Happy Family Day Long Weekend Everyone,
We have an update from the Elementary program this week all about their engagement with the history and experience of current cultural celebrations, and information for parents in the Elementary section. You may hear about visitors to your children’s Montessori Casa classrooms as prospective new Lyonsgate families are beginning to observe during the morning Montessori work cycle. Otherwise, the calendar is quiet as we head towards the March Break from March 9-20.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Despite the chilly weather, the students have still been eager to get outside and get active with the snow. As they invent simple games or perform feats of strength to move great snow boulders across a frozen field, they are discovering that like the ancient Greeks, they enjoy competing with their friends. As we continue our civilization study of ancient Greece, the students are creating their own version of the Olympic Winter Games, with indoor and outdoor events to come. The students will be working together to plan some silly sports challenges, pairing off to represent different nations, and celebrating their friendly competition with opening ceremonies and the playing of national anthems.
Cultural celebrations are always an important part of the elementary experience, and this week has seen many connections drawn between our modern holidays and their development through history. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, the students heard Greek myths about Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and her son Eros, called Cupid by the ancient Romans. They learned about Eros’ golden arrows and his ability to make gods and humans fall into love or enmity. With Lunar New Year arriving at the start of next week, the class also discussed how humans track the passage of time, and learned about the use of solar and lunar calendars. Some students heard the story of the Great Race, where the Jade Emperor names the twelve years of the Chinese Zodiac, while others heard the Legend of Nian, which explains why their new year celebrations feature the colour red, glowing lanterns, and firecrackers. The students are always excited to learn about the meaning behind the symbols and activities associated with our holidays. We hope you all have a wonderful long weekend together, with your own family traditions and celebrations.
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
- March 9-20: March Break.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- March 9-20: March Break.
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
- Friday, February 20: O.W.L. Workshop 5, Part 1: Gender. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the first half of the O.W.L. workshop Gender, and learning about the difference between biological sex and gender expression. Students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 1: What is Sex?, Section 5, Who You Are, pages 11-18.
- Saturday, February 21: Registration Open House for Interested Families. Registration is now open for families not currently attending Lyonsgate! We are always happy to welcome new children into our elementary community, regardless of where they have started their schooling. Families who are interested in a Montessori approach to learning through the elementary years with Mapleside Montessori are invited to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31 between 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Come visit us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- Monday, March 2: Culture Fair Open Classroom for Current Parents. The classroom will be open to family visitors on Monday, March 2 from 3:15-4:15 p.m. as the children display their work from the second term. The Culture Fair is our second open classroom of the school year, with students showcasing work related to their study of ancient Greece, as well as their literature circles, and independent projects. 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 p.m.
- March 9-20: March Break.
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.
