Dear Parents,

2020 has been a truly extraordinary year. As the holiday season continues, we would like to thank all of our amazing families and friends for the love and support shown to Common Ground during these very challenging times. We really are getting through this time as a COMMUNITY :)

We have a few updates for you. First, an enormous ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributed to the Staff Holiday Bonus Fund. Your generosity was so heartfelt and Common Ground has matched all donations dollar-for-dollar so that our staff will be receiving a wonderful holiday gift in the next few days. I think we all agree that this is so well-deserved this year of all years. 

We also want to acknowledge the heroic efforts of the entire staff team but especially Liz in managing the center during 2020. It has not been easy to operate a childcare center with a pandemic raging around us. However, we exit 2020 stronger than ever and this has allowed the Board to focus on our long-term vision. In collaboration with Liz, we have built a strategic plan for the Center’s leadership and I am delighted to announce that, as of January 1, 2021, Liz will be appointed Acting Executive Director of Common Ground Childcare Center. The pandemic has prevented Liz from completing a few remaining educational steps which would qualify her to take the position permanently at this time. However, we do want to acknowledge her leadership and our intention to see Liz fill that role in due course. 

Finally, I am also delighted to announce that Nicole Daniel will be appointed as President of the Board of Trustees from January 1, 2021 allowing me to step down from that role after almost 5 years. Nicole is extremely well-qualified to take on the responsibilities of this position and we will work together through a transition period. Please join me in congratulating Nicole on this appointment and give her all your support as she steps up. Alexis Layne has stepped into the role of Secretary that was previously held by Nicole. Joe Acheson continue to serve as our Treasurer. It has been a huge privilege for me to serve Common Ground for several years. This amazing community and the staff team will always have a HUGE place in my heart not least for the incredible love shown to our family while our children were cared for here every day. Thank you also for your support and forgiveness of my leadership through some interesting times!

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I would like to wish each and every one of you, your families and loved ones a very safe and happy holiday season whatever you may be doing this year. We wish you every blessing for a better year in 2021.

Warm regards,

Emma Sharma

President of the Board of Trustees