April 2026 Newsletter
Executive Director’s Report

“Invest in Our Planet” is our focus for April, culminating in the celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

Happy spring—the season of renewal and change! Spring offers us an opportunity to reflect on what has been and to thoughtfully embrace what could be. It invites us to roll up our sleeves, refresh our surroundings, and make meaningful changes in both our environments and our daily lives. While change is not always easy, it often brings renewed hope, growth, and positive outcomes.

Over the past few weeks, our teams have been doing just that—working diligently to refresh our centres and learning environments to ensure they continue to align with our goals, values, and commitment to high-quality care.

You may wonder how we accomplish all of our goals. The answer lies in our shared commitment to our mission and values, supported by a strategic planning process we undertake each year in collaboration with our Board, educators, and even with input from the children. This process is known as our P.A.T.H.

This year’s PATH will guide us in updating and improving our systems, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation. Key priorities include exploring the implementation of a lunch program across all sites, enhancing our nature-based programming (including Forest School), responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, strengthening our curriculum, and improving communication both within our organization and with the broader community.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of this year’s PATH and committed to specific goals. It is inspiring to see the teams working so diligently to bring these initiatives to life. Let’s continue to stay focused on our PATH and grounded in our mission and values.

We also had a successful fundraiser with Purdy’s Chocolates. The orders arrived just in time for Easter and looked absolutely delicious. Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative.

We are excited to share that Splash Mino Pimatisiwin Children’s Centre is fully set up and ready to open. We are currently awaiting the final occupancy permit from the City. Similarly, the Splash Faraday Satellite Centre is in the same position—ready to go and now in a “hurry up and wait” phase. We look forward to welcoming children and families into these new spaces very soon.

The Board’s hiring committee continues to interview candidates for the Executive Director position. We will share updates as soon as a decision has been finalized. As a reminder, my retirement date is June 30, 2026.

Since January, our educators have been actively participating in—and even leading—professional development opportunities. Heather and Dj have written articles for our professional association’s newsletter, and many educators have represented Splash at events throughout the city. Through these networking opportunities, they have brought back valuable insights and ideas to share with our teams. These community connections are helping to build strong bridges and enrich our organization as a whole.

This month, we will also be celebrating the Week of the Early Childhood Educator, taking place from April 27 to May 1, 2026. Early Learning and Child Care professionals dedicate tremendous care, energy, and expertise to building meaningful relationships and creating enriching experiences that support each child’s development.

This week is officially proclaimed by the City of Winnipeg to recognize and honour the vital role educators play in supporting families and nurturing children through high-quality care and programming. We encourage everyone to take a moment to show appreciation for the incredible work of our educators.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community.

Lesley Massey

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

Reconciliation is a journey for all Canadians.

“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.”