The Weekly Owl

May 8, 2025

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS:

• Field Day: May 13

• Parent Workshop - Routines for Summer Success: May 14 (Register Here)

• Last Day of School for Preschool & Upper Elementary: May 21

Lower School

The Importance of Growing and Learning in Nature

We know a child's early years are important to development. The meaningful lessons learned at school and at home are vital and set the foundation for ongoing growth. Nature can also support lifelong benefits for young children, mentally, physically, and cognitively. Introducing different natural environments to children can help them think beyond their immediate surroundings and build well-rounded perspectives. Additionally, research shows that playing outside can reduce anxiety and stress levels in children. Sharing the many aspects of nature at an early age, such as plants, animals, and ecosystems, can encourage children to build an appreciation for the world around them. Here are some natural wonders in our area to explore this summer!

• Castaway Island Preserve
• UNF Nature Trails
• Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
• Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve
• Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Jamie Mulgrew

Associate Head of Lower School

Kris Conway

Head of Lower School

Upper School

Students Build Appreciation for the Natural World and Each Other

This year has been full of meaningful lessons and experiences for our students, faculty, and staff. And let's not forget our beloved animals! As we wrap up the school year, we take time to thank some of those who make Collage a unique and special place. Our enrichment teachers contribute to the robust curriculum our students enjoy. Dinosaur School wrapped up this week and the primary prep students were so grateful for Ms. Erica's help. Some of Ms. Bailey's STEAM students explored the difference between natural and unnatural light sources, as well as why light can only pass through certain objects. Students even engaged in hands-on learning by making shadow puppets! Ms. Chelsea has kept students safe and healthy all year long, and Ms. Shari and Ms. Ally's primary prep students expressed their gratitude with personalized color sheets for Nurse's Day. Ms. Thyra hosted students at the barn and taught lessons on how to care for horses. Collage's schoolyard habitat has also been in full swing as students fed the chickens this week. Additionally, older students demonstrated their leaderships skills through teaching and mentorship. Students in Ms. Valletta's class served as teachers for the day and Mr. Peter's fifth graders congratulated their little buddies in a moving-up celebration. Collage truly is a place where all students can thrive!

Thank you to the teachers and families who joined us last weekend at the beach cleanup. It was a beautiful day and we were honored to make a difference in our community.

Danielle Theriault

Associate Head of Upper School

Michael Masi

Head of Upper School

Thank you to our sponsors:

Tropical Smoothie Café Durbin Park Pavilion