September Newsletter LC - Timber Wolves & Bald Eagles

Welcome September!!!!

As the seasons turn, our days are filled with fresh discoveries, outdoor adventures, and learning from the land around us. It is the time of change, as we move from our summer fun to the children’s going back to school. We said goodbye to our summer students. We have had some of our children move to other schools and child care programs, and wish them all the best.

Welcome to the new school year educator line up:

Amber ECE II, Team Lead

Nathan ECE II, Team member

Arshdeep CCA, Team member

Connecting with Nature: Our school-age group has been busy exploring the outdoors, learning about local plants, and watching how nature prepares for the change in seasons.

Indigenous Teachings & Values: We are weaving traditional teachings into our daily rhythms—focusing on respect for the Earth, community, kindness, and learning from the animals and land around us.

Hands-on Building & Creation: Children are engaging in creative creations using natural materials like leaves, twigs, and stones to share their story of the changing environment.

Teamwork & Gratitude: Every day, we gather in a sharing circle to celebrate each other's kindness, share story time, and practice gratitude for our friends, educators, and the environment.

The program has moved back to our school schedule.

Important dates:

First day of School is September 9, 2026.
Truth and Reconciliation day September 30, 2026

Transitioning back to school or stepping into a classroom for the very first time can trigger a wave of anxiety for children. Big feelings—like nervousness, fear of the unknown, or sadness about leaving home—are completely normal during times of change.

Understanding School Anxiety

Fear of the Unknown: New routines, unfamiliar educators, and a different environment can feel overwhelming for a child.
Separation Anxiety: Leaving parents or primary caregivers can bring up worries about safety, comfort, and feeling disconnected.
Social & Academic Pressure: Navigating peer dynamics, group rules, and new expectations requires energy and emotional effort.

Practical Ways to Help Children Cope

Acknowledge and Validate Feelings: Let your child know it’s normal to feel excited and nervous at the same time. Avoid dismissing their worries with "you'll be fine"; instead, say "I hear you, and it's okay to feel nervous about new things."
Establish Predictable Routines: Practice morning and bedtime schedules a week or two before school starts. Familiarity with the rhythm helps lower stress and creates a sense of safety.
Visit the Space in Advance: Walk or drive by the school, visit the playground, or meet the educators if possible. Visualizing where they will be helps replace fear with familiarity.
Create a Comforting Goodbye Ritual: Keep drop-offs warm, loving, and brief. Long farewells can heighten anxiety. A quick hug, a special handshake, or a reassuring phrase like "I always come back" helps build trust.
Use Grounding & Connection Tools:Send a small pocket token (like a smooth heart-shaped stone or a small drawing) so they have a physical reminder of home.

Practice calm breathing together—such as "balloon breathing" or smelling a flower and blowing out a candle.
Focus on What Stays the Same: Remind them of the anchors in their life: their home, family, pets, and favorite after-school activities will all be waiting for them at the end of the day.

Reminders:

We ask that students arrive on time, before 8:15 am, to be walked to school or taken to their bus. Should you arrive late and the group for school has already left or your child has missed the bus it is your responsibility to transport them to school. Children who arrive late to the program and miss the scheduled transportation (walking or bus) may NOT stay at the childcare centre.
If you are going to be late or absent we ask you to contact the centre at 204 560-5601 by 8:15 am. We schedule our staff to meet the KNOWN number of children that we have.
Should you wish to drop off your child and have us pick them up after school or pick up our child directly from the school, let us know for safety reasons! We do not wish to have someone left behind or be looking for a child that is not there. Call 204 560-5601

Thank you to all our wonderful families for your ongoing support, smiles, and energy!

Amber