ABS West Campus
Themes for the year of 2025/2026:
Each month, we will present activities that will help enhance “language and reading”, “pre writing'', “math and perception”, “discovery of the world through art/painting”, cooking, gross motor skills activities, music & movement, songs, yoga, and Social Emotional Learning.
We will organize regular events/potlucks and we hope to see you!
AUGUST
Back-to-school
C’est la rentrée !
Back-to-school is here! The beginning of the year is a key moment to gently welcome our little ones and support them as they take their first steps at school. It is also a time full of discoveries and adjustments. Whether they are new or returning after a break, our students will explore their new environment, get back into routines, and start forming connections with their peers and teachers. Our activities will focus on creating a sense of security, discovering group life, and developing autonomy through games, daily rituals, and moments of connection. The goal is to foster a warm and reassuring atmosphere where every child feels welcomed, heard, and supported.
SEPTEMBER
All About Me!
Tout sur moi!
After settling into their new routine, children will explore the theme “All About Me”. They will learn to express who they are, what they like, and what makes them unique. We will talk about families, helping children understand and celebrate their home life and loved ones. They will also discover their place in the classroom and how to be part of a group. This theme introduces emotions and how to express them in simple ways. Through stories, songs, and creative projects, children will build self-confidence and connection. It is a beautiful way to support identity, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging.
We will organize a “Back-to-School Meeting” on Thursday, September 11th. It is a great occasion to get to know your child’s teachers! All ABS Staff and our ABS policies, procedures, and curriculum will be presented.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Monday, September 1st: Labor Day.
OCTOBER
Halloween And Its Little Creatures
Halloween et ses petites créatures
Halloween and its little creatures is a magical time when imagination comes to life. On this spooky night, tiny witches, cheerful ghosts, and playful skeletons roam the streets in search of candy. Children love dressing up as little creatures of the night, from friendly monsters to mysterious black cats. Jack-o’-lanterns light the way with their glowing smiles, adding to the magical atmosphere. October is also known for Halloween and its many fun activities, such as wearing favorite costumes, making themed arts and crafts, and. At school, our students will create bat crafts, sing Halloween songs, and tell not-so-scary stories. Even spiders, owls, and mice become part of the fun, helping little ones learn about nocturnal animals.
Children and staff will come in their Halloween costumes on Thursday, October 30th, and Friday, October 31st! You will be invited to our Halloween parade on Friday, October 31st, from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. This will be followed by a potluck. Please bring your favorite drink and/or food!
Picture Day will be on Wednesday, October 15th.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Friday, October 10th: Teacher In-Service Day.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Monday, October 13th: Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
NOVEMBER
Apples, pumpkins, and little foodies - Thanksgiving
Pommes, citrouilles et petits gourmands - Thanksgiving
Apples, pumpkins, and little foodies! Thanksgiving is a season full of warmth, sharing, and delicious discoveries. Our students will explore the colors and tastes of fall through apple tastings, pumpkin crafts, and stories about gratitude. In the classroom, little foodies will help prepare simple snacks like apple slices with cinnamon or mini pumpkin muffins, etc. It is also a time to learn about where food comes from and how we celebrate the harvest. Thanksgiving encourages children to express thankfulness for family, friends, and the meals they share together. With songs, stories, and sensory activities, this season becomes a joyful celebration of togetherness and autumn delights.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th: Veterans Day.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed from Wednesday 26th to Friday 28th: Thanksgiving Break.
DECEMBER
Holidays Around The World
Les célébrations de fin d’année dans le monde
December is a special time when families and friends gather to celebrate meaningful traditions and the end of the year. At ABS, our students will take a joyful journey around the globe as they learn about various holidays such as Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. Each celebration will come to life through fun and creative crafts, songs, and stories. Throughout the month, our students will also have the chance to share their own family customs and cultural traditions with the class. We warmly invite you to contribute by telling us about your holiday traditions. It is a wonderful way to connect and celebrate our diverse community. As part of our ABS tradition, each class will also decorate their very own Christmas tree!
You will be invited to our Holiday party with performance, music & dancing on Thursday, December 18th from 10:30 am to 1 pm.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed from Monday, December 22nd, through Friday, January 2nd: Winter Break.
ABS Classes will resume on Monday, January 5th.
JANUARY
Living In The Polar Regions - King’s Cake
La vie dans les pôles - La galette des rois
January takes us on a chilly adventure to explore life in the polar regions! Our students will learn about the animals, landscapes, and daily life in the Arctic and Antarctic. We will discover how people stay warm, what kinds of houses they live in, and which animals thrive in icy environments, like polar bears, penguins, and seals. Through stories, science, and hands-on activities, children will dive into the fascinating world of snow and ice. Lots of crafts and imaginative play will help bring these frozen places to life!
We will also celebrate a delicious French tradition in January: La Galette des Rois! Our students will learn about the history of this celebration, take part in festive activities, and even make their own paper crowns and pretend galettes in class. Vive les rois et les reines !
You will be invited to join us to taste our King’s cakes with some apple juice and cider on Thursday, January 29th from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Monday, January 19th: Martin Luther King Day.
FEBRUARY
My 5 Senses - Valentine’s Day
Mes 5 sens - La Saint-Valentin
See it, hear it, touch it, smell it, taste it… Let’s explore our senses! Our students will become little scientists as we explore the five senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching! Through hands-on discovery, fun experiments, and sensory play, children will learn how their bodies help them understand the world around them. Throughout the month, we will focus on a different sense and engage in playful activities that spark curiosity and build vocabulary.
From listening to mystery sounds, to tasting sweet and sour foods, to exploring textures and colors, this theme will encourage observation, communication, and creativity.
During this month, we will also celebrate Valentine’s Day by using our senses to notice all the ways we show and feel love! It is the perfect time to talk about kindness, friendship, and how we use our senses to give and receive love.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed from Monday, February 16th to Friday, February 20th.
MARCH
Eggs, Nests, & Baby Animals - Easter
Oeufs, nids et bébés animaux - Pâques
This month, our students will explore the wonders of spring and new life by learning about eggs, nests, and baby animals. Children will learn that many animals, like chickens and birds, lay eggs and care for their babies in nests. They will discover where these animals build their nests, and how baby animals grow and change. This theme will help children develop curiosity about nature, empathy for animals, and an understanding of life cycles.
As part of our spring celebration, we will also enjoy some Easter fun and crafts!
Children will go on an Easter egg hunt with their parents on Friday, April 3rd from 4pm to 5:30 pm. This will be followed by a potluck. Please bring your favorite drink and/or food!
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Friday, March 20th : Teachers Workday.
APRIL
Community Helpers
Les travailleurs communautaires
Who helps us every day? Let’s find out! This month, we will dive into the exciting world of community workers: the everyday heroes who help make our communities safe, clean, and happy! From firefighters racing to the rescue, to doctors caring for our health, to mail carriers delivering letters, children will explore the many important jobs people do around us. Through pretend play, songs, books, and fun activities, children will learn how each worker helps our community and how we can show appreciation for their hard work.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed from Monday, April 6th to Friday, April 10th: Spring break.
MAY
Under The Sea, A Whole World To See - Mother’s Day
Sous la mer, tout un univers - La fête des mères
Dive into discovery with our exciting ocean-themed unit, "Under the Sea: A Whole World to See!" Throughout this theme, our students will explore the wonders of the underwater world through hands-on activities, imaginative play, and engaging stories. They will learn about sea creatures big and small, from playful dolphins to colorful fish and mysterious deep-sea animals. Whether pretending to be scuba divers or making jellyfish from paper plates, our students will be immersed in fun and learning as they discover the beauty and diversity of life under the sea. We will go on a field trip to learn more about ocean animals (details and date to come).
Happy Mother’s Day... We will express love and gratitude for our moms. They will have their special day on May 10th!
ABS will be closed on Monday, May 25th: Memorial Day.
JUNE
Friendship - Father’s Day
L’amitié - La fête des pères
It is the end of the school year, and our students have made lots of friends! We will discuss the importance of friendships and positive social interactions, what it means to be a good friend, and how we can maintain these friendships. We will celebrate these friendships through classroom and school art projects and remember all of our memories together.
You will be invited to celebrate the end of the school year with a party with performances, music & dancing on Wednesday, June 10th from 10:30 am to 1 pm.
Last of ABS Academic School Year 2025/2026: Thursday, June 11th.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Friday, June 12th, to prepare our Summer Camp Program.
First day of Summer Camp 2026: Monday, June 15th! Our summer camp program will run for 6 weeks until Friday, July 24th.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Friday, June 19th: Juneteenth.
Au Beau Séjour will be closed on Friday, July 3rd: Independence Day.