Hello Lyonsgate Families,

While the school bus was definitely the most exciting part for some of the Casa students, our day at the Royal Botanical Gardens was a fantastic time and experience. The last early-year PD day is Wed. Oct. 5 (Yom Kippur); Elementary cross country is also Oct. 5. Casa orientation is Oct. 6.

Updates from last week in your children’s Montessori classrooms:

Toddler

Casa North

Casa South

Elementary

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Toddler

Hello Toddler families,

Its amazing to think that we are already at the end of September; time really flies when you’re busy having fun. We will keep the update short this week, however, we just wanted to share how lovely it was that many of you were able to join us on our field trip to the RBG. It was great to gather as a community and see your children interact outside of our school walls. We also wanted to point out that many of the children seem to have benefited from this experience as they were able to see their parent(s) alongside their teachers in a fun and social activity which allowed for an easier transition week at school. We want to thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts that are your children, and we are so thrilled to see their confident and smiling faces each day. We truly are so fortunate to be here. We hope you had a beautiful and restful weekend.


Casa North

Hello Casa North Families,

My name is Ms. Canessa and I am the newest member of the Casa North team, joining this year as an English Assistant. I’m a licensed RECE with years of experience in Montessori Casa classrooms. I have three adult children who all benefitted from a Montessori education. I have a passion for the outdoors and believe strongly in it as a learning environment for children. The benefits of risky play and exploration teach the child more about themselves while instilling a love for the world around them. I love sharing recess with the Casa North children and look for an opportunity to enhance their outdoor play with invitations to learn more about nature and her cycle of seasons.

So far, I have felt right at home and comfortable with my time in Casa North. I have loved forming a relationship with the children and staff. I look forward to seeing all your children grow and flourish in this rich Montessori environment.

One of my favourite moments this past month has been seeing the children make new friends and bond with their old buddies. I have loved their zest for life and their comfort with the materials and day-to-day life in the class.

Reminders from our team:

  • Please fill your child’s water bottle daily. They do have access to water for refills, but should come to school filled.
  • Begin practicing independent dressing/undressing with new coats and jackets, boots, mittens, etc., in preparation for colder weather. Consider your child’s abilities when choosing boots with laces or straps, finger gloves, scarves, or balaclavas. Although we assist during transition times, there are 24 students in total and our focus is on setting them up for independence & success.

I look forward to getting to know each of you better as the year progresses. Be sure to say hello at the gate — I would love to connect further!

Best,

Ms. Canessa & the CN team


Casa South

Hello Families,

My name is Jessica Dewey and I’m the English Assistant in Casa South this year. September always seems to fly by! In just a few short weeks the morning tears have dwindled and we’ve all settled comfortably into classroom routines. Our returning students have taken on mentorship roles with our first year students, helping them with their shoes, giving gentle reminders when a rule is forgotten, or assisting in completing a challenging task in the classroom.

Last week was a particularly eventful week. The field trip was so much fun! We were fortunate that the rain held off except for a brief shower in the afternoon. The children were so engaged, asking questions and making observations about the plants and animals we found around us.

Looking forward to another great week,

Ms. Dewey.


Elementary

Last week, the students learned about the migration of early humans around the world over the thousands of years. They discussed what it means to be an Indigenous person whose ancestors have lived in a place longer than written history, and that there are many different groups of Indigenous people living in Canada. In preparation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, they listened to stories from people who attended residential schools as children, and learned about the challenges they faced even upon returning home. Older students in the class worked in small groups to create new t-shirt designs in recognition of “Orange Shirt Day,” while younger students created cut-outs of their hands and wrote things that made them feel connected to their families. Following our Community Lunch on Friday, we spent time discussing our land acknowledgement, and taking a moment of silence to remember and honour all the children and communities affected by the residential school system.

This week, students will be given the Fourth Great Lesson — The Story of Communication in Signs. We look forward to new explorations in how humans have fostered connection and communities through the use of written language.

Warmly,

Marissa and Michelle


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