12/06/2022
From Miss Sylvia:
"Good Morning Family Place Friends,
Blue skies and a bitterly cold wind greeted us this weekend as we move into December. This did not deter a dedicated group of 21 volunteers and 32 excited families from welcoming Santa and Ms. Claus with cards, hugs and cheers, to the "Breakfast with Santa". Pancakes, balloons, crafts, photos and Santa himself, greeted the guests at this "in-person" event, the first in 2 years, which was evident by the rounds of applause. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of "Save-on Foods"; Terry Smith, Paul and Debbie Trustham and their team of volunteers; MCSS, Early years team: Shawn Boulter, Isabel T, Kim S, Nicole R, Jane S with Chloe and Ciara (who managed to transform a dark grey gym into a holiday party), Elspeth, Paula Sharpe; MPSD, StrongStart facilitators: Alison M, Diana M and Brianne H; MLM, Mission Literacy in Motion for the books; Family Place participants and graduates: Jodi, Kayla, Olive, Austin and Lane; Isabelle our expert and very patient photographer; and of course the guests on honour "Santa and Mrs Claus". Thank you so very much!
Attached is a calender for events this month. Marilyn Nair from Fraser Valley Child Development will be here during Tuesdays Drop-in, Dec. 6, to try and help you answer any questions you may have on your child's development and give tips on behaviour.
We are collecting non-perishable food for the Mission Food Center. This year the demand is huge and shelves are empty. We usually do this at our "Breakfast with Santa". Unfortunately, I did not put out a reminder, and only one item was collected. Please bring in non-perishable items and leave them in the "big blue boxes" at Family Place. We will make sure they get to the Food center.
Over the next week, join us as we craft cards for our seniors and elders. Help your child to make a card, which, will be given to a senior at a luncheon at Cherry Manor on Dec 15th. A handmade card can bring a smile to an otherwise lonely time.
The holidays can be very overwhelming not only for us but also for our children. Monica Thimer, from "Family Smarts" was here last week and left some excellent tips for helping to make the holidays a little more stress free. Remember you can say "no" to events and invitations that may be "too much" for your little ones. Family Mental Wellness Tips From Children’s Mental Health Ontario for the Holiday Season - Children's Mental Health Ontario (cmho.org) Monica can be reached at 604 878-3400 (please leave a message)
If you have any questions or have ideas for activities or guest speakers, please share them with us. The best ideas come from our participants. (That's how the "Breakfast with Santa" was started 20 years ago)
Snowflakes are falling
so quietly down.
"Shh" says the fairy,
"now don't make a sound.
The children are sleeping
and when they open their eyes,
the lovely white snow will be a wonderful surprise".
Best Wishes
Sylvia"
