Happy Monday Lyonsgate Families,
A few notes for the week(s) ahead:
- Friday, Feb. 16, is a PD day and both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Feb. 19, is the Family Day statutory holiday and both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed.
- See the Elementary section for RSVP and details about their Parent Education event this Thursday.
- Parent Education events for Toddler and Casa parents are next week on Wed., Feb. 21, and Thurs. Feb. 22, respectively.
Greetings Toddler Parents,
This past week we had the pleasure of welcoming a new student into our community. It was heartwarming and fascinating to observe the other children gather around to marvel at this new little person. Some children took on a nurturing role while others just stared (probably a little too closely) and asked questions like, “What is his name?”
We enjoyed the strangely tropical weather for February and the children were able to shed their hats and mittens and use their hands to build with blocks outside on the picnic table. It was nice to feel the warm sun on our faces and see some of the children able to leave their boots at home in favour of running shoes and light jackets. At the same time, I wondered how we should introduce the wisdom of climate action to small children who are getting ready to inherit this planet. Most of the teaching that occurs in our environment happens by modeling the desired, most responsible behaviour. At the moment, we compost all of our food waste in the classroom, and we recycle all paper and plastic. These are good daily habits. Is there something more we could be doing?
Ms. Gervais.
We are so excited to invite all of you to come observe in our Casa classrooms, not only to observe your child but the classroom as a whole. The observations will take place during our morning work cycle and can happen throughout the rest of the school year after contacting your child’s guide to set up a time.
While observing, it is important to note that you are there to watch, not interact, so that you are able to get the best interpretation of the classroom. In the words of Maria Montessori, “the adult must respect the concentration of a child as that of a researcher or an artist.” The Casa class belongs to the child and we are visiting their space.
Observation is one of the most important parts of our days. Observing the children and the class as a whole allows us to meet everyone’s needs, understand the children and the classroom, as well as help us adjust things accordingly. Observing children in the classroom allows us into the secret world of the child by letting us know what they do and why they do them. Each time we observe we can decide one of two things: 1. to act on our observation, or 2. to not act. Other times, when observing, we are just learning more about the child.
“Wait while observing. That is the motto for the educator. Let us wait and be always ready to share in both the joys and the difficulties which the child experiences. Let us have endless patience with [their] slow progress and show enthusiasm and gladness at [their] success.” — Maria Montessori.
Ms. Briar Beach.
Flower Arranging Sign-Up: Thank you for all of the beautiful bouquets of flowers for the students’ Flower Arranging activity. We would love it if our Casa families could please sign up for a second round as we head into the spring term:
In class this week there was a lot of enthusiasm for work with the pin map material, identifying the countries within a continent, as well as important bodies of water. In biology, students learned more about the cardiovascular system, exploring the characteristics and functions of different types of blood cells. The students also had a great second visit to Elev8 Dance on Dundurn! There was a lot of laughter and fun as they played a series of partnered movement games, a balance challenge, and practiced a dance routine. Some of the students were surprised to learn at the end of class that they had been studying ballet, with practice at fundamental movements such as tendu, tombe, and bourree!
Wishing you a great week ahead,
Marissa and Michelle.
Parent Education Event — Thursday, February 15
Our next parent education event will be taking place after school on Thursday, February 15, from 3:30-4:15. Parents are invited to join Marissa and Michelle to discuss a Montessori approach to supporting children’s mental health and social wellness during the Elementary years.
Please note, all Elementary students will be traveling to the HAAA at 3:20 that day ahead of the parent presentation. Students whose families are attending the parent education event will be included in the aftercare program (with no charge). These students will return to the Elementary campus by 4:30.
All other students will be dismissed from the HAAA park between 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca with how many adults are planning to attend, and whether you require Elementary or Casa child care that day, by Tuesday, Feb 13.
Elev8 Dance — Friday, February 23
The class will be attending P.E. outings at Elev8 Dance on Friday afternoons throughout the month of February. Please help your child remember to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt on Friday, February 23, for dance class!
Open Classroom Art Show — Monday, March 4
Family members are invited to join us as the classroom is transformed into a gallery of student artwork. The classroom will be open to visitors from 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Sweet treats prepared by our student fundraising team will be available for purchase in support of KidsSport Canada.
