Welcome to the 2025.2026 School Year
Hello Lyonsgate Community,
Welcome to the 2025.2026 school year. We are thrilled to be celebrating our 20th year of learning and growing with the children and families of our special community!
We are always so grateful for the families that choose to send their children to our school. We do not take lightly the fact that you are entrusting us with your most precious gifts. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of your child's journey of discovery.
The start of the school year is a special time as we welcome our returning students and families, and extend a warm welcome to the new students and families that are joining us. We hope you will find a sense of community here at Lyonsgate. In an effort to build that, we are introducing "Park Play Days" for all families of Lyonsgate, from Toddler, through Casa, to Elementary. It will be an opportunity for families to meet at the local park for a planned time of play and socialization that will occur at the end of a school day. Please be sure to check your updates and calendar for these fun opportunities to connect with the other families of the Lyonsgate community.
The first planned Park Play Day is this Friday, September 12th. We invite all families to join us at Beulah park at the end of the school day. Please pick your child up from school and head to the park with them if you are able. We hope you will find this a wonderful opportunity to meet with other families in our Lyonsgate community. Some staff will also be onsite from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Thank you, once again, for sharing and trusting your children with us. We promise to deliver the authentic Montessori education you have chosen in Montessori environments that are peaceful, positive, and patient, quiet, calm, and kind. We are very excited about spending this year together!.
Please read below for upcoming important dates and update information.
The Admin Team.
Our weekly updates will be published to the school website each Friday afternoon, and an email version will arrive in your inbox each Saturday morning. Updates contain information about important dates, events, and other things going on at both Lyonsgate campuses. Each week will also feature a highlight from one of our Montessori classrooms. Photos from the previous week will also be included (on the website version) that show Lyonsgate's Montessori students at work with the Montessori materials, as well as other great moments.
Coming up (check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information):
- Friday, Sept. 12, 3:30-4:30: Lyonsgate families are encouraged to meet up at Beulah Park after school for socialization and play.
- Thursday, Sept. 18, 3:45-4:30: Lyonsgate principal Rachel Lyons will present the first Parent Education Session for Toddler and Casa families at the Primary campus on Aberdeen Ave. The topic will be Montessori's First Plane of Development. Students of attending parents will have child care provided by Lyonsgate staff, and we will provide a snack to tide them over. Please register for the Parent Ed. session here and for kids' snack no later than Monday, Sept. 15.
- Monday, Sept. 22: Vaccine history forms for Casa and Toddler students are due. Please complete and return the provided Public Health form (do not just send a copy of an immunization record).
- Tuesday, Sept. 23: School Photo Day! All Lyonsgate students will have their school photos taken by Lifetouch.
- Friday, Sept. 26: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Thursday, Oct. 2: Elementary cross country with area Montessori schools.
- Monday, Oct. 13: Thanksgiving Holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, Oct. 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, Oct. 31: Casa and Toddler field trip to Brantwood Farms. [Toddler Parents: please plan to attend the field trip with your toddler student].
Reminders:
- Elementary Families: Please do not send a lunch to school with your child on Fridays when we enjoy Community Lunch together. On other days, please ensure lunches from home do not contain items such as chips or chocolate (please refer to "Food and Nutrition" in your Parent Handbook), and please do not send snacks from home to school; students may not bring snacks to outdoor recreation time.
- Please label everything! If it is coming into any Lyonsgate campus or classroom, please label it with your child's name. Thank you.
Lyonsgate Year-End Update, June 16 2025
Dear Lyonsgate Families,
Every June, as the school year comes to a close, we reflect on how grateful we are to the families that choose to share their children with us. Spending our days learning and growing alongside the children that you cherish so dearly is not something that we take lightly. It is a gift, and a privilege.
While we strive to teach our students grace and courtesy activities, language and math activities, and all the other wonderful things that go along with those, we recognize that, in turn, the children teach us so much as well. We learn to find joy in the small things, to be inquisitive about the world around us, to be creative in our understanding of our surroundings, and so much more.
We take this time to reflect on the growth the children have exhibited over the last school year. The language development, the increase in independence and self-sufficiency, the strengthening of social dynamics, the sometimes uncertain child that blossoms into the confident leader, these are all characteristics that we see expanding throughout the Lyonsgate community, from the toddler speaking new words to the elementary student teaching their friends complex algebra. We are privileged to be a small part of your child's increased confidence and growth.
Thank you for the gift that you have given us in allowing us to be a part of your child's life. We are incredibly grateful.
To those families departing, please know that you will be dearly missed. To those returning next year, we can hardly wait to continue to grow alongside you. (By the way, did you know we are entering our 20th year of learning at Lyonsgate next year! It's a big milestone to be able to serve families in our community for two decades.)
We look forward to celebrating with you at our year end picnic this Friday, and wish you all a wonderful summer.
Sarah Kennedy, vice-principal.
We're looking forward to seeing you all this Friday, June 20, at Dundas Driving Park for our annual year-end picnic and Casa graduation ceremony. Meet at Dundas Driving Park, pavilion #1, where we will be from 11:00-2:00. We are moving the picnic a bit earlier this year to help our Toddler students who need their afternoon naps.
The Casa graduation ceremony, for students completing their Casa programs and entering Lyonsgate's Elementary program or grade 1, will start at 11:30, and we ask that graduates be there by 11:15.
Besides the two playgrounds, Driving Park has a splash pad and wading pool, so swimsuits and towels are good to bring, as well as picnic blankets, sun protection, and any balls or frisbees or other park fun your family enjoys.
Bring a picnic lunch and snacks for your family, and while definitely not a requirement you are welcome to contribute a potluck item to share. Remember, no nuts, and we also have anaphylactic allergies to fish and eggs.
Lyonsgate Update June 9, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We have details for you about the year-end picnic, and the Casa and Elementary graduation ceremonies:
Elementary Graduation Ceremony:
- The Elementary graduation ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 19, at the Elementary campus, from 3:00-3:30 p.m., and will include some light refreshments. Each graduating student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the ceremony. The outdoor classroom will be opened to arriving guests at 2:55 p.m.
Year-End Family Picnic:
- Lyonsgate families are invited to join us for a fun day of play and picnic-ing to end the school year. Meet at Dundas Driving Park, pavilion #1, where we will be from 11:00-2:00. We are moving the picnic a bit earlier this year to help our Toddler students who need their afternoon naps. Besides the two playgrounds, Driving Park has a splash pad and wading pool, so swimsuits and towels are good to bring, as well as picnic blankets, sun protection, and any balls or frisbees or other park fun your family enjoys. Bring a picnic lunch and snacks for your family, and while definitely not a requirement you are welcome to contribute a potluck item to share. Remember, no nuts, and we also have anaphylactic allergies to fish and eggs.
Casa Graduation Ceremony:
- The Casa graduation ceremony, for students completing their Casa programs and entering Lyonsgate’s Elementary program or grade 1, will take place at the family picnic at Dundas Driving Park. The ceremony will start at 11:30, and we ask that graduates be there by 11:15.
City of Hamilton Summer Program Registration Opens This Week: Click here for info and click here to register.
TODAY! Elementary Cultural Fair and Final Bake Sale: see the Elementary section below.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Good Morning Toddler Families,
I hope everyone is well and finally enjoying the constant warm weather we have been having. This week we have spent a lot of our time outside! We have had so much fun in our outdoor environment exploring all of our senses — smelling plants/flowers, seeing/hearing animals, and touching/digging in dirt.
On Wednesday, we spent our morning enjoying the warm weather, sun, and nature. We even had our morning snack outside together and did some work repotting plants — a jade plant that needed a bigger pot and some snake plant leaves that we had propagated. Ms. Findlay talked to the toddlers about the roots and parts of the plants, like a “pup” (a small new plant which grows from a parent plant) which one of our propagated leaves sprouted. They all worked together to scoop dirt and repot these plants for our classroom.
We have have brought out a little bin of dirt for the children to use our mini “diggers” to scoop, fill, and dump during recess time. As well, we have gotten a big green tube (donated by a fellow Lyonsgate family — thank you!) for our outdoor space that the children have really enjoyed crawling through, hanging out in, and playing peek-a-boo with friends.
Wishing everyone an amazing week ahead, as we cannot believe there are only two weeks left of school!
Ms. Relic 🙂
Good Morning Casa Families,
I hope that everyone is doing well as we head into our last few weeks of the school year.
As the weather is getting warmer and the sun is out now, we ask that parents remember to apply sunscreen to their children before heading to school. As you may have heard, every Monday morning, weather permitting, we will be taking the children to Beulah Park, so having sunscreen already applied and sending along a full water bottle with your child will help ensure everyone is safe and happy. These trips are a lovely way for the children to socialize and enjoy some fresh air and their natural outdoor surroundings.
Thank you to all the parents that came out for parent-teacher conferences last week. We appreciate connecting and sharing the children’s experiences and progress with you.
Personally, as we head into the last few weeks of school, I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed working with all the Casa children. It’s been delightful watching them grow and learning from them everyday. I look forward to seeing all the returning children in September and wish our graduating students all the best.
As always, thank you for your continued support, we appreciate it very much.
Wishing each family a wonderful week,
Ms. Houston.
It is hard to believe that the end of the school year is already drawing near! The children are still full of enthusiasm for learning, even as they begin to dream of lazy summer days or new adventures on the horizon. Last week, there was a lot of excitement about the preparation of a traditional Mayan drinking chocolate. Students were excited to toast cacao nibs, grind them with a mortar and pestle, and combine the cacao powder with corn flour, cinnamon, dried chili pepper, and water. While stirring and simmering, comments like “looks like hot chocolate” and “smells pretty good” were common. However, once the concoction had cooled to room temperature and was ready to taste, they quickly discovered they had made a thin, bitter, and spicy brew! Although one tough palate savoured the flavor and said it was “pretty good,” the rest agreed they prefer their drinking chocolate sweetened with sugar. Lessons in history may not always be as expected, but this can make them even more memorable. The children are very excited to share with you their personal passion projects and collaborative pieces that reflect their learning this term at this afternoon’s Cultural Fair. We hope to see you all there!
Marissa and Michelle.
TODAY! Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other special people in your child’s life are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 9th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing work from the third term, including their explorations of the ancient Mayan civilization and other subject areas. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please use the front porch entrance to the Maple Room and come inside! Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
TODAY! Monday, June 9: Bake Sale Fundraiser for L.A. Strong (California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund)
Beck and Charlie will be hosting the final student bake sale of the year during our Cultural Fair this afternoon. The Cultural Fair begins at 3:15, and the bake sale will open shortly afterward, running from 3:30-4:15. We look forward to seeing you there!
LA STRONG is a charity run by the Los Angeles government to support wildfire relief efforts. The reason they are doing this is because LA is very prone to wildfires. They are raising money to give supplies for the people who got burned and supplies for the firefighters, like food and water.
– from Beck and Charlie
Friday, June 13 – Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday the 13th with their sleeping bag, pillow, overnight bag, water bottle, and a personal after-school snack. They are also welcome to bring a treat such as a candy, cookies, chips, or popcorn to share with the group if they wish! The student will have supervised free play at the HAAA park until 4:30, and then return to campus for the evening. We have lots of fun activities planned, as well as a pizza dinner, a fresh-baked dessert, and a healthy bedtime snack. In the morning, we’ll have breakfast before students head home at 8:30 a.m. 🙂
Tuesday, June 17: Grand River Rafting Trip for the Graduates
The sixth-year graduates will be celebrating their many years of learning at Lyonsgate with a day out rafting on the Grand River! The graduates will be travelling by chartered bus to Brant Conservation Area, where they will be outfitted for the trip and given some paddling instructions, before embarking on a 5km journey on the river. Students should be prepared for the day with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, sun protection, and shoes or closed-toe sandals that can get wet stepping in and out of the raft. They should bring along their litterless lunch and a full water bottle as well.
Thursday, June 19: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation Ceremony
The last day of school is Thursday, June 19. The Elementary students will be cleaning up the classroom, playing games, and preparing to celebrate our graduating students! The Elementary graduation ceremony will be held on campus from 3:00-3:30 p.m., and will include some light refreshments. Each graduating student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the ceremony. The outdoor classroom will be opened to arriving guests at 2:55 p.m. 🙂
Lyonsgate Update June 2, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you for finding the time this week to come in and chat with your children’s Montessori guides about the school years your Montessori students have had. We are astounded by the growth and development children experience every school year, from Toddler to sixth-year Elementary, no matter how many years go by and how many children we see. They are always uniquely wonderful, and teach us as much as we can ever teach them.
If you still need to select a timeslot for your parent-teacher conference, please do so by clicking here. Both campuses will be closed to students on Friday, June 6, but child care is available during your conference timeslot.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
We want to start off this week by saying how much we enjoyed having you at the RBG with us! It was so lovely to get to spend time with some of our families outside of school. This week, the Toddler students have been really into nature. We were talking a lot about birds and birds’ nests, how different birds use different materials to build their nests, and we have also got to explore different flowers with our flower arrangements in the classroom. During our trip to the RBG, the Toddlers got to explore their 5 senses throughout nature. They used their sight by matching their colour square to something along our hike. They used hearing by listening to all the different bird chirps. Touch by guessing if they had snake skin, wooden round, or a pinecone in their mysterious bag. They used their smell when passing flower bushes, stopping to smell the flowers!
Thank you,
Ms. Kubiak.
Our field trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens on Friday was truly inspiring. The joy in the children’s faces as they rode the school bus to and from the RBG was contagious. We sang songs and marveled at the sights of the city, immersing ourselves in the beauty of learning through nature. Each child was encouraged to explore the world using their five senses, as we walked a trail that revealed stunning trees, vibrant birds, curious bugs, and even a turtle. We listened to the gentle whispers of the wind and the enchanting melodies of bird songs. The children touched and felt the textures of animal antlers, fur, bones, leaves, pinecones, and tree bark. In a fun game, they closed their eyes and sharpened their listening skills to navigate like bats. Upon returning to school, the children couldn’t wait to share their exciting adventures and discoveries.
It’s crazy to think that we only have 3 more weeks of the school year. We look forward to meeting with all of you at parent-teacher conferences this coming week. Keep an eye out for your child’s end of year videos coming in. They will be shared with you through a Google Drive link in the coming weeks.
Ms. Beach.
With only a few weeks remaining in the school year, the classroom is bursting with energy as students wrap up projects, create new challenges, and prepare for the transition to summer break and new adventures. Last week, there was a lot of excitement in class learning about geographic land and water forms and making models and posters of complementary features. Out on the Waterfront Trail, older students loved spending time visiting nesting mute swans, seeing their downy cygnets, and checking out the RBG’s fishway. Back at school, the older students were working hard to prepare the final mock-up of their first class newspaper, developing new computer skills as they adjusted their layout, margins, columns, and images. There was a also great deal of enthusiasm to learn about participating in a spelling bee and lots of cheering as competitors cleared each round of words. As we continued our exploration of ancient Mayan culture, everyone was fascinated to learn about the Mesoamerican ball game (also called pitz or tlachtli) played with a hard rubber ball on outdoor limestone courts. We look forward to sharing some of the children’s work with you at the upcoming Cultural Fair!
Marissa and Michelle.
Thursday, June 5: Bake Sale Fundraiser for the World Wildlife Fund
Josephine and Hannah are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund Canada! They will be selling lemonade, double-chocolate cookies, and vanilla muffins on the front porch after school from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Children in aftercare are also welcome to buy a treat and a staff member will assist them as needed. Coins and small bills are preferred.
Friday, June 6: Parent-Teacher Conferences
We look forward to meeting with you to talk about your child’s growth and accomplishments! Please remember to sign-up for a time slot by Thursday, June 5.
Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other special people in your child’s life are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 9th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing work from the third term, including their explorations of the ancient Mayan civilization and other subject areas. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please use the front porch entrance to the Maple Room and come inside! Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
Friday, June 13: Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday the 13th with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. At the end of the school day, the children will have some supervised outdoor time and a snack, along with the aftercare students, until 4:30. After that, the sleepover begins! We have lots of activities planned for the evening, and will be serving dinner as well as some healthy snack options again before bedtime. In the morning, we’ll be having breakfast together before students head home at 8:30 a.m. If your child is planning to attend the senior sleepover, please complete the registration form by Friday, June 6. (If you have more than one child attending, please complete a form for each child. 🙂)
Tuesday, June 17: Grand River Rafting Trip for the Graduates
The sixth-year graduates will be celebrating their many years of learning at Lyonsgate with a day out rafting on the Grand River! The graduates will be travelling by chartered bus to Brant Conservation Area, where they will be outfitted for the trip and given some paddling instructions, before embarking on a 5km journey on the river. Students should be prepared for the day with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, sun protection, and shoes or closed-toe sandals that can get wet stepping in and out of the raft. They should bring along their litterless lunch and a full water bottle as well.
Thursday, June 19: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation Ceremony
The last day of school is Thursday, June 19. The Elementary class will be cleaning up the classroom, playing games, and preparing to celebrate our graduating students. The Elementary graduation ceremony will be held on campus from 3:00-3:30 p.m., and will include some light refreshments. Each graduating student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the ceremony. 🙂
Lyonsgate Update May 26, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Friday, June 6, is a PA Day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students to accommodate year-end parent-teacher conferences. Conferences are 20 minutes in length and child care will be available during your conference. Please click here to select a conference timeslot. (Some classes have availability for after school conferences earlier in the week).
Also:
- Last week’s planned closure of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway was postponed due to the significant rainfall. The Linc will close this Friday, May 30.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
This week in Toddler world, the students have been working really hard on counting. Children are counting how many blocks are in the tower they build during outdoor play. In the classroom, they are counting how many rocks are in their playdough creations, and are also counting objects relative to number symbols with our counting cards. The Toddler students really enjoy our number counter, starting with one object and, as they move down the counter, it has different numbers of objects [to count] on the spindle.
A friendly reminder as more students are in the process of toilet learning: if your child has started this journey please send extra clothes with them as accidents are part of the process (also, please remember to label all clothing and shoes that come to school with your child).
Thank you,
Ms. Kubiak.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Lyonsgate’s Casa students enjoyed the novelty of a couple of indoor recesses during the rainy days last week, and were excited to see the new-look of the downstairs area of the building now that the renovations are mostly complete. Thank you all for your patience during the grand opening last week too.
We are also seeing the explosions in cognitive, emotional, and social growth (and as always their physical growth) that is common during this third term. The students moving to our Elementary program next year have been enjoying their visits to the Elementary campus, and the Casa students returning next year will start to get their first experiences as class leaders as they begin to welcome Toddler students to their classrooms for familiarization visits.
Have a great week!
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
Last week, the class continued their exploration of early Mayan culture by learning about their most important crop: corn! They recalled that in the Mayan creation story, the Framer and Shaper made their people from white and yellow corn, and delighted in depictions of the god of maize with a head shaped like an ear of corn. The children had a lot of fun learning about nixtamalization (soaking dried corn in a limewater solution), trying their hand at grinding cut corn with a mortar and pestle, and finally, mixing corn flour to make tortillas! In other work, many of the younger students were busy working with fractions this week, while some older students were excited to take their knowledge of negative numbers into work with the Cartesian plane. Theo and Matteo hosted a bake sale that had many classmates happily munching on brownies and cookies on the way home for school, and raised $117 for the S.P.C.A. The class ended the week with a spring pasta salad for community lunch, followed by a sing-along of old student favourites. We are looking forward to another week of joyful learning ahead!
Marissa and Michelle.
Thursday, May 29: Upper Elementary Outing
Students in Years 4-6 will be heading out on the public bus to hike the Waterfront Trail. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their Presto card or bus fare. Students should be prepared with comfortable, closed-toe footwear, and are welcome to bring along a small snack, water bottle, and any sun protection gear they may want.
Friday, May 30: O.W.L. Workshops 9 and 10
This week, students in Years 4-6 will be completing Workshop 9: Consent and Peer Pressure, as well as Workshop 10: Healthy Relationships. Students are kindly reminded to complete their Homelink assignments and any required reading.
Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other special people in your child’s life are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 9th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing work from the third term, including their explorations of the ancient Maya civilization and other subject areas. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please use the front porch entrance to the Maple Room and come inside! Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday, June 13, with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. At the end of the school day, the children will have some supervised outdoor time and a snack, along with the aftercare students, until 4:30. After that, the sleepover begins! We have lots of activities planned for the evening, and will be serving dinner as well as some healthy snack options again before bedtime. In the morning, we’ll be having breakfast together before students head home at 8:30 a.m. If your child is planning to attend the senior sleepover, please complete the registration form by Friday, June 6 (if you have more than one child attending, please complete a form for each child 🙂).
Save-the-Dates!
Friday, June 6: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, June 17: Grand River Rafting Graduation Trip for Students in Year 6
Thursday, June 19: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation Ceremony from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Lyonsgate Update May 20, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
We hope everyone had a great long weekend. The next P.A. Day is Friday, June 6, for parent-teacher conferences. Sign-up for conference time-slots will be available next week.
Updates:
- Casa and Toddler Field Trip: Casa and Toddler students will venture to the RBG Arboretum/Nature Interpretive Centre for the morning on Friday, May 30. Cost for the field trip is $15/student, payable by cash or e-transfer to accounts@lyonsgate.ca before Friday, May 30. They will be participating in the “Making Sense of Nature” program that emphasizes sensory activities and explorations. Toddler parents: please meet us at the RBG Nature Interpretive Centre between 9:30-9:45; Toddler students require parent/guardian accompaniment throughout the field trip and can return to the school for 12:30 to have lunch and nap (one parent/guardian is free, additional accompaniment is $15/person).
- Linc Closure: this Friday, May 23, the Lincoln Alexander Parkway will close for the weekend for maintenance. If you regularly use the Linc, some alternate route planning will be necessary on Friday.
- Toddlers are discovering new life.
- How the Casa classroom works.
- Elementary students went to the 1800s.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Happy Tuesday Toddler Families,
I hope every one had a wonderful long weekend! Lately, along with chatting about the changes in whether, we have been talking about the changes in our outdoor environment. We discuss things like plants, trees, animals, and more outside. The magic of seeing new leaves on trees and how quickly they can appear. Flowers peaking up through the dirt and finding flower petals. Lots of children are searching for and picking up flowers, leaves, and petals on their walk to school, excited to show us what they have found on the way.
We have also watched lots of ants and critters crawling around and have taken the time to observe them. We have seen birds flying and chirping above our heads or in the yard on the other side of the fence. It’s so exciting to watch our outdoor environment bloom as spring is here. We have also talked about how all these things are living things and feel, just like us. Lots of beautiful things to see, do, and more fresh air!
Just a reminder: an email was sent to some families asking if they would like sunscreen applied in the afternoon before dismissal. If you did not receive an email there is sunscreen at the school for your child. If you choose to send sunscreen in, please label it and hand it to the person greeting you at the gate (and no aerosol sunscreens please). Children should arrive in the morning with sunscreen on for our morning outside time.
Have a beautiful week,
Ms. Relic.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Our classrooms are so much more than just places for academic learning; they’re vibrant spaces where kids build their mental strength and grow into strong, independent individuals. We focus on developing problem-solving skills and encourage fun, meaningful conversations, active practice, and critical thinking. We love celebrating efforts over results, cherishing those joyful moments as we engage with our children.
We believe in keeping the lines of communication open by asking questions like, “How do you feel about this activity?” and “What do you think about those colours?” We embrace the learning that comes from mistakes and see them as valuable moments for kids to discover more about themselves than we could ever teach them. Setting healthy boundaries is important to us, and we give children the words to express their needs, whether it’s asking for a bit of space or chatting with their classmates and teachers.
Decision-making is at the heart of our classroom culture. Kids can choose their activities and seating, and voice their needs for snacks or drinks. This little independence helps them take responsibility for their wants and well-being. We also introduce the idea of delayed gratification in a fun way, as many activities are linked to mastering foundational skills, creating excitement as they look forward to playing with the bead cabinet, for example.
With all the opportunities that our classroom offers, mental strength really thrives. I encourage you to bring some of these principles into your home, too! Children are like little sponges, always watching and learning from the adults in their lives, shaping them into the successful citizens of tomorrow.
Ms. Canessa.
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
Everyone had a fantastic time exploring life in the 1800s at Westfield Heritage Village. The students rotated through four learning stations, exploring artefacts and listening to the guides talk about the land, farming, travel, and school. Out on the trails, they learned about settlers clearing the land for crops, planting rows of white pine to build their barns and houses, and how to identify challenging plants such as poison ivy and buckthorn. On the family farm, they learned about the daily chores necessary to feed and shelter the family through the changing seasons, and at the inn they performed a guided play about the comforts and dangers of traveling by horse and wagon. In the one-room schoolhouse, the children were familiar with reading cursive and were quick to answer the math problems asked. They were less keen on the idea of walking an hour to school in the morning or having to bring in their own wood to contribute to the fire, and so were eager to each ring the large school bell and dismiss class for the day. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor picnic, and the children loved a whole day spent learning outside the classroom.
Thursday, May 22: Bake Sale Fundraiser for the S.P.C.A
Theo and Matteo are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for the S.P.C.A! They will be selling cookies on the front porch after school from 3:30-4:00 p.m. Children in aftercare are also welcome to buy a treat and a staff member will assist them as needed. Coins and small bills are preferred.
Friday, May 23: O.W.L. Workshops
This week, students in Years 4-6 will be completing Workshop 8: Decisions and Actions (originally scheduled for May 9), and beginning the planned Workshop 9: Consent and Peer Pressure.
Thursday, May 29: Upper Elementary Outing
Students in Years 4-6 will be heading out on the public bus to hike the Waterfront Trail. They are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts, and bring along their Presto card or bus fare. Students should be prepared with comfortable, closed-toe footwear, and are welcome to bring along a small snack, water bottle, and any sun protection gear they may want.
Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other special people in your child’s life are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 9th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing work from the third term, including their explorations of the ancient Maya civilization. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please use the front porch entrance to the Maple Room and come inside! Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.
Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. At the end of the school day, the children will have some supervised outdoor time and a snack, along with the aftercare students, until 4:30. After that, the sleepover begins! We have lots of activities planned for the evening, and will be serving dinner as well as some healthy snack options again before bedtime. In the morning, we’ll be having breakfast together before students head home at 8:30 a.m. Please check next week’s update for a sign-up link and further details!
Save-the-Dates!
Friday, June 6 – Parent-Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, June 17 – Grand River Rafting Graduation Trip for Students in Year 6
Thursday, June 19 – Last Day of School / Elementary Graduation Ceremony from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Lyonsgate Update May 12, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
This Friday, May 16, is a PD day and Monday, May 19, is the Victoria Day statutory holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students. Fingers crossed for a warm, sunny long weekend!
Also going on at Lyonsgate:
- After two years of significant renovations, the Yugal Kunj temple has their grand opening this coming weekend. There will be tent set-up taking place in the parking lot beginning Thursday morning. It may be easier to park on nearby streets on Thursday.
- Elementary students are going “Down on the Farm.”
- Casa est en Francais.
- Toddlers know the weather.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
We are so happy to be seeing the sun on a more regular basis! With all of the different weather happening lately, we’ve been learning about the sun, clouds, rain, and that far off memory of snow. We’ve been chatting about what clothes we wear in which kind of weather …rain boots, sun hats, and how sometimes we come to school in hats and sweaters and go home in T-shirts. A friendly reminder that shoes need to be closed toed and labelled.
An email was sent to some families asking if they would like sunscreen applied in the afternoon before dismissal. If you did not receive an email there is sunscreen at the school for your child. If you choose to send sunscreen in please label it and hand it to the person greeting you at the gate (and no aerosol sunscreens please). Children should arrive in the morning with sunscreen on for our morning outside time.
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Chers Parents,
Je tiens à vous adresser un petit mot pour vous partager quelques moments de notre apprentissage du français en classe.
Avec vos enfants, nous explorons la langue à travers différentes activités adaptées à leur niveau et à leur rythme. Récemment, nous avons enrichi notre vocabulaire autour de plusieurs thématiques telles que les couleurs, la famille, et les animaux.
Des chansons comme, “Trois petits chats” et “L’alouette,” ont également été intégrées aux séances afin de stimuler l’écoute, la prononciation et le plaisir d’apprendre. Ces comptines sont de formidables outils pour ancrer le vocabulaire tout en créant une ambiance joyeuse.
Nous avons aussi entamé la lecture d’un livre éducatif intitulé dans la nature. Il ne s’agit pas d’une histoire classique, mais d’un support riche en découvertes que nous parcourons progressivement, en prenant le temps de bien assimiler le contenu de chaque partie.
Cordialement,
Mme Hammouche.
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
The class was very busy last week preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day by preparing some writing to describe, pay tribute, or tease(!) their mothers with heartfelt letters and a variety of poetic forms. In biology, studies in botany continued with further investigation of seeds, from sprouting peas to comparing monocots and dicots. In zoology, many students were also eager to examine a real bird specimen, identifying key features of birds up close and learning about different types of feathers. Everyone also heard a story introducing them to the history of the Maya people, and what their life was like more than 5,000 years ago. We will continue to study the culture of the ancient Maya over the coming weeks. This week, we look forward to learning more about the history of people living in our area of Ontario, with a whole class field trip to Westfield.
We hope you enjoy the week and the extra-long weekend ahead!
Marissa and Michelle.
with photos from Colin.
Thursday, May 15: Class Field Trip to Westfield Heritage Village
The whole class will be traveling by chartered school bus for a full day at Westfield Heritage Village. We’ll be participating in the “Down on the Farm” program to explore what daily life was like in rural Ontario in the early 19th century. The trip is largely outdoors and will take place rain or shine, so please be prepared for any weather! Students are reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for the day, and to bring along an easy-to-transport, litter-less lunch and water bottle. The students will be able to stow their lunch bags at the indoor dining space while they are touring the village.
Friday, May 16: P.D. Day / Scholastic Orders Due
The staff will be busy on campus preparing for the final lessons of the term and several special events coming soon! The kids can enjoy an extra-long weekend for Victoria Day.
If you wish to be included in our next shipment from Scholastic Book Club, please submit your online order by noon, using the class code RC 14412. We’ll be placing the classroom order by the end of day for quick shipping of new books for the sunny days ahead. If you wish any part of your order to remain a surprise, please let us know by email.
Thursday, May 22: Student Bake Sale
Theo and Matteo are hosting a bake sale to raise funds for the S.P.C.A. They will be selling cookies on the front porch after school from 3:30-4:00 p.m. Children in aftercare are also welcome to buy a treat and a staff member will assist them as needed. Coins and small bills are preferred.
Save-the-Dates!
Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair from 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover for Students in Years 3-6
Tuesday, June 17: Grand River Rafting Graduation Trip for Students in Year 6
Thursday, June 19: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation Ceremony from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Lyonsgate Update May 5, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
The next PD Day is coming up on Friday, May 16, which leads into the Victoria Day long weekend; Lyonsgate will also be closed Monday, May 19, for the holiday.
Casa and Toddler Families: On the morning of May 30, we are planning a field trip to the RBG Arboretum. Toddler students will need parent or guardian accompaniment and transport for the trip. Casa students will travel to and from by chartered school bus. We will have more details once they are confirmed.
Elementary Families: See the Elementary section for a number of upcoming “save-the-dates.”
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
Spring brings so many new learning opportunities and the children are noticing everything! There are ants scurrying in the dirt, wet worms after the rain, and new buds on the trees. Snowsuits with zippers have changed to rain coats with snaps, and shoes that fit in September are starting to feel a bit snug. In the classroom, we are learning how to snip with scissors as we work on hand-eye coordination. Our water play area continues to be popular with many different boats to float and drive. This week, our artists will be exploring stamping and learning how an envelope works. Watch for backpacks full of masterpieces!
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Good Morning Casa Families,
I hope that everyone is doing well as we head into some warm and beautiful weather. Remember that this time of year weather is unpredictable, so it is helpful to have some warmer options just in case, as outdoor activities are a big part of our day here at Lyonsgate.
Since the sun is out now, we also ask that parents remember to send in sunscreen for their children. The sunscreen must be in the original container and clearly have their name labeled on it. Some of our children at Lyonsgate have allergies so please do not send in aerosol sunscreens.
We also recognize that with the season change, there will be new jackets and shoes the children will be excited to show off. Please make sure to confirm any new articles of clothing and shoes can be easily put on and taken off. Practicing getting their outdoor gear on/off at home will help to make their day at school go much smoother, and is a great way to help foster independence and give them confidence to know they can do it on their own.
As always, thank you for your continued support, we appreciate it very much.
Wishing each family a wonderful week,
Ms. Houston.
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
The students had a great time last week with a focus on civic responsibilities and privileges. They worked together in six different teams to distribute nearly 400 collection bags for the neighbourhood food drive, volunteering their endless energy for the greater good! They also enjoyed learning about the importance of voting, and how citizens are represented in the government, before casting their own ballot for the riding of Hamilton Centre. In contrast to the real election, the students returned the incumbent NDP to office, but with only a two-vote margin over the Liberal Party. The children continue to enjoy new explorations in botany, and are learning a song about the six parts of plants.
Have a great week!
Marissa and Michelle.
Friday, May 9: O.W.L. Workshop # 8, Part 2
Students in Years 4-6 will be completing their O.W.L. workshop on Decisions and Actions.
Thursday, May 15: Class Field Trip to Westfield Heritage Village
The whole class will be traveling by chartered school bus for a full day at Westfield Heritage Village. We’ll be participating in the Down on the Farm program to explore what daily life was like in rural Ontario in the early 19th century. The trip is largely outdoors and will take place rain or shine, so please be prepared for any weather! Students are reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for the day, and to bring along an easy-to-carry litter-less lunch and water bottle.
Friday, May 16: P.D. Day – No School for Students
The staff will be busy on campus preparing for the final lessons of the term and several special events coming soon! The kids can enjoy an extra-long weekend for Victoria Day.
Save-the-Dates!
- Monday, June 9: Elementary Cultural Fair from 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
- Friday, June 13-Saturday, June 14: Senior Sleepover for Students in Years 3-6
- Tuesday, June 17: Graduation Trip for Students in Year 6
- Thursday, June 19: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation Ceremony from 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Lyonsgate Update April 28, 2025
Good Afternoon Lyonsgate Families,
This week at Lyonsgate:
- The spring/summer hot lunch menu at the Primary (Casa and Toddler) campus begins today. You can always check the calendar to see which week of the 4-week rotation we are on (today is the start if week 3).
- Toddlers are talking.
- Casa students are gracious and courteous, and ready for sunscreen.
- Elementary students have trips and drives and votes!
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Good Morning and Happy Monday Toddler Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend! We have heard so many stories from the children last week and all of the wonderful things they had gotten up to. From Easter egg hunts and opening eggs to find chocolate and other fun surprises, to spending cherished time with families, and even seeing or running into school friends outside of school.
The verbal language in our Toddler classroom has been exploding! When one friend starts telling a story, five other friends are there, super excited to tell theirs. While sharing and practicing their verbal language, the toddlers also have been practicing patience in taking turns to tell the others their important things. They practice control in patience, which is super hard when there is something we feel is urgent and that we must say, but they are doing a great job where everyone has a turn and their story is heard.
We love seeing and hearing all of your children’s stories and are so proud of the connections and conversations in the Toddler classroom.
Just a friendly reminder as the children are growing and new spring/summer clothes are joining their wardrobe — Please label everything! Thank you.
Have a wonderful week,
Ms. Relic.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
We hope you’re all enjoying the signs of spring all around us. It was another joyful and productive week here at Lyonsgate, full of discovery, growth, and connection. The children were very excited to share their stories from their Easter long weekend.
We watched a beautiful moment unfold this week when a younger child, having dropped their work materials, was immediately assisted by an older peer who gently offered help without being asked. These simple acts of grace and courtesy are part of what makes our Montessori community so special.
With the warm weather coming and the sun shining, be sure to send in sunscreen for your child to be applied before mid-day recess. If you’re sending in sunscreen, please be sure its in the original container and your child’s name is labeled on it. Please DO NOT send in aerosol sunscreen, we have children that are allergic to it in the school. Thank you.
Ms. Beach.
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
The students had a great time last week with new explorations in botany. Whether they were learning about how plants make their own food, seed germination, or plant ovaries and different types of fruits, they enjoyed making botanical illustrations and guided dissections of plant specimens. During their trip to the McMaster LIVELab, the older students were excited to learn about how our brains respond to music and movement, tried a disklavier (which looks like a piano but can record and play back a performance), and wore motion-capture caps while dancing the macarena. They loved seeing how motion capture technology with live actors is used to create more realistic CGI characters, such as the Hulk. We can’t wait to see what they do with this seed of interest for exploring the relationship between the arts and sciences!
Have a wonderful week,
Marissa and Michelle.
TODAY! Monday, April 28: Food Drive Collection Bag Delivery
It’s time for the “Fill a Bus, Feed a Family” event, coordinating the collection of thousands of pounds of pantry donations — enough to fill a city bus! — for Mission Services of Hamilton. All Elementary students need their red Lyonsgate t-shirts to go out with their team to deliver food drive collection bags to neighbouring homes. Students that live outside the Kirkendall area who wish to donate to the food drive are welcome to bring nut-free pantry items to the school by Friday, May 2, or monetary donations can be made online to Mission Services.
TODAY! Monday, April 28: Student Vote
All Elementary students will have the opportunity to participate in the Student Vote version of the federal election on Monday afternoon. We look forward to sharing the results with you next week!
Friday, May 2: O.W.L. Workshop # 8 — Decisions and Actions
Students in Years 4-6 are kindly reminded to complete Home Link #7 and prepare for the next O.W.L. workshop.
Thursday, May 15: Class Field Trip to Westfield Heritage Village
The whole class will be traveling by chartered school bus for a full day at Westfield Heritage Village. We’ll be participating in the “Down on the Farm” program to explore what daily life was like in rural Ontario in the early 19th century. The trip is largely outdoors and will take place rain or shine, so please be prepared for any weather. Students are reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for the day, and to bring along an easy-to-carry litterless lunch and water bottle.
Lyonsgate Update April 22, 2025
Good Afternoon Lyonsgate Families,
In this week’s update:
- Casa and Elementary graduation photos for graduating third-year Casa students and sixth-year Elementary students take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23, in the morning.
- Toddlers are talking bugs.
- Casa students are ready to show what they know.
- Elementary students are out in and a part of their community.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
This week, the Toddlers have been working extremely hard in the language section of the classroom. They are enjoying independent and co-reading with peers. A group of children have been gathering to look through the cook books, which engages peer talk by talking about different foods the children like as well as learning what types of food family members enjoy. It also allows children to learn more about their peers in terms of similarity and differences. In our language section, we have some spring season bugs for outdoors: a fly, a butterfly, and grasshopper, while they are learning about some bugs that can be found indoors as well. The children are taking from their language and applying to it outdoor play. During outdoor play they are going on ant hunts or playing “I spy” for butterflies and flying insects.
Just a friendly reminder please label all your children’s clothes, and to please send hats and mitts still as we are never sure how the weather is going to be for our outdoor play.
Hope you all had a lovely long weekend!
Ms. Kubiak.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
The third and final term of the school year is always a joyful one, both because the weather is nice, and because your Montessori students really begin to show us how far they have come over the school year so far, and how ready they are for their next big step, whether they are moving on to the world of Elementary, stepping into the role of classroom leader as a senior Casa student, or reveling in the confidence they have worked so hard to build as first-year Casa students in the classroom, the school, on the playground, and with the stable of Montessori materials they now have available to work with.
The warm weather and general spring fever bring an energy to the classroom that Montessori students can harness to complete some big work. Some may take on the challenge of new materials and presentations, finding that their experience and knowledge enables them to progress and master materials at a greater pace; others may find success in areas they have found challenging as their confidence and skills (and neural networks) grow. Some may simply enjoy the freedom a few inches of growth and improved motor skills bring.
We hope you are starting to see your children’s growth and progress at home, too (although we know children often treat the school and home environments differently), and are ready for more independent little family members over the next few months.
Click to book a parent observation in: Casa North | Casa South
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
We hope everyone enjoyed a lovely long weekend and what finally feels like spring! Last week, the children were eager to create 3-D spring rabbit crafts by combining a variety of art skills, including painting, stamping, cut-and-paste, crocheting soft bunny ears or trim, and even knitting tiny sweaters. During their day of Ultimate Frisbee, the older students enjoyed learning basic forehand and backhand throws, playing a series of games, and making friends with students from Dundas Valley and Waterdown Montessori schools. Back on campus, the younger students had a lot of fun with musical rhythm games, learning to “pass the beat” around a circle of friends. This week, we will be celebrating Earth Day and getting to work in our garden. We hope you have the chance to do the same!
Warmly,
Marissa and Michelle.
Wednesday, April 23: Graduate Photo Day
Our sixth-year students will soon be graduating from the Elementary program! On Wednesday morning, the graduating students will be accompanied by a staff member to walk to the Primary campus and have their graduation photos taken by Lifetouch Photography. Students are welcome to dress up for their photos or be captured in their everyday comfort clothes. The group will be leaving promptly at 8:45, and returning to the Elementary campus before the Upper Elementary cohort departs for their outing to McMaster University.
Wednesday, April 23: Upper Elementary Outing – LIVELab at McMaster University
The Upper Elementary students will be visiting the LIVELab at McMaster University, a research-based performance theatre with acoustic controls to replicate different types of venues, as well as technology to measure the neurological activity and physical responses of performers. Students in Years 4–6 should come prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, and Presto card or bus fare.
Friday, April 25: O.W.L. Workshop # 7: Reproduction and Staying Healthy, Part 2
Students in Years 4–6 are reminded to complete any remaining readings listed at the bottom of Home Link #6 before the conclusion of Workshop 7. Following this week’s workshop, students are asked to follow-up with Home Link #7, reviewing vocabulary definitions and completing the required readings in advance of Workshop #8: Decisions and Actions.
Monday, April 28: Food Drive Collection Bag Delivery
Each spring, the Kirkendall Neighbourhood Association organizes the “Fill a Bus, Feed a Family” event, coordinating the collection of thousands of pounds of pantry donations — enough to fill a city bus! — for Mission Services of Hamilton. The Elementary students contribute to this community event with their boundless energy and desire to help others by adopting neighbourhood routes for the delivery of food collection bags to people’s front doors. To donate to the food drive, people can simply place their donations in the bag provided and leave it outside their home for pick-up by other volunteers on Saturday, May 3. Students that live outside the Kirkendall area who still wish to donate may bring peanut-free pantry items to the school, or donations can be made online to Mission Services.
All Elementary students should wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirts to go out with their team to deliver the food collection bags nearby.
Monday, April 28: Student Vote
Over the next week, we’ll continue learning about governance, citizenship, and our electoral process, and participate in the Student Vote version of the Federal election. All elementary students are eligible to vote, and some will also take turns to run our class election site, acting as poll clerks, scrutineers, or deputy returning officers.
