Montessori Buzz – May 4, 2021
Dear MA Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I have to be honest with all of you, I am finding this lockdown to be far more difficult than the prior one. Are you feeling it too? I can’t quite place my finger on why exactly. Maybe it is just the fact, like many of you, I am getting weary of fighting this virus from so many angles all of the time. So what am I doing about it?
Sometimes nothing…. I just sit in it for a bit and let the feelings wash over me for a little while because it is ok not to be ok sometimes. Other times, I look to the activities I most enjoy and make sure I get after them – for me it’s running, biking and pilates. But if all else fails, I just get outside. This is the one thing, no matter what, that has the ability to restore me – nature. I am so thankful that the warmer weather and sunnier days will be welcoming us soon.
One thing that I am beyond grateful for, is that as of this morning, over 55% of our staff have received their first round of vaccines! As soon as opportunities opened up, they were on it like wildfire! In the coming weeks, this percentage will only increase and the timing of it means we are likely to return in September, with just about everyone being fully vaccinated. What a gift. I don’t know about all of you, but I was certainly emotional when it was my turn to sit in that coveted chair.
At this point, I don’t have any information to share about a return to the classrooms. Education Minister Lecce has mandated the current closure that we are in, for all elementary schools. I am really hoping there is potential to return after the May long weekend, but at this point, I have no clue. As always, as soon as I know something, you all will too!
But what I do know is this – aside from some small activities and speakers the different elementary levels experienced in the fall, we will not be able to do much more even if we return at the end of May. For this reason, the school will start to process refunds for the Activity Fees for Lower and Upper Elementary and Junior High students. You will receive this cheque in the mail by the end of May.
If you wish to donate this fee to the school for our Annual Appeal to help us raise funds for the Elementary kitchen renovation this summer, you can do that by filling in this
Waiver – Direction of 2021 Activity Fee Refund.pdf and emailing it to Tonya Dendrinos, Development Director at tdendrinos@montessori.on.ca.
We also know there is likely going to be a refund for the hot lunch program, at both the Elementary and Junior High levels. Since these programs are still impacted by our return date, we are not going to do anything at the moment, BUT we will be sure to also get this sorted once we know what the future holds.
And finally – I miss you. All of you – students, parents and staff! I sometimes daydream about what it will be like at our first community school event. I will be bursting with gratitude and joy. Until then, please know I think about every family that makes up MA and am sending good vibes to you all.
Sending the biggest virtual hug,
Tina Sartori
Executive Director
Matching Gift Campaign runs from until May 11
Have you made a gift this year? Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Governors, every donation made between now and May 11 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $6,500. Students and families will benefit from your contribution as we move towards offering our Elementary students a lunch program 5 days a week.
The existing kitchen does not have the capacity to provide lunch service for all Elementary classes five times a week. The renovation will increase the square footage of the kitchen, counter and storage space and install an additional sink area and upgraded appliances. These enhancements will give us the resources we need to move towards a full week of hot lunches for both Lower and Upper Elementary students!
What does this mean? If you make a $50 donation today, the school will receive $100!
Donate online between now and May 11 to double your impact! https://montessori.on.ca/get-involved/ways-to-give/
Prefer to send in a cheque? Download and print off a donation form here: Donation Form – 50 to 100 Challenge FINAL.pdf
New Date for Market: Saturday JUNE 5!
Join us OUTDOORS for our THIRD Artisan Market!
- NEW JUNE DATE: Saturday, June 5th, 2021
- 10am until 2pm
- 719 Waterloo Street, Elementary Courtyard (Enter from Piccadilly St.)
- $2 Suggested Donation at the Door
Stay tuned for more news about what’s coming to the Market!
Please note: As London is in the Grey lockdown zone, we remain hopeful that we will be in Orange or Yellow by the time the Market takes place the first weekend of JUNE.
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day to our MA moms, stepmoms, and Grandmas, and all the other mother-figures who love and support our students at home.
Donations from Beach Day!
A huge thank you to all who gave through loose change, cash or a cheque in support of Children’s Health Foundation. On April 9, our school community came together and participated in Beach Day, contributing generously towards Ollie the Clown and the Child Life programs at Children’s Hospital. The final total has changed from what was shared last week on social media, as more donations came in. The final total raised is $1,815.27.
MA, in our own special way, continues to ensure that children are receiving the best possible care and most possible hope. Thank you for your generosity!
Photos for the week
Westmount Toddlers – planting their seedlings
The Toddlers at our Westmount location spent time last week planting their seedling sprouts!
Casa 1 outdoor learning
Casa 1 took advantage of the beautiful weather last Wednesday, and enjoyed having a French lesson in the Oxford gazebo!
UE Online Music class
Adam and some Upper Elementary students made music in class on homemade instruments.
From the Community
Growing Chefs! Ontario newsletter
Here’s a link to the latest Growing Chefs monthly newsletter, which includes information on upcoming kids’ cooking classes.