, beans, watermelon, tomatoes, and ice cream. Further discussion appears to be warranted. This has led to conversations about seasons, characteristics of each, and how one leads to the next.
Another topic of interest currently is the human body. We added a terrific book all about this with detailed illustrations. It’s generated questions and conversations about bones, organs, the five senses, and blood and muscles. This has led to learning more about vertebrates and invertebrates, similarities and differences between five classes of animals, as well as how parts of our bodies work. Signs of growing awareness abound — overheard in the classroom, “I fell and bumped my skull, hope my brain is okay!”
Of course, not all children show similar levels of interest in these or any other given topic. One of the beauties of an organic curriculum is having the freedom to go deeper into subjects that interest both children and adults and to go around those that do not. There is always something that catches the attention of every child. When this occurs, we use materials to support it to enable children to work at a level that challenges them in ways that build their knowledge and skills, whatever their age.
Here’s hoping for a faster transition to Spring! 😉
Ms. Robinson.
Elementary
Spring has sprung! The Elementary students were thrilled to return to campus after the March Break and eager to use our outdoor classroom space as we anticipate the return of warm weather. We have been preparing our garden beds for planting season, and are planning our vegetable garden. Our younger students have been busy setting up experiments to explore the fundamental needs of plants, as well as the functions of roots, stems, and leaves. Upper level students are learning to classify plants by phylum and class using the Tree of Life material. We look forward to more work in botany throughout the term!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead,
Michelle and Marissa
Photo Gallery
Lyonsgate Update March 11, 2022: March Break + COVID Updates
Happy March Break Lyonsgate Community,
We’re wishing you all fun times, restful times, and healthy times over the next two weeks. The first day of the spring term is Monday, March 28.
We have a few items for you this week as well as a larger than usual gallery of photos from the Primary campus.
COVID-19 Updates
As you all know, most COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario are being lifted as of March 21. This means there will be some changes when we return from March Break. While we know some details there may be other changes to come as Hamilton Public Health assesses the new guidelines. Here’s what we know so far:
- International Travel: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children 11 years of age and under are no longer required to stay home from school for 14 days if they travelled with fully vaccinated adults. Masking is still required upon return — from the Ministry of Education on March 9: “under current federal travel requirements, upon return from international travel, individuals must, wear a mask at all times when in public spaces (including schools and child care), maintain a list of all close contacts for your first 14 days in Canada, and monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.”
- Isolation Requirements: If staff or students have a positive COVID test result or COVID symptoms, the isolation requirements currently in place remain the same. We have replaced the “Sick Child at Home/School” decision charts from Hamilton Public Health with updated guidance provided by the Ministry of Education this week. Please find “COVID Symptom Flow Chart” and “COVID Isolation Period Table” on the Home page under the Parents tab at lyonsgate.ca.
Those charts are taken from the updated guidance document released this week. We have also extracted the relevant pages from that document to create a reference guide for Lyonsgate families that covers masking after isolation, clearance from symptom isolation using rapid tests, household members, and close contacts (definitions of and requirements). Please click here to view the 8-page reference document.
- Household Isolation Exemptions: There are new exemptions to isolation requirements for household members when there is a positive COVID test result or an individual with COVID symptoms. The following are not required to isolate, but are required to wear a mask in public settings for 10 days [NOTE: Children under 5 who are asymptomatic household contacts are required to stay home for 5 days.]:
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- Household members who are 18 years of age and older and have already received their booster dose are not required to self-isolate.
- Household members who are under 18 years of age and are considered fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate.
- Household members who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive rapid antigen test or molecular test results), are not required to self-isolate and can attend high-risk settings, as long as they are currently asymptomatic.
- Masks: At present, according to provincial guidelines, masks will not be required for staff or students when we return from March Break. As you have probably seen in the news, this is causing some controversy which leaves us in a difficult position while we endeavour to do what is best for the students, and the community as a whole. While we understand and agree with the need to move on and start living, and schooling, in a more normal fashion, we would also like to take into consideration the concerns of health specialists regarding mask mandates being removed this early. Therefore, we will continue to implement the mask policy for at least two weeks following March Break, leaving mask requirements in place until at least April 8. This will give us time to re-visit the masking policy upon our return. We understand that any decision made in this regard will leave some families unhappy. We ask that you kindly respect the decision making of the school at this time, and are respectful of the feelings and opinions of those that may differ from your own. Ultimately, our goal is to have a happy, and healthy community.
Masking will remain a provincially mandated requirement when:
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- You return from international travel (see above).
- You complete an isolation period: “If your isolation period is 5 days, from days 6 to 10 after developing symptoms …continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings.”
- Screening: Screening by staff and students will still be required each day. However, it will no longer need to be validated. The screening forms on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca have been replaced with a link to the provincial school screening tool. Please use this screening tool every day before arriving to school. You can also use the screening tool to find the most up to date requirements for different circumstances (symptoms, travel, close contact, etc.).
- Cohorting: Cohorts will no longer be required. This means that students from the different Montessori environments can intermingle and work together. We will review how this change may impact the Primary (Casa & Toddler) campus and let you know of any changes we may implement after the March Break.
- Rapid Tests: Each student at both the Primary and Elementary campuses has been provided a kit of two rapid tests. If you happen to need to use them over the break, please click here for an instruction letter from the Ministry of Health. Rapid tests can still be used after the March Break to clear staff or students from symptomatic isolation (two negative rapid tests at least 24 hours apart and symptoms improving for 24 hours, or 48 hours for nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea).
- Still in Effect: The following COVID mitigation measures will remain in place:
- Ventilation: HEPA air filter units and open windows with fans.
- Hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection.
- Absence reporting: schools and child care are still required to report absence rates of 35% to Hamilton Public Health.
Montessori Neuroscience
An article was shared amongst the Montessori community this week describing the results of some recent research into learning and development: “The researchers were particularly interested in determining the long-term effects of Montessori versus traditional education.”
Click here to read the article, which contains a link to the study, “Education shapes the structure of semantic memory and impacts creative thinking.”
Children’s Vaccine Information from Health Canada
Hamilton Public Health has shared more resources to share with families about COVID-19 vaccinations for children.
Health Canada Ask the Expert videos: medical experts answer common questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 to 11 years old. (These are short 1-2 minute videos).
o What are the benefits of vaccinating my child against COVID-19?
o How are children’s COVID-19 vaccines monitored for safety and side effects?
Photos from the Past Week at Lyonsgate
Lyonsgate Update March 4, 2022: Winter Term Wrap Up
Good Afternoon Lyonsgate Families,
We are heading into the end of the winter term and March Break is coming up. Lyonsgate will be closed March 14 to March 25. The first day of the spring term is Monday, March 28.
This week, your children’s Montessori guides have some term wrap-up messages for you.
Next week, we will outline any changes to COVID-19 protocols that may be in place following the March Break. We are expecting some changes, and this week we received notice from the provincial Ministry of Education that the requirement for children to remain absent from school for 14 days after international travel is no longer in effect (screening forms have been updated accordingly):
Starting February 28, 2022: If you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, your unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children will be exempt from quarantine, without any limitations on their activities. This means, for example, they no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school, camp or daycare.
Some federal rules for children entering Canada may be different from the provincial or territorial rules. In this case, you must follow the stricter rules. [https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada#children].
Last week, we sent a notice about the City of Hamilton and McMaster Children’s Hospital’s Vaccine Information Session. A recording of that session is now available (it will also air a few times on Cable 14):
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Book Titles
A parent reached out this week asking for the titles of the equity, diversity, and inclusion books that were provided to Lyonsgate by ASCY so they could purchase some for home. ASCY graciously provided us with the full list of book titles and authors, and you can access the list here if you are also interested.
Toddler
As we approach the end of the winter term I am pleased to report that our class is finally full with 15 toddlers. I want to thank all of the toddlers that have been with us from the beginning of the year for the warm welcome that was given to our two new students earlier this winter. Our two new girls are adjusting well and finding their place in our community.
This week, I added a few new activities to answer the growing needs of our capable toddlers. I am always delighted at how quickly and enthusiastically new work is received in the classroom. There has been a great interest in helping with care of the classroom environment, and we often have a lineup of helpers offering their services!
Reminders: Consult the weather report — as we transition out of winter and into spring there can be great fluctuations in temperature. Please send the appropriate outdoor gear. Rain boots and splash pants will be a useful investment very soon.
For those who might be travelling over the March break, I am including a link to an article by Janet Lansbury with some important tips for travelling with babies and toddlers. — Ms. Gervais
Casa North
The second semester has come and gone. As we finish recording the children’s height for March (as we do each month), our Casa North team cannot believe how both time and the students have GROWN.
As restrictions begin to ease (hopefully), we have started to slowly reintroducing food activities into our classroom (we loved making popcorn earlier this week).
We are seeing a huge surge of interest in letter sounds from our students. Our 1st & 2nd years are working daily with Sound Game Bingo, Sandpaper Letters, and are beginning to write the letter symbols they know on the Blank Chalkboard. Our 2nd & 3rd years are writing absolutely everything — making lists, writing books, and labelling the entire environment (farm animals included!).
We are also observing a huge preoccupation with age at the moment — Who is the oldest? Who is the youngest? Birthday celebrations have been a huge treat, and the student are beginning to understand that one full trip around the sun is the same as one year or twelve whole months.
Some funny conversations regarding age that were heard this week were Mr. Philips visiting our classroom, asking a 1st year how old she was:
“I’m 4”
“Did you just turn 4?”
“No, I’ve been 4 for a while”
“Oh, and when do you turn 5?”
“After 4”
We also had a 3rd year share that it was her aunt’s birthday on the same day as a student who was turning 6:
“It’s my aunt’s birthday too, but she’s much, much, MUCH older!”
“Oh, how old is your aunt turning?”
“33!”
Please continue to send in feedback regarding the Parent Education evening. We would love to know what time suits you, and what topics we should do next!
Best,
Ms. O’Sullivan
Casa South
Greetings from Casa South
Time seems to be picking up speed with March Break just around the corner. The children continue to grow physically, socially, and intellectually. Recently, we have been reminded of all the physical growth as our group gatherings require more space compared to the beginning of the school year. We take up more room these days!
Our rock collection has grown this week with the introduction of pairs of polished and unpolished rocks to match and identify. The polished stones are especially lovely to hold in one’s hand when compared to their rougher partner. They appeal to many, and have such interesting names including carnelian, sodalite, rose quartz, malachite, and tiger’s eye. We use our rock and mineral book to identify them and learn more about where they come from. If you have anything to add to our collection or information to share, please let us know.
Children are sharing increasingly about their lives outside of school. One child informed me that it was her dad’s birthday. When I asked how old he was, the reply was “101.” Looking good dad!
Thank you very much for your patience with us as we attempt to keep track of mittens, socks, hats, etcetera. Our cloakroom is a busy place during transition times with assorted belongings ending up hidden in corners and under backpacks. Labeled items are much easier to sort out.
Enjoy the weekend 😊
Ms. Robinson
Elementary
This week, the Elementary students turned their attention to the celebration of Mardi Gras! Rooted in pagan celebrations of spring, Mardi Gras is a time of merriment and indulgence for Christians about to enter the season of Lent. The students loved learning about the sweets, treats, and street food enjoyed before the forty days of fasting. Some of our youngest students were thrilled to have a demonstration of the chemical reactions that take place when making pancakes and, ultimately, eating their work! Everyone investigated the music, costumes, and Carnival parades of countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, with steel pan music welcoming them each morning. French lessons this week focused on the Venetian masquerade and everyone’s favourite part — creating their own masks!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
Marissa and Michelle
Photos
Lyonsgate Update Feb. 25, 2022: French Materials & van Gogh
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Well, another bit of a surprise snow day today. Hopefully that is the last one for this school year. This week, your Casa and Toddler children’s French language assistants are speaking to how they use Montessori materials in their French instruction.
The Elementary students were finally able to embark on their first field trip in quite a while. Please see the Elementary section below for an explanation of the importance of learning beyond the classroom for the Elementary-aged student.
Toddler
Hello families!
In our Toddler community we have such a beautiful array of materials and activities which makes our classroom so exciting (especially when you get to really watch the children work!).
On our shelves we have many activities that can easily be shown in French, for example, we have colour sorting (yellow, red, and blue), we have an activity where I present to a child the difference between hot and cold (froid et chaud), we learn the difference between wet and dry (a lot of water works these days😊), and the basics of big and small — activities that help Toddler students’ development, and that prepare them for activities and materials in Casa.
I like to make sure I give clear instructions since I am speaking another language, so keeping the activities concise helps keep their engagement with what we are working on, and we never forget to HAVE FUN and keep it light!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mme. Craigie
Casa North
Bonjour la famille Casa North!
This time I will talk a bit about the use of Montessori materials in French.
French is integrated into the work cycle. It is both a separate subject and something the students are exposed to daily and feel secure and confident about.
I use Montessori materials such as Colour Boxes, Classified Cards, Sandpaper Numerals, Number Rods, Numbers & Counters, surveys, and many more, and use the Montessori 3-period lesson that the Casa students are comfortable and familiar with.
I also use materials that I have created that are only French materials, such as a Phonetic Object Box, Phonetic Cards, Phonograms, “Ou est?” classroom labels, and fruit/vegetable basket, pizza, and lunch box identifiers and vocabulary builders.
We are a team in Casa North. When a student has mastered a lesson in English, we communicate to ensure they are also given the presentation in French.
Merci!
Mme Murati
Casa South
Bonjour! Salut tout le monde!
Comment ça va?
I am so grateful for the bright and welcoming environment our classroom offers! It is a rich environment filled with diverse, educational, and engaging materials. As their French teacher, I appreciate the opportunity to use them for my presentations. A favourite for our group is Colour Box 2. During this activity, I say the colour. The child repeats it. I then ask, “Fait le tour de la classe et trouve-moi 3 choses bleues, rouges, oranges…”
Another class favourite is “gros, moyen, petit”. It is a lesson where I present 3 similar items of different sizes to the students and they have to sort them into their corresponding sizes (gros, moyen et petit).
I like to switch up the materials to make it more exciting and to enrich their vocabulary.
Bonne semaine!
Mme Renée Perazzo
Elementary
It’s been a joyful week on the Elementary campus with lots of anticipation for our field trip to Beyond Van Gogh! We explored his ¾ portrait style this week and students continued with a variety of still life and landscapes. Opportunities to explore beyond the classroom are essential to the elementary child. They need to experience the world with their peers separately from their parents. The sense of wonder and curiosity are shared from a child’s perspective, instead of being imparted from the adult’s point-of-view. For many of our younger students, it was their first time riding a big yellow school-bus, with the excitement of no booster seats, big bumps, and sitting beside a special friend. For older students, the experience was one of greater freedom and independence in a public space. These outings enable them to discover their capabilities, share their knowledge with each other, and allow their self-esteem to blossom!
Everyone’s favourite part of the exhibit was the immersive room. The students were amazed by familiar paintings projected as moving works of art surrounding us. We were amazed by their passion for van Gogh and their joy in time spent together.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Marissa and Michelle
Photos
Lyonsgate Update Feb. 17, 2022: Anecdotes and Stories
Happy Family Day Long Weekend Everyone,
Remember, tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 18) is a PD day and Monday is the Family Day holiday.
This week, we sought out some great stories and moments from your children’s teachers. Enjoy!
(Here’s one from today: lunch was a quiche-type entree and one student said, “It looks like pie.”
“You’re right it does. Do you like pie?”
“Yes.”
“What’s your favourite type of pie?”
“Cake pie, with candy on top.”)
Toddler
In the toddler community, Grace and Courtesy is continuously on display. The children look out for one another, ask about their classmates when they are absent, and genuinely enjoy spending time with one another. One thing that I find particularly special is how much they enjoy helping each other (and the teachers) during mealtime. Snack and lunch are exciting times in our classroom and the children really light up at any opportunity to assist. Whether it is handing out plates or bowls, or distributing water to their friends, it is a task done with pride and consideration. After our meal is finished, some of the children love to accompany their teachers in sweeping the floor and wiping down the table, while others love to deliver our lunch cart and dishes to the kitchen. As you can imagine, toddler lunch can be a messy affair, so there is always plenty of work to be done!
One student also likes to help me when we are getting ready to go outside for recess or at the end of the day. When it is time to put boots on, he always brings me my boots before putting on his own. Very cute and very much appreciated. — Mr. Davis
Ms. Covic made banana bread for each class today and a student asked her if she had made it for them. She said yes and he both said “Thank you,” and signed it to her as well.
Casa North
We know from Albert Einstein that “play is the highest form of research,” which aligns very much with the pedagogy and sensorial exposure we aim to provide in the Casa classroom. Our students are playful, purposeful, and explorative every day at school — we work hard to prepare an environment that is safe and inspiring so their thoughts and ideas can be valued and made reality.
Because we encourage such exploration in our classrooms, it’s hard to name the amount of funny quips and conversations we hear in a week — it’s a lot!
That said, I am reminded of this past week when, after our daily small group lesson with the farm animals (learning the male, female, and baby names of each farm family), a student (with the most serious face) told me, “You know, I haven’t really told you before, but I can speak bird, you know.” Matching the same seriousness back (of course), I asked if she’d like to share it with me, to which she said, “Well it’s sort of easier when they speak to me first, and there’s no birds in the classroom!”
Also, over the past month, we have had consistent declarations from two of our students claiming they want to be artists when they grow up. We have presented Art Cards, and added additional Modern Art examples and books to the classroom to support their interest. This past week, one of these students took out Colour Box 3 — a box of many colour tablets, 8 per colour family, to be graded from lightest to darkest — but upon finishing, his work got bumped by another student and mixed up. I watched as his purposeful work was ruined, and waited for an upset response, but sure enough, he ran to the Art Cards on the shelf, shuffled through them quickly, as I watched on. He returned with a photo of Bridget Riley’s “Nataraja” and started maneuvering and skewing his bumped colour tablets more to match the famous masterpiece. He found art in his ruined effort — what a fabulous moment! — Ms. O’Sullivan.
Casa South
While a child was holding a dropper for colour mixing he excitedly said, “I suck it up, it disappears, it’s magical!”
His expression & joy was awesome! — Mme Perazo
Elementary
History in the early years is currently focused on ancient Egypt! The students have been excited to learn about the geography of ancient Egypt and the Nile River. We have begun exploring Egyptian mythology, hieroglyphics, and monuments. To help us understand the daily lives of the ancient Egyptian people, the students participated in a role-play of Egyptian society. The youngest members of the our class have been hard at work on a variety of activities, from writing poems about our hands to creating a diorama of ocean creatures. Upper level students have continued with their work of essay-writing and body system research, and were very excited to dive into the world of integers with adding negative and positive numbers. — Marissa & Michelle.
Photos
Lyonsgate Update Feb 10, 2022: Culture and Holidays
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week, your children’s Casa and Toddler Montessori guides have information for you about the Culture areas of the classrooms and their relation to holidays and celebrations. Valentine’s Day is Monday and we’d like to remind everyone that if your child wants to give out Valentine’s cards at school we ask that you have one, homemade card for each child in the class and that they do not have names on them (only your child’s name). Please do not send candy or other treats to school. Thank you.
Speaking of culture, ASCY (Affiliated Services for Children and Youth — a Hamilton organization that works with the early years sector) has provided us with a great variety of books for your children’s classrooms that will help to increase introductions to and engagement with a diversity of cultures and cultural practices. There is also a book for each child to take home, along with information about literacy resources. This is part of Hamilton’s Early Years commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Next week, each Primary (Casa and Toddler) family will receive a package that includes the children’s book, two rapid tests per child to be used for symptomatic testing, and 3-ply cloth mask for Casa children provided by the Ministry of Education.
We also learned this week that we will be receiving rapid test kits for Elementary students. They will be distributed as soon as we receive them.
Please see the linked letter that explains the rapid test program for symptomatic students: Rapid Test Letter to School Community
We’re back to including a photo gallery of the week at Lyonsgate, so be sure to read to the end.
Toddler
Culture and Holiday celebrations:
In the toddler community, young children have an opportunity to discover themselves and develop a sense of who they are outside of their immediate family. As they begin to make friends and develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and their environment a deeper sense of belonging grows. Dr. Maria Montessori considered herself a citizen of not one country or place but a citizen of the world. This was a fundamental idea that fueled her education for peace. Toddlers are adaptable and full of wonder. At this stage of development it is beneficial to expose them to many sensual experiences, music, language, flavours from all corners of the world, knowledge of the creatures and the plant life of the earth, and an understanding of how to live peacefully with others.
Happy Valentines Day and Happy Family Day. We will be celebrating Love in the toddler classroom this week and every week. Love for ourselves, love for each other, and love for our small community. This will surely translate into something larger as our ambassadors of the future make their way out into the world.
Reminder: Parent Education: Learning through the Senses. 4:00 p.m., Thursday, February 17. — Ms. Gervais
Casa North
Although we have a specific Culture area in our Casa classrooms, it is important to know that every activity in Montessori is an extension of culture. Every material is designed to propel your child toward becoming a member of their community and the world — socially conscious, gracious, and a knowledgeable member of society. Something as simple as Pouring has roots in Culture through Grace and Courtesy (offering a drink to someone), which helps each child connect with others by bringing value and kindness.
That said, our specific Culture shelves in the classroom are filled with materials and objects that connect to the natural world. We have an array of materials to introduce political and physical geography. Additionally, we include cultural celebrations, customs, songs, and foods (less of that this year, unfortunately) that help to expose the earth as our primary home and as a responsibility for all of us.
Some of our current favourites from the Culture shelf are the Geography Folders (photographs of children, traditions, animals, and food from each continent), Puzzle Maps, “Parts of” Jigsaws, and Yoga. We have been excitedly exploring percussion music with our African Kalimba; we read and painted Carole Lindstrom’s “We Are Water Protectors” (an Indigenous picture book); we enjoy singing “Little Bird on our Window” (an Irish lullaby), “Walking through the Jungle” (a call-and-response song from Great Britain), “Pirouette Cacahuète” (a French song), “Hello to All the Children of the World” (singing “hello” in various languages), and other songs from various countries. We also love using the Painted Globe during our special Birthday Celebrations.
Because Culture is so richly ingrained in our classrooms, we ask you, this upcoming Valentine’s Day, to please refrain from bringing Valentine’s cards to be shared out, as we want to be environmentally cautious and purposeful in our showing of love and kindness to one another. We will undoubtedly celebrate, but in our own Montessori way. Thank you for your understanding.
Looking forward to seeing you all (virtually) next Thursday evening for our Parent Education on our Language Program (and the changes we have observed this year).
Best,
Ms. O’Sullivan
Casa South
Greetings from Casa South.
February 14th has long been a day to let those we care about know how much we love them. Increasingly, as this custom is practiced more places around the world, our children are happy to share what they do at home. While we will discuss the ways people celebrate this day, we will continue to talk about what love feels like throughout this month and beyond. How do we give and accept it from our family and friends? We’ve been asking children how they know when someone loves them. A five-year-old responded, “When they take care of you when you’re sad.” A three-year old said, “When they make you pancakes.” A four-year old stated, in a matter-of-fact tone, “When they say it.” All are good answers, don’t you agree?
This day also helps us focus on specific ways to take care of each other and how it feels to be kind and caring. This can be anything from bringing a tissue to someone who is sad, to assisting with zippers, to helping friends solve a problem.
We’ve introduced card-making this week; be on the look out for them in your child’s folder. On that note, we request that children do not bring cards, treats, etcetera, to school next Monday. They tend to cause more stress than joy. Thank you for your support with this.
From our class to your home, have a lovely Valentine’s Day! — Ms. Robinson
Elementary
The Elementary students focused on developing their technical and expressive writing skills this week with a variety of tools, materials, and goals. Many of our students have welcomed the use of a pencil grip to improve their control in forming letters and line drawings and reduce fatigue. Others analysed simple sentences with the circle and arrow material, identifying subjects, the predicate, objects, and modifiers. The patterns discovered through this work are then used as models for composing their own sentences. Upper level students expanded their work on different types of paragraphs and are learning how to construct an essay about the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend ahead,
Marissa and Michelle
Photos
Lyonsgate Update Feb. 4, 2022: French, Parent Ed., Public Health, & Planning
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We hope you are all enjoying the unplanned long winter weekend. As you know, Lyonsgate follows the lead of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board in announcing weather-related school closures. We do this to take advantage of the school board's ability to assess the road and weather conditions across the whole of Hamilton and surrounding area. Lyonsgate students and staff travel from all parts of Hamilton, and beyond, so following the lead of HWSDB allows everyone's safety to be accounted for and provides a consistent and timely means of declaring snow days.
This week, your children's Casa and Toddler French language assistants are speaking about their French programs and the importance of second language learning.
We also have information about children's COVID-19 vaccinations from Hamilton Public Health, information about upcoming Parent Education events, and after school care planning for next year.
Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Hamilton Public Health has asked us to share information about COVID vaccines for children ages 5-11. Please follow the links below to view the information materials from Public Health.
Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Youth
Vaccine Ambassadors Contact Information (information and assistance in a variety of languages)
Webpage for Vaccine Clinic Schedules
As a reminder, Public Health is no longer reporting positive cases to us, so we are asking families to please let us know if you receive a positive test result on either a rapid test or a PCR test, if you are eligible to receive one. Reporting your test results is not mandatory, but if you are comfortable doing so it is presently the only way we can know. Thank you.
Kits of two rapid tests are available for Primary (Casa and Toddler) students who are symptomatic. If your child becomes sick at school the tests will be sent home with you when you pick up your child. If a child becomes sick at home and fails screening due to symptoms, you can pick up the rapid tests at the school. We have not received any additional information about the provision of rapid tests for students in the Elementary program.
Primary Parent Education
This month, your children's Casa and Toddler guides will be offering Parent Education sessions on Thursday, Feb. 17.
- The Toddler session will take place via Zoom from 4:00-5:00.
- The Casa session will take place via Zoom from 5:00-6:00.
Zoom links will be sent by your child's Montessori guide.
After School Care Planning for Next Year
Due to COVID restrictions we have not been able to offer after school care at the Primary campus for the past two school years. While we are hoping for better circumstances by September (and throughout the next school year) we are planning to offer after school care until 4:30 for Casa students using a cohort-separated outdoor space and a cohort-divided indoor space for rainy days. After school care is not available for Toddler students.
Space will be limited and registration will be required. After school care will have a cost of $100/month. A registration form will be made available once all details have been confirmed.
After school care at the Elementary campus will continue as a single cohort. Registration and an additional fee will also be required for limited spots.
Toddler
Hello Toddler Families,
The second half of the year is in full swing and we are seeing some major leaps and bounds from the children. All of the absorbing they did throughout the first half of the year is now being activated in the classroom.
I want to briefly explain the importance of acquisition of a second language as research shows that the sensitive period for spoken language is between seven months and three years and that the younger a child is the easier and quicker it is for them to learn another language. This not only helps with brain development it also helps to deepen their connections to the outside world and to other cultures, which in turn promotes ...you guessed it: INDEPENDENCE!
With regards to inside our classroom, the children are beginning to make connections between things they see and use, we have a small activity that includes items they see at home and at school, such as: tables and chairs, mirrors, toilets, sinks, etc. We are also using repetition and allowing children to hear both the French and English spoken word, for example, washroom (Toilettes) library (Bibliothèque), washing hands (Se laver les mains).
Learning a second language is such a beautiful way to communicate, enhance a child’s environment, development, and right now is the perfect time for it! — Mme Craigie.
Casa North
As you know, learning a second language is important for the development of the brain. "Apprendre le Francais" or another language as a second language pushes you brain to get familiar with new grammar and vocabulary.
In our classroom, we play different games, such as:
"Ou est?" ("Where is?"), that helps make a connection between a new word and the object it represents.
"Est ce que tu peux m’apporter..." (Can you bring me...), for example:
...10 different things that are red in our classroom (exploration of the Math and Sensorial areas).
...the flag of Canada (exploration of the Culture area).
"Est-ce que tu peux trouver..." (Can you find...), for example:
...a friend/name and tell them to work together with the numbers in French.
"Est-ce wue tu peux lire les étiquettes..." (Can you read the labels...), which involves reading a label and associating the word with an object.
Our third year Casa students are learning about doing a survey and asking other students and adults questions such as "Do you like bananas/strawberries, birds/fish, red/purple?" etc. A student wanted to start a survey and came to ask me what question we could ask. I suggested, "French or English?" The student looked at me and said, "They will all say English!" I just smiled. A few minutes later the student came back and said "Look Madame, look... lots of people said that they like French!" This reinforced that it can be fun to learn new words, new songs, new stories, and to connect to other people with different words.
Bonne fin de semaine, Restez au chaud! -- Mme Furati.
Casa South
Bonjour et bonne année à vous tous!
Since our return in January, it’s been nice to hear the children share their special moments about the winter break. It always amazes me how they adjust so smoothly back to the routine of school.
Books are such great resources to help expand vocabulary, imagination, and knowledge. Your children are most welcome and are encouraged to bring in their French books from home. Sharing with friends brings such a sense of community to their learning.
Sincerely,
Mme Perazzo
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 21, 2022: Back to Class
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
COVID updates to a minimum this week. Instead, we've got messages from your children's Montessori guides about the commencement of the winter term.
Quick COVID update: rapid test kits for home use for symptomatic students have arrived at the Primary campus for Casa and Toddler students. There are not enough for every student but if a child is required to leave school due to symptom development they will be sent home with a kit containing two rapid tests. If a child becomes symptomatic at home and fails screening a rapid test kit can be picked up from the school. "Symptomatic" means one of the symptoms in group one (fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, or decrease or loss of taste or smell), or two or more symptoms from group two (the list you see on the screening forms). Note: the instructions refer to a "blue cap;" the tests we received have a pink cap.
Rapid test kits for Elementary students have been requested but the Ministry is not guaranteeing delivery based on supply issues.
Toddler
Snow and Maximum Effort.
Welcome to 2022! It is great to be back and to witness the magic that January brings to a Montessori classroom. After the holiday break the children all seemed noticeably taller, more verbal, more focused, rested and ready to get to work. January is often a time of consolidation of all of the efforts made in the fall. Although we all enjoy unstructured time with our families there is a comfort in returning to the familiar classroom and the daily routine where everyone has a productive role.
January is also the month when we can usually count on the real snow to arrive. This week we broke records! What a thrill! Snow is so exciting for toddlers and it is a great opportunity to give young children the chance to explore with their senses and use maximum effort. Toddlers need to move, carry heavy things, coordinate movements with their legs and their hands, climb, and throw and push things. Loads of snow everywhere provides the perfect environment to support this developmental need. Just wearing all that clothing makes it an effort to walk, so simply getting out in the snow is a great start. Then, once you are out there, you can build a snowman, shovel snow, go tobogganing, throw snowballs, climb over a huge pile of snow, etc. These are all simple activities that you can do in your neighbourhood with your toddler. Embrace winter in all its splendor! — Ms. Gervais.
Casa North
Hello Casa North Families,
Welcome to 2022! The second term is always such a treat for us as classroom guides — a lot of the anxieties and introverted tendencies go out the window and our students reveal their truest selves to us. They are cemented in their classroom orientation and routines, have mastered preliminary activities at their various levels, and have established their preferred work styles and social groups. Now, we begin to really sink our teeth into some great exploration and discovery with the Montessori materials.
You will start to hear the names of new materials and presentations, often things they have been observing and admiring the older children working with throughout the first term. You will hear them mimicking letter sounds and counting as high as they can. Their knowledge is growing and they want to share their pride with you! This term, continue to show them that you can share in their joy and celebrate with them. Take the time to ask about their school day, listen to their stories, open their take-home folders and look at their work, etc.
A surge of independence is a second term goal as well that, of course, goes hand-in-hand with their familiarity with routine and building social bonds. They can answers questions or resolve problems they used to ask a teacher for assistance with; they can ask a friend for help where they used to ask us. We hope you are encouraging more independence at home as well (eating, dressing, etc.), as you follow their Seesaw updates, have conversations about their classroom work, and see/hear what they are capable of at school.
We are working towards a second term Parent Education presentation, so stay tuned! We are excited to offer more information about Montessori philosophy and field more of your questions about the program.
All the best,
Ms. O’Sullivan
Casa South
Greetings from Casa South.
It finally feels like a true Canadian winter, which means many layers of insulation are required whenever we venture outdoors. Our cloakroom during transitions, both in and out of school, is busy and rather chaotic. As one child expressed with a heavy sigh, “The struggle is real.” However, the children are becoming more skilled at peeling off the layers, putting them on, and keeping track of all the bits and pieces. It helps everyone when belongings are labeled.
Inside, the work continues at an accelerated pace as the children are achieving rising levels of competence and confidence in their abilities. We’ve had quite a few birthdays this month which has generated discussion about age and the passing of time; it’s such an abstract concept to grasp. The sharing of photos on birthdays is a meaningful illustration of what happens as children grow and change with time. It’s also a lovely way for everyone to connect as we look at the photos and learn more about each other.
Conducting surveys has become a popular activity this month. First, a decision is made regarding the subject of the survey, then a chart is created, data collected, and, finally, tallied. Children appear to be very interested in what flavour of ice cream, donuts, popsicles, and lollipops are most popular. Below is a photo of our growing collection of surveys ...time will tell if the focus shifts to something less sugary.
If you see some of this paperwork in your child’s folder, it may be easier to interpret!
As always, thank you so much for all your support, cheery greetings, and shared insight into how your children feel about their time at school. See you at the gate! -- Ms. Robinson
Elementary
This week, the Elementary students were thrilled to return to a snow-filled campus and the busy social life of the classroom! This is the environment that feeds their need for a community of peers, where each student's individual, essential work of what Montessori called "self-construction" is nurtured through social interaction, negotiation, and consequence. This week, we continued with collaborative work in our literature circles, biology projects, and best of all, time spent together having fun with a snow sculpture challenge!
Wishing you a warmer weekend,
Marissa and Michelle.
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 14 2022: Latest Info and Elementary Return
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We are continuing to receive updated guidance and information as the Omicron wave continues, and as our Elementary students head back to in-person schooling on Monday. As you know, there have been significant changes to testing and to case and contact management. Lyonsgate will continue to keep you as informed as we can about any cases amongst students and staff. Please know, however, that the information we receive is significantly less than before the winter break.
Please also see information about 2022.2023 registration and payment, as well as a tentative schedule change for next year, below. We end this update on a bright note from the Elementary students' online activity, so be sure to read through to the end.
Screening Forms
The updated screening forms can be found on the Home page of lyonsgate.ca. Each child requires a screening form to be submitted each day before they arrive to be dropped off at school. Please do not use any old bookmarks as these are new screening forms. The screening forms contain the most recent guidance on steps to take if symptomatic, test positive, etc.
[Tip: if you have questions about what to do in a specific circumstance, complete the screening form to match the situation and you will be directed to the most recent guidance. Adults can use the "Staff and Visitor" form. Please try to remember to not hit submit if you are using the forms for this purpose.]
COVID Advisory Page
At the beginning of the pandemic, we were required to add a "COVID Advisory Page" to the school website to report any confirmed cases. We very fortunately did not have to use that page until this recent wave. You can find the COVID Advisory Page on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca with the rest of the COVID info links. Presently, we are only receiving notifications of positive test results from those voluntarily disclosing test results to us.
Voluntary Positive Test Reporting
If you have access to either Rapid Antigen Tests or PCR testing, and are willing to do so, please report any positive test results to admin@lyonsgate.ca. Reporting your test results is not (and cannot be) mandatory. Presently, due to testing not being widely available and changes to protocols, we will not be informed of confirmed COVID-19 cases by Hamilton Public Health (they will not know unless it is a lab-confirmed PCR test, and are not notifying schools or child care centres at this time).
Close Contacts
We received an update this afternoon from the City of Hamilton's Children's Services and Neighbourhood Development Division, Healthy & Safe Communities Department, "that addresses some inconsistencies." Specifically, they state, "Child Care/school cohorts will generally be NOT considered high risk contacts, though the case may identify specific persons who are considered close contacts based on their interactions." We know that this is an inconsistency a number of you have also noted. At this time, there is no case management taking place in child care centres or schools by Hamilton Public Health. If we are informed of a positive test result in your child's cohort (see above) we will let you know. Currently, the guidance is for the rest of the cohort to self-monitor for symptoms; they do not need to isolate and the cohort will not be automatically closed.
Rapid Tests for Home Use
The Primary campus (Casa and Toddler), as a licensed child care centre, will be receiving two rapid tests for most students and staff members for "symptomatic use" on Monday morning. At this time, we are not sure if we are to send those tests home with students and staff members when we receive them or if we are only to send them home when an individual becomes symptomatic at school. We also do not know if more rapid tests will be provided once the original shipment has been used.
On Friday morning, Jan. 14, we received communication from the Ministry of Education that they "will be communicating shortly with private schools regarding the provisions of tests." These would be rapid tests for Lyonsgate Elementary students.
UPDATE: after we published and emailed this update we received further communication stating that rapid tests for students are not guaranteed:
"The Ministry of Education is considering providing rapid antigen screening kits for all onsite private school staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, dependent on available supply. ...At this time, rapid antigen tests are being considered first for onsite school staff. The survey link will also ask you to include the number of students enrolled at your onsite school should an opportunity for students to participate be made available."
Cohort or School Closures
Cohort or school closures are no longer being ordered by Hamilton Public Health. If a cohort or full school closure occurs the decision to do so will be made by the school.
"Absenteeism" Reporting
If the rate of absence reaches 30% among both staff and students, you will be notified by the school via a template letter from Hamilton Public Health. The process for us to report the absence rate to Public Health, and the template letter, have not yet been made available to us. It is also unclear at this time if we are to distinguish between COVID-related absences (confirmed cases and symptomatic individuals) and non-COVID absences when determining the absence rate.
Masks: N95 and High-Quality 3-ply Cloth
The Primary campus will be receiving 3-ply cloth masks for students to use, if parents wish to have their child wear them. We submitted our request on Thursday when the form was made available and requested a substantial quantity to hopefully be able to make them available to all Lyonsgate students. We do not know how many we will receive, however.
Staff have been provided with an initial supply of N95 masks. Based on guidance from the Ministry, it would seem that more will be delivered, but at this time we do not know for sure.
Vaccination
Vaccination continues to be the most effective strategy to protect against COVID-19, and children's vaccinations, as well as booster shots for adults, including education workers, are heavily recommended.
On the Home page at lyonsgate.ca you can links to: Book Your Child's COVID Vaccination; Information About Children's COVID Vaccines; and a Vaccine Tips for Parents video from McMaster Children's Hospital.
The Ontario Ministry of Health also has a COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet: For Children
(age 5-11) and a "COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth" page that also includes a booking link.
Ventilation and Filtration
Lyonsgate has HEPA filter units in every classroom at both the Primary and Elementary campuses and all units had new filters installed last week (the old filters were still well within their effective range but we want to provide the best mitigation we can). We will also continue to keep windows open for constant air exchange. Classrooms may be cool so a sweater and/or layers are recommended.
2022.2023 Registration and Payment
Thank you for your submission of registration forms for the 2022.2023 school year. We will be contacting a few families on our wait lists soon to fill the remaining few spots for next year. The initial payment for the 2022.2023 school year is due today, Friday, Jan. 14. Also, please remember to submit the signed, signature page of your registration form with payment (if you do not have print capabilities at home, please let us know and we will print one for you). Thank you.
Schedule Change for Next Year
While we hope things are more back to normal by September, we are planning for next year under the current requirements. One change we are planning to make for next year is to the schedule for the Casa classes: both classes will have the same drop-off and pick-up times — 8:00-8:30 drop-off and 3:30-4:00 pick-up. If current restrictions are still in place, the playground will be divided to keep the cohorts two metres apart. This schedule change will align better for families that also have sibling children in either the Toddler or Elementary programs.
At this point in the pandemic, we honestly can't even guess at what September may bring, but this schedule change will likely be in effect.
Ending on a Positive Note from Elementary
While our Elementary students will return to in-person schooling on Monday, they have been up to great things online:
While learning from home this week, the Elementary students enjoyed a short film introducing Vincent Van Gogh and examining his Sunflowers series. We explored composition and colour while using oil pastels to draw our own sunflowers. In our culture lessons, students explored how people have met their fundamental needs for food. While our younger students heard the story of the First Farmers in the fertile crescent, our older students welcomed a virtual visitor from Nunavik, who shared stories of his Inuit culture and the traditional hunting practices that continue to be used today. We look forward to seeing the students back on campus next week!
Warmly,
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 7 2022: COVID and Other Info
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Well, that was an eventful first week back!
Thank you all for all of your patience and cooperation as we returned, or did not return, to school amid a myriad of changing protocols, requirements, and closure.
There's been a lot lately so I'll try to keep this brief:
Screening Forms
The updated screening forms were released Thursday evening. You will find the updated Lyonsgate screening forms on the Home page at lyonsgate.ca . Every student and staff member must submit a screening form each day before arriving at school and your screening form submission must be verified by a Lyonsgate staff member.
Symptoms such as runny nose, headache, and sore throat have been placed back on the screening forms. There are two groups of symptoms. If a student or staff has one of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell they must isolate for 5 days, as well as all household members. If a student or staff has ONE of the symptoms in group 2 they must stay home until improving for 24 hours; if they have TWO or more group 2 symptoms they must isolate for 5 days, as well as all household members.
You can run through the screening forms and try the different scenarios to see what the full guidance/requirements are (try to remember not to hit "Submit" if just testing/viewing).
N95 Masks
N95 masks for staff arrived on Thursday and are being worn by staff members while indoors. Staff are wearing surgical/procedure masks outdoors as they need to be disposed of afterwards. We have heard nothing further about the 3-ply cloth masks for students.
Ventilation and Filtering
Each classroom has a HEPA filter unit and the filters have been cleaned (and new filters are on the way even though they are currently well within the valid range). Every classroom also has open windows with fans to maintain constant air exchange. Consequently, it is cooler in the classrooms so a warm sweater and/or layers are required.
More to Come
Communication we have received indicates that more information and details are coming about things such as case and contact management, and probably a few other surprises, why not.
Please Try Not to be Late
Staggered drop offs and pick ups remain very important to keep the cohorts separate, and to maintain the integrity of the Montessori work cycles for both your own child and the rest of the class.
Toddler students can be dropped off between 8:00-9:00 and continue to use the parking lot door. Their pick-up period is 3:00-3:30.
Casa North students must be dropped off between 8:00-8:30 and picked up between 3:30-4:00.
Casa South students must be dropped off between 8:30-9:00 and picked up between 4:00-4:30.
If you are going to be late, please contact us at 905-525-4283 or at admin@lyonsgate.ca.
Thank you.
Elementary
Our Elementary students began their online learning this week. We are prepared if the closure goes beyond Jan. 17. Thank you to all of our Elementary families for your great transition to the online environment.
Also, thank you from Marissa and Michelle:
Happy New Year!
We are excited to be back together again, even if it is for a period of learning from home. We hope everyone was able to get set up online and at-home this week, and enjoyed their culture lessons on aquatic reptiles, like the mosasaurs, or the complex systems that coordinate the human body.
We are also thrilled to report, with gratitude for the hard work and enthusiasm of our students, families, and local businesses, that the Elementary students were able to assemble twenty-six complete shoebox gift packages for women in Hamilton this holiday season! Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our community, additional donations were also made to The Salvation Army, Community Fridge, and the neighbourhood Period Pop-Up Pantry.
Overall, The Shoebox Project - Hamilton was able to distribute 292 shoebox packages, as well an additional 363 gift cards through seven local agencies. That's 655 gifts! What a wonderful way to wrap up 2021.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2022!
- Marissa and Michelle
Registration and Payment Period
Thank you to all of our families that are returning to Lyonsgate next year for submitting registration forms. We will have unfortunate news for most people on our wait lists as we are almost completely full for next year.
The initial payment for the 2022.2023 school year is due Friday, January 14. You can find the 2022.2023 tuition fees and schedule here: https://lyonsgate.ca/tuition-fees-and-schedule/
Have a safe but wonderful weekend everyone.