We hope everyone had a very enjoyable Family Day long weekend.
Elementary Parent Education is this Thursday, Feb. 23, from 3:30-4:15. Please see the Elementary section for details.
Elementary Summer Camp: please also see the Elementary section for details about summer camp weeks for elementary students, including those joining the Elementary program in September.
We would like to start off by thanking everyone who was able to make it to the Parent Education on Thursday. After a couple years of Covid protocols it is still a treat to welcome everyone into the classroom.
We had a great week enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and even had the excitement of watching an excavator in action in a neighboring yard during recess time. The newest members of our community are settling in nicely and our classroom has never been livelier. We hope that you have a wonderful long weekend, and a relaxing Family Day.
Mr. Davis.
Good Morning Casa Families,
Music is an essential part of life and it plays a vital role in child development. It is a fun and engaging way to learn language, express emotions, develop creativity, improve cognitive abilities, and appreciate different cultures.
The first year I worked at Lyonsgate, we weren’t allowed to sing in the classrooms due to COVID precautions. We would use a small stereo to listen to music occasionally, but it wasn’t the same. Children have an inherent love of music and are driven to learn and create. My favorite tool during transitions is to sing to the waiting children or invite them to lead a song together. We have such diverse tastes in our classroom. Most of our students love a silly song to make them laugh (“The Goldfish” by The Laurie Berkner Band), many want to hear songs that their parents listen to (“Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club), some request educational songs (“Preparing for Winter” by Sara Jordan), a select few have become quite fixated on the song “Northwest Passage” by Stan Rogers.
They’re also fascinated by songs in other languages, whether Madame is singing to them in French (“Dans Mon Sac”) or we’re exploring languages from other countries (“Hello to All the Children of the World” by Wee Sing). It always impresses me how they identify the feelings or message of a song without understanding the words.
At recess, we’ve been listening to the song “Marble Machine” by Wintergaten, which has no words at all. The children will dance and move their bodies in time with the music or share the message they think the melody is telling.
Whether learning a new song, sharing a favorite, or creating something of their own, music is an important part of every day in our classrooms.
I hope you’ve had a lovely family day weekend and look forward to the coming week,
Ms. Dewey.
In a Montessori classroom, groups of children are often working on different topics within a subject area. Last week, the Elementary students explored several distinct but related topics in geography. Some are learning about the Work of Water, exploring how glaciers and rivers shape our land. Some are continuing their exploration of the Composition of the Earth, particularly how the layers of the atmosphere help to keep the Earth warm. The children studying the Work of Air performed an experiment to explore how land and sea breezes are created. As the children gain knowledge of a subject in different areas, they are often eager to share what they have learned with their classmates, giving them the opportunity to both learn from one another and to practice communicating what they know to others. This leads to some amazing conversations in the Elementary classroom!
Parent Education
We would like to welcome you to join us this coming Thursday, February 23, from 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. for a Parent Education session. We are excited to talk about the different aspects of our Arts program and demonstrate how art is used as a medium for exploration of all subjects.
Please note that all elementary students will be dismissed from the HAAA park on Charlton Ave. Students whose parents are attending the event are welcome to join the aftercare program and remain at the park until 4:30 p.m. When you arrive at the HAAA for pick-up please remember to sign out with the supervising staff.
Please email elementary@lyonsgate.ca to let us know if you are planning to attend the parent education session, and whether your child will be staying for childcare during the event. Thank you!
Summer Camp!
We are thrilled to announce that registration for our Montessori Summer Camp is now available! This July, Marissa and Michelle will be hosting two weeks of camp open to current and in-coming Elementary students.
We invite campers to join their friends for daily yoga, science, active games, and water play during both camp sessions. Each week of camp has a distinct theme with different activities for campers attending both sessions.
Please click here to register for summer camp!
Week 1: July 10- 14 Art Explorers: Draw, Sculpt, Shoot!
Work with a variety of mediums over the week to create a short video, as well as enjoying nature science, outdoor games, and visits to the HAAA splash pad!
Week 2: July 17 – 21 Around the World: Exploring the Seven Continents
Learn about the natural science and human history of each continent with experiments and stories, as well as enjoying art projects, outdoor games, and visits to the HAAA splash pad!
Essential Information
• Drop-off 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 am. / Pick-up 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• Program runs from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• $325 per week, payment due upon registration by e-transfer or check made out to: Lyonsgate Montessori School Inc.
• Bring your own nut-free lunch and snacks, as well as a refillable water bottle
• Footwear with a closed toe is recommended! Swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes should be brought to camp daily by children choosing to get wet.
We look forward to summer adventures together!
