MJDS Home Page Banner

 

 

Engagement in meaningful and purposeful activities develops intelligence; it also fosters deep emotional and spiritual connections.  We are proud to illustrate this with this picture of a Casa child  wrapping her hand-made "Chanukah" lotion bar.  Notice her concentration and peaceful demeanour and read more below....

 
December 7th, 2014

In This Issue:

  1. On Being an MJDS Parent: Bring the MJDS Experience Home
  2. Child-Managed Routine Reduces Bedtime Stress
  3. Year of Sports and Health Annual Giving Campaign
  4. MJDS Upcoming Events
  5. Community Events

On Being an MJDS Parent: Bring the MJDS Experience Home

 

Casa children are enthralled by the process of weighing the ingredients
This week your Casa child brought home a very precious gift containing a bar of handmade lotion. For Chanukah this year our main topic of study is oil, and this is one of the activities that the children will take part in during this holiday season. Last week the children learned how olives are harvested and processed into oil and other products, and this week's lesson brings that idea to life.  

One of the many beautiful aspects of the Montessori program is that learning is interconnected.  The children explore many curriculum areas at once through activities such as creating a bar of lotion, while also adding new meaning to the Chanukah season. Together with the history and the story of Chanukah and the related spiritual aspects, Science, Botany, Math, Language, Sensorial and Practical Life lessons were all involved. The children participated in the process, and finished with the Grace and Courtesy lesson of sharing the beautifully gift wrapped final product with loved ones.

 

 

Orange Honey Lotion Bars

We invite families with children of all ages to bring the MJDS experience into your own home with this recipe for Orange Honey Lotion Bars.

 

"Chanukah" Lotion Bars:

1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
2 ounces organic beeswax
2 ounces organic shea butter
2 ounces organic cocnut oil
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
6 drops of organic sweet orange essential oil

Packaging Completed by Casa Students

In a double-boiler, melt together the beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil until they become a smooth, uniform liquid.

Turn the heat off and add the olive oil, honey and essential oil.

In a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners add the mix evenly.

Allow to set on the counter for 7 to 8 hours, or speed up the process in the refrigerator.

Makes 5 regular size bars or 10 mini size bars. Store in a cool place.

Child-Managed Routine Reduces Bedtime Stress

 

Do you ever feel like you are fighting a losing battle when it comes to getting your children to bed? Do you want to experience a more peaceful and independent bedtime routine? Imagine how many bedtime stories you could read if your child got him/herself ready in time. An article posted in this week's Globe and Mail discusses this very topic of bedtime conflict. Although their focus is younger children - this works for ALL ages. Please read on!

  

 Year of Sports and Health Annual Giving Campaign

 

MJDS has begun its Annual Giving Campaign and we look to our wonderful families and members of the community to help us raise funds to improve our Physical Education Programs during our Year of Sports and Health. We are a not-for profit, self-funded organization that depends on the generosity of our donors to help us provide the highest quality Jewish Montessori experience for our students. Tzedaka is another theme for the Chanukah season, so include your children in the experience of deciding where you would like to focus your donation and give generously. You can pick up donation forms in the office or download the form here.


 

Donations received by December 31, 2014 are eligible for a 2014 Tax Receipt.

 

MJDS Upcoming Events

 

December 11 - Last Day for Winter After School Special Programs Registration

                            - PD Day Camp Registration is Due for January 5

th PD Day

December 17 - Chanukah Party - Join us for a whole new way for the MJDS Community to                                                                                       celebrate Chanukah    6:00 pm Beth David

December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 5 - Professional Development Day - School Closed

                       PD Day Camp: In the Kitchen with Dinah: your children will love it!

January 22 - Protective Behaviours Parent Night (changed from Jan 29)

 

Community Events

 

 Keep Calm and Learn Krav Maga

 

Sunday December 7th at Beth David Synagogue.

For children in grades 6 - 12. Cost $20. Find out more.