Margaret Mead
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Because the world can often seem to be a small place, it makes sense that a small group of people would be able to change the world. That group of people are our students, our friends, our family, our neighbours down the street, and our neighbours across the oceans. We are indeed global citizens and global neighbours.
As educators, we encourage our students to develop a mindset of interconnectedness; to understand that we are all connected to each other, to learning, and to the world around us. We help them develop compassionate hearts in a caring, loving, and mindful environment that appreciates each individual for who they are.
We encourage not only our students, but their parents, our team of educators, our families, and our partners, to become conscientious global citizens. We value the contributions of individuals who create a better world for us all. We motivate and challenge everyone to add value to the community through acts of giving and kindness.
We will continue to instil our commitment to service, community, and global citizenship to our small – which we know is subjective in the grand scheme of things – group of thoughtful, committed global citizens. Together, we can change the world.
Be well,
Sandra Bosnar-Dale & Isabelle Kunicki
Co-Founders & Directors of The Clover School
PLAY
Walking might be one of the most underrated forms of exercise, but the benefits of getting outside for some fresh air and vitamin D are numerous. Not only will this low-impact exercise get your heart pumping, there are mental health benefits, too. Disconnecting from your laptop or phone and connecting with nature, even for just a bit, will allow your mind to reset and focus on the here and now.
If you are looking for a great trail in the Toronto/GTA area, then check out AllTrails. For our area alone, it has a list of 71 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from walkers, hikers, campers, and nature lovers. So get out there and let your mind wander while you wander!
ALLTRAILS | TORONTO
LISTEN
We love books and reading, as well as sowing the seeds of the love of reading. But getting down to the local library might not be so easy these days, so let the stories come to you with The Story Seeds podcast! There is also an activity book to go along with their podcast (“podcasts are not just for listening!”).
This podcast captures the magic that unfolds when young people work with famous authors to grow a story idea! Each episode features the reveal of an original story inspired by their collaboration, written and read by our featured author. Let your child’s imagination grow with The Story Seeds!
THE STORY SEEDS | PODCASTS FOR FAMILIES
READ
This week, the life and legacy of the wise Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was honoured. His powerful words continue to resonate, words that must be shared every day for generations to come. As educators, we teach our students to celebrate individual differences by cultivating a growth mindset that acknowledges and embraces those differences with kindness, compassion, empathy, and equity.
It takes a village to raise a child, and together we are planting the seeds so that the next generation can grow and blossom into global peacemakers and kind and caring leaders of tomorrow. If you would like to share in planting those seeds, Scholastic has a list of 10 Books Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. for early readers that will connect your young ones to his great and lasting legacy.
SCHOLASTIC | 10 BOOKS CELEBRATING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FOR EARLY READERS
GIVE
If anyone feels like their hands are more full than usual lately, you are not alone. Many parents have been juggling many things and wearing many hats at the same time, especially with all that the pandemic has thrown our way, and sometimes a little bit of convenience can go a long way. And Rebelstork is here to help!
Rebelstork is a Toronto founded company (and women/mum-run) whose mission is to help families in the GTA empty their nests (homes) of any outgrown baby gear and pass it along to another family in need. Their online marketplace enables the buying and selling of overstock, open box, and quality used baby gear with no hassle or haggle. They also provide a safe and contact-free pickup of the baby gear you are no longer using from your porch or lobby.
If you have baby gear sitting around your house that could benefit another family, please reach out to rebby@rebelstork.com here. You can use the code CLOVERPICKUP to receive a FREE gear pickup on 4 items or more. Let’s try and minimize the stuff-burden for the next generation!
REBELSTORK
WEDNESDAY WEBINAR
Montessori is a timeless approach to education with a powerful legacy of proven success. For over a century, the Montessori model has equipped children around the world with a distinct academic advantage that lasts a lifetime. We are pleased to share the opportunity to take part in a Montessori Parenting Series, offered through Montessori Thrive.
This series, designed to educate and inspire parents to carry the knowledge of Montessori into their homes, will take place every Wednesday, from January 20th to February 17th, from 8 to 9 PM EST.
Each Wednesday evening will feature guest speakers who are experts in applying Montessori principles to parenting. They will be sharing with you their knowledge and experience in Montessori education, child development, and parenting, and will also answer parent questions live on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to attend this exciting parenting series at no cost, as the aim of the series is to spread the wisdom of Montessori philosophy to anyone who wants to learn about it.
Tonight’s event is entitled The Infant and Toddler Years with Susan Tracy McDaniel. We look forward to seeing you there, and to sharing our passion for Montessori with you!
MONTESSORI THRIVE | THE INFANT AND TODDLER YEARS
Just the name of this website – Doing Good Together – makes us want to do an act of kindness! Doing Good Together are working hard to make the world a kinder place for the next generation. Part of their mission is to make sure that we take care not only of each other, but of ourselves.
A great way to combine the caring of others and ourselves can be accomplished by making some time to get Cool, Calm, & Connected: 4 Mindfulness Activities for Your Family Routine. Maybe start with the simple activity of stepping outside for a few minutes as a family and looking at the stars, listening for the birds, or just looking at each other. We hope that you can join in with Doing Good Together and renew your commitment to daily, mindful time together with your loved ones.
DOING GOOD TOGETHER | COOL, CALM, & CONNECTED
