Hello Lyonsgate Families,
See below for an RSVP for our “Introduction to Elementary” event on Thursday, Nov. 27; while especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third or fourth year, and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. This week’s classroom update shares the wealth of progress we are seeing in Casa South.
This Week’s Classroom Update
Learning and education, especially in a student-led program such as Montessori, is never a smooth upward trajectory. Development and progress, at times, come in periods of great and rapid progress, and at other times through periods of rest, contemplation, observation, and comfort with where we’re at, what we know, and what we can do.
Casa South is starting to see students take some big steps forward in their Montessori educations. First-year students are finding their comfort and place in the classroom and amongst their peers, second-year students are realizing how much they know and how much they can do, and third-year students are embracing their classroom-leader roles and completing big work that fills them with pride and confidence in their abilities. Lyonsgate strives to educate the whole child, and we are seeing learning and development in all areas: learning to regulate our own emotions when we are upset or frustrated; discovering new physical abilities when working with manipulative materials or playing at recess; realizing that we know how to count to a certain number, respond in French, or write short phrases; and doing the hard work of learning who we are and how we want to be seen and treated in our social relations.
One way that we are encouraging them to navigate their social lives is the use of a “peace rose.” When children experience conflict, they take the rose to their friend, which means that they get to express their feelings; they pass the rose to their friend who then gets to respond. It was introduced a few weeks ago and now the students are using it independently to resolve their small personal conflicts with each other.
It is a joy and a privilege to witness and be a part of children’s growth, learning, and development. As the first term begins to wind down, we can’t wait to see what your children have in store for the rest of this school year and beyond.
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
- Thursday, November 27, 3:30-4:15: Parent Education: Introduction to Elementary. While especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third-year and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. Lyonsgate’s Elementary Montessori guides will present, “A Cosmic Education: The Montessori Approach to the Elementary Years.” Casa students are welcome to remain at the Primary campus for after care while parents attend the session at the Elementary campus. Please click here to RSVP your attendance. Thank you.
- Thursday, December 18: Last Day of Fall Term. This is the last full day of classes before the winter break.
- Friday, December 19: PD Day. Both Lyonsgate campuses are closed.
- Monday, Dec. 22-Friday, Jan. 2: Winter Break. Lyonsgate is closed for the winter holiday.
- Monday, January 5, 2026: First Day of Winter Term. We welcome Lyonsgate students to the new year and the new term.
Toddler and Casa Upcoming Important Dates
- Thursday, November 27, 3:30-4:15: Parent Education: Introduction to Elementary. While especially intended for parents of Casa students in their third-year and who will be turning 6 in 2026, all Lyonsgate parents are welcome to attend to learn about Lyonsgate’s Montessori Elementary program. Lyonsgate’s Elementary Montessori guides will present, “A Cosmic Education: The Montessori Approach to the Elementary Years.” Casa students are welcome to remain at the Primary campus for after care while parents attend the session at the Elementary campus. Please click here to RSVP your attendance. Thank you.
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, November 28: OWL Workshop #2. Students in Years 4-7 will be attending the second OWL workshop about Media Literacy. They will be learning about different types of media and thinking about the messages they receive through popular culture, as well as from their family and friends. Following this workshop, students have a short follow-up assignment to complete at home with their families, as well as readings to prepare for the next workshop in December.
- Monday, December 1: Open House. The Elementary students are excited to welcome family and friends to our after-school Open House on Monday, December 1st. Visitors are welcome to arrive anytime between 3:15-4:15 to view displays of the students’ work from the first term. The students will also be hosting a bake and craft sale to raise money for their charity outreach project, sponsoring a local family through St. Matthew’s House to receive groceries and gifts for the holiday season. There will be bookmarks, bracelets, baked goods, and hot chocolate available!
- Wednesday, December 3: Upper Elementary Outing. The Upper Elementary students will be travelling on the public bus up the mountain to visit the Wal-Mart on Upper James Street. They will be using the proceeds of their bake and craft sale to shop for gifts on the wish list of their adopted family. Students in Years 4-7 are kindly reminded to wear their red Lyonsgate t-shirt for this outing, and to be prepared with their Presto card or cash bus fare.
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.
