Happy Easter long weekend Lyonsgate Families,
We hope everyone is enjoying the weekend however your family celebrates — religiously, chocolately, restfully, or with family. We’re hoping for some warm, consistent weather as we head into the final three months of the school year. Show & Share for Casa students is coming up in May, and year-end parent-teacher conferences take place the first week of June.
We have an update from the Toddler program this week.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Spring has sprung and the children are noticing! Bulky snow pants and heavy winter boots are gone and have been replaced with splash pants and bright rain boots. Our classroom weather exploration of ice to water has become a reality as the children splash in puddles that used to be ice. Our weather song is always a favourite as we discuss what it looks like outside. The toddlers take turns on the learning tower giving a weather report …is it sunny, cloudy, snowing, or raining?
The children have been showing a keen interest in living creatures as we discuss how ladybugs begin as grubs, caterpillars become butterflies, and how tadpoles grow into frogs. Outside, we are listening to the birds chirping, feeling the wind blow, and noticing small buds on the trees. These sensory rich experiences support independence, build vocabulary naturally, and encourage curiosity, allowing toddlers to understand weather as a meaningful part of their everyday environment.
Wishing all those who celebrate a Happy Easter!
Mrs. Findlay.
Please click the links below for important dates from your children’s levels, other valuable information, and for recent photos of Lyonsgate’s Montessori students at work:
Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates [find Flower Contribution sign-up links there too]
Elementary Upcoming Important Dates
Check your Lyonsgate calendar regularly for up to date events and information. You can add the school calendar to your own by clicking the “+” at bottom left on mobile or “Add to Google Calendar” on desktop.
Lyonsgate Upcoming Important Dates and Information
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Casa Parent Observations: Casa North Observations | Casa South Observations
If you are able, please choose a week or two throughout the school year to contribute a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to your child’s class: Toddler | Casa North | Casa South
Elementary Upcoming Important Dates
- Springtime is for Gardening! Over the coming weeks, our younger students will be working to raise seedlings to transfer to the gardens in the outdoor classroom. We expect to get a bit wet and dirty and have noticed the children growing like weeds the past few weeks, so it may be time to refresh your child’s spare clothes stash in the cloakroom. As the weather gets warmer, children should continue to wear socks and closed toed shoes to school to be ready for all activities. We look forward to more explorations outdoors!
- Monday, April 6: Easter Monday. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Tuesday, April 7: “Going Out” to Central Library. Over many years in the Elementary program, our senior students have developed an awareness of community resources, as well as the confidence and skills to pursue them. To facilitate their independent projects this term, several of the Upper Elementary students have requested to plan a trip to Central Library to access materials only available on site, with a Montessori guide shadowing them through the journey. Students in Years 4-7 who wish to go out on Tuesday afternoon should ensure they are wearing their red Lyonsgate t-shirt and have their Presto card or bus fare with them, and the others are welcome to continue their work on campus.
- Friday, April 10: O.W.L. Workshop #6: Feelings and Attractions Students in Years 4-7 will be participating in the O.W.L. workshop Feelings and Attractions, with games and role-plays related to changing relationships, intimacy, and attraction. Please help your child remember to complete the short reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, p. 6-7.
- Friday, April 24: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
Elementary Parent Observations: Parents are welcome to email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to arrange a classroom observation time, at least one week in advance please. Observations take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 9:00-11:30. (Other days and times may be available if needed). You will be observing the whole Elementary environment and classroom, not solely your own child.
