Hello Lyonsgate Families,
As a number of you noted last week, the end of the school year seems to be approaching at a rapid pace. While we don’t make notable mention of it, the students are starting to sense some excitement in the air, as well as some smoke. Thank you all for understanding as we adjusted to another new and not-so-exciting issue to deal with last week.
Parents of New and Returning Elementary Students in September: There are a number of Elementary events in the coming weeks; please check your Lyonsgate calendar for dates, times, and details.
- Please see the Elementary section for an orientation date option survey.
- For new Elementary students and parents next year, please see the Casa section for details of your orientation this Wednesday.
“Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.”
In the Toddler community we are observing a strong desire for the children to be helpful. Jobs like washing the table in preparation for a meal, serving snack or water to their fellow classmates, bringing the bin of dishes to the kitchen to be cleaned are all ways for a child to be useful. The act of doing the important work of contributing to a community gives the child a sense of belonging and responsibility. There is so much enthusiasm for these jobs that children will delay their own snack in order to serve someone else. It is within human nature to help each other. We cannot do it alone.
Ms. Gervais.
Good Morning, Lyonsgate Families!
June always seems so far away until it’s here. As staff, we plan, collaborate, and work to meet the goals we’ve set for the children, while the children do what comes naturally: play, practice, learn, and explore. At this time of year we tend to feel a sense of urgency around whether we have done enough. Did we teach enough academic skills? Have we practiced enough grace and courtesy? Did we model kindness and patience? Are they prepared for whatever comes next?
On a personal note, my family is moving to a new home this month so I’m also feeling that added pressure as we pack and purge. I’m excited for summer and a fresh start but I need to remind myself to slow down and appreciate the memories and connections we’ve made. The children in our classes are the same ones we met in September (which wasn’t really so long ago), yet each one has grown so much, inside and out. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know every one of them.
Thank you for reading,
Jessica Dewey.
Welcome to Elementary — Parent and Child Orientation, Wednesday, June 14
Parents of children who will be moving up from Casa to our Elementary program in September are invited to an orientation session with Michelle, our lead guide for Lower Elementary students, from 3:30 – 4:00 in the Oak Room. Casa students who are moving up to Elementary are welcome to arrive with their parents and join Marissa, our lead guide for Upper Elementary students, for an art activity in the Pine Room.
When you arrive, please go to the north gate marked Learning Starts Here, and go down the stairs to the cloakroom door. Ring the bell, and one of our staff members will greet you.
The class had a wonderful time exploring Crawford Lake, learning about the features of the land and meromictic lake, as well as traditional cultural practices of the Wendat. The students loved exploring the longhouses re-built on the archaeological footprints of a village from more than 500 years ago. They examined different animal pelts, discovered a variety of uses for dried herbs, and saw how to start a fire with flint and milkweed. They even got to practice their lacrosse skills! It was a joyful way to further our understanding of the history of Canada, and develop an appreciation for the ways humans have adapted to this land over time. We look forward to continuing our studies of Canadian history as we celebrate Pride and National Indigenous Peoples Day this month.
Warmly,
Marissa and Michelle.
Open House — TODAY, Monday, June 12
Please join us for our final Open House of the school year! Visit the Elementary campus between 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. to tour exhibits of the children’s recent work. Parents, siblings, and other caregivers are welcome. Please come up to the front porch and enter through the Maple Room door when you arrive. We look forward to seeing you there!
Elementary Photo Day, Part 2 — Thursday, June 15
The Elementary staff will be taking some amateur photos of our graduating students, as well as a whole class picture. Students are welcome to dress their best, or bring a change of clothes for photos. The photos will be shared digitally with Elementary families.
Elementary Graduation — Thursday, June 22
The Elementary class will have a short ceremony on the last day of school to celebrate those students who are moving on from Lyonsgate to middle school this fall. Graduating sixth year students are welcome to invite two adults, as well as their siblings, to attend the celebration. Guests should arrive at 3:00 p.m. to be seated, and the ceremony will begin shortly after.
Elementary Orientation Date Survey
Parents of returning and new Elementary students, please complete the following survey by Friday, June 16, to help us select the best date for the Elementary Orientation at the beginning of the next school year; we would like as many families as possible to be able to attend. Thank you.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/dpW2DNLry9axXQ6x7
