January 31, 2013

Junior kindergarten registrations for the 2013-2014 school year are now being accepted at all elementary schools within Superior-Greenstone District School Board .  Children who turn four years old before December 31, 2013 are eligible to attend JK in September 2013.  Parents are welcome to register their child anytime at the public school in their area.  Full day JK and SK programming offered in the Board honours every child as a creative and resourceful learner.

 “We endeavour to provide an inquiry-based learning environment that focuses on the strengths and interest of each child,” said Director of Education David Tamblyn.  “At Superior-Greenstone DSB, we embrace the tenets of Dr. Charles Pascal, author of the 2009 report ‘With Our Best Future in Mind, Implementing Early Learning in Ontario’,” said Tamblyn.

 In the report to which Tamblyn refers, Dr. Pascal notes that full time kindergarten provides benefits for both parent and child including:

  • High achievement in later grades;
  • Greater developmental competence and less frustration in children;
  • Enriched learning experiences that facilitate conceptual, cognitive, and language growth and foster inquiry;
  • More positive social and behavioural outcomes;
  • More time for instruction and practice;
  • Greater parent/caregiver involvement; and
  • Lower childcare costs and fewer transportation difficulties for parents.

(Pascal, 2009, Report to the Premier by the Special Advisor on Early Learning)

 To register, parents need to bring the following documents for review, the child’ birth certificate, birth registry/baptismal certificate, health card and immunization record.

 Following registration, parents can expect to receive an invitation to the school’s Welcome to Kindergarten (WTK) Program.  These sessions to be scheduled before mid-June will provide an opportunity for parent orientation.  WTK involves parents and children in the exploration of the resources and features of play-based learning, the environment in which children will receive their early learning and preparation for grade one.

 Parents of kindergarten-aged children are encouraged to call or visit their local public school for more information about registering their child into the Full Time Kindergarten program.