KINDERGARTEN

OUR FOCUS

The students in our Kindergarten program attend all-day classes, five days each week.  We currently have four Kindergarten Divisions with Mrs. Mahal in K-1, Mrs. Jutras in K-2, Mrs. Schafran in K-3, and Mrs. Sidhu in K-4.  Each school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 2:45 p.m.  We begin each day with a morning assembly at the school temple where students participate in Shabad Kirtan and listen to religious sermons.  Under the direction and close guidance of the classroom teacher, each child at this early age has the opportunity to learn independence, gain self-confidence, and accept responsibility.  On any given day, a parent, who happens to come into our classroom, can observe the active participation of children who are interested and excited to learn in a nurturing, high energy environment.

CORE SUBJECTS

Our students are taught Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education, which meet all the outcomes set out by the Ministry of Education.  For Fine Arts, we incorporate “Artist of the Month” where students recreate works of famous artists.  In centers, students enthusiastically participate in various activities, games, and projects which reinforce the themes and skills from the core subjects, as well as in Art and Music.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 

We have a strong program in English Language Arts, due to a large portion of our students speaking Punjabi only  at home. The students are involved in an intensive Phonics learning program called Open Court Phonics.  This program engages the students in a stimulating learning process which starts with learning the phonetic sounds of each letter in the alphabet. From there, the children gain a growing individual satisfaction when they start to see their learning come alive!  Soon, they are eagerly searching for familiar letters and words in our classroom easy reading books, and are highly motivated with each new discovery.

PARENT AND SCHOOL CONNECTION

Parents contribute greatly to the Kindergarten program’s success.  With their regular interaction with the teacher and at home reinforcement of their child’s growth in learning, they give our school and the Kindergarten program specifically, what it takes to thrive. They have the opportunity to help their child practice at home what is taught in class, by reviewing together the many papers and projects which are sent home on a regular basis.

 A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATION

Along with the variety of subjects that the children are learning in the regular classroom, this year they are challenged with learning French. Basic vocabulary is introduced and lessons are presented with fun activities to keep the children involved each step of the way. Included as a major part of their education, the Kindergarten classes are also learning Punjabi three times each week. In this class, the children learn to read and write the Punjabi alphabet.  A traditional Sikh music class is taught two times each week. In this class, the students are motivated by an enthusiastic teacher to learn Shabads and are taught how to play the tabla and harmonium. They also are given the opportunity to do public speaking as they recite one or two line sakhis in English and Punjabi.

 OUR GOAL

As teachers responsible for this crucial age group of easily influenced four, five, and six year olds, we unite in our beliefs and understanding of what it means to teach at this very foundational level.  For many of the children, this is their first real taste of structured learning. We are reminded daily of the importance to do more than just educate our students; we must aim to instil within each one a strong desire for learning.  We want them not only to acquire a skill in a subject area, but to grasp the idea that learning is fun and is meant to be enjoyed. To accomplish this two-fold goal is the task of every Kindergarten teacher.

NEWS

On Wed. Dec. 16, Manvir K. Jawanda  (K-2) was presented with a prize from Rebekah of the Fraser Valley Regional Library. Manvir was one of many Kindergarten children in Abbotsford to enter her name in the “All Aboard For Kindergarten” draw. Rebekah visited the K-2 class, read them 2 stories, and gave Manvir a book, a magnet, a balloon and some playdough. Manvir’s classmates also received a balloon and a magnet. Congratulations Manvir!

Harleen Kaur Brar from K-1 ( Mrs.  Mahal’s class) participated in “All Aboard For Kindergarten “ program and won a prize. Shirley from Clearbrook Library came to K-1 classroom and gave Harleen her prize  on 20-Jan-2010