Dear Families,
As the doors of our classrooms begin to close for the summer, we pause and reflect on all the powerful learning that unfolded this year.
Because this is the kind of learning we believe in:
- A one-year-old learning to take off her own socks — and helping a friend do the same.
- A three-year-old stirring water and leaves in a cup, calling it “mint tea for the moon.”
- A five-year-old solving a difficult puzzle — not alone, but by listening to a friend’s idea.
- An eight-year-old saying, “I think we should take care of the plants differently.”
- A two-year-old carefully tucking a teddy bear under a blanket, whispering, “Sleep now, I’ll come back.”
- A six-year-old running against the wind, arms outstretched, convinced they almost lifted off.
- A three-year-old zipping up their backpack for the first time — and then doing it again, just to be sure.
- A seven-year-old pausing mid-story to say, “Wait. I think this character feels left out.”
- Two children silently collecting leaves side by side.
- A caterpillar rescued by a five-year-old, in the playground.
- A child shouting “I did it!” for the first time.
- A three-year-old saying “please” and “thank you” all by themselves.
- A six-year-old using new words to explain their feelings instead of crying.
- A child drawing a picture to say “thank you” to a teacher or friend.
- A child carefully choosing which book to read during quiet time, proud of their decision.
The Learning in the Little Things
There’s something sacred in routine:
- In fruit slices shared
- In books read again and again
- In the endless “Why?”
- And the even more endless, “Can I show you something?”
This year, your children asked big questions:
- Why do shadows move?
- What is fair?
- How many hugs make someone feel better?
- Where does the sun go at night?
- Can trees talk to each other?
- What does “forever” mean?
- Do ants have best friends?
- What happens to a thought when you forget it?
- How do I know if I’m being kind?
- What does quiet sound like?
- When I grow up, will I still like dinosaurs?
We didn’t always have the answers — but we always had time to wonder with them.
Growth Beyond What We See
- We tied shoelaces and zipped coats, patiently waiting until one day, they could do it all on their own.
- Rain or shine, we made time to be outside — to climb, observe, dig, plant, and dream.
- Nature was more than a playground; it was a teacher.
This year was not just about what children did — but about how they grew:
- They became more patient, learning to wait calmly.
- They became more confident, trying new things.
- They learned to say, “I don’t know yet,” and ask, “Can you help me?”
- They learned to notice and name their feelings — even the hard ones.
- They found the courage to say “I’m sorry” and mean it.
- They showed kindness by including friends who felt alone.
- They practiced waiting their turn and sharing with others.
- They kept trying, even when things were difficult.
- They learned ways to calm themselves when upset.
- They respected differences, knowing everyone is special.
- They felt happy helping friends without expecting anything back.
- They learned to ask for help when they needed it.
- They grew a quiet confidence that said, “I belong here.”
- They imagined how others feel and cared about their feelings.
- They learned to be thankful for little things — a smile, a hug, or a sunny day.
At the end of the school year , your child may not remember every activity or every song.
But they will carry something deeper:
- A stronger sense of self
- A growing awareness of others
- Confidence to ask questions and try again
- The feeling of being part of a caring community
As Summer Begins…
Let this be your gentle permission:
- You don’t need to fill every hour.
- You don’t need to teach them everything.
This summer…
- Let them wander, rest, build, break, rebuild, and ask the same question twenty times.
- Let them get bored.
- Let them get muddy.
- Let them fall asleep in the car, holding a rock, a leaf, or a sticky lollipop.
- Let them talk nonsense and invent new worlds.
They are still learning.
Always learning.
With Our Hearts Full
Thank you for letting us walk with you through another chapter in your child’s story.
We are honoured, always, to be part of these early years — to witness their questions, their courage, their messes, and their play.
We’re proud of this year.
- We’re proud of these children.
- And we’re already excited for what comes next.
As some food for thought, we ask:
What might our children teach us this summer — not through their words, but through their wonder?
We wish you a summer full of:
- Barefoot mornings
- Sticky fingers
- Deep breaths
- And unexpected wonder
With warmth and gratitude,
The AIS Team – Let’s continue to grow together! 🌱
