Good Morning Lyonsgate Families,
We have a few reminders for you as we head into the final two weeks of the school year:
- TODAY!: Elementary Cultural Fair from 3:15-4:15. See the Elementary section below for details.
- Welcome to Elementary Orientation: Wednesday, June 19, 3:30 – 4:15pm. See your Lyonsgate calendar for details.
- Last Day of School: Thursday, June 20, is the last day of school, and we hope to see you all at Dundas Driving Park on Friday, June 21, for the year-end picnic!
See below for updates and messages from your children’s Montessori levels:
What is a three year old?
Maria Montessori identified four main planes of development. From 0-6 years is the first plane. In the Toddler community, we meet the children in first sub-plane of development, ages 0-3, and we bid farewell to them as they pass through to the second sub-plane, roughly ages 3-6 when they enter the Casa community.
A child approaching three is a poised between two states of being. This is when they move from the unconscious absorbent mind to the conscious absorbent mind. It can happen gradually and in some cases fairly quickly for others. Their skills are all still emerging. As they get past this stage they begin to use all of the raw scientific research from the past few years to refine and organize their information.
They are seeking order and have begun to categorize and organize their impressions of the world. I recall a child examining a see through rain stick and watching the tiny pellets fall through as he tipped it over. He watched for a while and then it occurred to him, “Balls!” There were tiny balls inside of the rain stick! He then had to show everyone with great excitement, “Balls!” His research so far led him to this conclusion and he wanted to tell everyone about his discovery.
A three year old is a magnificent creature. After gathering impressions for three intense years, day after day, processing and building themselves, guided by their own unique inner drives, they have found themselves! Their personality is on display!
It has been my great pleasure to observe this daily construction site of little people discovering and creating themselves. At the end of our journey together I am shaking the hand of a very different yet vaguely familiar little person!
Mrs. Elise Gervais
Toddler Montessori Guide
Thank you to all the parents that were able to come in for Parent-Teacher conferences this past week. It’s always great to have the opportunity to discuss all the wonderful things that your children have done throughout the year.
It’s hard to believe that there are only a few more weeks left of school; it feels like the school year has flown by. As we get closer to the end of the school year, we reflect on how much your children have grown and all that they have accomplished. For some children, they started off at a new school, others were going into their last year here, and some were moving up from the Toddler program to Casa. As the year ends, we will be saying goodbye to our graduates and wishing them well. It has been a great school year and we’re looking forward to next year.
The Casa team.
Today! Monday, June 10: Cultural Fair
Elementary parents, siblings, and other chosen family members are invited to our Cultural Fair after school on Monday, June 10th. The Cultural Fair is our final open classroom of the year, with students showcasing their third term projects, literature circle work, and recent exploration of Ancient China. Families are welcome to visit the Cultural Fair anytime between 3:15-4:15 p.m. 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.
Friday, June 14 to Saturday, June 15: Elementary Senior Sleepover
Students attending the senior sleepover should arrive at school on Friday with their sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag. The children will have some staff supervised outdoor time at the HAAA and a snack at the end of the school day. They’ll be returning to campus by 4:30 for some pre-dinner activities, followed by Domino’s pizza, veggies, and fruit. After dinner, we’ll be playing games, telling stories, and making s’mores. There will be some healthy snack options again before bedtime, with pancakes, eggs, and fruit for breakfast in the morning. Students should be picked up on Saturday morning between 8:45-9:00 a.m. It’s going to be a great night!
Thursday, June 20: Last Day of School/Elementary Graduation
The last day of school is quickly approaching! Your child will be bringing home their report card, indoor shoes, and any other special trinkets or clothing items that have been residing in the cloakroom. The Elementary students will have some fun activities to wrap up the school year together, and end the day with the Elementary Graduation ceremony. Each sixth year student is welcome to invite two adults to attend the graduation ceremony on campus. Graduates’ family members are welcome to arrive from 3:00, with the ceremony beginning at 3:10, and refreshments to follow.
