1. Welcome to Kindergarten The Journey Begins

2. Lord in heaven, help us never to forget the beauty in a little child. Never let us never forget the wonder and trust and yearning in their bright, twinkling eyes. Help us to remember that we are shaping the lives of tomorrow's generation. Give us love to overcome adversity. Give us patience to overcome trials. Give us wisdom to overcome shortcomings. Give us faith to overcome problems. And, as these children prepare to begin kindergarten, Bless them and all those who care for them! Amen

3. School Information Kindergarten students enter and leave through the Kindergarten yard 8:55am – Morning bell 11:45 – Lunch (we begin eating at 11:30) 3:25 - Dismissal

4. Four- or five-year-old children are capable and active learners, full of potential and ready to take ownership of their own learning. Each child is unique and lives and learns within families and communities. The goal is for every child to enter the primary grades:  healthy and secure;  emotionally and socially competent;  eager, confident, and successful learners; and  respectful of the diversity of their peers. Goals of the Program

5. The All Day Program A stronger start in school. A full day of learning early in life can help improve your child’s reading, writing and math skills and provide a strong foundation for future learning. It also makes the transition to Grade 1 easier for both you and your child. An integrated day. Your child will benefit from a simpler, less hectic day. More time with classmates. During the regular school day, your child will benefit from being able to socialize with other children and develop the academic and social skills necessary for future success.

6. In Kindergarten Your child will have professionals working in the classroom – a Teacher and an Early Childhood Educator. Together they will plan and deliver the kindergarten program.

7. In Kindergarten…. We learn that we were created in God’s image. In God’s Image is the Kindergarten Religion Program. This program celebrates the wonderment and awe alive in children, leading them into wisdom and allowing them to experience life as a trace of God.

8. In Kindergarten We grow to be more independent. Please!!! Label everything Help you child be independent when getting dressed And packing their school bags.

9. In Kindergarten… We learn in playful ways because playful learning develops: Greater language skills Better social skills More empathy More imagination Less aggressive behavior More self control More subtle capacity to know what others mean Higher levels of thinking

10. The Program Learning Areas: Personal and Social Development Language Mathematics Science and Technology Health and Physical Activity The Arts We engage in hands-on learning that encourages inquiry, exploration and rich oral language experiences.

11. In Kindergarten We learn together during: Circle Time Centre Time Active Time Quiet Time Outdoor time The teachers plan for: Whole group Small group Individual learning With our Kindergarten teachers and friends!

12. In Kindergarten We go outside twice a day to play for 30 minutes. Your child will need to be dressed for the weather Sunscreen and hat in the summer Rubber boots in the spring and fall And hat, mitts, snowsuits in the winter Velcro indoor and outdoor shoes

13. In Kindergarten We eat together 2 snacks Lunch Label morning snack 1 Label afternoon snack 2 Healthy snacks Easy to open, reusable containers NO NUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS

14. In Kindergarten We get messy… Dress your child comfortably and in clothes that can get dirty!

15. EcoSchool We incorporate environmental education as well as environmentally responsible action into the school setting. As a Catholic school community we are called to live out our Christian responsibility for the environment by cultivating and caring for the goodness of all God's creation. Please pack litterless snacks/lunches

16. Tips for packing a Litterless Lunch Try to avoid single use cartons, cans and pre- packaged snack foods. Use less packaging Fruit comes in it’s own packaging Use reusable water bottles. Use small reusable tupperware containers (food waste can then be returned home to put in your green bin) Avoid disposable ziploc bags Recycle! A litterless lunch is usually a healthier lunch!!!

17. How can you help??? Provide proper nutrition and rest; Provide a stimulating, secure, sensory based environment (all five senses); Talk, talk, talk to your children - from the beginning; Allow interactions with other children as much as possible; Read to, with, and for your children every day Work with numbers and counting objects as a fun activity Enjoy playing with your child !

18. Remember Communication Bag – return everyday Label everything Dress to play outside for 30 minutes twice a day We get messy in kindergarten 2 snacks and a lunch – label snacks 1&2 Velcro shoes

19. Parent Volunteers Many hands make light work! Parent volunteers make our kindergarten program even better! Please let us know if you can help during the day in the classroom or at home (cutting out, making play dough etc)

20. Children Learn What They Live If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.