The 2026/27 School Year - SEPTEMBER
Well, I’m not quite sure how I can still be surprised by how quickly Summer Break flies by, but here I am, scratching my head, trying to focus on work and wondering how on Earth we’ve managed to find ourselves in September again! Sheesh! Where did the summer go?!
Marion: Director Tina: Manager
Welcome Back to all of our old friends, and We Can’t Wait to Meet You to all of our new friends joining us for the first time! We have an amazing year ahead, with so many fabulous things planned, and we can’t wait to get started!
Marion and I are really looking forward to getting to know all of our families and making this another wonderful year at St. Catherine’s. Please remember that we have an Open Door Policy — our office is always open to parents and caregivers who have questions, comments, or concerns.
If something is on your mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call, send us an email, or simply stop by for a chat. We’re always happy to listen and help in any way we can.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! We’re so happy to have you all with us!
The first thing you need to do is SAVE THE DATE for our AGM on Wed., Oct. 14th at 6:30pm!
ALL FAMILIES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND. But don’t worry, it takes LESS THAN AN HOUR!! You will meet the teachers and current Board Members. And, if you would like to be on the board this year, please email the office RIGHT NOW and let us know! We are definitely looking for a Treasurer!!
Meet the Team
Rainbow Room Teachers: Karen (M-F) & Azam (M-F)
Treehouse Room Teachers: Gabi (M-F) & Mary (M-F) & Karen (1:30pm-3pm)
Treehouse Room Program Assistants: Vibha (TWTh) & Rebecca (M,F) & Chris (T,Th)
Administration:
Manager: Christina (Tina) (M-Th)
Director & Dev. Resource Teacher: Marion (Tu-Fr)
First Day of School
The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 9th or Thursday, September 10th, depending on your child’s schedule. By now, you should have received, by email, your child’s Gradual Entry Schedule. If you have not received one, check your junk folder, and if it is not there, email us immediately.
Please remember to only park in the large parking lot off Wellington. The small parking lot off Ridgewood Drive is not for Preschool Staff or Families. Thank you for not parking there, even “for two minutes”.
Rainbow Room: please line up outside the main, glass lobby doors in the big parking lot. Please do not let your children run around the parking lot, and please try to stay to one side so as not to block the door. The teachers will come to the door and bring everyone down to the classroom at the start time. Caregivers of children who stay until 2:45pm will pick up their children from the Treehouse Room door once Gradual Entry is done.
Treehouse Room: please line up outside the Church doors off Ridgewood Drive, near the Memorial Garden. Please do not let your children run around the Memorial Garden. It is a sacred place where parishioners have placed there loved one’s ashes. Also, please remember to park in the BIG parking lot only.
FUNDRAISING
As a non-profit preschool, fundraising plays a big role in helping us maintain our play yard and provide all the wonderful gross motor equipment the children enjoy both in the gym and outside.
Every August, we are lucky to have The Great Canadian Landscaping Company come out and refresh our play yard, keeping it safe, inviting, and beautiful. A big thank-you also goes to last year’s families, whose fundraising efforts made this possible — just look at our beautiful yard!
The children truly love it, and it makes such a difference in their daily play. That’s why, when our fundraisers pop up, we hope you’ll support the preschool in keeping this amazing yard for your children — and for future children — to enjoy.
This year’s fundraisers will include:
📚 Scholastic Books
🍫 Purdys Chocolates
🥟 Samosa Fundraiser
🍕 Pizza Night & Cake Walk
♻️ Return-It Recycling
Sickness Policy & Absences
This time of year always seems to be really bad for catching colds, fevers and tummy bugs and it is very important that we all do our part to stop the spread of germs.
IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE AWAY (OR LATE):
Please call or email the office ASAP and let us know, the earlier, the better:
Is it due to Vacation or Home Day? Let us know ASAP the dates your child will be absent.
Is it due to illness? Then let us know the illness AND the symptoms as Licensing requires us to monitor and record all infectious illnesses at our preschool. We can then let you know when your child can return.
Should My Child Stay Home Today?
In the last 24 hours, if your child has had a fever, sore throat, tummy cramps, diarrhea or loose stool, persistent cough, has vomited or has taken any medicine to alleviate any of those symptoms, they should stay home.
If your child has low energy, is extra tired, is unusually upset or crying uncontrollably, has a persistent cough or is in pain due to an injury, or has an undiagnosed rash they should stay home.
Please let your teachers know when your family is going through stressful events such as moving, renovations, death in the family, divorce, new baby, etc. We do not need to know specifics, but letting us know that your child is going through “stuff” helps the teachers to create the safest space for your little one.
When Can My Child Return?
A child who has had a fever may return when they are 24 hours fever-free AND medicine-free.
A child who has had diarrhea or a loose stool, OR has vomited, can return 24 hours AFTER the last solid BM or they have kept food down for 24 hours.
A child who has had diarrhea or a loose stool, AND has vomited, can return 48 hours AFTER the last solid BM and they have kept food down for more than 24 hours.
PLEASE REMEMBER that you should never send your child to preschool on MEDICATIONS without prior consent from the preschool with the appropriate forms filled out and filed in the office.
Advice: Do you want your child to succeed?
If you want your child to stay excited about school, just remember to get involved! Take an interest in the art they bring home. Ask them open-ended questions at the end of the day, such as, “What are the names of some of your friends?”, “What is your favourite thing to do at school?” Avoid the questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no” so you can have a longer and more meaningful conversation!
Why Playdates & Outdoor Time Matter
Playdates give children valuable opportunities to build friendships, practice social skills, and learn how to share, cooperate, and solve problems together. Pair that with outdoor activities, and the benefits grow even more — fresh air, active play, and healthy movement all support strong bodies and healthy minds.
When you help your child connect with friends and spend time outside, you’re not just creating happy memories — you’re also building healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
On a personal note, I walk to work from 1st and Lonsdale — about 50 minutes each way. The fresh air, exercise, and time in nature keep me recharged and healthy. Try walking with your child whenever you can. You might be surprised by how far they can go — and you’ll be setting them up for healthy success in the future!
UPCOMING SCHOOL CLOSURES & SPECIAL EVENTS
St. Catherine’s Church
The Church will be holding a few events that all of our families are invited to attend!
Check out the Shred-It Saturday on Sept. 12th! Get rid of some of that old paperwork that is cluttering up your storage spaces.
Or stop by the Church for a yummy breakfast at FOOD for the SOUL on the first Sunday of the month at 10am. Starts Oct. 4th.
And they will also be collecting donations of food, gift cards, and personal care items for the Harvest Project throughout the year.
Did you know that St. Catherine’s Church has Sunday School? Starts at 10am on Sundays.
