1. family and parenting
2. children

April 2015
Newsletter
DONATIONS FOR THE SENIORS HOME AND FOR
THE PHILIPPINE CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CLINIC
Thank you to everyone for the donations in the fall.
They were so much appreciated. We are collecting
again this spring and would like to make donations
to these centres in time for Mother’s Day.
Please bring your donations to the school office 
We are collecting:
For the Children’s Medical Clinic in the Philippines: This clinic is in an area that continues to be
impoverished. One of our Pointe Claire moms has family that work at the clinic and everything is sent
there through her.
 Used children’s clothing (from infant up to size 6)
 Used toys
 Shoes/Sandals (not boots)
For the Centre D'Hébergement Denis-Benjamin-Viger: This senior’s home on Ile Bizard has a great staff
- one of our class 4 moms is a physio there, but they are in need of some little extras that are not
provided to make life a happy experience for the seniors, many of whom have no family and depend
100% on the company of the staff. Many seniors arrive from the hospital with NO possessions and no
family. 75% have Alzheimer’s. Some literally come with their hospital robe, not even shoes. The items
we have been donating below allow the staff make the residents feel “at home”
 Puzzles from 50 to 500 pieces (once these are done they are laminated and decorate the hall)
 Sudoku books
 Soaps and lotions that are unscented or only lightly scented
 Magazines with lots of pictures (especially children/families/fashion). The old ladies are so
adorable, they look at the magazines and comment "oh, my goodness, look at what she's
wearing...would you wear that...I wouldn't wear that!"
 Purses (the old ladies love to feel special holding a purse)
 DVD’s and DVD players
 Stuffed animals (seniors with cognitive deficits appreciate them very much)
 Costume jewelry. Many of the items will be used for Bingo prizes - and magically,
those seniors needing the item will "win" at Bingo (just too funny, imagine "fixing" a Bingo
game!)
 Nail polish-anything that's usable (the ladies LOVE this activity)
The residents and the staff at Centre D'Hébergement Denis-Benjamin-Viger really appreciate what we
have donated and for sure everything is put to the best use.
PARENT MEETING
At our parent meeting on March 26th we discussed:
 Summer camp at Montessori: Summer camp is a time where we can do the unusual, try some new
things, and bring some new experiences to the children. This summer we will have Karate and
“Spanish for Fun” programs for all our classes. Spanish will be taught by our “specialist” Maria and
will be a combination of theatre and games for a half-hour of afternoon fun.
 Childhood anxiety: Many children have fears (of the dark, of dogs, of monsters, of separation) that
are not “logical” but are very real for the child. It is important that a child feel comforted but also
that an environment be created in which a child can somehow “face” his feels and become
empowered to deal with and overcome them. At Montessori the teachers are skilled at helping
children with fears, and often it is at school that a child will find it easier to deal with a fear with the
help of his teacher.
 How “strict” should we be about avoiding gun play? : With all the activities at Montessori it is easy
to “redirect” a child who is “playing guns” with his blocks or other objects (take the gun apart and
turn it into something else which is still fun). There is no punishment for playing guns when this
kind of play is not aggressive, simple redirection is effective. Any aggression is not permitted in
class, of course. By the time the children are in our Pre-kindergarten they have mostly outgrown
gun play.
There will be one more parent meeting before the end of this school year. Parent meetings are fun and
informative. (The wine and cheese is always good too!). Make an effort to join us at the next meeting.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR GRADUATION PARTY
Our “graduation” is a lot of fun. It is a big party for everyone (all family members are invited).
Please make a note on your calendar to reserve that afternoon.
The date is: Friday, June 12 (rain or shine), in the afternoon.
Please make sure that if mom or dad cannot attend, that there is another adult (grandmother,
babysitter) present to share this occasion with your child. As it is extremely busy with everyone there,
the teachers cannot supervise a child who is on his/her own that afternoon.
ARE YOU CHECKING OUT THE MONTESSORI POINTE CLAIRE DAYCARE
FACEBOOK?
If you are not already looking at the photos and videos on Facebook we really
recommend that you have a look. It’s so much fun to see the children and their activities. There are
posts every day! You’ll be surprised at some of the things you see! Invite your relatives to have a look
also, it’s so wonderful to see comments coming from all over the world!
CLOTHING AND OUTDOOR PLAY IN APRIL
You will have noticed all our groups are going outside in the afternoon as well as in the morning.
Since there is still snow on the ground we need an extra pair of mittens for your child for afternoon
outdoor play time.
When the snow (finally) melts we will still be going outside to play even if it is wet with puddles.
Your child will need a pair of rubber boots and a pair of plastic pants in his/her cubby – or he can wear
them to school in the morning - (please label clearly with your child’s name). Please make sure your
child has a proper change of clothes at school in case he gets wet outdoors and needs changing. We ask
that you please check your child’s change of clothes periodically to ensure that the clothes still fit and
are appropriate for the season.
SWIMMING LESSONS
Swimming lessons start on Thursday, April 9th. Your child needs his/her bathing suit and towel
(with name on) in a plastic bag inside a small backpack. Please do not send extra items: no beach
sandals, no goggles, no snacks, and no toys. Also, since your child will be dressing and undressing
him/herself, please make sure that the clothing the child has on is clothing that he/she can dress
him/herself with (not too tight, no difficult belts and buttons). Swimming ends on June 12th. Parents
are invited to our final class on June 11th.
HAVE YOU SUBMITTED YOUR SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION?
Your child’s summer camp registration form should be submitted by March 31st in order
to secure your child’s place for the summer. If you are unsure of your summer vacation just make your
best guess and let us know of any changes as soon as possible. Remember that it is possible to make
changes to your summer registration with only two weeks’ notice (subject to the availability of any new
days required). There is no registration fee for summer camp if your child is already registered for the
year. Summer camp is lots of fun so we hope your child will be attending.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR MOTHER’S DAY AND FATHER’S DAY EVENTS
In honour of Mother’s Day the children and teachers will be inviting mom or grandma to:
 Mother’s Day Tea on Friday, May 8th at 3 pm for classrooms 1 and 4
 Mother’s Day Tea on Thursday, May 7th at 3 pm for classroom 2
 Mother’s Day Snack Time, for classroom 3 on Wednesday, May 6 at 3:00pm.
For celebration of Father’s Day, dads and granddads you are invited to the following:
 Father’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, June 18 for classrooms 1, 2 and 4
 Father’s Day Snack Time, for classroom3, on Wednesday June 17
We do try to make these “ladies” and “gents” events, but if “mom” or “dad” cannot attend please let
the teachers know who will be coming.
Please remember the school is a nut-free environment. Read the labels carefully on your
child’s snack to ensure everyone’s safety