2025/26 Academic Year Goals
Every year, TRM chooses goals to have a general focus on in order to help the student community as a whole. Our two goals for this year are as follows:
- Back to the Basics
Many may ask, what makes Montessori Education different from other approaches? Some of the main ideals that students at TRM will be exposed to are the following: independence and freedom without limits, all possible within an environment that is set up to have order and structure in mind. The environment and programming are set up so that students are able to help themselves and in turn, need less help from adults. Teachers will guide and encourage students in learning how to help themselves each and every day.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montessori
- Enjoy the World Around Us – Deep Dive Into Culture
The Culture curriculum in all classes is by far the most exciting for students. Within this curriculum, there are materials that focus on geography, botany, zoology, science, history, art and music. Students will have the chance to learn about our great world, and materials on the shelves will change as the school year progresses. School events and field trips will have a general focus on offering a culture-enriching experience.
Before and After School Programs
Before School is offered at both campuses from 7:45am to 8:15am, families can just show up and not sign up prior. This will help guardians at the last minute. There will always be a teacher ready for any child in Before School. This teacher will take attendance daily. Before School continues to be $6.00 per day per child. Families will be notified 3 times a year to follow up with the payments.
Afterschool is offered for both schools from 3:40pm to 5:00pm every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However, it will be run at the Junior School Campus. All Main Campus students will walk over to the Junior School Campus with Miss. Soloman at 3:30pm and families will pick their children up there. Parents are asked to sign up for Afterschool through the Google form found on the TRM website by Friday at 4:00pm for the next week. We will not be able to accept any last minute sign ups for afterschool, so please ensure you register every Friday. After School is $12.00 per day per child. Billing for After School will be done 3 times a year.
Please note that 5:00pm is the latest time for pick-up. Families will be charged $20 per child per 15 minutes after 5:00pm.
Arrivals and Dismissals:
- Our arrivals are from 8:20-8:40am at both campuses. We want our students in the classroom to get the most out of their day. Please work together in making drop-offs short and positive.
- At arrivals, students are the only ones to enter the classroom or the playground. You may not see your child’s teacher at this time. If you need to contact your child’s teacher about the upcoming day please send them a message on Brightwheel before 8:00am.
- In September, it’s common for teachers and parents to collaborate in determining whether a gradual transition into the school day is appropriate for a child. If you believe your child would benefit from a staggered schedule, for example, 2-hour days during the first week, half days in the second week, and gradually building up to full days by the end of the month. Please communicate openly and honestly with your child’s teacher. Teachers will use their professional judgment to decide if a modified schedule is in the best interest of the child during the initial weeks of school. Our shared goal is to support each child’s wellbeing and ensure a smooth, positive start to their learning journey.
- When you collect your child at the end of the day please leave our parking lots as soon as you can instead of allowing your child to roam and run around. Also, please be mindful of the availability of parking spots at this busy time of day. Children running in our parking lots is not good practice. Main dismissals are from 3:20-3:40pm, Junior dismissals are from 3:00-3:40pm.
Main Campus Parking
Just a reminder to use the parking lot across the street at all times during arrivals and dismissals. There are signs with no parking in the lot right now, so please park at your own risk as you could get towed or ticketed if parked in one of those spots. Staff will be parking in the school driveways to free up spaces. You are also welcome to use the small parking lot before Giant Tiger and walk over. Please tell this to caregivers who are picking up and do not normally read the newsletters or Parent Handbook. Please use caution at all times.
Junior Campus Parking
The Junior Campus parking lot is shared by VIA Rail. In saying this, TRM leases the land from VIA and has full access to use any spots. Please use extra care and be accountable for your children at all times. Please leave as soon as you drop off your child to allow a space for the next family arriving.
Private Music Lessons – A Letter from Ms.Carr
Hello TRM Families,
Once again, I am offering private piano lessons for students ages 5 and up, and voice lessons for Grade 2 and 3 students. Ukulele lessons may also be available on a case-by-case basis. If there is enough interest, I will also run a group class for our toddlers and younger Casas. I can also accept students who do not attend TRM; parents, if you have always dreamed of learning music, this is your opportunity!
This year, I am available both during the academic day and outside of school hours, allowing me to work with students from either campus, and you to choose the option that works best for your schedule. Lessons take place weekly in the Commons, are 30 minutes long (including transition time back and forth to the classroom), and will follow the school calendar beginning the second week of school. Lessons will also continue through the summer for those who are interested. The exact days and times will be determined when registration is complete.
Private lessons are $27 per lesson, payable at the beginning of each term or for the full year in advance.
Term 1 – 15 weeks = $405 + $30 materials fee (for new students or those needing new books)
Term 2 – 10 weeks = $270
Term 3 – 11 weeks = $297
Group lessons are $12 per week, payable at the beginning of each term. This is a 45-minute parent/child interactive class.
Term 1 – 15 weeks = $180
Term 2 – 10 weeks = $120
Term 3 – 11 weeks = $132
Policies:
Payment is due before the start of each term (Sept 2, Jan 5, March 30) by e-transfer to karina.carr85@gmail.com. Your spot is not reserved until payment has been received.
Private students are entitled to one makeup lesson per term when advanced notice is given for the missed class. Should I need to cancel for any reason, I will provide as much notice as possible, and either book a makeup or provide a credit towards the next term. Should a school event conflict with a day of lessons, I will book a makeup day.
There are no makeups for group classes; a credit will be provided for any unlikely cancellations.
Piano students will require a keyboard or piano at home to practice. Voice students will be provided with practice recordings.
For questions or to register your child for lessons, please email karina.carr@trailridge.ca.
I am looking forward to making music with you for another year!
Karina Carr | Music Teacher
Student Success Co-ordinator
We are excited to introduce a Student Success Co-ordinator at TRM. Alexis Malone brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position. She completed the Autism and Behavioural Science Post-Graduate Program at Niagara College and spent five years as Lead ABA Therapist at a private school in Burlington. In that role, she was responsible for creating, implementing, and monitoring individualized program goals and strategies for student success. At TRM, Alexis will work collaboratively with classroom teachers to support students who may benefit from additional assistance within the learning environment. Her role includes implementing basic ABA strategies and interventions, developing visuals and individualized support plans, and observing students in their classroom settings to better understand their needs. The goal of this initiative is to help all students thrive in full group learning environments at TRM and beyond. All support will be provided with parent consent, full transparency and communication with families, including scheduled meetings with staff and parents to ensure a collaborative, team-based approach to student success.
Important Dates
Thursday, September 4th and Friday, September 5th: Third Annual Book Fair at 53 Ontario Street – Junior Campus.
The Book Fair will be open on the following dates and times: Thursday (September 4th) and Friday (September 5th) from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.. Parents are asked to pay with a credit card at this event. Administration is looking for volunteers to set this event up and to manage it at certain moments, please email cassidy.talarico@trailidge.ca if you are interested (no police check required).
Thursday, September 4th: Family BBQ from 3pm to 5pm @ Main Campus – 18 Elizabeth Street.
TRM will be hosting a school community BBQ Thursday September 4th at our Main Campus. This is a school-wide event for both campuses. TRM will be providing hotdogs, hamburgers, treats and drinks for anyone who attends.
Thursday, September 18th: Terry Fox Walk and Presentation
The Casa and Elementary classes at the Main campus will participate in a presentation about Terry Fox at 9:00am on September 18th, and we will also be taking part in a Terry Fox walk. Junior campus will have their own activities and for the day to learn about Terry Fox as well.
Monday, September 22nd: International Day of Peace
All TRM Students and Staff will be participating again in the International Day of Peace. Along with other activities, please dress your child in a white shirt or outfit. Each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. This day was established in 1981 and the first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. We will discuss with the students how we can all be more caring and peaceful citizens. The students will examine finding peace within themselves, living harmoniously with others, resolving differences, cooperative work, and respect for the environment!
Both campuses have their own personal Peace Pole. We are extremely happy to have joined the worldwide Peace Pole Project Network. This network links people all over the world who have also planted their Peace Pole in the spirit of the message, May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Tuesday, September 23rd: Main Campus Picture Day
Please arrive at school in full uniform today as students will have their individual and class pictures taken.
Tuesday, September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Orange T-Shirt Day
Trail Ridge will be joining all other schools in Canada and flying the Every Child Matters flag. This day wants to ensure that the history of residential schools remains a vital component of reconciliation. This is a Dress Down Day, anything orange, please! All of our classes will be introduced to authentic and deeply meaningful resources that pertain to this topic.
Thursday, October 2nd: Junior Campus Picture Day
Please arrive at school in full uniform today as students will have their individual and class pictures taken.
“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their
innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.” Maria Montessori
