Jason Phillips

Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,

We are hosting a “Montessori 101” this Thursday for our first primary (Casa and Toddler) Parent Education event of the school year, and we hope you will join us! It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what your child is doing, how they are developing, and to see friendly faces and meet new families! Mrs. Lyons will be hosting the session. The presentation will introduce you to how and why Montessori is different, with a specific focus on what Montessori called the First Plane of Development (ages 0-6). Come and discover how a Montessori environment is best for your child, and how to encourage natural development at home. The session will run from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., with time for questions at the end. Childcare will be provided for those students whose families are participating. We ask all families that are participating to please RSVP here. Please enter via the glass door foyer off the parking lot. We look forward to seeing you!

We’ll have full photo galleries for you starting next week. This week, please enjoy some images from the Elementary program taken by some student photographers. Click the links below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels.

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Toddler

Hello Toddler Families,

I am excited to see familiar faces and welcome new ones as we kick off another fantastic year at Lyonsgate! These first few weeks of school have seen us busy getting to know each other, exploring the classroom, and learning new routines. During our in-class work cycle, the children have been cutting fruit for snack, exploring the materials, and reveling in sinks with taps at just their height. Lunchtime sees the children setting the table with placemats, plates, and cutlery, and trying new foods. The last days of summer have brought beautiful weather and the children have enjoyed their time outside kicking balls, playing in the sandbox, and using sidewalk chalk. A friendly reminder as our clothes change to fall sweatshirts, rain coats, and boots to please label everything. If you have any questions or something you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we love chatting with you about your amazing children!

Vanessa Findlay,
Toddler Guide.

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Casa

Greetings Casa Parents,

We’re off and running into a new school year with plenty of smiles, a few tears, and no doubt some early nights. It’s been so good to welcome returning faces, to see how much the children have grown and how happy they are to rejoin their classrooms. It’s been equally nice to welcome our newest members, to help them settle in, grow accustomed to daily routines, and get to know their unique personalities.

The returning children are really stepping up to fulfill their role as mentors and guides for their newer classmates. We have already observed connections in the making, the sharing of knowledge, and helping hands in action. Learning to lead and leading to learn are processes we witness and practise on a daily basis.

Now that all the children have joined us, our classrooms are complete and we have begun to form micro communities in both the North and South Casa classes. The outdoor space is a whirlwind of activity with all those energetic bodies interacting and making up games as they build strong bodies and friendships.

As always, we thank you for your support, especially at this time of transition, and look forward to getting to know all of you more throughout the year. Please join us this Thursday afternoon for our first Parent Education session which offers not only an opportunity to expand your Montessori knowledge but also time to get to know other parents in our Lyonsgate community.

See you at the gate,

The Casa Team.

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Elementary

We had a great time last week as the children continued to think about the enormity of the universe, the great expanse of time, and the emergence of humans. Younger students received classic Montessori lessons including the Black Strip and the third Great Lesson: The Story of Human Beings. Older students familiar with these lessons enjoyed exploring a material called the timeline of human beings, which introduces them to different early humans such as Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and Homo neanderthalensis from the Stone Age.

We have lots of things coming up, so please check below for important dates and reminders! Please also enjoy the pictures provided by this week’s student photographers, Colin and Rory.

Warmly,
Marissa and Michelle.

Upper Elementary Community Outing — Thursday, September 26

On Thursday, students in years 4-6 will practice travelling by public bus toward a starting point on the Bruce Trail for our first hike of the fall season. Students should be prepared with 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.

Scholastic Book Order — Friday, September 27

Your child recently brought home a Scholastic book flyer, offering discounts on books for families and encouraging a love of reading. The monthly flyers will highlight new, popular, or seasonal items, with even more choices available on the website.

When you place an order online with our class code, RC 144312 (written on the front of each flyer), your family’s order will be grouped together with others from our class into one shipment, and all the books will arrive at the school. We’ll let you know when your order has arrived, and you can send in a labelled, reusable bag for your order to be brought home. 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, which can be used toward new library books, art supplies, music resources, and other classroom materials.

If you would like to be included in our September shipment, please place your family’s online Scholastic order by Friday, September 27th. Orders placed from the September flyer after that date will be included in our October shipment.

Charity Fun Run — Wednesday, October 2

On Wednesday, October 2, the class will be travelling by chartered school bus to La Salle Park in Burlington to participate in an annual cross-country run with students from other Montessori schools. This event is hosted by Fairview Glen Montessori as a fundraiser for a charity of their choice, and Lyonsgate will be donating the entry fee for all our elementary participants. Students should come prepared for a big day outdoors, wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, carrying a robust litterless lunch and water bottle, and a hat or sunglasses if desired. The charity run will take place in the morning, with the children enjoying lunch and playground time around mid-day, followed by a brief awards ceremony. Due to the capacity limits of the city rental agreement, this event is limited to students and staff, and parent spectators are not permitted. We kindly ask that parents wait to hear about the event after school from their child. Thank you.

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Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

School photo day is this Friday, Sept. 20. All photos will be taken at the Primary (Aberdeen) campus. Elementary students will walk over to have their photos taken. Toddler students will go first while they are still put together for the day.

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Casa and Toddler Parents: Hamilton Public Health vaccine history forms are also due back to Lyonsgate on Friday, Sept. 20. If you maintain up to date vaccine records for your child online with Public Health, and do not need to return a vaccine history form, please let us know.

Also, the first parent education event of the school year is at the end of the school day on Thursday, Sept. 26, and will focus on Maria Montessori’s First Plane of Development. All Toddler and Casa parents are encouraged to attend.

See below for an update from the Elementary program, and your first photo gallery of the school year, giving you a glimpse into your children’s Montessori week.

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Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Elementary

Last week, the students received the second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life, a story from history and biology about the emergence of life in the oceans and the evolution of millions of species through time. Many students were delighted to focus on special features of arthropods, and learn about a time when cockroaches grew to over twelve inches in length! Others focused on the concept of keystone species and the delicate balance maintained between living things and their environment. The children have also been enthusiastically learning to cork, crochet, and knit with needles!

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,
Marissa and Michelle.

Upcoming Dates to Note

Friday, September 20: No Crossing Guards
Please note that on public school P.D. days, the neighbourhood crossing guards will not be available. Please advise any children who are self-dismissing that day of any changes to their dismissal routine or walking route.

Friday, September 20: School Photo Day
Elementary students will be walking together as a group to the Primary campus to have their annual school photos taken.

Thursday, September 26: Upper Elementary Community Outing
All Upper Elementary students will require their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and bus fare or Presto card in preparation for our hike on the Bruce Trail.

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Photo Gallery

Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,

We have a few reminders for you as we head into the final two weeks of the school year:

• TODAY!: Elementary Cultural Fair from 3:15-4:15. See the Elementary section below for details.
• Welcome to Elementary Orientation: Wednesday, June 19, 3:30 – 4:15pm. See your Lyonsgate calendar for details.
• Last Day of School: Thursday, June 20, is the last day of school, and we hope to see you all at Dundas Driving Park on Friday, June 21, for the year-end picnic!

See below for updates and messages from your children’s Montessori levels:

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Toddler

What is a three year old?

Maria Montessori identified four main planes of development. From 0-6 years is the first plane. In the Toddler community, we meet the children in first sub-plane of development, ages 0-3, and we bid farewell to them as they pass through to the second sub-plane, roughly ages 3-6 when they enter the Casa community.

A child approaching three is a poised between two states of being. This is when they move from the unconscious absorbent mind to the conscious absorbent mind. It can happen gradually and in some cases fairly quickly for others. Their skills are all still emerging. As they get past this stage they begin to use all of the raw scientific research from the past few years to refine and organize their information.

They are seeking order and have begun to categorize and organize their impressions of the world. I recall a child examining a see through rain stick and watching the tiny pellets fall through as he tipped it over. He watched for a while and then it occurred to him, “Balls!” There were tiny balls inside of the rain stick! He then had to show everyone with great excitement, “Balls!” His research so far led him to this conclusion and he wanted to tell everyone about his discovery.

A three year old is a magnificent creature. After gathering impressions for three intense years, day after day, processing and building themselves, guided by their own unique inner drives, they have found themselves! Their personality is on display!

It has been my great pleasure to observe this daily construction site of little people discovering and creating themselves. At the end of our journey together I am shaking the hand of a very different yet vaguely familiar little person!

Mrs. Elise Gervais
Toddler Montessori Guide

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Casa

Thank you to all the parents that were able to come in for Parent-Teacher conferences this past week. It’s always great to have the opportunity to discuss all the wonderful things that your children have done throughout the year.

It’s hard to believe that there are only a few more weeks left of school; it feels like the school year has flown by. As we get closer to the end of the school year, we reflect on how much your children have grown and all that they have accomplished. For some children, they started off at a new school, others were going into their last year here, and some were moving up from the Toddler program to Casa. As the year ends, we will be saying goodbye to our graduates and wishing them well. It has been a great school year and we’re looking forward to next year.

The Casa team.

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Elementary

Today! Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair

Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please enter through the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.

Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover

Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. The children will have some staff supervised outdoor time at the HAAA and a snack at the end of the school day. They’ll be returning to campus by 4:30 for some pre-dinner activities, followed by Domino’s pizza, veggies, and fruit. After dinner, we’ll be playing games, telling stories, and making s’mores. There will be some healthy snack options again before bedtime, with pancakes, eggs, and fruit for breakfast in the morning. Students should be picked up on Saturday morning between 8:45-9:00 a.m. It’s going to be a great night!

Thursday, June 20: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation

The last day of school is quickly approaching! Your child will be bringing home their report card, indoor shoes, and any other special trinkets or clothing items that have been residing in the cloakroom. The Elementary students will have some fun activities to wrap up the school year together, and end the day with the Elementary Graduation ceremony. Each sixth year student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the graduation ceremony on campus. Graduates’ family members are welcome to arrive from 3:00, with the ceremony beginning at 3:10, and refreshments to follow.

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Photo Gallery

Hello Lyonsgate Families,

This Friday is a PA Day to accommodate year-end Parent-Teacher Conferences. If you haven’t already done so, please select a conference timeslot. The link is in your update email.

Elementary parents: please also see your update email to sign up for the Elementary senior sleepover, and see the Elementary section below for details.

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Please see updates from your children’s Montessori levels below, and a staff update for the 2024.2025 school year.

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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2024.2025 Staffing Update

As we close in on the end of this school year, we wanted to let you know of some staff changes to expect for the 2024.2025 school year.

We are thrilled to welcome back Ms. Janelle Duhig to the Primary campus where she will return to the Montessori Support role. She will be assisting the classrooms when needed, and out at recess everyday with the Casa children. We are looking forward to her return!

The Toddler community will unfortunately be saying goodbye to Ms. Elise Gervais. She has been such a beautiful role model for the Toddler children, and we feel blessed to have had her share her warmth, kindness, and expertise with the Lyonsgate community. We wish her and her family the very best in the future.

Leading the Toddler team next year will be Ms. Vanessa Findlay. Current students and families are all very familiar with Ms. Findlay and the beautiful way she speaks with the children. She is our early childhood educational assistant in the classroom who has gone back to school to become a Montessori Toddler Guide! We are very excited for her to enter her new role in the Toddler classroom. Stepping into the role as Toddler early childhood assistant will be Ms. Jessica Dewey. Many families are already very familiar with Ms. Dewey as well, who has been a friendly and knowledgeable assistant in the Casa communities. We look forward to welcoming Ms. Dewey to this new role! We are also very happy that Ms. Sydney Relic will continue to share her warmth and gentle guidance in the Toddler classroom.

With sadness, we will also be saying “au revoir” to Mme Renee Perazzo, but please join us in wishing her a wonderful retirement. Mme Perazzo has been such a gentle, friendly, and supportive member of the Casa South community. We wish her and her family all the best.

The Casa South team will continue to be led under the attuned and watchful eye of Ms. Laurie Robinson. We will welcome Ms. Shelby Gelder as the new early childhood education English assistant and Mlle Jessica Moniere as the new French assistant. Your children are already becoming well acquainted with Mlle Moniere, as she has been assisting with recess daily.

The Elementary campus will be saying “au revoir est bonne continuation” to Anne. She has been a guiding light who has shared an abundant amount of knowledge and enthusiasm for the French program, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavours. In her place, we are thrilled to welcome Michelle Morra, who comes to us with previous experience teaching French within the Montessori education program. She has spent time with Anne and the Elementary students already in preparation for this switch in roles.

We are sad to be saying goodbye to such valuable members of our team, but happy and grateful to share that all other staff will remain the same.

We hope you will join us in wishing the very best to our staff who are leaving, and welcoming the new staff who are joining the Lyonsgate team!

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Toddler

Hello Toddler Families,

And just like that it’s June! The Toddler classroom has many beautiful materials and engaging activities, but as I reflect back on the year none are so beloved and consistently used as our classroom library.

As educators, we strive to have familiar books in the class that many children rea to us; there is the rhythmic flow and simple illustrations of Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? or the perennial favourite, Goodnight Moon. We have brightly coloured picture books of cars and trucks that children will repeatedly point to and ask about. There are books about opposites and colours, numbers and letters, feelings, farms, and find it books. Every day, without fail, a child will ask to be read to. To sit at a table, to snuggle in a teacher’s lap, or to gather with their friends on the carpet to explore a book. Chances are, if you give a child access to a library they are going to want to pick a second (and third!) book. So as the days of summer get closer don’t forget to pack a book or two in your bag for the park or beach, you’ll be glad you did.

Vanessa Findlay, RECE.

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Casa

Summer Books

As we move closer to the summer break you may be looking for longer books to read with your children. It goes without saying that it’s great to continue reading picture books, but if your children are ready, adding in just the right chapter book can add a new dimension to your read aloud time. The following list begins with books that three year-olds might enjoy and progresses to those recommended for four and five year-olds.

Oh Sal, Kevin Henkes
Hickory, Palmer Brown
Dinosaur Trouble, Dick King-Smith
Lady Lollipop, Dick King-Smith
Milly, Molly, Mandy, Joyce Lankester Brisley
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, Megumi Iwasa
Mercy Watson to the Rescue, Kate DiCamillo
Mrs. Noodlekugel, Daniel Pinkwater

The Very Very Far North (series), Dan Bar-El
Catwings, Ursula K. Le Guin
Jenny and the Cat Club, Esther Averill
Teddy & Co., Cynthia Voigt
My Father’s Dragon (series), Ruth Stiles Gannet
Babe the Gallant Pig, Dick King-Smith
The Mouse Called Wolf, Dick King-Smith
The First Case, Ulf Nilsson
The Adventures of the South Pole Pig, Chris Katz
Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren

Happy Reading!

Ms. Robinson.

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Elementary

The Elementary classroom is humming with energy both inside and out! With the beautiful weather, many of the children have taken their work out of doors, as they compose short stories and book reviews, rehearse their French plays, and transplant their seedlings into the garden. Everyone has been getting ready for the Cultural Fair next week, preparing clay models, paintings, essays, and slideshows to share with you some of the discoveries they’ve made this term. Our graduating sixth year students also traveled to the ROM in Toronto last week. They enjoyed their first subway ride and were awestruck by the artifacts on display. They were delighted to discover the ROM’s collection and how it connects to their years of cultural studies in history, biology, and geography. While the class elders were away, the rest of the children were excited to welcome the graduating Casa students to the Elementary campus for a tour, language games, and some yoga! To end the week, everyone had fun learning volleyball skills at the park for P.E.

We look forward to speaking with everyone at the Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday!

Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair

Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please enter through the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.

Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover

Students in Years 3-6 have the option to join Marissa and Michelle on campus for a Friday night sleepover! The final day to sign-up for the senior sleepover is Thursday, June 6. Please follow the link in your update email to sign-up!

Thursday, June 20: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation

The last day of school is quickly approaching! The Elementary students will have some fun activities to wrap up the school year together, and end the day with the Elementary Graduation ceremony. Each sixth year student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the graduation ceremony on campus. Graduates’ family members are welcome to arrive from 3:00, with the ceremony beginning at 3:10, and refreshments to follow.

Marissa & Michelle.

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Photo Gallery

Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,

Year-end Parent-Teacher conferences are on Friday, June 7. Lyonsgate is closed to students on June 7, but childcare is available during your conference. Please see your update email to select a Parent-Teacher conference timeslot (some classrooms have a few after school timeslots earlier in the week).

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See below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels, including a summary of last week’s Casa Parent Education event.

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Toddler

Hello Toddler Families,

This past week, we started to witness some of our older toddlers exhibiting signs that they are outgrowing the toddler room. The tables in the classroom have begun to be used as chairs with children casually sitting on the edge of the table to observe a presentation. The table height seems to be a more suitable height for sitting now. The sinks that all seemed to be the perfect height in September now have some of our toddlers stooping to wash their hands. One child was delighted to show me that he could reach the top of the fence outside on the playground!

In addition to physically outgrowing the toddler room, we can see that many are now more interested in collaborative play. They have begun to want to play together and use their imagination, mimicking things that they see out in the world, or replaying stories that they have been treated to in books or movies.

They surprise us every day with the things they say, things they are now able to do by themselves, and their ability to find ways to develop themselves.

Lately, we are watching children building their physical strength and coordination on the playground, chasing bubbles, climbing the fence to hang up their hat, jumping off the little ledges outside. Some children who could not leave the ground when they jumped can now suddenly do it!

Ms. Gervais.

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Casa

Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us for the informative evening of learning about the Brain and Body Connection. It was incredible to hear how quickly infants’ brains develop. We learned that it is a use it or lose it situation. This is why Lyonsgate prides itself on the French aspect of our programming to ignite the brain and stimulate the language area of the brain. Waiting to introduce until an older age has scientifically been proven to impair the potential for growth. We learned that Maria Montessori was ahead of the science by encouraging a learning environment to engage the five senses of the human body. The brain and body connection is strong in a well-equipped Montessori class.

We also learned of the importance of crossing the midline — the strengthening of the body core (avoiding “W” sitting), the ability to cross arms, legs, and eyes across the vertical midline of the body. All these body motions allow the two sides of the brain to communicate and helps in the everyday functions of fluid movement, reading, and writing.

“The most difficult thing, as teachers know, is not to move. It is more difficult not to move than to move well; for this reason, children must have much practice in moving well and in controlling their motions before exercising the will to successfully inhibit every voluntary movement.” Maria Montessori, The Montessori Approach to Music, p. 23.

As we start seeing the beginning of summertime plans and the excitement that accompanies it, we wanted to share some ideas to promote crossing the midline, free play, and risky play:

– local parks
– splash pads
– local trail and hiking trails
– rainy day living room obstacle courses
– backyard obstacle courses
– climbing trees in the backyard
– camping both in the backyard and in the many Ontario parks
– Triple C farm
– Flying Squirrel
– Treetop Trekking
– and that is to name just a few….
– Think back to your childhood, what did you love to do?

On January 25, 2024, the Canadian Paediatric Society put out a statement:

“Free play is essential for children’s development and for their physical, mental, and social health. Opportunities to engage in outdoor free play — and risky play in particular — have declined significantly in recent years, in part because safety measures have sought to prevent all play-related injuries rather than focusing on serious and fatal injuries. Risky play is defined by thrilling and exciting forms of free play that involve uncertainty of outcome and possibility of physical injury.”

A final word on what to say instead of “Be Careful”:

– Do you feel safe and secure?
– Do you see your friends nearby?
– Do you see how high you are?
– Notice how… (slippery, hot, deep, etc. it is).
– How will you… (get across, over, down, etc.)?
– What is your plan?

Draw attention to things that could be risky without telling them, “Don’t do that. Stop. Be
careful.”

Ms. Canessa.

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Elementary

Thursday, May 30: 6th Year Graduation Trip

Our classroom elders will be celebrating their graduation from Lyonsgate this year with a day trip to Toronto to visit the Royal Ontario Museum. Students attending the trip should arrive at the West Harbor GO Station between 8:45-9:00 a.m. to meet up with the group and be ready to board the Lakeshore West train to Toronto. Students will require their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, a Presto card to travel the GO and TTC transit systems, a small water bottle, as well as a packed lunch and snacks. We anticipate returning home on a mid-afternoon train, with student pick-up at the West Harbor GO Station at 4:15 p.m.

Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair

Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. When you arrive, please enter through the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30.

Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover

Students in Years 3-6 have the option to join Marissa and Michelle on campus for a Friday night sleepover! This will celebrate our third year students’ transition from lower to upper elementary, and all the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a senior student. For those students who wish to attend, we’ll be having a pizza dinner, followed by an evening of fun activities before settling into our sleeping bags for the night. We’ll enjoy a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before heading home for the weekend. Please follow the link in your update email to sign up.

Upcoming Dates to Note:

Monday, May 27: French play costumes due
Friday, June 7: Parent-Teacher Conferences

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Photo Gallery

Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,

• The Casa Parent Education event, “The Brain and Body Connection: How Movement Impacts Brain Development” is this Thursday, May 23, from 3:45-4:30. Please enter through the glass doors off the parking lot (rain day doors). Toddler siblings are welcome to stay with Toddler staff that day to accommodate your attendance at the Casa Parent Education event. Please see your update email for the RSVP link.

• Parent-Teacher conferences are coming up on June 7 (a PA day; childcare will be available during your conference). Sign-up for your 20-minute conference timeslot will be available next Monday, May 27.

Summer Camp Options: Please see below for a couple of summer camp options from non-affiliated but friends of Lyonsgate:

• Stoney Creek Children’s Club is a nature-based, Montessori-inspired summer camp run by the co-founder and former director of Stoney Creek Montessori School and is available for children aged 5-13 (4-year-olds who have had experience in a childcare or school setting can also register).
• Our in-building neighbours, Yungal Kunj Temple and Community Centre, are hosting a “Festivals of India” summer camp for children 6-12 years old. Please click here for information

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See below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels, and photos of the past week at Lyonsgate:

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Toddler

Hello Toddler Parents,

This week, we ventured a little further to a large grassy area locally known as “the Rez,” (an underground stormwater storage reservoir). It offered opportunities for us to climb up the big staircase, walk on some uneven ground, and simply run in the big open area. It was thrilling for them to explore a different environment. Then, on our way back to the school, it began to rain so we all got a little damp. Everyone had a great lunch and a good nap!

So much information can be gathered and experienced when a child spends time outdoors. It is an opportunity to build physical strength and coordination, explore with all of their senses, reduce stress, and begin to nurture an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. Over the decades, children have been spending less and less time outside. Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, offers inspiration for parents who would love to incorporate more outdoor time and “tools to reclaim the wonders and health benefits of nature.”

I encourage you to go for walks with your child. Allow them to lead the way, go at their pace and observe what they pay attention to. Be open to whatever discoveries or conversations happen.

Ms. Gervais.

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Casa

Salut tout le monde! Finalement, le printemps est arrivé!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend. We have been looking at the signs and hearing the sounds of the new season.

We have been noticing the warm weather, birds chirping, flowers growing, different insects, enjoying picnics with our snacks, and looking forward to more visits at the park.

The children also joyfully worked creating seed balls for Mother’s Day. Happy planting!

There is so much to discover!

Bonne semaine!

Mme Renée Perazzo.

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Elementary

Thursday, May 23 — Upper Elementary Outing

Upper Elementary students are reminded to be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, their Presto card, and comfortable footwear for this month’s outing. The students will be taking public transit to Bayfront Park to hike the Waterfront Trail. Students are welcome to bring along a simple nut-free snack and light-weight water bottle, and should be prepared for whatever weather we may encounter!

Thursday, May 30 — 6th Year Graduation Trip

Our classroom elders will be celebrating their graduation from Lyonsgate this year with a day trip to Toronto to visit the Royal Ontario Museum. Students attending the trip should arrive at the West Harbor GO Station between 8:45-9:00 a.m. to meet up with the group and be ready to board the Lakeshore West train to Toronto. Students will require their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, a Presto card to travel the GO and TTC transit systems, a small water bottle, as well as a packed lunch and snacks. We anticipate returning home on a mid-afternoon train, with student pick-up at the West Harbor GO Station at 4:15 p.m.

Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15 — Elementary Senior Sleepover

Students in years 3-6 have the option to join Marissa and Michelle on campus for a Friday night sleepover! This will celebrate our third year students’ transition from lower to upper elementary, and all the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a senior student. For those students who wish to attend, we’ll be having a pizza dinner, followed by an evening of fun activities before settling into our sleeping bags for the night. We’ll enjoy a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before heading home for the weekend. Please follow the link in your emailed update to sign-up!

Upcoming Dates to Note:

Friday, June 7: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Monday, June 10: Elementary Cultural Fair

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Photo Gallery

Happy Monday Lyonsgate Parents,

Reminder: Friday this week is a PD day that leads into the Victoria Day long weekend and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed on Friday, May 17, and on Monday, May 20.

Toddler Parent Education: The Toddler staff will be hosting a Parent Education event this Thursday, May 16, from 3:00-3:30 in the Toddler classroom. They will be discussing “Toilet Learning The Montessori Way.” Please enter through the glass doors off the parking lot (rain day doors).

Casa Parent Education: The Casa staff will be hosting a Parent Education event next Thursday, May 23, from 3:45-4:30 in the Casa South classroom. Please join your children’s Casa guides as they discuss “The Brain and Body Connection: How Movement Impacts Brain Development.” Please enter through the glass doors off the parking lot (rain day doors). Toddler siblings are welcome to stay with Toddler staff that day to accommodate your attendance at the Casa Parent Education event.

Please see the email version of this update for sign-up links for the Casa Parent Education event,  Elementary LRS Conferences this Friday, and for the Elementary senior student sleepover June 14-15.

See below for updates from your children’s Montessori levels, and a larger than usual photo gallery:

Toddler

Casa

Elementary

Photo Gallery

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Toddler

Hello Toddler Families,

This week, we have been maximizing our time outside. On Thursday, we journeyed to Beulah Park for a change of scenery. The children were keen to climb and run and slide and spin on the equipment. In the classroom, the children have been making noodle necklaces, using their fine motor skills to thread noodles onto pipe cleaners to create jewelry for Mother’s Day! Some were very enthusiastic about this activity and made necklaces and bracelets too! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the beautiful mothers in this toddler community and beyond to all of the wonderful mothers in our lives. I hope that you were celebrated this past weekend and cherished for who you are!

Next week, I will be offering a toddler seminar on “Toilet Learning the Montessori Way.” Please come and let us set you and your child up for success, and a diaper free summer!

The Parent Education event will be held on Thursday, May 17th, from 3:00-3:30. Please let us know if you are able to attend by emailing toddler@lyonsgate.ca.

Ms. Gervais.

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Casa

Bonjour le beau temps du printemps!

Our students are excited to discover new little bugs in our playground every day. I often hear:

• “Madame, I see araignée” (spider).
• “There is a lot of fourmi” (ants).
• “Oh! This is a beautiful coccinelle” (ladybug).
• “There is a baby mille-pattes” (centipede).

I’m sure you already guessed that we are learning the different insects.

Lately, we have been practicing a few phrases:

• Quelle est la couleur de tes yeux?
  • Mes yeux sont marrons/bleus, verts…
• Quelle est ta glace préférée?
  • J’aime la glace au chocolat, … à la vanille, …à la fraise, etc.
• Quelle est ta couleur préféré?
  • Ma couleur préférée est…

Recently, Casa North students enjoyed these books:

• Anniversaire by Robert Munsch (if your child comes home and asks for 200 pizzas, this is why!).
• Qui habite ici? by Dot and Sy Barlowe.
• Mon ami est triste by Mo Willems.
• L’arbre bric-à-brac by Nick Bland.
• J’ai perdu mon chat by Philippe Beha.

Their favourite song is “Balalaïka,” by Pierre Lozère; it’s a French/Russian song to teach right, left, straight — directions.

Bonne fête des mères.

Mme Murati.

Elementary

Thursday, May 16 — Scholastic Orders Due

It’s a great time to start stocking up on books for your child’s summer reading goals. There are some classroom favourites available through this month’s Scholastic order forms, such as the latest addition to the Dragon Masters series, readers based on Jory John’s popular food series with characters such as “The Cool Bean,” and graphic novels from The Babysitters Club. Place your online order by Thursday, May 16th, to receive free shipping as part of our classroom order!

Friday, May 17 — P.D. Day/Elementary Learning Resource Conferences

While the campus will be closed to students, staff will be on-site refreshing the classroom and preparing lessons for the rest of the term. Parents of students who routinely work with our learning resource specialist, Kim, are invited to schedule a parent-teacher conference with her that day. Please follow the link in the emailed update to choose a time for your conference.

Thursday, May 23 — Upper Elementary Outing

Upper Elementary students are reminded to be prepared with their red Lyonsgate t-shirt, their Presto card, and comfortable footwear for this month’s outing. The students will be taking public transit to Bayfront Park to hike the Waterfront Trail. Students are welcome to bring along a simple nut-free snack and light-weight water bottle, and should be prepared for whatever weather we may encounter!

Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15 — Elementary Senior Sleepover

Students in Years 3-6 have the option to join Marissa and Michelle on campus for a Friday night sleepover! This will celebrate our third year students’ transition from lower to upper elementary, and all the privileges and responsibilities that come with being a senior student. For those students who wish to attend, we’ll be having a pizza dinner, followed by an evening of fun activities before settling into our sleeping bags for the night. We’ll enjoy a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning before heading home for the weekend. Please follow the link in the email update to sign-up!

CANCELED — Montessori Summer Fun Camp

Due to low registration, our Montessori Summer Fun Camp will not be offered this year. We are happy to offer a week of camp to families when there is sufficient interest, but we know that the children in our community have many wonderful options for activities during the summer. If you have already registered for camp, please contact accounts@lyonsgate.ca for a refund of fees.

Upcoming Dates to Note:

Thursday, May 30: 6th Year Graduation Trip
Friday, June 7: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Monday June 10: Elementary Cultural Fair

From the classroom historians, Pippa and Edmée:

 

 

 

 

 

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Photo Gallery