September 2019

Hello Queens Park Preschool Families!

I thought I would send out the first newsletter and introduce myself as we soak up the last bit of summer and prepare for September and the start of a new school year. Whether you are a returning family or new to the preschool, welcome! My name is Angie and I will be the newsletter editor this year. We are a returning family with our son Ioan (pronounced ‘Yo-ahn’) going into the 3 AM class. I am currently home with my three kids, but another hat that I used to wear was in the medical field. I have a special interest in nutrition, so aside from passing on important messages from our teachers and executive, I will also contribute with pieces on nutrition and recipes, along with other articles that may be of interest to parents with young families. Currently however, I am an expert in toddler-ease (not to be confused with an expert in parenting) and diffusing situations such as fist fights between a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old over who has the bigger slice of cake despite using my fail-proof-cake-measuring-tape to cut exact share replicas. Sometimes I win, sometimes I don’t. But if parenting has taught my anything, it’s this – I will always be sticky and occasionally wear my shirt inside out.

But enough about my deep and thought-provoking sentiments. It’s still summer!! And technically so until the end of September, so I thought I’d share our favourite popsicle recipe inspired by Super Healthy Kids, where you can find a lot of fun and healthy recipes. I will also share a quick and easy jam recipe for those fast and furious mornings of trying to get everyone going with something nutritious in their bellies. The struggle is real! Those two recipes will follow after important message from our executive and teachers.

Message from our Executive Board

Welcome to all our new and returning families, we are so excited to be starting a new year! 

We are looking forward to meeting you at Orientation Night (one duty parent per family must attend):

• September 3rd for the families of our 3 year olds – 7PM at the preschool 
• September 4th for the families of our 4 year olds – 7PM at the preschool

Please note, we will not have a General Meeting in September. 

September tuition was due upon registration, if you missed it please contact the executive (below). All fees must be paid up to date (or payment arranged) in order for your child to attend class. 

The reoccurring payment link for October – May fees will be sent out August 26th. The link will be active for one week. 

A huge thank you to Gavin’s family for donating the time and materials for our new turf! It is so beautiful and cushy, we are so excited for the children to use it this year and many more to come.

Sincerely, 

Your Executive Board

Mike Daws – president@qpps.ca

Nina Priddle – vicepresident@qpps.ca

Kevin Rabang – treasurer@qpps.ca

Leanne Steel – secretary@qpps.ca

Message From Our Teachers

W E L C O M E!

A big hug to all of our QPP families. Welcome and welcome back! It will be a wonderful and exciting month ahead for all! Expect big emotions, lots of excitement, a bit of uncertainty, much laughter and of course some tears. Your teachers including Ms. Donna, Ms. Naho and Ms. Henda wish to extend our warmest wishes to you all. In September as we get acquainted (and reacquainted) gradually, we will begin sowing the seeds of a solid foundation through the building up of a strong, respectful community and the blossoming of friendships! The opportunity to learn and grow together is upon us! The teachers will be spending the first month or so really getting to know all of you, especially the children. Expect September to be a month of settling down and settling in. Together your teachers aim to foster a secure connection with each and every child at Queen’s Park Preschool and as we get comfortable in the environment together we will draw inspiration from your little ones to create an experience that invites curiosity a sense of wonder and most of all the feeling that we all belong.

With loving kindness,

Ms. Naho, Ms. Henda and Ms. Donna

Recipes

Creamy Lime Popsicles

Trying to encourage kids to eat their greens can lead to some serious standoffs….but Everyone expects a lime popsicle to be green, right? 

Ingredients

• 3 cups pineapple (fresh or frozen)
• 1 banana
• 1 can coconut milk
• 3 cups packed spinach
• Zest and juice of 2 limes, or 1 ½ tablespoons of lime juice from concentrate

Directions

• Puree all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth.
• Pour into your favourite popsicle mold and freeze 3-4 hours, or until completely solid. Makes about 12 popsicles.

Berry Chia Jam

In our family, toast is our go-to breakfast – it’s easy, most kids dig it, and this jam recipe gives it a little extra nutritional boost with no extra sweetener. It involves no cooking and has just two ingredients and two steps!

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh or frozen berries (we like to use raspberries, but anything goes)
• 2-3 tablespoons whole chia seeds

Notes:  

• If using frozen fruit, allow to thaw completely first
• If using fresh fruit, use 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, and if using thawed frozen fruit use 3 tablespoons as the extra fluid from freezing will need a little more for thickening.

Directions

• In a medium sized bowl, mash up your fruit with a fork. Kids love to do this part!
• Add chia seeds and stir.
• That’s it! It will thicken up in about 20 minutes. Transfer to a jar or other sealed container and store in the fridge (best consumed within a week). If you’d like it to be a touch sweeter, try adding 1 – 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.

That’s it for now! Looking forward to seeing you all next week!

Warmly,

Angie
QPPS Newsletter Editor

qppeditor@gmail.com