Hello Lyonsgate Families,
This week we have an update from Casa North about their French program, ongoing sign-up for Casa Show & Share, and info about the registration open house and upcoming parent education session at the Elementary campus.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Bonjour à tous,
This month, Casa North students have been working on winter themes with lots of vocabulary in French:
- How to play outside with the snow (safety and fun);
- How to stay healthy during winter months (eating healthy, sleeping, washing hands after picking the nose or fingers in mouth, staying warm, sneezing into the elbow, etc.);
- Winter animals and their habitats;
- How to get dressed to go outside (snow pants, boots, jacket, zipper, neck warmer, hat, mittens!); this is an opportunity for our older students to help our younger students to dress and undress in the cloakroom.
Books we have been reading:
- “Enlève le doigt de ton nez, Pinocchio!” by Steve Smallman (a humourous way to teach them to not touch their nose);
- “La neige parfaite” by Barbara Reid;
- “Le véritable abominable homme des neiges” by Valentina Mendicino;
- “Jour de neige – Pat le chat” by James Dean.
Songs we have been singing:
- “Violette à bicyclette”;
- “Neige, neige blanche”;
- “je m’habille pour aller dehors” (this song helps the students when getting ready to go outside; we start with snow pants and end with mittens);
- “Ah, les crocodiles”;
- “La danse du Tyrannosaure” (the students absolutely love it!);
- “La chanson des dinosaures.”
“Restez au chaud.” Il fait froid! Brrr!
Mme Murati.
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.
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
- Saturday, January 31: Registration Open House Families who are interested in continuing with a Montessori approach to learning through our elementary program are welcome to tour the campus and speak with the classroom guides on Saturday, January 31, between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Current parents are always welcome to stop by and say hello! Come see us at 248 Locke Street South, at the corner of Charlton and Locke.
- Wednesday, February 4: 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 an introduction to karate, while older students will be working on kick-boxing! 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.
- Thursday, February 5: Parent Education Event Please join us after school for a parent education session on Discovering Algebra with the Montessori Materials. We’ll be giving presentations with the materials and inviting parents to collaborate to solve some problems. (We promise there is no test.) Parents are invited to join us on campus from 3:30 – 4:20 p.m. During the event, children whose parents are attending the session are welcome to join the aftercare program at no charge. Younger siblings enrolled at the Primary Campus may remain there for aftercare during the event. Please let us know how many adults plan to attend, and whether your children will be staying in childcare by completing this registration form by Monday, February 2. All elementary students will remain on site for regular dismissal and after care.
- NEW DATE! Friday, February 6: O.W.L. Workshop 4, Part 2: Changes of Puberty. The second half of the O.W.L. workshop Changes of Puberty has been rescheduled for this coming Friday, February 6. Students in Years 4-7 will be learning about body care and different hygiene products that can be supportive of tweens and teens moving through puberty. If they have not already done so, students are kindly reminded to complete their reading assignment in It’s Perfectly Normal, Part 3: Puberty, pages 30-52.
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.
