www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 14, 2006 - 17 Nursery school closes after 26 years By Wilma Blokhuis OAKVILLE LIVING EDITOR A small cozy preschool in northeast Oakville is closing next Wednesday, June 21 after 26 years of operation, leaving parents with good memories. Owner Diane March of Edgeware Junior School is retiring. Friendships were forged at Edgeware. Not only did the children interact, but the parents were also given opportunities to connect sometimes over coffee in March's living room. Parents chat about their children's progress and their plans for the weekend. The preschool welcomed 12 children aged two and three on three weekday mornings and seven four-year-old children four afternoons a week into the specially designed basement at March's home at 1372 Edgeware Rd. She was licenced for 24 children but never had more than 16 in any given program. The school was closed on Fridays to allow parents and children a free day for other activities. "I was fortunate to be able to provide quality, affordable nursery school care and still be home with my own children," said March. "I sent my kids to Sheridan's Montessori program because I believe parents and teachers should be different people." March has two sons aged 32 and 22, and a 30-year-old daughter. "I've seen a lot of families coming here with two and three children," said March. "I've known some families for seven to eight years as their children come through the program. "I was extremely fortunate with my staff they ran the school. I'm the part time person at the school," said March adding Lori Faber, now with Peel Children's Services, worked at Edgeware Junior School for 11 of the first dozen years the school was open. "We speak to parents (and caregivers) on a regular basis about the progress of their children, what kind of day they had at school," said Monique Gagnon who has worked at the preschool for 12 years. "This school has a real family atmosphere. The parents are upset we're closing." Gagnon plans to continue working as a supply teacher or teach in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Sheridan College. Gagnon started working at Edgeware after earning her ECE diploma. "Diane was terrific...an exceptional boss. She's a friend." For Kelly Jonah, who landed a job at Edgeware straight from Sheridan's ECE program five years ago, it means finding work closer to home she commutes RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER Together, we can build a healthy, caring and inclusive community. RETIREMENT: Diane March, right, is retiring. After 26 years at the helm of Edgeware Junior School, she is closing the preschool next Wednesday, June 21. With her are parent, Yasmin Quintal, centre,teacher Monique Gagnon, plus several children. from Hamilton. March, who has taught part time at Sheridan for more than 30 years, is about to make a complete career change working part-time as a bookkeeper for an investment person however she'll keep teaching part time. "I've done everything part time that gives more flexibility. I also want to spend more time with my nine-month-old grandson in Cambridge." March graduated from the ECE program at Ryerson. Parents were invited to sit around the circle and read with their children for at least 10 minutes before the preschool program began. "My oldest son is a real handful, a high energy kid, and I talked to Diane and Monique everyday," said Yasmin Quintal, a mother of three. "They said I could call anytime. I had already considered another school but was told my son would take up too much of the teachers' time but here I was told by Diane that `I have never given up on any child. He needs us more than you do.' They are so caring and dedicated. Monique and Kelly are phenomenal, Oakville's best kept secrets." Her oldest son had recently turned four. "For a while, I had three under three." Arlene McLean echoed these sentiments. "The one thing I really like here is that the parents are involved. It's not just drop off your kids and leave. We sit them for five to 10 minutes and read with our children. "We can talk to the teachers and get their advice. I had a good feeling about this place...the staff reflect the positive and not the negative. They redirect the children positively. Instead of saying, `Don't run,' they say `We walk.'" March had the basement built to nursery school specifications with larger windows, an extra exit and a higher ceiling when she and her husband Barry bought the house. "My husband built the school, the cupboards and tables. We chose the lot and house style when we bought it from the builder and had a basement built specifically for this school." They moved to Oakville in June 1979 and opened the preschool in September of that year. Barry, now retired, was the school photographer. Although the school is closing, she and her husband have no plans to sell their house. Wilma Blokhuis can be reached at blokhuis@haltonsearch.com. United Way of Oakville 466 Speers Rd, Suite 200 Oakville ON L6K 3W9 t: (905) 845-5571 www.uwoakville.org LIMITED TIME B TO OO DA K Y SUMMER SUITE SALE $ Valid June 16 to September 5, 2006 129 * per night, per suite, plus taxes excluding June 23-25, July 13-30, August 18-20, August 25-27, 2006 Including four FREE full buffet breakfasts *Per suite, per night, plus taxes, based on a family of four with two adults and two children 12 years or under sharing. Limited time offer, subject to availability and change without notice. Excludes Jacuzzi suites. CORRECTION NOTICE Kavi Water Cooler 10063801. On pg. 26 of our June 9 flyer, we state that a pair of these products cost $129.99 after a $20 savings. In fact, this is the price of a single water cooler. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers. Mentor's academic reputation within the independent school community has been well-known for years, but students like Brendan May and Alex Hoffman are showing that Mentor is famous for all types of uniforms! The students found themselves in archery, wrestling and rugby uniforms during the year and were key members of the school's instrumental bands. At right, they are shown receiving awards for yet another activity -- they were honoured for their acting and writing in the prestigious Sears Ontario Drama Festival this past spring. For 25 years, Mentor College has been inspiring children and helping them achieve excellence. Please contact us for information about our upcoming: LONG WEEKEND SUITE SALE $ 109 * per night, per suite, plus taxes CORRECTION NOTICE Apple MA254 Macbook Laptop. 10075434/59. Due to shipping delays, this product may not be available in all stores as advertised on pg. 21 of the June 9 flyer. Stock will arrive later this week. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers. Valid Canada Day June 30-July 4, Civic Holiday August 4-8, Labour Day Sept. 1-5, Thanksgiving Oct 6-10. Reservations 905-238-0159 or 1-800-668-9887 Book online www.stagewest.com 5400 DIXIE ROAD, MISSISSAUGA Including two FREE full buffet breakfasts