Lyonsgate Update Feb. 10, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Apologies again for the late notification of the snow/ice day last Thursday; that one caught us by surprise too. As a reminder, if the public school board, HWDSB, closes schools, Lyonsgate automatically closes too.
Speaking of closures, next Monday, February 17, is the Family Day statutory holiday and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed. (Lyonsgate will also be closed on Friday, Feb. 28, for a PD Day).
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
This week, your toddlers are working really hard on their motor skills. The toddlers are exploring their fine motor skills through a few new lessons we have placed in our practical life area. Children are loving dumping a tray of buttons into taped shapes on the floor. Once they dump the tray, they use a dust pan and broom to sweep up the buttons and repeat as many time as they engage for. The toddlers are also enjoying stringing pasta onto a string. This activity allows children to practice numeracy by counting how many pasta pieces can fit on the string. The children are also learning how to grasp an object and put it onto another object, and they are learning to follow a process to achieve a finished product.
Ms. Kubiak.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
The last few days around the school have been a little quieter than usual. It truly looks like the cold and flu season has arrived. We have been busy preparing the children for this season since September. Sammy Sneezy made his appearance to teach the children about the importance of covering our coughs and using a tissue to wipe or blow our noses. The children have also been practising handwashing skills. The staff has prepared the classroom by cleaning daily with soap and water, and diluted bleach at night. Even with the most diligent practices, it’s very typical to get ill. Please refer to the school website for illness protocols. We appreciate all the care our families show by keeping children who are sick at home. It helps ensure we teachers remain healthy and at school, and slows the spread of germs amongst the children.
We look forward to full classrooms again.
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
Despite the surprise snow day last week, the students managed to pack a lot of learning and adventure into just a few days. All students have been learning about the history of Canada, with some focusing on the arrival of Vikings and some investigating diverse Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island, while others are learning about the importance of the fur trade. The upper elementary group had a great time visiting the McMaster Museum of Art for the new exhibition “Ascending Horizons,” where they saw a series of traditional corn husk dolls to illustrate the creation story of the Haudenosaunee, moving sculptures, and a mixed media piece incorporating photography and real beaver fur. The lower elementary group had a lot of fun at the karate dojo, learning the fundamentals and blocking a surprise attack from the sensei!
Marissa and Michelle.
Karate at United Family Martial Arts: Tuesday, February 11
Students in Years 1-3 will return to the dojo on Tuesday afternoon for karate, and should come prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and comfortable pants for physical activity.
Kick-Boxing at United Family Martial Arts: Thursday, February 13
Students in Years 4-6 will begin their kick-boxing classes on Thursday afternoon, and should come prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and comfortable pants for physical activity.
O.W.L. Workshop 5, Part 2, Gender: Friday, February 21
Students in Years 4-6 will be continuing with the fifth O.W.L. workshop next week, and are reminded to complete the required readings listed at the end of Homelink 4.
Lyonsgate Update Feb. 3, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week, the Elementary campus is hosting a Parent Education Session, “Montessori Outcomes: The Lasting Gifts of a Holistic Education,” on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 3:30-4:15. See the Elementary section for details.
Hamilton Summer Camp Info:
Registration for summer camps is underway. Here are some summer camp links for families that may be looking for summer care and activities (some also offer March Break camps):
- Stoney Creek Children’s Club is for children ages 5-13 and is operated by the former owner of Stoney Creek Montessori School. Registration is open now.
- Hamilton’s Camp Kidaca has programs for children ages 4-15; registration opens February 12 at 8:00 a.m.
- Royal Botanical Gardens hosts summer camps for children ages 5-15 and registration is open now.
- YMCA Summer Day Camps are for children ages 6-13 and registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on March 17.
- McMaster University hosts both summer sports camps and a March Break camp for children ages 6 and up; registration opens Feb. 3 (today!) at 12:00 p.m.
- Mohawk College offers summer camps for children ages 4-12 and registration opens Feb. 5 at 10:00 a.m.
- Hamilton Public Library maintains an extensive list of of summer and March Break day camps in the Hamilton area.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
Our crazy Canadian winter weather of wind chill warnings and rain has kept us inside for quite a few days lately …and with that there has been the inevitable sharing of runny noses and coughs. Needless to say our focus in the Toddler room this past week has been on the practical life skill of self care, specifically wiping one’s nose.
Our classroom has a self-care table where tissues, a mirror, and garbage pail are located. Children are shown how to wipe their nose: by grasping a tissue, starting with your hands on the sides of the bridge of your nose, and to then wipe down and pinch the tissue together at the bottom of the nose. Inevitably we will see our younger toddlers hold the scrunched up tissue under their nose as they move their head side to side, but with continued support, repetition, and many, many tissues later we begin to hear the joyous “I did it!” as independence and confidence are gained.
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Bonjour les Parents,
En ce mois de janvier, j’ai eu le plaisir de rejoindre l’équipe de l’école Montessori en tant qu’assistante en français. Je me présente: je m’appelle Lilia Hammouche, et j’accompagne vos enfants dans leur apprentissage de la langue en échangeant exclusivement en français avec eux.
Depuis mon arrivée, nous avons exploré différentes thématiques telles que la famille, les couleurs, et les animaux à travers diverses activités pédagogiques. Ces moments d’apprentissage sont particulièrement enrichissants, et je me réjouis de poursuivre cette belle aventure en leur proposant de nouvelles expériences adaptées à leur développement.
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
Last week, two of our Elementary French groups performed French plays, to the delight of their classmates: the “Quiche Lorraine” group performed “Les Trois Petits Cochons” (featuring a ferocious three-headed wolf) and the “Baguette” group performed “L’Arbre Ungali,” a fable set in Africa. All cast members started learning their lines in September. Over the past two weeks, they sourced and created their own costumes, sets, and props. Now, their peers are clamouring for their own chance to perform soon. Congratulations to our wonderful actors!
Michelle M., French Specialist.
P.E. Outing to United Family Martial Arts: Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6
Through the month of February, the students will be attending P.E. classes at the dojo on Dundurn Street. Students in Years 1-3 will be attending karate classes on Tuesday afternoons, and should be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt on Tuesday. Students in Years 4-6 will be attending kickboxing classes on Thursday afternoons, and should also be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for P.E. classes through February.
Community Outing: Wednesday, February 5
The first upper Elementary community outing of the new year will take place on the morning of Wednesday, February 5. Students in years 4-6 will be traveling by public transit to visit the McMaster Museum of Art for a morning workshop. Students are reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and to bring either their Presto card or cash bus fare.
Parent Education Event: Thursday, February 6, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Parents are invited to join Elementary guides Michelle and Marissa for a discussion of “Montessori Outcomes: The Lasting Gifts of a Holistic Education.” At our gathering, we will discuss the science of Montessori and how, through personalized instruction and non-traditional assessment, students develop enduring traits such as curiosity, self-motivation, and a life-long love of learning.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca with how many adults are planning to attend, and whether you require Casa or Elementary child care that day, by Tuesday, February 4. We look forward to seeing you soon!
O.W.L. Workshop 5, Part 1, Gender: Friday, February 7
Students in Years 4-6 will be beginning the next O.W.L. workshop this week, and are reminded to complete the required readings to prepare. The reading assignment can be found at the end of Homelink 4. 🙂
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 27, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Well, that was a cold week. We all spent a lot of time indoors and were very happy to get back outside, and just in time for the Elementary students’ walk to their ongoing winter phys. ed. dance classes at Elev8 Dance.
Staff Update: Lyonsgate is bidding a fond farewell to Ms. Duhig and her family as they move at the end of this month. Not only will we miss Ms. Duhig on staff, and her ability to help wherever and whenever needed, but we will also miss her three wonderful children who have become valued members of our community. We wish them all the best in their new adventures.
Ms. Carly Sella will be taking on the Support Role at Lyonsgate. We look forward to you and your family getting to know her better in the months to come.
Missing Materials: Many Montessori classroom materials consist of small, attractive objects that are intentionally appealing to children. If you find any “mysterious objects” in your child’s possession, please return them to school. Casa South is presently missing a cube from their Pink Tower material:
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
During last week, we had a lot of indoor play due to extreme cold weather. Our toddlers have really enjoyed shaking their silly’s out through dance movements and music, using balance technique by climbing through the tunnel, and learning about distance through ring toss. In our classroom work cycle, our toddlers are still enjoying smelling and exploring flowers and plants. The children are learning about different textures by exploring the flowers from petals to the stem. They are also touching our different plants’ leaves to see how they feel. This activity enhances their 5 senses! Just a reminder please label all your child’s clothing. Thank you.
Ms.Kubiak.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Chers Parents,
We experienced some very cold weather last week and the Casa North students were learning the names of different items of clothing en français. (Don’t forget the water bottle — “N’oubliez pas la bouteille d’eau”). The third year students are working on different vocabulary of words that sound similar, but mean different things (ex. manteau, mouton, et menton — jacket, sheep, chin.
We have also been working on different phrases:
- je m’apelle, je suis {une fille | un garçon}, j’ai 5 ans (age), j’habite à Hamilton.
- je m’apelle (name), j’ai une maman, un papa, une soeur (sister), un frère (brother), une grand-mère, un grand-père [family members], et un chien, un chat, un serpent, etc.
We have also been reading the book, A Family is a Family, to learn about different types of family structures in French.
The songs we have been singing recently include:
- “Un éléphant”
- “Une souris verte” (“Little Green Mouse,” and a related craft will be coming home soon).
Lyonsgate Montessori Casa student completing a French activity based on a song they have been singing.
Bonne semaine à vous,
Mme Murati.
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
P.E. at Elev8 Dance: Thursday, January 30
All elementary students will travel to Elev8 Dance during the afternoon work cycle for indoor P.E. Students are kindly reminded to remember their red Lyonsgate t-shirts for their last dance session this term.
Community Outing: Wednesday, February 5
The first Upper Elementary community outing of the new year will take place on the morning of Wednesday, February 5. Students in years 4-6 will be traveling by public transit to visit the McMaster Museum of Art for a morning workshop. Students are reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and to bring either their Presto card or cash bus fare.
Parent Education Event: Thursday, February 6, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Parents are invited to join Elementary guides Michelle and Marissa for a discussion of “Montessori Outcomes: The Lasting Gifts of a Holistic Education.” At our gathering, we will discuss the science of Montessori and how through personalized instruction and non-traditional assessment, students develop enduring traits such as curiosity, self-motivation, and a life-long love of learning.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca with how many adults are planning to attend, and whether you require Casa or Elementary child care that day, by Tuesday, February 4. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Lyonsgate Update January 20, 2025
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
We had some snow, finally, for your Lyonsgate Montessori kids to play with last week. It was great to finally be able to put the winter materials to use outside at the Primary campus, and there was a lot of shoveling and building during recess.
This Friday, Jan. 24, is a PD Day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
Free Piano: the Primary campus building has a piano that is free for the taking to anyone able to move it; please let us know if your family would like to own it:
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
Last week, we had some beautiful brightness in our classroom with our floral arrangement work; this activity is always a favourite! Filling up the water pitcher, slowly pouring the water into a chosen vase, picking the right size flower and, finally, the child finding just the right spot in the classroom to display the bouquet. This activity aids in the development of hand-eye coordination, refinement of fine motor skills, and logical sequencing. Flower arranging provides a sense of joy when taking care of and beautifying our environment. A pop of colour and fresh scent is always welcome during the winter months… a reminder of brighter, warmer days ahead!
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
The Casa students were very excited to see the snow last week and to finally be able to put their snowsuits to their intended use, rather than just staying warm (although that may be the priority this week!). Unfortunately, by the end of the week the snowsuits were also used to stay dry as the remaining snow turned to slush and puddles. We try to run as much wet stuff as we can through the dryer at the school in between outdoor periods. Please remember to label everything — hats, mitts & gloves, neckwarmers, boots, snowpants, and snowsuits.
Getting outside every day is an essential part of the school days at Lyonsgate. The fresh air, free play, and activity are great for all aspects of health, development, and learning. Even though we only had a dusting of snow by traditional Canadian standards, the amount of excitement and creativity from the children as they shoveled, imagined, and built was a joy to witness. We hope the temperature lets us back outside towards the end of this week, and we’ve all got our fingers crossed for more snow when we get there.
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 Elementary class was full of enthusiasm for math this week as students tackled operations, multiplication tables, rounding, square roots, and algebra! In history, some of the students were learning about the Viking voyages to the New World, while others were researching the cultural practices of the Mi’kmaq First Nation on the east coast. Many students were happy to continue their explorations in geography by hearing the “Story of the Elements,” labelling a diagram of a river, or learning about the lines of latitude and longitude. In French, some groups began preparing props and sets for their short, in-class plays, and rehearsing their lines with gusto. Despite the very chilly weather expected over the next few days, we wish you all a wonderful week ahead.
Marissa and Michelle.
(with photos by Harrison, Abby, and Marissa.)
P.E. at Elev8 Dance: Thursday, January 23
All elementary students will travel to Elev8 Dance during the afternoon work cycle for indoor P.E. Students are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for this outing.
P.D. Day: Friday, January 24
While the students enjoy an extra-long weekend, the Elementary team will be attending morning workshops on supporting diverse learners in Montessori classrooms, and working to prepare new materials for the children in the afternoon.
Community Outing: WEDNESDAY, February 5
Due to our P.E. schedule with Elev8 Dance through the month of January, the first upper Elementary community outing of the new year will take place on the morning of Wednesday, February 5. Students in years 4-6 will be traveling by public transit to visit the McMaster Museum of Art for a morning workshop.
Lyonsgate Update Jan. 13, 2025
Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Welcome to the winter term, and a serious blast of winter temperatures!
We have welcomed some new students to both of the Casa, and to the Toddler, classrooms to start the new year, and our Elementary students have begun their next winter phys. ed. experience at Elev8 Dance.
The winter term is a short term that leads into the March Break, and there are a few dates to be aware of:
- Friday, January 24, is a PD Day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Monday, February 17, is the Family Day statutory holiday and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- Friday, February 28, is a PD Day and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
The past week has been a busy one as we return to the familiar routine of school and friends. We have welcomed two new children to our classroom and with them many changes. Much like when a new sibling joins a family, there is a period of adjustment. Our new students require extra time and care as they explore their new environment, as they get to know everyone, and as we get to know them. In such a short time, we have already begun to see our second year students take on roles of leadership as they show empathy and kindness to our new students. We have seen smiles and waves as introductions have been made. We have seen an upset student receive a gentle back rub and a tissue given to a runny-nosed friend in need. We stand in awe of their capacity to learn and love, and look forward to a fantastic 2025 because of it!
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
We hope everyone had a great holiday and restful two weeks. It has been great to hear all the stories from your children of the fun things they did over the break. So many of the children have grown over the two weeks!
The children have seamlessly fallen back into our daily routines, busying themselves with their work and connecting again with their peers. As we start our winter term, we are looking forward to seeing your children grow and learn more throughout. A reminder to sign up to contribute to bringing in flowers for the classroom if you haven’t already. See the link below. Thank you.
The Casa team.
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 return to school last week, diving enthusiastically into familiar routines and new topics. In geometry, students worked to apply their knowledge of specific terms, following written directions to create radial symmetry in paper snowflakes or to construct an eight-pointed star for use in simple patterns or tessellations. Others returned to delightfully messy lessons in physical geography, using a large model to identify the parts of a river, and demonstrate how its flow carves through the land while carrying sediments. Despite the extremely cold weather, the students were excited to walk to Elev8 Dance for their first class of the month. They had a fabulous time working with Mr. Chris and Ms. Mara on fun and physical challenges of balance, rhythm, and form. From butterfly knees and tippy-toe runs to spotting when spinning and precise pliés, every movement led to big smiles and lots of laughter.
Wishing you all a lovely week ahead,
Marissa and Michelle.
(photographs by Abby, Harrison, and Marissa)
Thursday, January 16: P.E. at Elev8 Dance
All Elementary students will travel to Elev8 Dance, with the children breaking into two groups for their classes. Students are kindly reminded to include their red, Lyonsgate t-shirt as part of their clothing layers.
Friday, January 17: Scholastic Book Orders Due
Last week, your child brought home the most recent Scholastic book flyer, offering discounts on books for families and encouraging a love of reading. To have your books shipped for free to the school, please include the class code “RC 144312” (written on the front of each flyer) with your online order. If there are any surprise or gift items in your order you would like to be kept hidden from your child, please let us know and we’ll set it aside for you to pick up. With every order placed using our class code, we earn “bonus bucks” for the classroom that help replenish our art supplies and add new titles to our classroom library. Please submit your online order by Friday, January 17, to be included in our next shipment.
Friday, January 17: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 2
Students in Years 4–6 should prepare for the second part of the O.W.L. workshop on Changes of Puberty by completing the required readings listed at the bottom of HomeLink #3.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 16, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
We’re wishing you all a wonderful holiday season as we head into the winter break. This Thursday, Dec. 19, is the last day of school, and we return on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Registration for the 2025.2026 school year is due today. If you still need to submit registration for your returning Lyonsgate student or a sibling starting school, please see the email of this update for the link.
Thank you all for your very generous donations to our Elementary student’s toy drive for CityKidz. It absolutely fills our hearts to be able to help a number of children beyond the students you entrust to our care every day, and to show one of our students that their efforts to help make the world a little bit better can be successful.
Have a peaceful, restful, fun-filled holiday together.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello again, Ms./Mme Craigie here,
It is hard to believe we are already at the end of the fall term and heading into winter break; time flies when you are having fun! I just wanted to let you know that we are still going strong with our French language development in the Toddler room and the children are still learning so much. We are continuing with all of our regular French songs and I have added one more holiday song that the children are absolutely loving, the song is called “Vive le Vent,” and it is sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells.” Each day we gather for our circle time after lunch and the children each get a jingle bell to ring while we gleefully sing. The joy they have while singing brings warmth to my heart every day. I will add the lyrics so hopefully you can sing with them during this holiday season and watch them light with pride.
My wish for all of you and your beautiful families is to have a very wonderful and relaxing time reflecting on the year and looking forward to the many new adventures in 2025.
| French | English |
| (Refrain) Vive le vent, vive le vent, Vive le vent d’hiver, Qui s’en va sifflant, soufflant Dans les grands sapins verts, oh ! |
(Refrain) Long live the wind, long live the wind, Long live the winter wind, Which goes whistling, blowing In the big green Christmas trees, oh! |
| Vive le temps, vive le temps, Vive le temps d’hiver, Boules de neige et Jour de l’An Et Bonne Année grand-mère ! (Fin du refrain) |
Long live the weather, long live the weather, Long live the winter weather, Snowballs and new year’s day and happy new year Grandma! (End of refrain) |
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Season’s Greetings from Casa South,
Although the weather hasn’t been very wintery thus far, inside the classroom we’ve been busy getting into the happy spirit of the season making decorations, singing seasonal songs, and reading books about different ways people celebrate this time of year. There is a festive feeling in the air and many wishes for snow (from the children).
The children have had a good first term and are now well settled into the routine. This has led to some wonderful work and learning in all areas. We have a particularly social group who enjoy working with a partner or in small groups. These interactions provide opportunities for learning how to co-operate and collaborate with each other. It’s been lovely to observe the children become capable problem-solvers.
We have plans to focus on some of the children’s expressed interests in the new year, including outer space and working with different art media. It will be interesting to observe which activities appeal to each child and how creative they will be with the work. Children never cease to surprise us with their observations and questions, and their different ways of manipulating and creating with the materials. Life is never dull in Casa South!
We hope you enjoy the holidays, and all the children return healthy, rested, and ready for more exploration and discovery with us in January.
See you then!
Ms. Robinson.
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
Thursday, December 19: Class Party and Pizza Lunch
To celebrate the start of the winter break, the Elementary students will enjoy a class party in the morning with crafting, games, and the choice to watch a short movie, along with some treats prepared by the children at school earlier in the week. After outdoor time, the children will return to a hot pizza lunch from Domino’s. Please help your child to remember to still bring their water bottle to school for snack, outdoor time, and community lunch.
Weekly Update
As we head into the final days of the first term, we are full of gratitude for this wonderful place where the children can grow, explore, and learn together with laughter and joy. Over the past few months, it has been a privilege to watch the children delight in new discoveries, muster the courage to try hard things, and proudly share achievements with their friends. We want to thank all of the elementary students for sharing the best of themselves with our classroom community each day at school, as well as all the elementary families for supporting the children in their endeavors. Over the past three months, our senior students worked hard at various outreach projects, and with the incredible generosity of the whole Lyonsgate community were successful in raising more than $600 for charity as well as collecting scores of toys for donation. Thank you!
Over the last few days of school before the winter break, the children will be bringing home craft projects, completed, and possibly a lot of plasticine… Keep an eye out for a large envelope accompanying your child home, and look inside for an end-of-term reflection. We wish you all a wonderful winter break and a very happy new year ahead.
Warmly,
Marissa, Michelle, Danielle, Kim, and Michelle.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 9, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you for submitting your registrations for the 2025.2026 school year. If you still need to submit a registration, please do so by Monday, December 16.
This registration period is for current Lyonsgate students returning for the 2025.2026 school year, any siblings those students may have that are starting school next year, and for families that have previously indicated their intention to register for the 2025.2026 school year.
When completing your registration form, please ensure that auto-fill is not entering incorrect information in any fields, and that there are no errors in your email address.
We ask for new, complete registration forms each year to ensure we have correct, up to date information for all students as required by our systems, the Ministry of Education, and Hamilton Public Health. Please do not enter “same as last year” (or similar) in response to any questions. Thank you.
Please see the email version of this update for the link to the 2025.2026 Lyonsgate registration form.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families,
Thank you for your donations to our outdoor kitchen. We continue to hope for pots and pans, cookie sheets, and muffin tins. We’ll be cooking up an outside snow storm of recipes soon!
The toddler energy is high in the classroom as we hear of wagon rides, beautiful trees, and visits to see a certain special person all in red. We can only imagine all of the special moments and memories that will be made over the next few weeks, and we can’t wait to hear all about them.
Our CityKidz toy drive is filling up! If you are able, you may bring in a toy to support a child in our community.
Thank you,
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Happy December!
As winter settles in with its colder, wetter, and windier days, we want to share a little insight into the process of getting 23 children ready for the outdoors. It’s essential to approach this with patience, a sense of humour, and a calming presence. For some children, the transition from classroom to outside can feel overwhelming. To help ease this shift, we use gentle cues like “just five more minutes” or waiting for the first group to leave. This gives them a moment to mentally prepare for the next steps ahead.
When it’s time to enter the cloakroom, the children remove their indoor shoes and find their spot on the bench. We guide them through the process, starting with their snow pants, then their boots, and finally their jackets. By allowing them to keep their hands free first, they can practice zipping up their jackets. If they encounter any difficulty with the zipper, we encourage them to “park their car” — a little trick where they align the zipper pieces patiently. We are always there to lend a helping hand by getting the zipper started, empowering them to do the rest.
Their journey is completed with their hats and, finally, their mittens. We’ve discovered that this thoughtful order allows the children to feel a sense of accomplishment, minimizing any stress they might feel. We warmly invite you to ask your children to demonstrate this routine for you. They truly enjoy showcasing their skills, and it’s guaranteed to bring a big smile to their faces as they get the chance to be your little teacher.
Thank you,
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
Weekly Update
The month of December has brought with it a flurry of activity in the Elementary environment! Last week, the classroom was bursting with singing, set painting, and costume design as the students prepared for the filming of their class adaptation of The Balloon Tree, by Phoebe Gilman. The children are eager to share the filmed performance with their families at home over the winter break. The class also enjoyed our annual tradition of having a cup of hot chocolate together to celebrate the first snow of the season to stay on the ground. Our senior students braved the change in weather and conquered the high ropes course at Adventureworks, scaling trees and walking on tightropes and wooden catwalks between the swaying pine trees. We look forward to lots more learning and fun leading up to the winter break!
Marissa and Michelle.
Monday, November 25 – Wednesday, December 11 AM: Toy Drive for CityKidz
I’m doing a toy drive. Plese donate to CityKidz a new toy for kids 9 and up. You have until Dec 11. I recommend Lego Friends or Ninjago, bedroom decorations, squishmallows and sport balls.
– Pippa
Pippa is emphasizing donations of toys for older children, ages 9-12, as there are often fewer donations for this age group, but toys for any age are welcome. You can also check out the top toy list from CityKidz. Toys donated at both campuses will be delivered to CityKidz on the afternoon of Wed. Dec. 11. Thank you!
Thursday, December 12: Upper Elementary Outing
Students in years 4-6 will practice traveling by public bus up the mountain during the afternoon work cycle, to Sam Lawrence Park, to explore its trails and take in a view of the city. For this trip, students in Year 3 of Elementary have the option to join the group as well! Students should bring their red Lyongate t-shirt, their Presto card or $3.50 cash bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way.
Lyonsgate Update Dec. 2, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
As we enter December we have three weeks remaining in the fall term. The last day of classes before the winter break is Dec. 19 and we return in the new year on Jan. 6, 2025. As this term draws to a close, we begin to look ahead to not only the new year but the new school year to come.
Registration for the 2025.2026 school year opens this week. Please check your inbox for an email with the 2025.2026 school year registration form link and tuition schedules. This registration period is for current Lyonsgate Montessori School students returning next school year, and for any siblings of current students that may be starting school in September 2025.
If you have any questions about registration, please don’t hesitate to ask.
The deadline for submission of 2025.2026 registration forms is Monday, Dec. 16.
Thank you.
Toy Drive: Both the Lyonsgate Primary and Elementary campuses are holding a toy drive for CityKidz until Dec. 11. The Drive has been arranged by one of our senior Elementary students. Families are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for elementary-age children for distribution through CityKidz. Donations of toys for older children, ages 10-12, are encouraged as there are often fewer donations for this age group. Sports balls, bedroom decor, Squishmallows, or Lego are recommended by our Elementary student, and you can also download the top toy list from CityKidz. Thank you.
Primary Scholastic: Casa and Toddler parents, if you would like to order any Scholastic items before the holidays, please do so online no later than Wednesday, Dec. 11. Items ordered by that date should arrive before the holiday break. Also, if an ordered item is a gift, please let us know so we can get it you on the sly.
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Hello Toddler Families and Welcome December!
We are excited to announce that this winter we will be having a snow kitchen outside! We hope to be making lots of snow soup, snow cupcakes, and maybe even some snow pasta. We are asking for your support with this new adventure by donating any old pots or pans, muffin tins, mixing bowls, wooden/stainless/plastic spoons or spatulas that you are no longer using. Please let us know if you have any other kitchen items to share, we can’t wait to start cooking and baking!
The toddlers are working hard right now putting on new winter boots and big fluffy coats. When putting on their coat they can “do the flip,” put the hood (the jacket facing up and open) by your child’s feet, have them put their arms into the sleeves and then flip the coat up and over their head. Thank you for taking the time to work with your toddler on these skills!
Vanessa Findlay.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
The Casa students are excited and ready for winter. We are starting to see new coats, boots, some snowpants and snowsuits (even a dusting of snow!), and lots of hats, gloves, and mittens. Please remember to label everything! A few tips for winter gear:
- Practice at home can go a long way to supporting independence and confidence at school when putting on and taking off winter gear (they of course have grownups and peers to help at school as needed).
- Once the snow is on the ground, please avoid cloth or knit mitts and gloves. These become soaking wet with freezing cold water within minutes of playing in the snow.
- Backpack straps can be loosened a little to make it easier to get them on and off over bulkier coats.
- It can be difficult, we know, but if you can find gloves or mittens that still allow your child to grasp and hold things, their winter playground experience will be much more fulsome and less frustrating.
As we all know, children can sometimes be resistant to wearing winter clothing. We will always tell them that if mom and dad sent it to school to keep them warm, they are to wear it outside (if they are legitimately hot, depending on the weather, we can unzip a coat or remove a hat).
Thank you.
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
Photos by Theo
Monday, November 25-Wednesday, December 11: Toy Drive for CityKidz
I’m doing a toy driv. Plese donate to CityKidz a new toy for kids 9 and up. You have until Dec 11. I recommend Lego Frends or Ninjago, bedroom decorations, squishmallows and sport bolls.
– Pippa
Pippa is emphasizing donations of toys for older children ages 9-12, as there are often fewer donations for this age group, but toys for any age are welcome. You can also check out the top toy list from CityKidz. Thank you!
Monday, December 2: Elementary Open House
Please join us in the classroom this afternoon for our first open house of the year! Family members are welcome to arrive at the Elementary campus anytime between 3:15-4:15 to see displays of the children’s work from the first term. When arriving, please come to the lower cloakroom door, where you can stow your coats and bags before coming up into the classroom. You are also invited to visit the baked goods and hot drink sale on the front porch, hosted by Josephine and Hannah, who are fundraising for Plan International to sponsor girls to go to school.
Thursday, December 5: Rock-Climbing for Years 3-6
Students in Years 3-6 will have two sessions of rock-climbing experience at Gravity Climbing Gym, beginning on Thursday, December 5. Participating students must have an online waiver completed to boulder or climb in harness. Students should arrive prepared at school wearing their red Lyonsgate shirt and comfortable pants for climbing. The group will be departing campus at 8:50 a.m. and walking to the climbing gym on Frid Street. Presto cards or bus fare are not needed for this outing.
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 25, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Parents,
There are two Parent Education events taking place this week on Thursday, Nov. 28, both from 3:30-4:15:
- Primary Campus for Casa and Toddler Parents: At the Primary (Aberdeen) campus, Lyonsgate principal, Rachel Lyons, will be presenting “The Beauty of the Three Year Casa Cycle”:
- We invite all Toddler and Casa families to attend a Parent Education event on Thursday, November 28, from 3:30-4:15 p.m. hosted by Lyonsgate principal, Rachel Lyons. We will dive into the importance of a full three (or four, depending on your child’s date of birth)-year term in the Casa classroom, and the advantage of it for your child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Learn how we progress from pouring rice to reading and writing, and from washing a table to multiplication. Learn how the activities are interconnected, and how the child’s process of observation and practice leads to strong self-esteem. The full Casa cycle sets your child up for success in their future learning adventures, and we would love to share how. Please plan to join us! Click to RSVP to The Beauty of the Three Year Casa Cycle
- Elementary Campus for Third-Year Casa Parents: At the Elementary (Locke St.) campus, Montessori guides Marissa and Michelle will present “A Typical Day in Elementary”:
- Parents of graduating third-year Casa students are invited to the Elementary campus after-school for a practical overview of what a typical day looks like for first year students in Elementary, and to answer any questions you may have about our curriculum and Montessori principles in action. Parents of emerging elementary children may wish to attend this event in place of the Casa parent education topic The Three Years of Casa. The Elementary discussion will take place from 3:30-4:15 p.m., with child care available for attending families. Please use the link below to let us know you’re coming! Click to R.S.V.P. to A Typical Day in Elementary
Elementary Open House: On Monday, Dec. 2, the Elementary campus will be hosting an Open House for student family members. See the Elementary section for details, and please also note that families of students in their third year of the Casa program are welcome and encouraged to visit during this Elementary Open House event.
Casa Observations: The Casa classrooms will be open for parent observations on select days throughout the rest of the school year. Observations are for 20 minutes and take place during the morning work cycle. Please do not book more than one observation per term (ie. the current fall term, the winter term starting in January, and the spring term after March Break), and please note that available spots for the current term are limited. Prior to your observation, please read the “Observation Guidelines.”
Click here to book an observation.
Carrot Recall: You may have seen a recall of carrots on the news. Our caterer, Wholesome Kids, sent the following regarding the recall: “Wholesome Kids Catering does not use these brands, and our suppliers have informed us that this recall does not impact Wholesome Kids Catering. Currently, there are no safety concerns or recalls on our carrot brands.“
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s levels and for recent photos at Lyonsgate:
Good Morning Toddler Families,
We would like to thank everyone who came for Parent-Teacher conferences! It’s always a pleasure to have you come in.
How is it already our last week of November? The colder days are here and the snow will come soon. Please practise with your children putting snow suits/boots on and off themselves. As well as making sure everything is labeled!
Lately, inside the classroom children have enjoyed the gluing activity — crumpling and stretching tissue paper and then using a glue stick to stick it to paper, as well as preparing our face cloths for after lunch where the children fill a pitcher with water and soak the face cloths then, using their hands, ringing them out and laying them flat on a plate. This job in particular allows the children to be involved and be active participants in their classroom community.
Outside the children have really enjoyed using shovels to push leaves around which, will soon be snow!
As always we enjoy watching your children continue to grow and master their skills.
Ms. Relic.
Click to view and/or sign up for Toddler flower contributions
Bonjour Chers Parents,
During Parent-Teacher conferences , I’ve heard some parents say, “My child refuses to speak in French to me,” or “When I ask my child how do we say this in French, he/she says, ‘I don’t know’.” No panic, this is very normal. At this age, children do associate the language to a person, or to an environment (the classroom) or activity.
The French assistant’s role is to speak only in French. It is important to be consistent, lots of repetitions for vocabulary building, and most of my words are accompanied by gestures so they can pick up the language faster. At first, my words are “blablabla” — they don’t mean anything to their brain — but my gestures do have a meaning. If every day they hear, “Lavez les mains s’il vous plaît,” + gestures of handwashing, this repetition is key to learning a new language. Then one day, those words start making sense for them; they have a meaning!
So, my students associate French to me because madame always speaks French to them. In lots of families, when there is another language spoken at home, children speak English at school and the other language at home (they associate the language to their parents/home). In Casa North, I have a few students that speak another language at home. If I ask them, “How do you say that in Spanish/or in German,” most of the time they will say, “I don’t know!” If I say things in Spanish, for example, they act confused because they are not used to hearing me speak that language.
Some of the French songs we’ve been singing recently include:
- Tête, épaules, genoux, les pieds (head, shoulders, knees, and toes)
- Abracadabra (a Halloween song)
- Oh! Que j’ai faim.Oh! Que j’ai soif (learning hungry.thirsty words in French)
We have been enjoying these French books:
- Il n’a pas de dragon dans cette histoire, by Lou Carter
- Tellement sauvage, by Mireille Messier
- Le Koala qui ne voulait pas, by Rachel Bright
We have also been practicing introducing ourselves in French (name, age, where they live), and asking others questions:
- Je m’appelle __________, j’ai cinq ans, j’habite à Hamilton.
- Quel est ton animal préféré? (What’s your favourite animal?)
Mme Murati.
Click to view and/or sign up for flower contributions in: Casa North | Casa South
Monday, November 25-Wednesday, December 11: Toy Drive for CityKidz
Pippa, one of our senior students, is hosting a holiday toy drive for children in our community! Families are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for elementary-age children for distribution through CityKidz. Pippa would like to encourages donations of toys for older children ages 10-12, as there are often fewer donations for this age group. Pippa recommends sports balls, bedroom decor, Squishmallows, or Lego, and you can also download the top toy list from CityKidz. Pippa will be accepting donations at morning arrival from Monday, November 25, through Wednesday, December 11. Thank you!
Thursday, November 28: Upper Elementary Outing
Students in years 4-6 will practice traveling by public bus into Westdale Village during the afternoon work cycle for a late fall hike at Princess Point. Students should bring their red Lyongate t-shirt, their Presto card or bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way. Students should be prepared to hike in any weather!
Monday, December 2: Elementary Open House
Please join us in the classroom on Monday, December 2, for our first open house of the year! Family members are welcome to arrive at the Elementary campus anytime between 3:15-4:15 to see displays of the children’s work from the first term. When arriving, please come to the lower cloakroom door, where you can stow your coats and bags before coming up into the classroom. You are also invited to visit the bake sale on the front porch hosted by Josephine and Hannah, who are fundraising for Plan International.
Thursday, December 5: Rock-Climbing for Years 3-6
We are fortunate to be surrounded by many opportunities for physical education, both outdoors and through other organizations in our community. Students in years 3-6 will have two sessions of rock-climbing experience at Gravity Climbing Gym, beginning on Thursday, December 5. Participating students must have an online waiver completed to boulder or climb in harness. Students should arrive prepared at school wearing their red Lyonsgate shirt and comfortable pants for climbing. The group will be departing campus at 8:50 a.m. and walking to the gym on Frid St. Presto cards or bus fare are not needed for this outing.
Lyonsgate Update Nov. 18, 2024
Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
Parent-Teacher Conferences take place this week on Friday, Nov. 22 (there are some conference slots available after school earlier in the week for some classes). Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed to students on Friday to accommodate the conferences. Childcare is available during your conference. If you still need to sign up for a conference: Please click here to sign up for your 20-minute Parent-Teacher conference.
Upcoming Parent Education Events: On Thursday, Nov. 28, there will be two Parent Education events taking place from 3:30-4:15.
- Primary Campus for Casa and Toddler Parents: At the Primary (Aberdeen) campus, Lyonsgate principal, Rachel Lyons, will be presenting “The Beauty of the Three Year Casa Cycle”:
- We invite all Toddler and Casa families to attend a Parent Education event on Thursday, November 28, from 3:30-4:15 p.m. hosted by Lyonsgate principal, Rachel Lyons. We will dive into the importance of a full three (or four, depending on your child’s date of birth)-year term in the Casa classroom, and the advantage of it for your child’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Learn how we progress from pouring rice to reading and writing, and from washing a table to multiplication. Learn how the activities are interconnected, and how the child’s process of observation and practice leads to strong self-esteem. The full Casa cycle sets your child up for success in their future learning adventures, and we would love to share how. Please plan to join us! Click to RSVP to The Beauty of the Three Year Casa Cycle
- Elementary Campus for Third-Year Casa Parents: At the Elementary (Locke St.) campus, Montessori guides Marissa and Michelle will present “A Typical Day in Elementary”:
- Parents of graduating third-year Casa students are invited to the Elementary campus after-school for a practical overview of what a typical day looks like for first year students in Elementary, and to answer any questions you may have about our curriculum and Montessori principles in action. Parents of emerging elementary children may wish to attend this event in place of the Casa parent education topic The Three Years of Casa. The Elementary discussion will take place from 3:30-4:15 p.m., with child care available for attending families. Please use the link below to let us know you’re coming! Click to R.S.V.P. to A Typical Day in Elementary
Please click the links below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels, and for photos of the past week at Lyonsgate (Elementary parents, there is a waiver link for rock climbing):
Hey Toddler Families!
The colder weather is coming more and more everyday and we want to thank you for making sure your little ones are bundled up to keep them warm! With this, we also thank you for making sure all of their clothing is labelled so what is theirs goes home with them!
With these extra layers, we have had a great opportunity to work with your children to practice taking off their jackets, boots, hats, and gloves on their own with little support, and they are continuing to be great at it and getting better everyday!
In our classroom, the children are revisiting activities and materials and mastering them as we go along. We are also seeing the children build stronger bonds with each other and we are seeing them communicate with each other, and with us, more and more everyday!
This past week we had our Show and Share on campus and we hope we were able to give you an insight into what your child gets to experience through their day here with us, and we look forward to building relationships, skills, knowledge, and memories along the way!
Mr. Ardrey.
Good Morning Casa Families,
Greetings, I am Ms. Houston, the new English Assistant in Casa South. Over the past month I have enjoyed getting to know the children. They have all been very welcoming and I feel like I learn so much from them everyday. It has been exciting to be in the classroom and watch each of the children discover new and exciting challenges.
Last week was Show and Share and we loved having our parents come and see what the children are learning. They were truly excited to show off all the amazing things they are accomplishing. The children are never more filled with pride and joy than when they can show another person a skill they have learned.
With the weather always changing and the colder days ahead of us, please be sure to send your child with warm clothing such as jackets, hats, and mittens.
As always, thank you for your continued support, we appreciate it very much.
Wishing each family a wonderful week.
Ms. Houston.
The Elementary classroom was alive with the sound of music last week! As the students prepared to attend a performance by the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, they learned about different families of instruments, listened to famous classical pieces, and talked about tempo, key, accents, and even ostinatos.
Of course, another highlight of the week was the bake sale raising funds for Ronald McDonald House. While these events are fun, community-building activities for the children, they also serve a greater purpose in our Montessori environment. They have to recognize a need in their community and find a way to use their skills in service. Students have the opportunity to practice collaborative planning and to solve problems as they arise. When a few members of the outreach team were not able to continue preparing for the bake sale last week, the remaining child persevered with the support of their peers. More than a dozen students eagerly rallied to help their classmate by offering to assist with planning, baking, dishwashing, setting up, serving, and making change. Thanks to the loving support of many, the work was completed and the sale was a great success, raising $114 in support of Ronald McDonald House.
We look forward to sharing more about your children’s work at our conferences this week!
Marissa and Michelle.
(photos by Zalia)
Friday, November 22: P.A. Day/Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents are reminded to sign up online for your fall parent-teacher conference this week. While it is a P.A. day for students, parents are welcome to bring students along for childcare during their conference. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Thursday, November 28: Upper Elementary Outing
Students in years 4-6 will practice traveling by public bus into Westdale Village during the afternoon work cycle for a late fall hike at Princess Point. Students should bring their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, their Presto card or bus fare, a water bottle, and are welcome to bring an additional nut-free snack to enjoy along the way. Students should be prepared to hike in any weather!
Monday, December 2: Elementary Open House
Please join us in the classroom on Monday, December 2, for our first open house of the year! Family members are welcome to arrive at the Elementary campus anytime between 3:15-4:15 to see displays of the children’s work from the first term. When arriving, please come to the lower cloakroom door where you can stow your coats and bags before coming up into the classroom. You are also invited to visit the bake sale on the front porch hosted by Josephine and Hannah, who are fundraising for Plan International.
Families of students in their third year of the Casa program are welcome and encouraged to visit during this Elementary Open House event.
Gravity Waiver
Elementary students will be rock climbing weekly at Gravity Climbing Gym starting on Dec. 5. From Gravity: “Each climber will need a completed Gravity Climbing Gym Release Form. For participants under the age of 18, the release must be signed by their own parent or court appointed legal guardian. Participants who have attended events within the last 2 years at Gravity may already have a waiver on file but we recommend they call us to confirm. The form can be completed online at the following address: http://www.gravityclimbinggym.com/release-form
“When completed, parents will receive a pdf copy of the signed form. Please print this pdf and send it in with your child by Monday, Dec. 2.“
