Owls Nest Early Learning

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The Owls Nest Early Learning Program

Panorama is excited to offer a Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm program for ages 3 - 5 years old at Greenglade Community Centre. The licensed program focuses on creating a nurturing learning environment to empower children's curiosity, exploration and creativity. Children have access to the vast amenities at Greenglade including the natural outdoors, gymnasium, community garden, pottery studio and special activities such as dance, yoga, language, arts, and sports.

"Children are curious and capable learners that are best supported through a strong and connected partnership between families and educators. We will provide a gentle, calm, nurturing space rich with possibilities. Children are welcome to direct their own learning, to create, and to explore their theories about the world through visual art, dramatic play, or whatever strikes their fancy. We value the ideas of children; as educators we will offer materials through observations of the group and respond to emerging curiosities. Ample opportunity to play and learn outdoors is provided in our play yard and natural environment to support physical, social, and cognitive development. We see children as both community members and individuals with their own unique gifts to be celebrated. We create, we explore, and we belong." Our educators.

The Owls Nest Early Learning program is currently full. If you are interested in joining, check our waitlist page for further information.

Our Early Childhood Educators

Anita Dzus-Spady, ECE

Anita was born and raised in Edmonton, AB where she attended the University of Alberta to study Anthropology and Political Science and met her husband Ryan while attending an Archaeology Field School in Jasper.

She and her husband Ryan moved to BC in 2005, and settled in Sidney in 2006, where their three children William, Oliver, and Zara were born. After working part time evenings and weekends and as an Early Childhood Education Assistant while her children were young, Anita returned to school in 2019 as she entered the Early Learning and Care Diploma program at Camosun College and received her ECE and Infant Toddler certification.

She has always believed in the power of community and taking care of each other and has been a longtime volunteer at all her children’s schools as well as with Girl Guides. Anita feels that children and families deserve a strong voice to advocate for them and help them through the early years of childhood. She enjoys building relationships with the children and their families and has worked for several years with many of the same families. She loves spending time outside with the children and tries to include this within the program.

Anita is proud to have been one of the founding members of Owl’s Nest and is excited to see what the future will bring as childcare continues to expand at Panorama Recreation.

Jasmine Burgess, ECE

Jazzy has grown up on the island, first living in Oak Bay and then moving to North Saanich at a young age. She fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world and holds great respect for the Wsanac territory in which she grew up on. Whether exploring the Peninsula, planting in her garden, or playing in goal with her woman’s soccer team, she embraces the gifts of where we live come rain or shine.

Jazzy has always been an active member of the community through sports and voluntarism. She especially enjoyed her time as head coach for the tot program of a well-known soccer organization. Her passion and dedication for the sport as a premiere level goalie has contributed to her strong work ethic and a keen sense for team building. Working with the tots, she quickly realized her love of engaging with children. Being patient and present with them felt organic. Upon graduation from French Immersion at Stelly’s high school in 2019, she pursued her Early Learning Certificate from Camosun College and was placed at Greenglade Community Centre for her first practicum. She is so excited to return to the place she began and collaborate with wonderful educators.

Some of the values Jazzy holds as an early childhood educator include having a connection to the land we live upon, respectful mindfulness in our interactions, and creating joy through laughter. These values transcend into kindness and a positive outlook, which she believes is an amazing foundation for any child to build upon.

Jazzy looks forward to meeting and learning all about your child and what makes them who they are.

Robyn Cherrie, ECEA

Robyn moved to Victoria from Ontario in 2008. She has been both a working and stay at home mom with two children and appreciates the challenges of both. When her children when older, Robyn started working at Before and Safter School programs and Summer Camps. In 2020, she moved to working in Early Childcare and received her ECE-A in 2021. Robyn has been working with Owls Nest since April of 2024 and is finishing up her ECE education through VIU!

Janet Johnson, ECE

Janet is excited to be part of the Owls Nest Early Learning program.

Owls Nest Early Learning Program FAQ’s

Abstract teal and navy blue butterfly illustrations.

Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation