Executive Director’s Report for September 2025

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”

John Donne

September marks the transition from summer to autumn, bringing with it a change in weather, the landscape, and our daily rhythms. As the last of summer’s warmth gives way to cooler days and the school season begins, we often feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

For many children, this is a time of exciting movement: from infant to preschool, preschool to school-age programs, and for school-age children, the beginning or return to their many schools. Equally, our educators have the opportunity to  embrace change—shifting into new environments or even new centres within the Splash community. We are grateful to have this flexibility, which not only supports professional growth but also helps reduce burnout and strengthens staff retention.

Reflective Practice in Forest School

This season also marks the beginning of our Forest School reflective practice. Splash Forest School practitioners will soon be gathering to share their experiences and offer suggestions for the year ahead. We believe strongly in the mindset of continual growth, and reflective practice remains a cornerstone of our curriculum development.

Strengthening Community Connections

Autumn also invites us to reconnect with our local communities. Through our urban Forest School programs in the parks, children will engage in ongoing projects, creative play, and imaginative use of loose parts. These opportunities not only encourage curiosity and creativity but also nurture a sense of belonging within the broader community. Community members and local businesses also delight in seeing the children in their colourful pinnies and smiling faces spreading kindness wherever they go.

Professional Development Day – September 19th

I would like to share the story behind our upcoming Professional Development Day. Each January, Educators and Board members gather to enjoy pizza, refreshments, and the collaborative creation of our annual strategic plan. We use a process called PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope), which encourages participants to envision a shared future rooted in common values and beliefs. The PATH process blends dreaming with practical planning, identifying timeframes, milestones, and resources to move us forward.

From one of these sessions came the dream of hosting our very own inclusive conference—set in a beautiful, natural location—where educators could participate in workshops simultaneously and connect with colleagues from across our centres. Our Management team worked diligently to bring that vision to life, and we are excited to see this dream realized. September 19th at Fort Whyte Bison Crossing will mark a milestone in that journey.

Looking Ahead

As the season unfolds, we welcome the opportunities it brings: growth, reflection, and connection. Thank you to our Educators, Families, and Partners for continuing to make Splash a vibrant, supportive, and evolving community.

Lesley Massey (she/her)

Executive Director 

S.P.L.A.S.H. Child Care Inc., Splash Child Enrichment Centre, Splash Early Learning Centre,  Splash Urban Learning Centre and Splash Mino Pimatisiwin Children's Centre

“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.”