December Newsletter
As we enter the final month of the year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all members of our Network community. December brings a season filled with many traditions, celebrations, and moments of reflection. Whether you mark the holidays through cultural gatherings, moments of rest, spiritual observances, festive meals, or simply spending time with loved ones, we hope this month brings you peace, connection, and joy.
Staff Symposium 2025: A Day to Remember
Last month, our annual Staff Symposium brought together educators and staff from across all Network programs for a full day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.
We heard from a lineup of incredible speakers who left us feeling energized, reflective, and inspired beyond words. Their insights reminded us how meaningful our work is and how every interaction with a child shapes their journey in profound ways.
To cap off the day, we enjoyed a lively post-event reception at the hotel. Staff had the chance to relax after a full day of learning, share laughs, enjoy delicious food, and take in wonderful entertainment. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make this year’s event our most memorable one yet.
Pedagogical Corner with Network’s Susan Menchinton
Goodnight Garden!
During 2025, we have been piloting Pollinator Patches and Sensoriums at our Bendale, St. Aidan, Just Kids and Dane Ave. locations. During November we visited again to prepare the gardens for the long winter season. The children planted daffodil and tulip bulbs; a promise of spring, and a new growing season.
We talked about putting the garden “to bed”.
Just like they have a routine about putting on pyjamas, brushing their teeth, reading a story, the garden has a routine as well. We gave all the plants a haircut (to cut back spent flowers and stems), gave it a snack (some bone meal) and then tucked the bulbs in under the dirt and gave them leaves on top as their blanket. Goodnight garden! See you when you wake up next spring.
We then explored the cut stalks and plants, looking at root structures and seed heads.
Beyond the pleasure children get from digging deep in the dirt and smelling that unique fall scent in the air, they benefit from working in the outside world, connecting to nature, and each other, as stewards of our home here on earth. We look forward to watching our plant friends sleep deeply during the winter months and to seeing them wake up refreshed next year
Seasonal Happenings Across Our Centres
Seasonal Happenings Across Our Centres
This time of year provides wonderful opportunities for reflection, creative expression, and community-building within our programs. In many of our centres, children are engaging in:
Seasonal sensory exploration: winter-themed materials, natural loose parts, and light-and-shadow play.
Acts of kindness projects: classroom initiatives that encourage generosity, empathy, and helping others.
Outdoor winter experiences: observing seasonal changes, exploring snow and ice, and connecting with nature in its winter form.
Celebrations of diversity: acknowledging the many holidays and traditions our families observe, and focusing on inclusive, child-led learning.
Thank you to all educators who create environments that honour children’s identities, support family traditions, and offer joyful learning at this time of year.
Looking Ahead: Network’s 35th Anniversary in 2026
As we prepare to welcome a new year, we are excited to share that 2026 marks Network Child Care Services’ 35th anniversary. This milestone is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate our growth, and honour the incredible individuals—past and present—who have shaped Network into what it is today. More details will be shared throughout 2026 as we begin planning for this special celebration.
Wishing You a Restful and Joyful Season
On behalf of Network Child Care Services, thank you for the compassion, professionalism, and dedication you bring to our children, families, and communities every day. We hope the coming weeks offer moments of rest and warmth, and we look forward to an exciting new year together.
