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Let The Kids In:Why Swimming In Lake Ontario is Exactly What They Need!

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By Andrea Lopez There’s something magical about watching your child splash in open water—laughing, floating, exploring. But for many parents, the idea of swimming in Lake Ontario brings up more concern than excitement. Is it safe? Clean? Worth the risk? Let’s talk about that. Nature Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Our kids are growing up in a world of screens, schedules, and concrete. Experts now talk about “nature-deficit disorder” —a term describing how children suffer mentally, physically, and emotionally when they’re cut off from the natural world. Swimming in Lake Ontario isn’t just fun. It’s a full-body, full-sense experience that reconnects children with the Earth. It builds resilience, independence, and joy—something a pool or screen can’t replicate. But… Is It Safe? Absolutely—with a few precautions. Our local beach is monitored. Daily updates are provided. You can stay informed at  https://niagararegion.ca/living/water/beaches/default.aspx Never swim after a rai...
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Lakeside Park Beach-A gift of Nature!

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A Gift of Nature Right Here in St. Catharines By Andrea Lopez When I first arrived in St. Catharines, I was nervous and excited—I had come for a job interview that could change everything for me and my family. But what I didn’t expect was to find a small treasure waiting for me right near the heart of the city: Lakeside Park Beach on the shores of Lake Ontario. After the interview, we decided to take a short walk with my little boy and husband to clear my mind. As I stepped onto the soft sand and felt the cool breeze off the water, something inside me lit up.  The wide, open lake sparkled under the sun, stretching endlessly into the horizon. It wasn’t just beautiful—it felt peaceful, grounding, and welcoming. I stood there thinking: What a blessing this place could be—not just for me, but for my little boy, Sebastian, who was only four at the time. As a parent, you’re always searching for safe, natural places where your child can play, explore, and grow. In that moment, I realize...
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TERRA VIVA'S SUMMER CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS!

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  A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS By Andrea Lopez The true symbol of summer is the celestial body that astronomers call "The Sun." This time of the year is dominated by the overwhelming and omnipresent light of the Sun.  On June 21, we celebrate the Summer solstice, and although some parts of the country will remain cold, the sun's undeniable rays will slowly pierce through with more intensity, illuminating all creatures great and small! Our sun is the life giver and the force that keeps nature and us alive! June, above all, is the month of flowering plants and when the fields are dressed in green.  Tadpoles swim in shallow ponds, and Oriole nests are at the ends of the Elm branches.  The Tiger swallowtail butterflies fill the air, and fireflies appear.  The door is open for our June bugs to shine. Caterpillars, earthworms, potato bugs, ants, and creepy crawlies tread around our children's playgrounds, capturing their eyes of imagination and opening a whole scope of...
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STICKS AND STONES DON'T BREAK MY BONES! T.V RISKY PLAY PHILOSOPHY

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  Understanding Terra Viva's Risky Play philosophy by Andrea Lopez Growing up in a small city in Colombia, my grandmother's house, surrounded by trees and mountains, until the age of 6, was my kindergarten. I cannot recall any strict rules. On the contrary, I was encouraged to go play and return for lunch, and then go back into the Forest for the afternoon. I used to come back filthy and stinky after a day of exciting adventures. Since the age of 4, I was allowed to climb trees, build forts, make fire, be loud, and explore who I really was!  Was I at risk? perhaps. However, I was privileged enough to live in a safe neighbourhood that provided me and other children of my age with the opportunity to be a "free and wild " child. My experience cannot speak for other children who have grown up in different conditions or were a part of marginalized populations, where safety was simply not there. My introduction provides an overview of who I was as a child and how my experie...
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MUD, MUD GLORIOUS MUD!

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  MUD PLAY!  Understanding Terra Viva's nature play philosophy. Springtime is here, and with it, it's most soothing, fun, children-friendly, and the most amazing and beneficial natural component: MUD. Every child has the need to touch and feel natural elements. The need to ground their little bodies to the elements of the earth. This "need" is then transformed into incredible memories of freedom, friendships, and relaxation. Getting dirty and filthy are synonyms for fun and pure joyful outdoor play.  Playing in the mud is the same as playing in the sand or water, but a little messier! Our outdoor play philosophy supports 100% playing in the mud! Some parents might wonder what are the benefits of mud play and how to support Terra Viva's natural learning practice. Benefits: Medical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that playing in the mud helps strengthen the immune system. The germs in the mud actually help children with allergies and asthma. Furthermore, letting...
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2025 GRADUATION AND CONCERT DETAILS!

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  2025 CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT Come and celebrate with us another fantastic end of a learning cycle- as we watch our students perform Spanish songs and dances, followed by the Graduation Ceremony. Who is graduating? Toddlers advancing to Casa Casa Students progressing to Kinder in the Kinder Casa Classroom Kinder students transitioning to Elementary Elementary Students moving up to the next grade. Are refreshments provided? yes!  Fruit and light snacks will be provided This is the time to share with other friends, families, and teachers. Is my family required to stay for the whole duration of the event? Our concert starts at 3 pm Our ceremony starts at 4 pm Out of respect and consideration for other children performing, we ask you to make the effort and stay until the end! Staff members have also made extraordinary efforts to present to you the best performance and ceremony celebration. Plan to stay for a time slot of a minimum of 2 hours. What time should I drop off my chi...
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THE 2025 GRADUATION AND CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT!

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  DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF TERRA VIVA SCHOOLS YOU ARE INVITED! We are nearing the end of another great school year. The children have learned and grown throughout the year, and we all feel privileged to be able to watch them grow and experience new skills and environments. A Graduation invitation will be sent out on Thursday, May 1,2025.  Please RSVP the number of guests that will be attending by Friday, May 9, 2025 supervisorterravivaport@gmail. com When:    May 23, Kinder Casa and Elementary class, Port Location    Where:  92 Main Street, Port Location, Terra Viva in the Gymnasium Early Dismissal: Please pick your child up by 12pm and they will have lunch. Time:  3PM Ceremony Begins Drop off:  When returning for graduation, please bring your child to the double purple doors, and a teacher will be there to help with your child and then lead you to the gymnasium. Drop off Time:  Between 230-245pm Light refreshments wi...
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