Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Casa North has an update for you all this week; we hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into all of the Montessori environments at Lyonsgate.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Casa North has been busy since Winter Break, returning with renewed energy and focus. The students have settled beautifully back into their routines, and it has been a joy to watch their independence and concentration continue to grow.
As we moved into February, the class eagerly embraced the spirit of Valentine’s Day — they have truly been enthusiastic about every seasonal celebration so far this year. We thoughtfully rotated several materials on our shelves to reflect the theme, including spooning activities with small plastic hearts and fine motor work using tweezers with felt hearts. These subtle changes have sparked fresh interest, particularly among students who had begun to master — and perhaps tire of — the traditional spooning and tweezing works. By refreshing familiar materials with a seasonal touch, we were able to re-engage their curiosity while continuing to strengthen the same foundational skills in coordination, concentration, and independence. We also introduced “heart trees,” where they practiced pasting hearts onto a bare tree outline, as well as paper heart chains that quickly became a classroom favourite. The heart chains were chosen consistently each day and provided an opportunity to practice using a stapler (with teacher guidance), further refining hand strength and control.
Our classroom community also came together for special shared experiences this month. On Pancake Tuesday, the students helped mix the batter before gathering to watch the pancakes being prepared on the griddle. They then enjoyed sharing a snack together, reinforcing both practical life skills and our sense of community. A few weeks ago, we were fortunate enough to have Casa South share crepes with us, offering them an exposure to a different style of cuisine and broadening their cultural awareness in a meaningful and delicious way.
Music continues to be a joyful part of our afternoon circle — the bilingual “I am a Pizza” song is still very loved, and they frequently request the “Months of the Year” song. It has been wonderful to see their growing confidence as they sing along. Speaking of months of the year, we are hopeful that the spring weather will soon be upon us! As the snow begins to melt and outdoor play becomes wetter, we kindly ask that you ensure your child has extra pants and socks at school in case they become drenched during their outdoor exploration.
We are looking forward to another engaging and productive month ahead.
Ms. Early.
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.
- Public Health Information: Hamilton Public Health has asked us to share the following measles prevention and vaccine information with you prior to the March Break:
Routine vaccinations are the most important and effective way to protect against vaccine preventable diseases including measles which continues to spread globally. If you or your family is planning to travel over March break, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure that you are up to date on all recommended routine vaccinations to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Contact your healthcare provider or a Hamilton Public Health Vaccine Program Nurse at 905- 905-540-5250 to ask about what vaccines are available for you and your family. Report Vaccinations to Hamilton Public Health To report your child(ren)’s vaccines, please scan the QR code or call 905-540-5250. Thank you for keeping our community safe. Have a great 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
- Mapleside Montessori is Online! We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the families who have wished us well as the elementary program at Lyonsgate transitions to Mapleside Montessori in the fall. We are thrilled to have so many of our students returning in September, and to welcome new students from the primary campus at Lyonsgate, as well as Westdale Nature School and Stoney Creek Montessori. You can now visit us online at www.maplesidemontessori.ca or find us on Facebook. The parents’ portal of the website is password protected and will be open to registered families near the end of the spring term. Mapleside families will receive invitations during the third term for incoming students to visit the elementary class during the school day. We look forward to seeing your children again soon!
- Monday, March 2: Open Classroom for Current Parents. The classroom will be open to family visitors on Monday, March 2, from 3:15-4:15 p.m. to see displays of the children’s work from the second term. Students will be showcasing work related to their study of ancient Greece, the Olympics, reading and literature circles, as well as independent projects. When you arrive, please come to the porch entrance to the Maple Room to meet up with your child and tour the classroom. Our regular aftercare program will still be available to registered students until 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 4: Elev8 Dance. The class will be returning to Elev8 Dance for a final class to practice their dance moves and work on joining them together into dynamic routines. Students are kindly reminded to wear comfortable layers, and be prepared to tie back long hair and go barefoot in the studio.
- Friday, March 6: Last Day of Term and Class Celebration. As the winter term comes to an end, the class will celebrate the coming of March Break and spring with a class party and the closing ceremonies of the Lyonsgate Olympic Games. During the morning work cycle, students will have the opportunity to craft, game, or enjoy a screening of The Secret Garden, followed by their usual recreation time. For community lunch, the children are excited for a class favourite, macaroni and cheese, before heading to the Melrose Church gym for the afternoon. We hope everyone has a wonderful March Break!
- 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.
