Sunrise Montessori School

Updated Travel Restrictions (Dec 2021)
2021-12-08 - 2021-12-15 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents / Guardians,
The holiday season is fast approaching. Due to the increased numbers of COVID-19 cases in Ontario, our government has implemented further travel restrictions across all border crossings. Please refer to https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions.
Our main objective is to ensure that we adhere strictly to all the regulated COVID-19 protocols for the health and safety of all Canadians including members of our school community.
Therefore, I would like to reiterate on the following:
Requirements for an unvaccinated child less than 12 years of age who traveled abroad.
For 14 days after arrival, the child must not:

Attend school, camp or day care.
Attend a setting where they may have contact with vulnerable people (e.g., long-term care facility), including people who are immunocompromised, regardless of that person’s vaccination status or public health measures.
Travel on crowded public transportation that does not ensure physical distancing and masking.
Attend large, crowded settings, indoors or outdoors, such as an amusement park or sporting event.

The child must take COVID-19 molecular tests within 72 hours of the scheduled departure, and upon arrival at a land border crossing, unless you have evidence that the child had a positive COVID-19 test taken 14 to 180 days prior to arrival in Canada or the child is under 5 years of age. This applies to all international travel (exceptions apply). This is subject to any further changes by our government.
In anticipation of the above, we would like to request all parents to inform us duly if you have any travel plans that involves international destinations and into the United States. Please download this form and fill in the information electronically and double-click one of the boxes indicating your status. Please return to us either electronically or to the class teacher soonest possible.

Sincerely,
Grace Koo
Principal

Winter Break (Casa & Elementary)
2021-12-20 - 2021-12-30 | ON
** Reminder to ALL Parents / Guardians **
** NEW UPDATE – Back to School COVID Testing IS REQUIRED **
Programs will resume for Casa (Pre-school) and Private School (JK, SK and Elementary) on Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022.
Rapid Antigen test is required for all children who were away from school i.e. JK/SK and Elementary students who did not sign up for the winter break program. The rapid test is for all who stayed home / did not travel but were away from school during the winter break and now returning to school. This is for the safety of all students and staff.
Those children who signed up for our winter break program and were attending school during the two weeks winter break WILL NOT need to provide a rapid test.
******************************************************************************
Winter Break is from Monday, Dec 20, 2021 to Friday, Dec 30, 2021.
No school for Casa and Elementary Programs during winter break.
The Infant Program and Toddler Program will be fully operational during the winter break.

Important Updates from York Region Public Health
2022-01-05 - 2022-01-10 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents / Guardians,
Please be informed that the childcare centre is open to all students from Infant to Preschool programs.
On Thursday December 30, 2021, the provincial government announced updates to COVID-19 case, contact and outbreak management so public health efforts can be focused on the highest risk settings to protect our most vulnerable residents. Schools and child care are no longer considered highest-risk settings and, as a result, there are a number of changes to the management of COVID-19 cases in these settings.
Download a copy of the York Region Public Health Memo here.
Please contact me at 905 477 2833 if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Grace Koo
Principal

Happy Chinese New Year 2022 - Year of the Tiger
2022-01-28 - 2022-02-15 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
2022 is a year of the Tiger, it starts from February 1, 2022 and ends on January 31, 2023. People born in a year of the Tiger are brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident. They are very charming and well-liked by others.
Within the Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is the most important celebration, an occasion for familiar reunion and party.
We will celebrate this auspicious event on – Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
MAIN HIGHLIGHT – LION DANCE
The LION will visit all our children with a spectacular performance. An interactive workshop about the history and the evolution of Chinese Lion dance will be held after the performance.
We will have this event live streamed via Zoom for parents who like to participate.
Details as follows.
Date: February 1, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5676137041?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 567 613 7041
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Followed by:
The school will host a “dumpling” lunch – dumplings represent prosperity because their shape resembles ancient Chinese money.

Teachers will organize individual class party.
Parents help to bring in New Year goodies and other foods.
We encourage all parents to dress up your child/ren in festive attires.

Sunrise Montessori wishes ALL families and Staff — KUNG HEI FATT CHOY !
Happiness and Prosperity throughout the New Year.
祝 你 新 的 一 年 快 乐 幸 福。
Click here to read what the 15 days of Chinese New Year means.

2022 Re-Enrollment and Summer Camp is OPEN
2022-01-28 - 2022-03-31 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents,
Re-enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year and the coming Summer Camp registration have already begun.
We encourage parents to re-enroll early and promptly as spaces will not be reserved once a class has reached its intended teacher-student ratio.
Both the links to the registration forms are added below for your attention.
Re-enrollment Form
Summer Camp Form
Please contact Ms Grace Koo at 905 477 2833 if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Valentine's Day Blessings
2022-02-14 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
This Valentine’s Day, the students at Sunrise will prepare cards and posters to celebrate and cherish their loved ones. Let your child know how much you cherish them by also sending them well Valentine’s day wishes.
After all, where would you be without the love and support of your family? When your child sends a heartfelt Valentine’s Day blessing or Valentine’s Day card for family, they are spreading that simply beautiful feeling of love. So on February 14th, let’s take a few moments from our day of roses, chocolates and balloons and praise God for these special family members that He placed in our lives.
May your life be filled with the gifts of love on this year’s Valentine and may the charm of love stay with you forever. Happy Valentine’s day.
Sunrise Montessori wishes everyone a Wonderful and Memorable Valentine’s day
God bless you on this special day.
God keep you in His care.
And may His blessings and His Love go with you everywhere.

PA Day (School is Closed)
2022-02-18, 2022-05-20 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK & Elementary).
PA Day is a Professional Activity Day for school staff and therefore there are no classes for students except for students registered with York Region Childcare Service at a fee. Childcare Service is available for parents who wish to register their child during the PA Day at an additional cost.
Please check out our school calendar for the complete list of activities pertaining to school events, holidays and closures.

Family Day (Holiday)
2022-02-21 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK & Elementary).
For all families and staff of Sunrise, we hope that you appreciate what you have and hold close to your loved ones. Enjoy and have a Happy Family Day !
Click here to read more about Family Day.

Pink T-Shirt Day (Anti-Bullying Campaign)
2022-02-23 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Sunrise Montessori School strongly supports Anti-Bullying Day. It is a day when people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. We encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying. Will you join in with us by wearing pink today?
On February 23, 2022, we encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.
The original event was organized by David Shepherd and Travis Price of Berwick, Nova Scotia, who in 2007 bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after male ninth grade student Chuck McNeill was bullied for wearing a pink shirt during the first day of school. In 2012, the United Nations declared May 4 as Anti-Bullying Day.

COVID-19 Update for Families and School/Childcare Center in York Region
2022-03-11 - 2022-03-31 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents / Guardians,
The announcement from the provincial government on March 11, 2022 refers.
Effective March 21, 2022, the provincial government will no longer mandate masks for students/attendees, staff and visitors in school and child care and on school transportation. Individuals can choose to continue wearing masks based on their own risk level and individual risk assessment. The provincial government has requested for everyone’s kindness and consideration as the province navigate this new phase of the pandemic.
Even though it is not mandatory, we would like to highly encourage all our parents, students and teachers to continue with the masking effort for now.
Although on-site confirmation of screening will no longer be required, students/attendees, staff and visitors must complete the provincial COVID-19 School and Child Care screening tool at home prior to arrival. Individuals who do not pass screening must not enter school or child care and follow the guidance provided in the screening tool.
Please show the COVID-19 School screening result to the teachers at the entrance. Click here for the COVID-19 School Screening tool.
The process of drop off and pick up for all children remains unchanged.
Attached are the 2 memorandums from York Region Public Health and from the Ministry of Education for your perusal. Feel free to download:
March_11_2022_-_Memo_to_Administrators_Operators_with_Key_Updates
Ministry_of_Education_Update_-_Lifting_of_Health_and_Safety_Measures_in_Schools

Good Friday (Holiday)
2022-04-15 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK & Elementary).
Sunrise Montessori wishes ALL families a blessed Good Friday.
May the glory of our Savior strengthen you and may His graces shine upon you on Good Friday and always!
Click here to read more about Good Friday.

Easter Monday (Holiday)
2022-04-18 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK & Elementary).
Sunrise Montessori wishes ALL families a blessed Easter, with peace, joy, and happiness !
For Christians, Easter Sunday celebrates one of the greatest days in history – when Jesus, the Son of God, defeated death and rose from the grave. Easter Monday is a public holiday in many countries and is part of the Easter period. It is a Christian observance and is the day after Easter Sunday.
Click here to read more about Easter Monday.

IMPORTANT - Back to School Updates from York Region Public Health
2022-08-30 - 2022-09-07 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents / Guardians,
Please find attached a letter to families with important COVID and public health information. We ask that each you distribute the letter to families to support back to school messaging.

Please let us know if you have any concerns with the letter.
Thank you.
School, Child Care Centre and Day Programs Outbreak Intake Team,
Public Health Branch, Community and Health Services Department
————————————————————————————————————————
The Regional Municipality of York | 17250 Yonge Street | Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1
1-877-464-9675 ext. 76681 | SchoolServices@york.ca
Our Mission: Working together to serve our thriving communities – today and tomorrow

Take this to someone who can read English
Back to school letter to families 2022-2023

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (Sep 6, 2022)
2022-09-06 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Sunrise welcomes all parents, students and staff as we open school on the Sep 6, 2022.
First Day of School
The first day of school is Tuesday, September 6, 2022. The school operating hours are from 7.15am – 6.00pm.
Click here for the School Calendar for 2022-23.
After School Programs
Click here for the After School Program registration form. Please register by September 14, 2022 to secure a spot.

The emphasis on health and safety of our students, parents, teachers and the school community will be our top priority.
All the best to you and your families in 2022-23.
See you all on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Sunrise Montessori

Parent Workshop (Sep 14 - 16)
2022-09-14 - 2022-09-16 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Sunrise Montessori is organizing an In-Person Parent Workshop from Wednesday, Sep 14 to Friday, Sep 16 from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Please check below for the day you will be required to be involved.
The objective is to present the classroom curriculum as well as introduce the class teachers to you. It will be held in the individual classroom where your child is presently studying.
Please RSVP to your child’s classroom teachers to confirm your attendance.

Date
Wednesday – Sep 14, 2022
Thursday – Sep 15, 2022
Friday – Sep 16, 2022

Program / Classroom
Infant
Toddler 1, 3
Casa 1 to 5
JK/SK French Immersion
JK/SK 1, JK/SK 2
Elementary

Time
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm

Venue
Individual Classroom
Individual Classroom
Individual Classroom

Activities & Field Trips (Oct - Dec 2022)
2022-09-15 - 2022-09-23 | School (Pick Up & Drop Off), 180 Amber St,, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents / Guardians,
The following are the activities & field trips organized from October – December 2022.
Please download the appropriate age activity for your child.
Click here to download form for 2.5 years and above.
Click here to download form for Toddlers only (18 months – 2.5 years old).
These are part of the activities organized in lieu of the Activity Fees collected for this year. If your child does not wish to participate in the activities & trips, he/she will stay at school.
Thank you,
Sunrise Montessori

Terry Fox Run (Sep 16, 2022)
2022-09-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Show Your Terry Fox Spirit on Sep 16 !
Dear parents/guardians and staff of Sunrise,
Our school is continuing Terry Fox’s legacy by taking part in the Terry Fox School Run. To honor this special day, please feel free to share the attached message with your children.
We thank you for joining us in the fight against cancer and continuing Terry’s legacy for generations to come.
~~~~~~~
On April 12, 1980 Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Terry brought an empty glass bottle to a small beach in Outer Cove and filled it with Atlantic seawater. He planned to pour the jug of water into the Pacific Ocean at the end of his run, symbolically connecting our country from coast to coast. Enthusiasm and support for Terry was growing but after 143 days, Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay when his cancer returned to his lungs.
41 years later, our school is continuing Terry’s legacy by taking part in the Terry Fox School Run. Remember that we continue to walk in Terry’s footsteps, representing everything he stood for; compassion, courage and determination.
Terry once said, “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me”.

Sing Peace Around the World (Sep 21, 2022)
2022-09-21 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
All Classes: Infants, Toddlers, Casa, JK/SK & Elementary
We will hold this event during the individual outdoor play. The song sheet is attached herewith for you to practice with your child at home.
Our families know that a key component of the Montessori philosophy is the focus on peace education. Not only do students learn about cultures from around the world to gain respect for and understanding of people of many backgrounds, but they also participate in ongoing grace and courtesy exchanges, mindfulness exercises, and conflict resolution lessons. In addition, Montessori students learn about responsibility for themselves and their choices and for the care and caring of others and the environment, too.
Download the Lyrics : Light a candle for peace.
Watch the song : “Light a Candle for Peace”.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sep 30, 2022)
2022-09-30 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Orange Shirt Day – The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
To learn more, click here…
Remembering the Children –
This bilingual educational program is open to all schools across Canada. All sessions will be held virtually, allowing classroom participation from across the country and the involvement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. From September 26-30, 2022, registration is required.
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022

Thanksgiving Day (Holiday)
2022-10-10 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK and Elementary).
We hope ALL families will have a safe, wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving Day.
To learn more about Thanksgiving day, click here.

Halloween Party & Parade (Oct 31, 2022)
2022-10-31 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO EVERYONE !
*** EXCITEMENT IS IN THE AIR…CAPTURE THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS OF THE HALLOWEEN PARADE AND PARTY ***
Good News! Our Tiny Tots, Pre-schoolers, JK/SKs, Elementary and our teachers are waiting to show off their Arts & Crafts and their performance to all of You.
Due to the inclement weather forecasted for Monday, October 31, 2022, the Halloween Parade will be held at the indoor gym.
In preparation for this event, the following is an outline of operational processes to minimize issues i.e. Car Park and Indoor Space management.
Our intent is to have parents watch the performances and depart immediately thereafter. This will enable us to manage the Car Park efficiently (without having the parents park at our neighbors). There will be an interval of 10 minutes between the performance to cater to this need
All parents are to enter through the door leading to the indoor playground, located at the (north west/rear end of the school building).
Please remain at the entrance of our indoor playground during the performance/parade. Please proceed to enjoy your child/chidren’s crafts after the performance within the allocated time.
The classes which have siblings are scheduled together or being held in a consecutive manner. The schedule is as follows:
Class Schedule:
9.15am – 9.25am    – CASA 1 and JK/SK French Immersion
9.35am – 9.45am   – Elementary
9.55am – 10.15am  – Toddler 1 and JK/SK 2
10.25am – 10.45am  - Toddler 3 and CASA 4
10.55am – 11.15am – CASA 2 and JK/SK 1
11.25am – 11.45am   – CASA 3 and CASA 5
We wish for a bootiful event on Monday.
Let’s have a scary and bootiful Halloween….

Remembrance Day Observance
2022-11-11 | ON
Sunrise Montessori will commemorate Remembrance Day on Nov 11, 2022.
This day commemorates those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, Peacekeeping missions and in Afghanistan. During this week, we also honor our veterans and those who have served and continue to serve our country in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Two Minutes of Silence is the central element of Remembrance Day ceremonies. It is a time to pause and remember the service and sacrifice made by men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.
To learn more about Remembrance Day, click here.
Importance of Remembrance, click here.

Winter Break and Childcare Form (Casa, JK/SK & Elementary)
2022-12-23 - 2023-01-09 | ON
** Reminder to ALL Parents / Guardians **
Last Day of School before Winter Break is Friday, Dec 23, 2022.
Winter Break is from Monday, Dec 26, 2022 to Friday, Jan 6, 2023.
School will resume for Casa, JK/SK and Elementary on Monday Jan 9, 2023.
Attached herewith is the Winter Break Childcare Form (CASA and Elementary students only) for parents who wish to use Sunrise for additional Childcare services during this Winter Break. Please register by Dec 1, 2022.
The Infant and Toddler Program will be fully operational during the winter break.

Boxing Day (Holiday)
2022-12-26 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK and Elementary).
We hope ALL families will have a safe, wonderful and joyous Boxing Day.
To learn more about Boxing day, click here.
How did Boxing Day get its name?
The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants – a day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.

Dec 27 Holiday (in lieu of) Christmas Day
2022-12-27 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK and Elementary).
As Christmas Day this year falls on a Sunday, Dec 25, this day Dec 27 is given as a day off to all staff and students in lieu of Christmas Day. We hope ALL families will enjoy this day of rest.
Be safe, and have a wonderful day.

Welcome New Year 2023 !
2023-01-01 | ON
No school for ALL Classes (Infant, Toddler, Casa, JK/SK and Elementary).
We have arrived at another beginning of a New Year – 2023.
Sunrise Montessori wishes All families, students and staff a Blessed New Year with Wonderful Health, Wealth and Happiness.
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy Chinese New Year 2023 - Year of the Rabbit
2023-01-22 - 2023-01-23 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
The Year of the Rabbit is the fourth year in the Chinese zodiac tradition and repeats every twelve years. It starts on January 22, 2023 and it ends on the 9th of February, 2024.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Rabbit 2023 is a very peaceful year, welcomed with open arms by all after the bold Year of the Tiger. We need to retreat to a quiet and peaceful place, in order to heal our wounds and wind down after all we had to endure the previous year.
Within the Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is the most important celebration, an occasion for familiar reunion and party.
We will celebrate this auspicious event on – Monday, January 23, 2023.

Teachers will organize individual class party.
Parents help to bring in New Year goodies and other foods.
We encourage all parents to dress up your child/ren in festive attires.

Sunrise Montessori wishes ALL families and Staff — KUNG HEI FATT CHOY !
Happiness and Prosperity throughout the New Year.
祝 你 新 的 一 年 快 乐 幸 福。
Click here to read what the 15 days of Chinese New Year means.

New School Year Re-enrolment & Parent Workshop
2023-01-23 - 2023-02-15 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Dear Parents,
Re-enrolment for the 2023-2024 school year registration have already begun. We encourage parents to re-enrol early and promptly as spaces will not be reserved once a class has reached its intended teacher-student ratio.
The schedule for the Parent Workshop are as follows:
Infant, Toddler 1, Toddler 3, Casa 2, Casa 3, Casa 4 – Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Casa 1, Casa 5, French Immersion, JK/SK 1, JK/SK 2, Elementary – Thursday, February 2, 2023
Time – 6.00 pm – 7.00pm
Both the links to the Registration form and the Parent Workshop Information Sheet are added below for your attention.
Please contact me at 905 477 2833 if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ms Grace Koo
Principal

Parent Workshop (Feb 1 to 2)
2023-02-01 18:00 - 2023-02-02 19:00 | School, 180 Amber St, Markham, ON, L3R 3J8
Sunrise Montessori is organizing an In-Person Parent Workshop from Wednesday, Feb 1st to Thursday, Feb 2nd from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Please check below for the day you will be required to be involved.
The objective is to present the classroom curriculum as well as introduce the class teachers to you. It will be held in the individual classroom where your child is presently studying.
Please RSVP to your child’s classroom teachers to confirm your attendance.

Date
Wednesday – Feb 1, 2023
Thursday – Feb 2, 2023

Program / Classroom
Infant, Toddler 1, Toddler 3, Casa 2, Casa 3, Casa 4
Casa 1, Casa 5, French Immersion, JK/SK 1, JK/SK 2, Elementary

Time
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
6.00 pm – 7.00 pm

Venue
Individual Classroom
Individual Classroom
