Executive Director Report for the February 2026 Newsletter

As February arrives—the month we celebrate love, kindness, and friendship—I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey we share as a community. As I prepare to step into retirement, this feels like a meaningful moment to talk about change: what it is, why it matters, and how we can move through it together with care and confidence.

Change is a natural part of life. It can feel exciting, uncertain, and sometimes even uncomfortable—all at the same time. Yet change is also how we grow. It’s how we learn, adapt, and build something stronger for the future. Our organization is no exception.

You may be feeling the impact of change right now with the opening of our new centre and with some of our educators moving from one location to another. I want to acknowledge that this can be hard. Educators build strong bonds with children and families, and those relationships matter deeply. Feeling a sense of loss or worry during these transitions is completely understandable.

At the same time, I invite you to see this moment through a wider lens. These changes are signs of growth. They reflect our ability to expand, to serve more families, and to create new opportunities for both children and educators to thrive. Our educators remain part of the same caring organization, guided by the same values, even as they bring their skills and hearts to new spaces.

As we move forward, it is important that we stay focused on our PATH—our shared purpose, direction, and hope for the future. Our mission and values continue to guide every decision we make. They remind us to lead with respect, inclusion, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of children and families. Buildings may change, roles may shift, and faces may move from one centre to another—but our core remains strong and steady.

February reminds us that love shows up in many forms: patience during transition, kindness in moments of uncertainty, and friendship built on trust. When we approach change with these qualities, we create a community where everyone belongs and grows together.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for your trust, your understanding, and your continued belief in our mission. 

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Lesley Massey 

More information on changes 

We hope you and your loved ones remained safe and warm during the unusually challenging weather. We carefully monitor weather conditions when deciding whether outdoor play is appropriate. Educators complete daily Risk-Benefit Assessments throughout the day and follow Early Learning and Child Care Best Practice guidelines. When weather conditions fall within these guidelines, children will spend time outdoors. Educators continue to monitor conditions during outdoor play and will adjust or return indoors if the weather changes to ensure relationships, collaboration, respect, and community. When we come together with a shared purpose, we create the conditions for a successful and meaningful year for our children.

Organizational Updates and Transitions

As part of our continued growth and development, we would like to share several important updates:

• Several educators from Splash Early Learning Centre  will be transferring to Mino Pimatisiwin Children’s Centre. These transitions will not occur until new educators are hired, trained, and supported by the current team to ensure continuity and stability for children and families..
  
  

• Leadership Transition:
  Please note that my retirement date is June 30, 2026. I remain fully committed to supporting the centre, the team, and  families through a smooth and thoughtful transition. The Board Hiring Committee are currently interviewing.

• Professional Development Closures:

Again this year the educators have requested that we plan a Splash Conference. The Leadership will begin arranging for this. The    province has approved 3 Professional Development closures in 2026. We will be closing:

• June 30th for Forest School Orientation Day 

• May 1st for professional development  at Mino Pimatisiwin Children's Centre

• October TBA

PATH Process and Strategic Direction

On January 19, 2026, Educators and Board members came together to complete a new PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) process. This collaborative and values-driven session resulted in:

• Four shared goals
  
  

• Dedicated teams formed to carry out each goal
  
  

• We look forward to sharing the PATH posting with you soon. Families and community members who are interested in being part of this process are warmly welcome.

Celebrations, Learning, and Community Connections

• Amber, Tara from the Learning Centre and Sharon from the Enrichment Centre had the opportunity to attend the RRC Polytec ECE Networking Event, where they spoke with Year 1 and Year 2 students about the Splash programs. They  highlighted our Forest School approach and emergent curriculum, shared our organizational journey, and made several meaningful connections. We are hopeful that some of these students may apply to Splash once they complete their program.                                                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                                                          

• “I Love to Read” Month: We are thrilled to kick off “I Love to Read” Month, with many guest readers joining environments  throughout the month to foster a love of literacy and storytelling.
  
  

• Black History Month: Throughout February, we will recognize and celebrate Black History Month, honouring the contributions, histories, and voices that enrich our communities.
  
  

• Festival du Voyageur: We will also be celebrating Festival du Voyageur, taking place February 13–22, 2026, embracing culture, history, and community spirit.
  
  

• Lunar New Year – Year of the Fire Horse: The Lunar New Year in 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, beginning on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and ending on March 5, 2027. Celebrations span 16 days and conclude with the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026.
  
  FYI: The Horse symbolizes speed, independence, and energy, and when paired with the Fire element, this year is often associated with bold action, rapid progress, and meaningful change—an inspiring theme for the year ahead.

Friendship Day Celebration (Valentine’s Day) – February 13, 2026

We will be celebrating Friendship Day on Friday, February 13th. 

• Families are welcome to participate by sending in small, thoughtful items for the children. Fun treats such as stickers, washable tattoos, or small treats are welcome. Please read labels as some of the children have severe allergies. For more information please contact Tara SE Assistant Director or Janel NE Assistant Director.
  
  

If your child is bringing Valentine’s cards, please write only your child’s name in the “From” section and leave the “To” section blank (or simply write “Friend”). This helps make it easier for children to share cards with all of their friends.

Looking Ahead

Our focus on literacy this month with “I Love to Read”, and we look forward to welcoming many guest readers into our groups. As always, thank you for your partnership, trust, and ongoing support. Together, by strengthening relationships and community, we can make this a year filled with growth, connection, and hope.

Join Our Fundraising Committee!

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

It's time for I Love to Read Month!

I Love to Read Month takes place in February and focuses on sharing stories and the joy of reading.

Parents, family members, and special guests are welcome to come and read with the children.

Reading sessions at EC:
Monday - Friday  9:30-11:30 AM and 3:30-4:30 PM.
Reading sessions at CC:
Monday - Friday 1:00- 4:30 PM.
If you are interested, please contact Janel  janel@splashcares.ca for EC and Jaimie jaimie@splashcares.ca for CC and let them know a date and time that works for you. 

You may bring your own book or choose one from our centre as we work toward a shared reading goal.

Reconciliation is a journey for all Canadians.

Solidarity Statement  2025

“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.”