Executive Director's Report: Lesley Massey
Executive Director’s Report for January 2026
January 2026 is finally here with new changes and new possibilities ahead to keep us all busy at Splash! It also marks the end to a very challenging year.
As I prepare for retirement later this year, life presented an unexpected turn. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and have been navigating this journey painfully and steadily for some time. In November, I underwent surgery, and as this year comes to a close, I will begin the next phase of treatment at Cancer Care in the months ahead.
Throughout it all, I have continued to work as fully as possible—and I will do so until my official retirement date—because I refuse to let this diagnosis define me or place me in the role of a victim. What it has done, loud and clear, is reinforce a truth I have always believed: the time, intention, and energy invested in developing a strong leadership team matters deeply. In fact, it is the foundation of both organizational stability and long-term success.
I have watched our leadership team step up in remarkable ways. When challenges arose, they leaned on one another. They pivoted when necessary, stayed anchored in our mission and values, and ensured our educators remained aligned and supported. They are committed to growth and opportunity—and they lead with heart, resilience, and a healthy dose of humour.
The culture of care we have built together is not accidental. It is a gift—one that serves the children, families, and educators of Splash today, and will continue to serve the future Executive Director tomorrow.
Lesley
Board members 2025
Chairperson: Jordan Lee L.C.
Vice Chairperson: Shawna Beach-Nelson L.C.
Treasurer: Martha Beach-Nelson LC
Secretary: Jessica Sinclair
(Community Member NE)
Members at large:
April Sinclair CC
Jasmine Rivard LC
Jessica Abraham LC
Melissa Del Vecchio LC
Sean Carleton LC
Jane Johnston LC
Kaitlyn Gyles LC
Genevieve Benoit - (Community Member SE)
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
What is happening in January
We are happy to announce the return of our Soup Supplement Program.
Starting January 5 through March, children at the EC and CC will be offered a warm, nutritious soup daily, provided by the centre.
This program supports healthy eating habits, provides extra warmth and comfort during the winter months, and helps ensure children receive an additional nourishing option as part of their day.
Looking ahead: I Love to Read Month (February)
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.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
Reminder, if your child is under 5 y.o
Please remember to cut all circle-shaped fruits and vegetables, as they are considered a choking hazard.
Also avoid:
Popcorn
Marshmallows
Ice cubes
Hard Candies
Sticky candy
Chewing gum
Tortilla Chips and Hard Pretzels
Hard roasted chickpeas and corn nuts
Reminders
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.
Friendly Reminder that all Children are to bring wet bags and/or reusable bags for their belongings, as we don't provide these for families. We are doing our best to keep our centre as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. Our Centre is plastic bag-free. If you need a copy of a Supply list, please ask.
CC is fish-free centre.
As the winter season is in full swing, we are asking families to bring the appropriate outdoor clothing.
See Parent Resources Tab for more Information: "How to Dress for the Weather Guide".
Sending the appropriate clothing daily ensures your child has a safer, warmer, and more successful day! If your child does not have the appropriate clothing, we will be calling you to drop off belongings, as we need to keep your child safe and protected from all weather.
Preschool and infant environments are starting to get ready at 9:30 A.M. each day. We ask families to arrive on time. If you are running late, please communicate that as our educators are planning the day, and this can cause a disturbance to what they have planned.
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.”