NEWSLETTER
YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE!
You light up my life and inspire me to explore.
You help me believe that you are asking for more.
What a wonderful world you are helping me see.
I will offer myself and share in your glee.
St. Albert’s Site
Greetings to everyone as we publish our third newsletter. I would again like to thank all
those involved in putting this newsletter together.
I must admit that I feel a bit delinquent since when all the work was going on to bring this
edition to fruition, I was in British Columbia enjoying ten days of sun (and rain).
For those who have never been there, I would highly recommend Tofino as a port of call
but I digress. Thank you to all those on the committee who have again spent time writing
articles and putting this together.
It is your efforts that provide the link that allows all staff, management and Board to be
aware of what is occurring in all areas of the organization.
This past six months have continued to be an exciting time for Jubilee. The other articles
highlight our continued growth and accomplishments.
I would like to thank everyone for all they do for Jubilee every day. Your work and
commitment to quality care for children and families in our community is inspiring.
In my mind we continue to lead the way.
Frank Mahon, Chair of the Communication Committee
“The workplace is an ideal place to promote health
because most workers spend over half of their waking
hours there. Research has consistently shown that the
benefits of improving health in the workplace can help
employees protect themselves against chronic disease
and other common health problems. (www.sdhu.com)”
But we can’t do it alone. If you are interested in joining
the wellness committee or would like more information
on the wellness committee please let Liz know. We could
definitely use more advocates for our wellness
committee.
Andrea V.
“While Child Care Workers and Early Childhood Educators are celebrated on the calendar once
a year, you’re celebrated every single day by the children in your care and the families they
belong to.”
Life in the Toddler Room!
Toddlers
Overly energetic
Dumping toys here and there
Dressing up & dolls being rocked
Looking to see what I can get into next
Endless laughs & hugs
Reading story books &
Singing songs
By: Cristal Debassige RECE
Anishnabek Toddler Educator
It was around 10 years ago when I was working in Moosonee...I was a single mother of 2 girls,
and I was expecting my 3rd. I was conflicted and scared, but kept my chin up and was
determined to face the challenge alone...I was nearly due with my daughter and the children
always rubbed my belly, so it wasn't out of the ordinary for one of our little girls to be rubbing
my belly while I was helping her get dressed for outside, now this little girl was the second
youngest of 12 children who were all in foster care....about 90% of our children were in foster
care...she looked up at me with her big brown eyes and asked me if I was married...I said no, she
looked back at my belly and then looked back up at me and asked "Are you scared?"...I was
shocked, and before I could answer she leaned in and whispered "Because, it's okay to be scared
sometimes"...and she smiled at me and bounced off to play outside...I, of course, needed a
minute to gather myself from a child who looked right into my heart.
Naomi Nebonaionoquet
You hear of a woman working in a Man’s world but for me it is the opposite. I am
a man working in a Women’s world. Being a male in the childcare field isn’t a bad
thing. As the only man I can give the point of view of males and add a whole
different dynamic to the group. I also get to shape young minds and be a positive
role model for the children. For these reasons when someone asks what I do for a
living I tell them I am setting the foundation for the future. Robert Lawrence
“Anishnabek programming is so great”
The Night Before a PA day
By: Macleod Staff
'Twas the night before a PA day, when all through the halls,
Not a creature was stirring, not even the dolls;
The paint pots were full by the easel with care,
In hopes that the children would soon be there;
When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my desk to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Pulled open the blinds and threw up the sash.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a red Malibu with seven educators who are so dear,
With Kelly in the lead, she gave out a quick laugh,
I knew in a moment it must be Jubilee Macleod staff.
And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Natalie! now, Brandy! now, Sarah and Andrea! On, Lauren! and
Stephanie!
They spoke not a word, but went straight to their work,
Now grab your clipboards; Natalie and Lauren off to the gym with a smirk,
Andrea and Stephanie in hallway with the carts,
While Brandy and Sarah stayed in preschool with their big hearts.
The Rainbow School Board
Custodial Staff
“Our children have LOVED the workers so much, that on days that they are sick,
they got mad for not going to day care.”
National Provider Appreciation Day is a day of recognition celebrated annually on the
Friday before Mother's Day. The day was spearheaded by a group of volunteers in New Jersey in
1996. These individuals saw the need for a day of appreciation and recognition for child care
providers and initiated a pilot program within their local network that was met with great
enthusiasm by parents and providers. Now in its 11th year, this day has been supported by
groups in all 50 states as well Canada, Europe and Asia. Supporters have initiated proclamations
that have been signed by many local governments and governors, gained media coverage, and
planned events where business and community leaders as well as parents have honoured child
care providers on this important day.
Ode to Day Care
Little children come to me for hugs and books and such
I care for all their simple needs and I also fix them lunch.
I pick up toys, I mop their spills and often dry their tears.
I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their tears
I tie their shoes, I button coats and push them on the swing.
I really love these kids you see but there is just one more thing
Call me Mom or Aunt or Florence, and those names just might fit.
But please don't call me SITTER because I never get to SIT!
~ author unknown
“My daughter literally leaps out of my arms into the arms of one worker”
What is it like to be a mother of two
young children, a full-time educator
in a toddler group and a part-time
student?
It is busy, it is fast-paced, it is
exhausting and it is FULL! Full of
joy, full of adventure, full of laughter
and sometimes tears, full of
knowledge and discovery, full of
friendships and support, full of
frustrations and achievement – it is
full of LIFE!!
When I first started my pursuit of
education I was a young lady with no
children and going to college was
exciting and relatively easy. Over a
course of ten years I earned a college
diploma and two university degrees.
This however was followed up with
the birth of my first child, who was
diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 16
months, and three years later the
addition of my second child. After
spending a couple of years at home
with my children I obtained
employment here at Jubilee – YAY! –
and soon afterwards started my quest
for ECE certification through the
child development practitioner
program. It is a much different
scenario to work with children all day,
go home to children and then attempt
to do schoolwork at night. It is
challenging, not always easy but most
definitely rewarding. It serves as a
reminder of all that we as women and
as people in general are capable of,
when we set our minds to something.
What is it that keeps me going?
“Toria!” (imagine a tiny, sweet young
voice shouting this), this is the sound I
have the privilege to hear on an
almost daily basis when I walk into
the toddler room at Jubilee. It is a
joyful sound, a greeting that speaks to
my heart and lets me know that
someone is happy to see me. It’s the
child we work with so hard to get out
one simple word, “please”, and then a
couple of short months later is saying,
“Why do you have a band-aid Toria?”
The pace of learning and discovery is
extraordinary!! It pushes me to work
harder, to be better and to succeed.
The bottom line is; I like this FULL
life, I embrace the challenges and
rejoice at the achievements. I revel at
the strides and achievements of my
own children at home and at the
children at work! Most importantly, I
want to do what I can to guide these
children towards their own FULL life!
Victoria
“My kids are more prone to eat food there than at home, even if I’ve made the
same thing.”
West End Hub
The West End Hub @ St.Francis is
working with Community Gardens at
Delki Dozzi to create awareness in the
community. It is located at 3 Mary
St. There are many sitting areas to
relax @ Delki Dozzi. The garden has
15 raised beds, families help prep the
garden, grow the plants at the Hub
and then finally plant them, late May
or early June. This year target date
for planting is May 26 @ 10am. The
planting is done on a Saturday
morning, so that many can be
involved as a community. This is the
2nd year of involvement with the
gardens. This year the Hub is growing
cucumber & tomato plants. Many
other things will be planted as well.
Families can go up and water the
beds during the growing season at
any time to teach children about
growing, caring for a garden and how
produce grows. Families can also
take the produce as it grows.
Growing plants can teach children
about where produce comes from
and the special care that is needed
for it to grow. It is a great family
experience and we hope to see many
new families involved this year. Get
on those garden gloves and come out
and join us. All are welcome
Gardening is any way that humans and nature come together
with the intent of creating beauty.
- Tina James, 1999
Tracy & Nancy
We are quite excited about the expansion at our St. Francis Daycare site. We will be
welcoming an Infant, Toddler, Preschool program to our already existing SAC program
in September 2012.
“Our son was already well included in activities and they worked very well with
CCR’s suggestion for his needs.”
South End Best Start Hub
We have been able to give even more support to our families by offering bi-weekly parent discussions
based around Triple P parenting sheets. Parents have stated that the information they receive is
assisting in their parenting.
Monday mornings are now home to 16 preschoolers from 9-11:30am. As many of these children have
never been away from mom or dad this is a great preparation for school. One mom mentioned that her
son really enjoyed coming but was “really ticked” that he couldn't spend the entire day, I am taking that
as a compliment.
With May here we are also gearing up to support our neighborhood schools with Welcome to
Kindergarten which is taking place from now until June. As we believe that the WTK is very important we
spend this time of year talking with families, bringing awareness and participating in the WTK at each
individual school.
Our Babies Day out program is not slowing down at all we are up to 43 babies registered, so be careful
there must be something in the water in the South End!!
As for Andrea and myself we are now looking forward to what the upcoming professional development,
Transparency in Teaching will bring so that we may continue our learning and surely come back with
fantastic ideas that we can implement, once they have been tweaked and made our own of course!
Vickie and Andrea
Bo zhoon
I would like to pass on a teaching that I heard about water. In the Ojibwa Language we call water – ni be sh. Water is
a basic need for both the human body and the physical world as I refer to as Mother Earth- Shk a mo Kwe. One of
the traditional roles of women is to pray and take care of ni be sh during ceremonies. Water is a cleaner. It is used for
drinking and washing many items. Both our body and Mother Earth are made of 90% water. During ceremony
women are asked to pray for the water and it is blessed. Each person is prepared in water while we are in the uterus.
It is a very good practise to drink water daily. We need 8 glasses of water to replenish, refresh and renew our internal
organs. Cedar can be added to water to make cedar tea. This can be used to cleanse yourself or you can drink as a tea
also this tea is used in sweats, birth and dying. Today women have walked for the water to raise awareness of how
important it is. I could write more because this is a short teaching.
Miigwetch Baa Maa pii
Sandie Manitowabi
Thank you to the Communication Committee;
Frank Mahon, James Suchoplas, Marnie Managhan, Heather Margerison,
Carole Brunet, Janene Parr, Brandy Margaert,Vickie St. Denis, Elizabeth
Hamilton . A special thank you to Karrie Yake
New Ideas
Pinterest is an online pin board where you
can organize and share the things you love.
Pinterest.com
Whether you are looking for a new recipe,
wanting information on home decor, or
need to pull together ideas for a special
event, Pinterest is the place to visit. The
treasures I found as I explored this site were
without a doubt extraordinary. Carole and I
have created a couple of boards with our
finds. We have creative ideas, learning
environments, exploring materials, and
much, much more! One idea the St. Albert’s
site has already used was making their own
light box for the infant room. They used a
shallow Rubbermaid container and placed 4
battery operated push lights in the bottom.
The total cost was approximately $20.00
and the perfect height for their little
explorers. Share your finds with colleagues,
parents and friends. I look forward to
following your discoveries!
WARNING, THIS SITE IS ADDICTIVE!
Heather
Team News
Congratulations to Andrea S. And Natalie W.
for making the Dean’s list last semester and
continue to do very well in their studies in
Cambrian’s ECAD program. We also would
like to recognize Victoria S., Dee D., Fany E.,
and Katie T. who are currently in the
Canadore Apprenticeship program. Their
efforts have been given high praise from
both the college and their co-workers.
Heather
Ten years ago, I was a new mom. I felt very
alone since both mine and my husband
families do not live in Sudbury and since I
had just moved to Sudbury the year
before, I did not have a large circle of
friends. I cannot remember who suggested
that I visit the toy library at Jubilee but it
was at Jubilee where I found many friends
in other moms and the staff. The toy
library was where the First Nation Day
Care is now. Every day, my son, Artin and I
would look forward to go to the toy store
to play, talk and exchange opinions. When
I was at Jubilee my loneliness would go
away. I learned many things about raising
Artin from Jubilee staff especially Carole,
Nancy and Elizabeth and for that I am
eternally thankful.
Soon after, I was approached to be on the
Jubilee board. A role of which I am very
proud and privileged. Jubilee is one of the
most successful childcare organizations in
Sudbury if not Ontario. An organization is
successful and efficient because of every
single person working towards its success.
Every one of us should be proud of what
Jubilee has achieved especially the staff.
You are the first in the line of childcare and
on behalf of the board; I thank you for
your hard work and dedication. This is my
last year on the board and I will miss being
directly involved with Jubilee next year.
However, I know that I will always be a
part of the Jubilee Family one-way or
another. Thank you. Moji Adibpour
Professional Development
Since our last Newsletter many staff has participated
in a wide variety of Professional Development.
Although I would have liked to write about all that
has been experienced, I had to think about the life of
the trees.
Danlinda attended “Role of Self-Regulation in
Working with Children and Families”. Although much
of the focus was around working with the Autistic
child, the information can used with all children.
They require adequate sleep and nutrition,
appropriate level of visual stimulation, noise, and
temperature. Children require developmentally
appropriate levels of cognitive stimulation,
emotional support, and positive relationships and
co-regulated interactions. (What is Co-Regulation?
“Social process by which individuals dynamically
alter their actions with respect to the ongoing and
anticipated actions of their partners.” We as
educators must be aware of our own regulation, we
can: be more physically and emotionally available,
actively use strategies to modulate our own
regulation, be better equipped to support a child
with whom we’re working.
Ashleigh attended “Understanding Play: the Road to
Resilience”. Asking ourselves what our favourite
childhood memory is, creates all kinds of warm and
fuzzy feelings. When we look at photos from our
past, it is the experiences created at the time that
forms these incredible impressions. Our jobs as
educators in collaboration with the parents, is to
help inspire the forming of wonderful memories for
every child. We must celebrate and share stories
about the “simple pleasures” in everyday life, teach
kids to look for beauty in nature, help them
celebrate their culture and heritage, ask about their
feelings and thoughts (listen with interest), teach
them to take deep breaths to stay calm and patient,
point out their strengths, give them responsibility,
and nurture their interests.
Andrea S. attended “Reflecting on You ObservationWriting a Learning Story”. Documentation is a tool to
make children’s learning visible. It allows us to
gather, share, and discuss evidence of development
and learning with parents, children and co-workers.
In studying children through the aide of photos we
can often see more details we may otherwise miss in
a busy classroom. When writing the “Learning
Story” we reflect on: what is important to this child,
what are they wondering about, what can I offer
them next to further their development and
experience.
The idea of “Side by Side Mentoring” was introduced
to those present at the workshop. It was explained
that a Supervisor or member of the management
team sits with an educator in an empty classroom.
Materials are set out as invitations to be explored by
the educator and children. The children then are
invited back into the classroom and with their
educator they work with the materials. The
Supervisor takes pictures. Later in the day the
Supervisor guides the teacher into in-depth
investigations and meaningful curriculum planning
by assisting with writing a “Learning story”. The
result of this side by side mentoring is twofold. It
helps educators gain skills and confidence in using
documentation to guide their planning and
encourages discussion with peers.
Thanks for Sharing
Heather and Staff from St.Albert’s
The year was 2009…the call for help went out…I
was intrigued, curious, and somewhat
apprehensive…could I meet the challenge with
a 2 month old baby in tow?
For those of you who don’t know me, my name
is Marnie Managhan, and I have been on the
Jubilee Board of Directors since June of 2009.
My official adventure with Jubilee began in
2008 when my daughter started at the
Applegrove site. As a parent who constantly
struggles with the challenge of balancing family,
life and work, finding caregivers that could
provide my child with what I felt was adequate
love, nurturing and guidance was of the up
most importance. Without a doubt, I found
that in the educators at Jubilee.
In 2009, I was approached about joining the
Jubilee Board of Directors. I was on maternity
leave with my son at the time, so such a
commitment couldn’t have been further from
my mind; however, through some
encouragement from my husband, I decided to
take the plunge!
As I reflect on the last three years, I can
honestly say, that my experience on the Board
has been truly wonderful. The atmosphere at
Board meetings and staff appreciation
gatherings has been welcoming, educational
and even entertaining! Meetings for me have
evolved from nursing my infant son in a tired
haze, to feeling like our meetings are a “night
out” with like minded individuals. There has
definitely been a time commitment involved
with being a member of the Board, and it can
sometimes be a challenge for a parent with
young children, but overall, the positive aspects
of my role have outweighed the periodic
scheduling conflicts. My time with the Board
has given me the opportunity to learn about
governance, and the role of a Board in the
operation of an organization; it has allowed me
to participate in policy development,
communication strategy development, and
quality assurance/quality control measurement;
it has allowed me to get to know a number of
extremely interesting people within the
community; and most importantly, it has made
me feel good as a parent to know that I’m
engaged in the decisions that directly affect the
place where my child spends a significant part
of her day. If anyone reading this knows of
someone that they feel might be interested in
joining our Board and making a difference,
please encourage them to take the plunge – I
promise it will be an adventure!
Written by: Marnie Managhan
Jubilee Heritage Resources
Board of Directors
As I sit here I reflect on the people that work at
Jubilee. I am very lucky to be able to write this
article because I get to dig deeper and find out
more about the wonderful people we work with
everyday. I have found that I have common
interests or life experiences with people I have
worked with or known for years even those I
have just met. Now I want you to sit down, get
comfortable and get ready to know another
bunch of amazing people in our midst.
Naomi Nebonaionoquet (Main site, Aboriginal
Daycare)- Naomi spent nearly all her life at her
grandparents farm on St. Joseph Island where she
learned to farm corn, veggies, berries, maple syrup &
hunt deer. She has 5 children, all girls and has been
married to her husband for 5 years. She also has an
absolute terror phobia of snakes.
Fany Eshkakgogan (Main site) - Fany was a
singer when she was younger and was in a band
(protest music or music with a message). When she
was in University in Lima-Peru, she was into politics of
social changes. She thought she could help to change
the world the funny thing is that the world changed
her. When she was 6 months old she got really sick
and the doctor thought she was dead, her mother
asked God for a miracle, and prayed very hard and
suddenly they say she began to come alive, breathing
again. That is why in the month of October all the
time she lived in Peru she had to wear a purple
habito, it's like a dress with a white cord around waist
and escapulario (is like an image of Senor de los
Milagros, he is the one that saved her), here in
Canada Peruvian people continue doing it in Toronto
or any other big city, is called Hermandad del Senor
de los Milagros. She does not continue with the
tradition here in Canada as she fits in with her new
home-country, but continues with the promise and
every October she prays to Senor de los Milagros
(Lord of Miracles) for allowing her to live and
appreciate life the way she does.
Janene Parr (Home Child Care Coordinator) She is a mother of four grown children. Three
daughters and a son and is also a grandmother
(Nokomis in Ojibwe) to five granddaughters and two
grandsons. Her Great Great Uncle founded Toronto
Cab. She grew up in the country and plans to return
there on retirement.
Emily Matheson (board member) - Emily
originally always wanted to be a "NUN" when she
grew up. She remembers her grandmother "Nonna"
was so excited, she would tell her all her friends.
Then in high school Emily decided to change from
Marymount College to Lockerby High School for grade
12. In 1983, she had met her high school sweetheart
and at that time realized that she needed to think
twice about what she wanted to do. So in 1984 she
studied ECE at Cambrian College and shortly
afterwards married her "high school sweetheart".
They will be celebrating their 22nd anniversary with
their 2 boys this September. She will also be walking
in her first Marathon this month in United States.
Sarah Prisque (Macleod Site) - Sarah lived in
Cambridge for 5 years from 10 years old to 15 years
old and she has lived on her own since she was 18.
One of her dreams is to swim with Dolphins and is
hoping one day she will be able to travel all of
Canada.
Lauren Monaghan (Macleod Site/supply) Lauren was born and raised in Toronto and has a
sociology degree. She was on a swim team and is an
awesome swimmer. She has travelled most of the
Caribbean and more. She has a wicked scar on her
leg, from tobogganing and crashing into a fence, she
got over 100 stitches.
Well I hope you enjoyed reading my latest article as
much as I have enjoyed writing it. For this time I
leave you with two challenges. First, I challenge you
to talk to the people around you, ask those questions
about themselves, and learn more about them. I am
sure many of you will agree with me when I say it is
easy to get caught up in the life around us such as
work, family, kids, and finances and rarely do we talk
about ourselves as a person. So let’s talk about
ourselves, you will be pleasantly surprised on what
you learn about yourself and others. My second
challenge for you is, the next agency meeting we
have take a minute to sit with someone you don’t
know as well. Jubilee is full of extraordinary,
interesting women and men we just need to make
time for them.
Brandy Margeart
Macleod Site