Our Journey Together
“Educators play an important role in promoting the well-being of children and youth by creating, fostering, and sustaining a learning environment that is healthy, caring, safe, inclusive, and accepting…”
The Kindergarten Program (2016), p. 5
This statement has always resonated deeply with me. It reminds us that teaching extends far beyond academics. As educators, we are called to create learning environments where every child feels safe, valued, capable, and inspired to learn.
Before sharing my own journey, I want to acknowledge how incredibly fortunate I have been to work alongside remarkable educators, administrators, mentors, and colleagues throughout my career. Every opportunity, every partnership, and every conversation has shaped the educator I am today.
The Learning Sandbox is not simply a collection of classroom ideas—it is the story of a professional journey built through collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to giving children the very best start to their learning.
A Foundation Built on Partnership
One of the greatest honours of my career was the opportunity to partner with Shirley Silva during the early implementation of Ontario’s Full-Day Kindergarten Program.
Together, we embraced the vision of the new program, explored what high-quality play-based learning could look like, and opened our classroom to educators across Ontario. Alongside our Principal, Patricia Peroni, we unpacked the Kindergarten Program with colleagues throughout our board and documented our learning through our website, Journey Together FDK.
What began as a way to reflect on our own practice soon grew into a professional learning resource for educators across Ontario and beyond.
A Message from Dr. Charles Pascal
One of the greatest affirmations of our work came from Dr. Charles Pascal, who generously shared the following words for our website:
“Your website reflects the kind of teamwork expected of the ECE/Teacher partnership. Founded on mutual respect for the equal and complementary gifts that each of you brings to the sandbox, you are creating something bigger than the sum of these gifts for the sake of the kids. Your understanding of genuine play-based, curiosity-driven pedagogy is also critical to the future success of the children. Your leadership is inspiring.”
Dr. Charles E. Pascal
Professor, Applied Psychology & Human Development
Those words continue to remind me that exceptional Kindergarten programs are never built by one person. They are built through trust, shared expertise, and a common purpose.
A Message from Dr. Stuart Shanker
We were equally honoured to receive this message from Dr. Stuart Shanker after exploring our website:
“Thanks for the invite to look at your work. I just loved the site and the photos are a must-see for everyone.”
His encouragement reinforced our belief that documenting children’s learning and sharing professional practice could inspire educators well beyond the walls of our own classroom.
In 2014, Journey Together FDK was also recognized as one of the Top 10 online resources for educators and families embracing Full-Day Kindergarten.
My Journey
My name is Caroline Thornton, and my career has been guided by a passion for early learning and a belief that every child deserves an engaging, inclusive, and joyful beginning to their educational journey. I began my career as an Early Childhood Educator, a role I proudly held for eighteen years in both childcare and Full-Day Kindergarten settings. Before joining the school board, I worked at The Copper House, an innovative early learning centre in Bolton that was dedicated to providing exceptional care and education for young children.
In 2017, I accepted the role of Educational Resource Worker, supporting students and educators across the board. During this time, I continued pursuing my dream of becoming a certified teacher.
I earned my Bachelor of Early Years Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), followed by a Master of Science in Education from Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.
Today, I am privileged to serve as a Primary/Junior Teacher, where I continue to build upon everything I learned throughout my years in early childhood education.
Teaching Partner and Co-Author
Shirley Silva
Shirley was my first Full-Day Kindergarten teaching partner, and together we spent four incredible years learning, questioning, reflecting, and growing alongside one another. Her extensive experience in Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 3, Special Education, English Language Learning, and Literacy Coaching brought tremendous depth to our partnership. Together, we discovered that when educators truly honour one another’s strengths, something extraordinary happens—for both children and teachers.
Jane Posa
Jane became my second Kindergarten teaching partner. Together, we created a learning environment where curiosity, laughter, and relationships flourished. Jane has taught nearly every elementary grade, and her kindness, creativity, and genuine love for children are evident in everything she does.
Lara Kells
Lara became my third teaching partner and reminded me daily that joy belongs in every classroom.
Some of my favourite memories are simply the conversations we shared while listening to the wonderful things young children say. Kindergarten has a way of reminding adults to slow down, laugh often, and appreciate the beauty of childhood.
Patricia Peroni
Patricia was much more than our Principal—she was the heart of our school community. She believed in her staff, encouraged innovation, and trusted educators to take thoughtful risks. Her leadership created a culture where collaboration and professional growth could flourish, and her influence continues to inspire my work today.
Tom Condotta
Tom was our technology-savvy Vice Principal, whose enthusiasm for innovation encouraged us to explore new ways of supporting twenty-first-century learners.
His willingness to share knowledge and embrace emerging technologies strengthened both our classroom practice and our professional learning.
The Power of Team
One of the greatest lessons I have learned throughout my career is that the team is the heart of the program.
Every educator brings unique experiences, talents, and perspectives. When those strengths are valued as equal and complementary, children benefit in extraordinary ways.
The Learning Sandbox exists because of those partnerships.
It is a celebration of collaboration, lifelong learning, and the remarkable things that become possible when educators grow together.
A Special Honour
In 2014, Shirley Silva and I were honoured to receive the Frances Poleschuk Award from the Council of Associated Primary Educators (CAPE) in recognition of our contributions to primary education and our collaborative leadership in Full-Day Kindergarten.
Receiving this award was an incredible privilege, but what meant the most was knowing that our commitment to inquiry, collaboration, and sharing professional practice had made a meaningful difference for children and educators alike.
Today I am excited to continue the work of CAPE through the creation of an upcoming Podcast that aims to support, share and build relationships with educators throughout Ontario!