Happy Easter!
We had a successful Bake Sale for our Nepali foster child, TenZin, at Anchor Point and North Creek. Warm thanks to all the families who contributed delicious baked treats to sell and for everyone who bought and supported our cause. We raised $706.63 for TenZin!
We look forward to seeing parents for class observations next week: Kindly note that an observation chair will be provided so that you can view all the activities comfortably. Please limit your interaction with the students. The children may approach you and introduce themselves. You are most welcome to tell them your name using a quiet voice, but please do avoid engaging in lengthy conversations. At the close of your visit, please stand up and exit the room quietly. We also ask that you refrain from discussing your child’s progress and/or general questions with our staff. They will be most happy to arrange a conference time with you to discuss any concerns. We appreciate observers who minimize their impact on the classroom as this allows the class to run smoothly in its usual manner, thereby giving observers a clear and accurate understanding of our school program. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!
For the members of our community who are celebrating Easter this weekend, may you feel the hope of new beginnings, love, and happiness during this joyful Easter.
Wishing you a wonderful long weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori
GENERAL NOTICES
Upcoming Dates to Remember
April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17 | Swimming Lessons
April 17 | Easter Monday: NO SCHOOL
April 18 | UE Mock Trial Program at the Courthouse
April 18-21 | Parent Observation Week
April 20 – May 12 | NC Montessori Practicum Student
April 26 | Museum of Anthropology
April 28 | Covenant House Visit to AP
April 29 | Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald
May 5 | PD Day: NO SCHOOL
May 12 | Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Auction
May 18 | Parent/Child Workshop
May 31, June 7, 14, 21 | Tennis Lessons
Summer Program Registration: The Summer Program is divided into two three-week sessions. Students will continue to work in the Montessori environment with enriched activities in Arts and Crafts; Music and Drama; and Science and Nature. They will also participate in excursions to places and events that are related to the above themes. We intend to have both a preschool and an elementary program for 2 sessions as follows*:
Session 1 │ July 10th to July 28th
Session 2 │ July 31st to August 18th
*Sessions may be canceled if the minimum enrollment numbers are not met for any given session.
Hot Lunch: We are now able to accept credit card payments for Hot Lunch orders as well as payments through your personal PayPal accounts! Please log-in as usual follow the prompts at checkout.
For hot lunch orders for April and beyond, online payment will be required. Pleaseemail us with any questions! Kindly note our order deadlines below:
May Order Deadline: Wednesday, April 26th, 3pm
June Order Deadline: Thursday, May 25th, 3pm
ELEMENTARY & ADOLESCENT COMMUNITY
Dress for the Weather Reminder: Kindly bring your child to school dressed for both, indoor and outdoor activities every day. Clothes and shoes should be washable, practical, and comfortable. We expect parents to provide children with appropriate clothing for safe and active indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons. As Spring is here, so is the rain; please make sure your child/ren has waterproof rain boots, waterproof jacket with a hood, possibly waterproof rain pants (always a good option to have, depending on the child), hat (for the sunny days) as well as a complete set of extra change of clothes (properly labeled and sealed in a large Ziploc bag) and indoor shoes.
Daily Physical Activity Requirement: The Ministry of Education BC requires Kindergarten to Grade 7 students accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. It is our expectation that children will go outside daily, rain or shine. The school is responsible for physical activity tracking and monitoring to support the health and development of children, as well as assisting in establishing a positive foundation now and the future. Students can request to be exempt from DPA requirements only for the following reasons:
Physical disability
Medical conditions
Personal circumstances
We request that parents send us a written note stating the reason for keeping your child indoors. If you feel your child is too ill to go outside, then the child is likely too sick to be in school. We request that you keep your child at home until he/she is well enough to go outside.
Swimming Lessons | April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17: Elementary students will participate in Swimming Lessons on Wednesdays starting on April 5th (except April 26th) at 1:30 – 3:30 PM at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Please don’t forget to pack a bathing suit, towel, hairbrush, swimming cap, change of clothes, snacks and water.
NOTE: On Swimming Wednesdays, all the children will be dismissed at the Aquatic Centre between 3:50 and 4:00 (unless your child is picked up earlier or staying for After School Club). We will leave the Aquatic Centre at 4:00 and will be back in school around 4:15. Children who are picked up after 4:00 will be
Mock Trial Program | April 18 at 10:15 AM: Grades 3-7 students will be attending a Mock Trial Program at the Justice Education Society. The students can learn the most about our basic justice system by experiencing it themselves in a simulated trial, call a “mock” trial. A mock trial is a definitive, dramatic, experiential learning opportunity. It develops advocacy skills and critical thinking in addition to providing knowledge about the law. Mock trials are good for all ages as they demonstrate how a trial works. Many thanks to Steve Yung (dad to Marie-Claire) and the Law Firm of Simpson Thomas and Associates for all the help and financial support for this going-out. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.
Library Visit|April 18, following Mock Trial Program: Grades 3-7 students will be dropping off their library book at the Central Public Library following the Mock Trial program. We expect to the back at school for lunch by 12:30 PM, so please feel free to pack your child some snack for this outing. Please also send any library books that are coming due to school with your child.
Parent Observation Week | April 18 – 21: Parents are invited to come observe their child/ren at work in the classroom environment. Sign-up sheets have been posted by the Anchor Point and North Creek doors. Each family’s observation session is 20 minutes. We look forward to your classroom visit!
Museum of Anthropology | April 26: Grades 2-7 students will visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC on Wednesday at 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM. The students will be archaeologists for a day! Discover the rich 9,000-year history of the First Nations people in southwestern BC by learning their way of life, tools, and technologies. This behind-the-scenes program includes an introduction to authentic tools and materials used including the use of cedar bark for rope making. Students have a chance to make a rope bracelet from raffia using these techniques. Warm thanks to the PSG for generously funding this activity for our children. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.
Covenant House Visit | April 28: Covenant House Vancouver provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling to an estimated 1,400 street youth living in Vancouver at any given time – young people for whom there is often no one else. A representative from Covenant House will visit Anchor Point to talk to the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary students about social issues that the most vulnerable youth in our community are facing.
Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald | April 29: RESCHEDULED! Please note the change of date from May 1st to April 29th. Join us for an evening of insights on child development with Greg MacDonald, Director of Elementary Training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego . He will be delving into the four planes of development and how adults can aid children reach their fullest potential in each plane. His presentation will also highlight the development of literacy. This is an event for all members Lions Gate community, including parents of children enrolled at North Creek. The event will be at 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM. Wine and cheese to follow.
Kindly note: Mr. MacDonald welcomes questions from parents about their own children’s needs as well as experiences and requests that this event be reserved for parents only to allow for candid answers.
Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Auction | May 12: Mothers are incredibly special and they deserve to be celebrated, especially on Mother’s Day. Please save the morning of May 12th, Friday as we celebrate our dear moms, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers and everyone who have undertaken the incredible role of a Mom. Please join us in our annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. The students have a special Talent Show that they can’t wait to share with the ‘Moms’ in their lives.
There will also be a Silent Auction for two handmade quilts that the children from North Creek and Anchor Point have patiently worked on for the past weeks! Finger foods and refreshments will be served following the performance up until dismissal. We look forward to seeing you all there!
May 18 | Parent/Child Workshop: This is an after school event with your child. This is a wonderful way for you to see and hear for yourself, your child’s perspective on his/her work at school. Students are given the freedom to self-edit and self-assess the work they choose to present. They look forward to receiving feedback directly from parents, facilitated by their teachers. Each session is 20 minutes.
Tennis Lessons |May 31, June 7, 14, 21: Elementary students will participate in Tennis Lessons on Wednesdays starting on May 31st at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at David Lam Park, East Tennis Courts. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.
Lulu Island and Stanley Park Visits: Grades 4 to 7 students will begin visiting Lulu Island starting Monday, April 10th (weather permitting). Please ensure your child(ren) come to school that day with his/her compass card. In addition, they will also be enjoying excursions to Stanley Park every Friday (weather permitting).
HEALTHY SNACK REMINDER: The school provides organic fruits and vegetables for our cctive and engaged students. If you wish to send your child to school with his/her own personal snack please ensure it consists of wholesome foods and refrain from sending sugary or highly processed foods. Thank You!
CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)
Parent Observation: Sign-up sheets are posted by the doors! Please ask a teacher at the door if you have any questions. During your observation, please note your questions and discoveries. We will be most happy to schedule a follow-up appointment either by email, telephone, or in person to discuss your queries with us!
Montessori Practicum Student: Jackie Booth, a student from the Montessori Training Centre of BC has been assigned to come in the AM classroom under the supervision of Ms. Julia for 3 days of observation and 3 weeks of Practicum, from April 20th to May 12th. Her bio will be displayed by the door.
April 29| 6:45-9:45pm Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald: All Casa parents are invited! Event starts at 6:30pm. Please come for an evening of insights on child development with Greg MacDonald, Director of Elementary Training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. He will be delving into the four planes of development (infancy, childhood, adolescence, and transition to adulthood) and how adults can aid children reach their fullest potential in each plane. Please RSVP to office@lionsgatemontessori.org
Kindly note: Mr. MacDonald welcomes questions from parents about their own children’s needs as well as experiences and requests that this event be reserved for parents only to allow for candid answers.
Mother’s Day Celebration – Friday, May 12th:
AM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 11:15am
PM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 3:00pm
Extended-day/Kindergarten Mother’s Day Performance/Tea will be held in Faris Family Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, from 9:00-11:00am (program details will follow)
Parent/Child Workshop – Friday evening, May 19th: Parent/Child Workshop is an after school event with your child. You will receive an invitation with an assigned time for your child to show you some of the work he or she has been doing at school. Each session is 20 minutes.
Spring Attire Reminder: Although Spring has arrived and some days seem to be warmer than others, please make sure your child(ren) has a proper jacket when they come to school.
Label Your Children’s Shoes: Please remember to label all your children’s clothing, water bottles and food containers. Thank you!