Hello Lyonsgate Families,
Thank you all for submitting registrations for the 2026.2027 school year, and for your patience and understanding while we all learned the new system together. It is a privilege, an honour, and a joy to be an ongoing part of your children’s growth, development, and learning. This week, we have an update from the Casa South classroom, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Casa parents into the classrooms over the coming week for Casa Show & Share.
This Week’s Classroom Update
The students in Casa South have been taking more responsibility lately in taking care of the classroom. They have been taking turns doing special jobs such as creating the menu for the snack, carrying the dishes to the kitchen, ringing the bell at the end of the work cycle, and straightening the Montessori material on particular shelves at the end of each day. Each week, the responsibilities change so that every child has a chance to do all of the various jobs. By actively participating in caring for our environment, the children are contributing in a meaningful way to the order and peacefulness of the community. They are also learning to help each other out and pitch in when someone is away or needs assistance with a particular job. It is especially heart warming to see some of the older children assisting the younger children with their tasks if they are finding it challenging.
Also this past week, we made crepes in the classroom to celebrate La Chandeleur. This is a French holiday that is both religious and secular. Usually celebrated 40 days after Christmas, this year it falls on February 2nd. It marks the middle of winter. Crepes are a symbol of the sun and prosperity. In Pagan times they lit fires to scare away darkness and welcome the return of sunlight and longer days. It comes from the Latin phrase, “Festum Candelarum,” which means “Fetes des Chanelles” in French and translates to “Candle Festival” in English.
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
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Feb. 10-12: Show and Share. Show & Share is an opportunity for Montessori students to invite their parents into the classrooms to show them some of the materials they work with. Show & Share will take place at the end of your child’s school day. Sign up below:
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
- Valentine’s Day Reminder: If your child wants to give out Valentine’s cards at school, we ask that you have one, home-made card for each student in the class and that they do not have names on them (only your child’s name). Please do not send candy or other treats to school. Thank you. [Toddler: 9 | Casa North: 23 | Casa South: 22]
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
- Wednesday, February 11: Physical Education at United Family Martial Arts (UFMA). All Elementary students will be heading to UFMA on Dundurn Street for their P.E. class. Younger students will be having fun with self-defense skills such as punches, blocks, and kicks, while older students will be returning to kick-boxing, battling the bags to improve their form, force, and stamina! Students are kindly reminded to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing to class that will allow for flexibility. Students should also be prepared to take off their socks and go barefoot on the dojo mats.
- Welcome Joshua! Visiting Student Artist. We are thrilled to welcome Joshua A., a local high school student and artist, who will be visiting the class twice weekly through the term. Joshua is volunteering as part of his service hours toward achieving his high school diploma, and will be offering demonstrations and personalized art lessons to the children who are interested, sharing his passion and skill for drawing. The children are already amazed by the effects of his shading and perspective techniques as they worked together on flowers, sunsets, and snowmen!
- February 13 & 16: PD Day and Family Day holiday. Both Lyonsgate campuses will be closed for a PD Day on Friday, Feb. 13, which leads into the Family Day long weekend; it’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so have a love-ly time and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
- Valentine’s Day Reminder: If your child wants to give out Valentine’s cards at school, we ask that you have one, home-made card for each student in the class and that they do not have names on them (only your child’s name). Please do not send candy or other treats to school. Thank you. [25 students]
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.
