Executive Director’s report for the July 2026 Newsletter
Dear Splash families and community,
As we begin another summer season, I want to warmly welcome everyone to a time of growth, connection, and discovery. Summer is a wonderful opportunity for children to continue learning through play, exploration, and meaningful experiences in nature. Our Forest School and Urban Forest School programming gives children the chance to build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a deeper relationship with the natural world. Outdoor learning is also a valuable way to extend learning throughout the summer in ways that are joyful, active, and engaging.
Summer safety remains one of our highest priorities. As we head into the season, we ask families to please read all information we send out so you stay up to date on any changes, reminders, or important details. This helps us maintain a strong partnership with you and supports a safe, happy, and successful summer for every child. Please also remember that the leadership team will always be the point of contact for summer questions or concerns. They will communicate with educators and help ensure information about your child is shared accurately and efficiently.
We also encourage families to get to know the summer staff who will be supporting our program. Their presence helps enhance ratios and adds another layer of care and supervision for a safer summer experience. Please take a moment to connect with them as they join us in creating a positive and well-supported environment for your child.
To our returning educators, welcome back your experience, care, and commitment continue to shape what makes this program so meaningful. To our new educators, we are so glad you are here and excited for you to become part of this community.
I would like to offer sincere thanks to our management team. Your planning, coordination, and dedication have made today and this entire summer possible. These moments of preparation set the foundation for everything we will do together in the weeks ahead.
I also want to extend deep appreciation to our Forest School practitioners. Your knowledge, passion, and leadership in land-based learning guide not only our programming but also our mindset as educators. You remind us how to slow down, observe, and truly connect with the natural world. Our Forest School has grown over many years, and we have become known for something very important: our respect for the land and for the community around us. That reputation is something to be proud of, and it is also something we must actively carry forward. Every interaction, every lesson, every moment outdoors is an opportunity to uphold those values.
As we step into another summer at Splash, let us remember why this work matters. Land-based learning is not just about being outside it is about building relationships: with the land, with each other, and with ourselves. Nature teaches in ways that no classroom can. It invites curiosity, resilience, wonder, and care. So as we head into the forest together, let us do so with open minds, steady hearts, and a deep sense of responsibility and joy.
Here’s to a summer of growth, connection, and meaningful experiences for both educators and the children we serve.
Thank you and welcome to another incredible season at Splash.
Lesley Massey
Meat Raffle 2026 reminder!
Raffle is already running! Only a short time left until it closes! Don’t miss your chance to support our children’s programs and take part.
Good luck everyone!
We’re looking for enthusiastic parent or guardian representatives from each of our centres to join our Fundraising Committee. This group will work together to plan and run four fundraisers this year, helping support programs and initiatives at SPLASH.
The committee will meet monthly via Zoom. It’s a great way to get involved, share ideas, and make a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, please connect with Dj at Dj@splashcares.ca
Welcome to the team!
Early Childhood Educator II
Richard has been a passionate Early Childhood Educator II since 2019. With a love for science, baking, and nature, he is excited to bring his knowledge, creativity, and compassion to the North End team. Richard believes that every child is a curious detective, always exploring, asking questions, and seeking new knowledge. Born and raised in Winnipeg, he enjoys spending time with his two cats when he's not inspiring young learners.
Welcome our summer students!
Summer Student at CC
Summer Student at CC
Summer Student at CC
Summer Student at CC
Summer Student at CC
Summer Student at EC
Summer Student at EC
CCA at EC
Summer Student at EC
Summer Student at EC
Summer Student at EC
Summer Student at EC
Board members 2026
Chairperson: Jordan Lee L.C.
Vice Chairperson: Shawna Beach-Nelson L.C.
Treasurer: Martha Beach-Nelson LC
Secretary: Jessica Sinclair (EC)
Members at large:
April Sinclair CC
Jasmine Rivard LC
Melissa Del Vecchio LC
Sean Carleton LC
Jane Johnston LC
Genevieve Benoit - (Community Member)
What is happening in July
July 14
International Non-Binary People's Day
International Non-Binary Day
July 14
International Non-Binary People's Day is recognized on July 14. It is a day to celebrate people who identify as non-binary and to promote understanding, respect, and inclusion. At Splash, we believe everyone deserves to feel welcome, valued, and accepted for who they are. By encouraging kindness, respect, and appreciation for our differences, we help create a caring and inclusive community for children, families, and educators.
Please wear yellow, white, purple or black on this day.
Lemonade Stands for Hope
July 16 & 17
Both of our North-End locations are hosting Lemonade Stands for Hope!
📍 EC: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Courtyard)
📍 CC: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Burrows/McGregor)
Come by, grab something refreshing, and support a meaningful cause!
We’d love to see you there!
Forest School Group Schedules
Group 1: EC Eagles & CC – Wolves
July 6 – July 10 & July 13 – July 17
Group 2: EC-White Buffaloes & CC – Black Bears
July 20 – July 24 July 27 – July 31
Group 3: EC-Brown Buffalos & CC – Polar Bears
August 10 – August 14 & August 17 – August 21
Notice for Families: Full group lists are available for review on the bulletin boards located in the centre.
Neighborhood Events
Event: Manito Ahbee Pow Wow.
Date: October 31 & November 1, 2026.
Location: Canada Life Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Information: Follow "Manito Ahbee" on social media or visit www.manitoahbee.com.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
Food Reminders:
CC is a fish-free centre
Splash Child Enrichment Centre is a Nut free Centre (peanuts/all tree nuts). We ask you do not send any snacks or lunch foods that contain or may contain nut products.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Canadians.
Solidarity Statement
“Splash Child Care Inc. acknowledges that the land on which we gather is stolen land, the original inhabitants driven off, forced to relocate. This is the reality of colonization. Covenants were formed, in the languages of the colonizers, called treaties, but these were amended and broken by the colonizers as desired. This land knows sorrow. But this land also knows joy and hope. Hope that the future will not be like the past. And so with humility and respect we commit ourselves to the continuing promise of reconciliation, the reclamation of dignity, the restoration of just relationships. We are all Treaty People.”