CGS kids are back in class. After an extremely busy summer of retrofitting for C-19, the school is full of happy children once again. HEPA filters, a CGS COVID-Safe Screening sign-in program, additional classroom sinks, new desks to accommodate social distancing and an outdoor learning space have all made for a safe and healthy return to school for CGS students. For more information contact Kelly Scott, Director of Admission at 416 423 5017 x 43 or kscott@cgsschool.com
The feeling in the neighbourhood is one of nervous excitement as September approaches and families get ready for the coming school year. Even with all the change and uncertainty this school year holds, most parents are ready for their children to be out of the house and back at school learning and playing with their friends. CGS, one of our neighbourhood private schools, is ready. CGS students (preschool to grade 3), will all be back in school, five days a week, when schools reconvene across the City on September 8.. When the pandemic first hit and schools had to make a speedy switch to online learning, CGS created their CGS Spirit at Home program, so named for keeping CGS community spirit alive even when it was sorely tested by the pandemic.
CGS Spirit ready for return to class
Even though CGS will be back in the classroom in the fall, this unusual year still promises to require lots of extra school spirit. With social distancing and strict health and safety measures at the forefront, returning to school is going to hold extra challenges for families, staff and students. CGS doesn’t want to forget that, no matter what the circumstances, school should always be full of spirit, fun and connection. Whether at home or in school, CGS has its priorities straight. If you want to learn more, contact Kelly Scott, Director of Admission at kscott@cgsschool.com
As the 2019/20 school year draws to a close, many parents are reflecting on what a difficult time it’s been these past few months. School closures caused by COVID 19 set unprecedented circumstances in motion. Entire curriculums and school life had to be moved online in record time in both the public and private systems. At CGS, dedicated staff members threw their heart and soul into creating a new routine for students and families as quickly as possible. They built what they call their CGS Spirit at Home program. It is a program designed, above all, to keep students feeling connected and engaged with their teachers, their learning, and their friends, even when separation is necessary.
CGS determined no one falls through the cracks
Many parents are nervous about the “new normal” and what school will look like next. How will children manage if school has to go online? What if local schools don’t provide any live teaching and my child falls through the cracks? The reaction of one parent is informative. She wrote: “CGS rose to the occasion and honestly, blew us away. I was amazed by what a great experience we had with online learning. I can only imagine what went on behind the scenes for it to appear so seamless to us.” CGS is eager to provide others with the reassurance they’re seeking. You can learn more about how CGS is leaning into the challenges ahead to create the best possible early years programming, at school or online. Contact Kelly Scott, Director of Admission, at kscott@cgsschool.com to book an online chat.
Marie Bates, principal of Leaside’s CGS, has written a moving commentary on racial tensions seen in the US and here in recent days. Her full remarks are here.
I have struggled to know what to write to the CGS Community about what has been going on in the United States, and even in our city, this past week. I have struggled to share the right words, the right sentiments, the right advice, the right direction this should take and maybe I won’t get it quite right but saying nothing would be worse. Like many of you, I have watched in horror as a spotlight has shone brightly on the tremendous injustices in our society. The oppression and devaluation of Black lives is nothing new, but in this day of instant media, it has been brought into our living rooms as never before. I sincerely hope that it has been brought into our hearts and minds as never before too. We haven’t been able to hide from the elephant in the room this week, and as horrible as it is to watch, that can only be a good thing. CGS site
It’s been two months since schools were ordered to close in Ontario and it has been an unprecedented time of upheaval for educators and students. Not a moment of that two months has been wasted by our neighbourhood private school, Children’s Garden School. CGS has made a highly successful shift to what they call their CGS Spirit at Home program. The enormous task of moving staff, students (and parents) to an online format in such a short time was nothing short of miraculous, especially in the case of such young students. (CGS serves Preschool to Grade 3 children). But everyone has settled into a good routine and students are progressing.
Teachers are doing live and pre-recorded lessons, follow-up small group sessions and story times. Students have French, Gym and Creative Arts sessions as well as their usual Language Arts, Math, Science, Technology and Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) sessions. The kids even have time in the schedule for mindfulness practise. Academics aside, staying connected as a community during this time of isolation has been a top priority for CGS – making sure the children feel loved and heard, despite the varied challenges of an online learning environment. The Bulldog says well done CGS. For more information, contact Director of Admission, Kelly Scott, at kscott@cgsschool.com.
We hope that everyone has had a satisfying start to the new decade! The Grade 2’s and 3’s over at CGS have set some great goals for 2020. They’ve thought about ways they can strive to improve in many areas of their lives — as students, sons and daughters, friends, and citizens. Check out some of the ideas the children have to make 2020 a productive year at home and at school. If you’re looking for an exceptional school in Leaside, give CGS a call and find out more about this wonderful neighbourhood private school. 670 Eglinton Ave E. 416-423-5017. www.cgsschool.com
Children’s Garden School on Eglinton marked Remembrance Day Thursday. The children tied this very important occasion in with forgiveness, their November Character Trait. The Senior Kindergarten class hosted the assembly and told the touching story of the Bear on the Homefront.
Students, staff and parents also joined together to recite the Kids for Peace Pledge.
I pledge to use my words to speak in a kind way.
I pledge to help others as I go throughout my day.
I pledge to care for our earth with my healing heart and hands.
I pledge to respect people in each and every land.
I pledge to join together as we unite the big and small.
I pledge to create peace for one and all.
General election day is Monday and at CGS in Leaside students are well aware of their civic duty to vote. That’s why they’ll be electing their student government on the same day as their moms and dads help elect a new federal government. Excitement is building in the halls at CGS as the race is on. Students in Grades 1 to 3 are hoping to become Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Class Councillor. Candidates are campaigning with colourful, inventive posters and preparing speeches to present to their peers. In the process, they’re to be part off the process of creating good, responsible government. CGS will be voting on Monday and they’re hoping you will be too.
Congratulations to the students over at CGS on Eglinton for a year well done. Their Awards Assembly and Graduation took place last week. It was a rainy day for the first time in years but it didn’t dampen spirits.
The happy faces of four students from Children’s Garden School on Eglinton Ave. at Hanna rd. are shining from literature sent to all schools in Ontario to prepare them for the 2019 run. It was a particularly pleasant surprise for CGS JK teacher Sara A who has headed up the Terry Team at CGS for 20 years. She found the familiar faces from last October’s run when she opened the mail this week. The newsletter goes out to 9,000 schools across Canada. Watch for it!
The Toronto Maple Leafs looked better than many fans could remember Thursday as they whipped the Bruins 4-1 in the first game of their Stanley Cup playoff series at Boston’s TD Garden. Marner scored twice for the Leafs, once on a penalty shot, and Nylander made it 3-1 on a thrilling breakaway seen in the photo above. Here are the NHL highlights.
Scoring
Bergeron scored a power-play goal at 9:31 to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.
Marner tied it 1-1 at 16:44.
Marner scored a shorthanded goal on a penalty shot at 2:47 of the second period for a 2-1 Toronto lead.
Nylander made it 3-1 with on a breakaway with 1:35 left in the period.
Tavares scored into an empty net with 1:19 remaining in the third period for the 4-1 final.
