APRIL 2025

-I am hoping that April will bring us some nice weather. March is always unpredictable from day-to-day!

-This is the month that the new Affordability Funding comes into effect. We have signed onto the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Childcare Agreement which means that your fees change to $326.25 from now on. Notes were sent home to reflect these amounts, and new ones will go home again (in June) once registration is completed for summer and fall for each family.

-They seem to be adding and changing things regularly with this program. I will keep you informed as information comes available. It seems that they are keeping all documents in draft mode until April 1st. I hope there will be additional clarity next week in order to provide you with important details on fees and the new child claims system that we need to register families for.

-We will be closed on Friday April 18th and Monday April 21st  for the Easter holidays. If your child is going to be away over the Easter week, please let staff know. All school divisions are closed until April 28th; however, we will be open.

-I am hoping that we will be outside on these spring days. It’s been hard to guess how to dress because the mornings are quite cool, and it has been such a mixed bag of weather. Please have a coat for morning walks that is warm. Many times, when we venture out it is still only a few degrees and chilly. Your child needs a coat, toque, and mittens still, as well as boots for a few more days at least. It is best to have a little bit of everything for a few more weeks.

-As the weather steadily warms up (fingers crossed) it is important that the children have good footwear for their daily outings. Many cute sandals and boots are not practical to walk in and cause blisters, socks and runners are best for everyone.

-Many of the extra clothing bags are due for additional clothing added. We are trying to send home bags that are missing clothes to ensure your child has a complete set in case they need them.

-I have all the registration forms back now (thank you) and will begin to input the information into our computer system. I will adjust all day changes and sibling requests. Families will be given registration packages once this is complete.

-Graduation will be the week of June 16th-20th. We have 17 graduates this year. Once the graduation date is confirmed, we will be sending home all the wonderful details.

-We need to reiterate that we are trying to keep everyone healthy during these cold and flu seasons (that seem to never end). It is of utmost importance to keep siblings’ home if there is illness in your home. This includes pinkeye, cough, vomiting, diarrhea  etc., even if the sibling does not attend Montessori, the bugs can be transmitted into our school. This also includes parents who become ill, sending your child puts all staff and students at risk to catching the bug that is going through your household. Our policy is 48 hours symptom free for everyone in the household. This, along with daily doses of fresh air and sunshine should help us see the end of these bugs!

-The school boards have started to ask if we have children who need to be screened for the fall. The CELT teachers will do a screening to see if your child needs further assessment or assistance with sounds/language development. If your is turning 3 then they do have to wait until closer to their birthday to complete the testing. If your child is screened and you have further questions, please be sure to ask and we will find the answer for you.

-If and when the weather permits, we will be doing outside/playground pick ups. The children will take their coats, lunchboxes etc. to the side yard and be playing in the backyard. Be sure to let a staff member know that you have arrived to collect your child and as always keep the gate closed for safety. The gate will be getting repaired shortly. It is very important that the children do not climb on it and try to unlock it. Over the winter, it got sprung and does not close on its own anymore, which is a major safety concern to us.

-Mrs. Weimer is away April 18-27, 2025. If you need to report your child absent, please call the school line 403-526-7966.

Have a great month everyone!!