Kindergarten Registration Guide - Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools

2016-17 Registration Guide
Explore Our Pre-K & Kindergarten Programs
“Great beginnings start here!”
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Faith in Our Students
Welcome to
GREATER ST. ALBERT
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
What an exciting time for you and your family! Kindergarten is the
beginning of a new world of learning, discovery and friendship for
you and your child. We know that having a child enter kindergarten
is a milestone that is met with many emotions including excitement,
anticipation, trepidation, and perhaps a few tears. It is our hope
that we can support you in your child’s educational journey
beginning with making his/her first days with us memorable.
There are many options and choices for kindergarten. We are
pleased to offer full day, progressive and half day programming.
You can also choose between our English and our French
Immersion programs which is one of the largest in the province.
In this guide there are some tips on how you can prepare your child
for their first day of school and gather the necessary information to
register them for school and our transportation service.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program is an outstanding option to
prepare children of all abilities for success in Kindergarten. A
complimentary screening is provided for all families to ensure we
understand developmentally how your child can be best supported.
We are an inclusive district where children of all abilities will be
supported and successful in our classrooms. Success means
that children perform academically, thrive socially and become
contributing members in their communities. As a Catholic School
District, we know that every child has their own unique God-given
gifts and talents. We look forward to exploring your child’s talents
and developing their strengths. Great beginnings start here!
Why Attend a
CATHOLIC SCHOOL?
We respect students as gifts from God and welcome
students from all religious backgrounds who wish to
participate in a Catholic school environment. Prayer is
an integral part of our environment. Many parents of
non-Catholic Christian denominations, or no particular
faith, are very satisfied with our programs.
A commitment to a Christ-centered education is
reflected in our schools. The uniqueness of our
Catholic tradition has been integrated into the
curriculum and is evident in the spirit of our schools.
Our school district continues to provide a heritage of
excellence rooted in and centered on the gospel. In this
environment, an individual can develop his/her potential
to the maximum. This development includes:
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Christian Attitudes
Liturgical Formation
Academic Skills
Service Opportunities
Our greatest assets are our well-trained dedicated
teachers and staff who provide the model and
example for our children.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 1
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Pre-Kindergarten
(formally “Preschool”) program offers learning
opportunities in all areas of early childhood development.
Our staff includes certified teachers, educational
assistants and specialists/therapists who help children of
all abilities become confident learners. Your child will gain
skills through play, inquiry, creativity, problem solving,
social interaction as well as early literacy, language and
numeracy activities. The following is some important
information regarding our program:
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Pre-Kindergarten is conveniently located in your
local elementary school.
Class sizes are small (14-18 children).
Extra programming, support and therapy
services are available for eligible children
who have additional needs in any area of
development (PUF*, mild-moderate needs or
English Language Learners).
Children attend the year prior to Kindergarten
▪▪ Exception: Children eligible for PUF
funding can attend up to two years
prior to Kindergarten.
2 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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Children attend three half days a week (there are
morning and afternoon options).
▪▪ Exception: Children eligible for PUF funding
attend four half days a week and receive
family-oriented sessions.
Pre-Screening
As part of the registration process for the
Pre-Kindergarten program all children must sign
up for one of our Pre-Kindergarten screening
sessions. This is a mandatory session regardless
of developmental concerns for your child. * Please
phone 780-459-7711 to book your screen.
Screening is done by an occupational therapist and
speech-language pathologist to help determine
eligibility for a funded spot in Pre-Kindergarten. If
a child is not eligible for funding through Alberta
Education, there are non-funded spots available with
a monthly fee. Information on monthly fees can be
found on the website or by calling the District office.
Note: if an assessment has already been done, a prescreen may not be required.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten is truly a place for your child to grow
and learn. Our faith-based kindergarten programs
nurture the physical, emotional, intellectual, social
and spiritual needs of your child.
To begin, your child must be 5 years old before
March 1st of the school year in which he/she is
enrolled to attend kindergarten. We offer a range
of program options depending upon the needs
of your child and your family. The following are
descriptions of the options. Contact your school
of choice regarding the programs they offer.
French Immersion
Getting an early start gives your child more time
to become comfortable with a French language
classroom before moving to more academically
focused grade levels. Early immersion compliments
young children who love to mimic, memorize and
repeat words.
Progressive Kindergarten
Some schools have children attend half day classes
until the end of March. For the remainder of the year
children attend full day which provides an excellent
transition to grade one.
Contact our schools to discuss the option(s) best
suited for your child and family.
Inclusive Education
Our schools are inclusive. The diverse learning needs
of students are met within the context of the regular
classroom and Alberta Education’s Program of
Studies to the greatest extent possible. Specialized
programming is provided to those students who need a
modified curriculum or who require a more structured
setting. Every school has a learning team that includes
the principal, vice principal, counselor, learning support
facilitator and therapists who have responsibility to
ensure the success of every student in the school.
We are proud of our program and recently received
provincial recognition for our success in providing
inclusive education. For more information on inclusion
in our schools please visit our website.
Full-Day Kindergarten
A convenient choice for families. Whether your child
attends full-day every day or alternating days, they
will experience a rich learning environment. Fees
may apply. Visit our website.
Half-Day Kindergarten
Many of our schools offer morning and/or afternoon
options for children. Be sure to register early to
reserve your preferred time of day.
Kindergarten is the beginning of a
new world of learning, discovery and
friendship for you and your child.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 3
Say Oui to
FRENCH IMMERSION
K to 12
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools prides itself
on its French Immersion programs. Many parents
and students consider knowledge of more than
one language a valuable investment in the future.
Our region is filled with families whose French
grandparents and great grandparents settled the
region in the early part of this century and the latter
part of the previous century. This is evident in the
many town and street names that pay tribute to them.
We offer one of the largest single
track French Immersion programs
in Alberta!
Approximately 1,600 of our students are enrolled
in this program. French Immersion students have
the option of two different program structures.
Morinville schools offer dualtrack French Immersion
where parallel English and French Immersion classes
are taught. Several schools in St. Albert offer a
single-track approach which features an environment
dedicated entirely to French Immersion.
The program is designed for children of English speaking
parents. According to the Canadian Parents for French
(CPF), they indicate becoming bilingual is:
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Easy for everyone
Improves your English
Fosters excellent students
Fosters excellent communication
Offers and edge in employment
Before and After School Childcare
Many of our schools have daycare operators on
site to provide a convenient option for working
families. Contact the school to find out more
about this service.
4 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Alternative
PROGRAMS
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools offers a variety
of alternative programming options for your child
throughout their educational journey.
Sports Academy 4 to 12
Athletics, Academics, Advantage! The Greater St.
Albert Sports Academy is based on the philosophy
that students can learn through sport to maintain or
improve academic standing and improve sports skills
at the same time. The Academy currently offers any
grade 4 to 12 boy or girl who has a desire to commit to
the program, an outstanding opportunity to receive
specialized skill and fitness training in hockey or
soccer as well as an enhanced physical education
program. The Academy provides all its students
individual attention in a Christ-centered environment.
At the elementary level, students have an option
for French Immersion instruction as well. For more
information, visit www.sportsacademy.gsacrd.ab.ca.
Learning Through The Arts (LTTA) K to 6
The Fine Arts Program starts in elementary and has
caught the imaginations of students, parents and
the arts community. The program is located at Vital
Grandin Catholic School in St. Albert. LTTA is a public
school transformation program created by the Royal
Conservatory of Music to address the developmental
needs of all children. Now one of the world’s most
innovative education programs, improved academic
performance and avenues for self-expression and
creative development are the outcomes of this
holistic learning approach to core subjects.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 5
Attendance Boundaries &
SCHOOL LISTINGS
School Locations in
Morinville and Legal
A. École Notre Dame
Elementary School
Pre-K to 4 English
K to 4 French Immersion
B. École Georges H. Primeau
5 to 8 English/French Immersion
C. Morinville Community
High School
9 to 12 English &
French Immersion
D. Legal School
Pre-K to 9 English
E.NEW! Future K-6 School
Westwinds Development
Expected Opening
2017-2018
For school contact information please
visit www.gsacrd.ab.ca.
6 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
NEW! Schools Opening in
Morinville and St. Albert in
2017-2018!
School Locations in St. Albert
English Elementary Boundaries
Albert Lacombe Catholic School
Bertha Kennedy
Catholic School
J.J. Nearing Catholic
Elementary School
Neil M. Ross
Catholic School
Vital Grandin
Catholic School
French Immersion
Elementary & English
Junior High Boundaries
École Marie Poburan and
Richard S. Fowler Catholic
Junior High
There are no
attendance boundaries
for Junior High
French or Senior High
(English and French)
École Father Jan and Vincent J.
Maloney Catholic Junior High
School Locations
1.
Albert Lacombe Catholic School Pre-K-6
2. Bertha Kennedy Catholic
School Pre-K-6
3. J.J. Nearing Catholic
Elementary School K-6
4. Neil M. Ross Catholic
School K-6
5. Vital Grandin Catholic
School Pre-K-6
6. École Father Jan K-6
7. École Marie Poburan K-6
8. École Secondaire Sainte
Marguerite d’Youville
(No boundaries) 7-12
9. Richard S. Fowler
Catholic Junior High
School 7-12
10. Vincent J. Maloney
Catholic Junior High
School 7-9
11. St. Albert Catholic High
School (No boundaries)
10-12
12. St. Gabriel High School
(No boundaries) 9-12
13.NEW! Future K-9 School
Jensen Lakes Development
Expected Opening
2017-2018
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 7
Preparing for
SCHOOL
How Can Parents and Children
Get Ready for Kindergarten?
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Read stories out loud with your child.
Listen and encourage your child to ask
questions and share ideas.
Share your memories of kindergarten.
Model respect for others, taking turns
and sharing.
Promote healthy, active living.
Encourage independence in dressing.
Do crafts with your child to develop
cutting and drawing skills.
Encourage make-believe: follow your
child’s lead in play.
Attend our District’s Kindergarten EXPO
and school open houses to learn more.
What do Children Learn in
Kindergarten?
Our approach in all of our kindergarten
classrooms is to provide a learning environment
that balances a focus on discovery and play with
teacher instruction to develop your child as a
confident learner going into grade one.
Children will develop their literacy and numeracy
skills while learning about the world around them
and the people in their world. We develop and
enhance your child’s social skills and spark their
creative talents through music and art.
8 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
Parent Support &
INVOLVEMENT
Engaging Parents
School Councils
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools encourages and
welcomes the involvement of parents in our school
communities. We recognize and support parents in
their role as the, “ first educators of their children.”
The Council of Councils is a collaborative group
of Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and designated members
of the Board. The purpose of the Council is to
collaborate and receive professional development
on issues and topics of common interest to parents.
For information on school councils, please visit the
schools’ websites.
There are many ways for parents to volunteer in our
schools and we encourage you to explore the range
of opportunities with your child’s teacher or principal.
Some of the opportunities include:
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Attend school events
Volunteer
Join School Council
Connect with your child’s teacher
Student Supports
Our students come to school with strengths, interests
and diverse learning needs. Our District is committed
to creating a learning environment that is inclusive,
flexible and responsive to the strengths and needs of
students and their families.
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 9
Transportation
INFORMATION
The District requests the support of parents and
the cooperation of students to ensure that riding on
school buses is a safe and enjoyable experience
for everyone.
Tips for Parents
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New parents should make sure children
know where to get on and get off of the bus.
Students should label their clothing and
backpacks for easy identification.
Parents should develop a plan for their
children to follow if they miss the bus.
A parent/guardian is required to escort
Kindergarten and Grade 1 children to and
from the bus.
Ensure children are dressed appropriately for
weather conditions in case the bus is delayed.
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Important Information Regarding Busing
for the Upcoming School Year
Close to half of our student population in the
District ride a bus to and from school. Children ride
buses under a bus-pass system. School bus walkboundaries determine eligibility to ride. Drivers and
buses contracted by Greater St. Albert Catholic
Schools are all licensed and inspected to meet the
standards set by Alberta Transportation.
10 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
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Bus applications open online beginning in April.
We recommend you apply for busing early in June.
New bus passes are issued by mail mid-August.
Routing information is sent by email at the end
of August.
All information regarding fees and the application
process can be found at: www.gsacrd.ab.ca/parents/
transportation
Registration
INFORMATION
Registrations are ongoing at Greater St. Albert Catholic
Schools. For planning and funding purposes, student
registration is encouraged by the end of March for the
upcoming school year. We ask that all new students
register at the school they will be attending as soon as
possible to ensure a space in their program of choice.
For registration during the summer months, please
contact the District Office, as school offices are closed
until the end of August. Registrations are accepted until
September 30th. For more information, please contact
your school of choice or visit our website: gsacrd.ab.ca/
parents/registration-information.
In most cases, students attend the designated
school within the attendance boundary of where
they live (see attendance areas on pages 6 and 7).
While we try to accommodate all students wishing
to attend Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, there
are occasions when non-resident students are not
accepted to the school of their choice. This is often
the result of a school being at or over capacity or
where additional student supports are required.
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Valid Passport
Immigration Papers (including Refugee)
Treaty Card (Number)
Permanent Resident Card
Adoption Papers
Temporary Resident Papers
Legal Guardianship (Court Order)
Valid Parent Work or Study Permit
Parent’s Citizenship
*Please provide the school with a photocopy of the
document you use. This will be placed in your child’s
Alberta Education record file and will eliminate the
need to provide proof in future years.
First Nations, Métis, Inuit Parent Information
If your child(ren) are of First Nations, Métis or Inuit
descent, please visit our website to find out why it
is beneficial to self-identify your child(ren) on the
registration form when enrolling your child at your
school of choice.
Registration Documents
For Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, and
for students new to Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
(including home schooling and cyber school), legal proof
of the student’s name will be required when you register.
Here are examples of which documents can be used:
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Birth Certificate (Canadian)
Alberta Government Identification Card
Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Guide · 11
Schools
DIRECTORY
ST. ALBERT
Albert Lacombe
Catholic School
Pre-K to 6 English
50 Gainsborough Ave.
780-459-4478
Joan Tod, Principal
Bertha Kennedy
Catholic School
Pre-K to 6 English
175 Larose Drive
780-458-6101
Scott Johnston, Principal
École Father Jan
K to 6 French Immersion
15 Mission Ave.
780-458-3300
Marlene Pelletier, Principal
École Marie Poburan
K to 6 French Immersion
100 Sir Winston
Churchill Ave.
780-458-1112
Marie Gamache-Hauptman,
Principal
J.J. Nearing Catholic
Elementary School
K to 6 English
196 Deer Ridge Drive
780-418-6330
Jan Maslyk, Principal
Richard S. Fowler
Catholic Junior High School
7 to 9 English
65 Sir Winston
Churchill Ave.
780-459-2644
Heather Chyzowski,
Principal
Neil M. Ross Catholic
School
K to 6 English
60 Woodlands Road
780-459-1244
Sandy Cimino, Principal
Vincent J. Maloney Catholic
Junior High School
7 to 9 English
20 Mont Clare Place
780-458-1113
Greg Lamer, Principal
Vital Grandin Catholic
School
Pre-K to 6 English
39 Sunset Boulevard
780-459-7734
Cheryl LaBuick, Principal
École Secondaire
Sainte Marguerite d’Youville
7 to 12 French Immersion
51 Boudreau Road
780-459-5702
Penny Baragar-Brcic,
Principal
12 · Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools
St. Albert Catholic
High School
10 to 12 English/French
Immersion
33 Malmo Ave.
780-459-7781
Susan Coates, Principal
St. Gabriel High School
9 to 12 English
#202 Mission Hill Plaza
398 St. Albert Road
780-459-6616
David Feist, Principal
Greater St. Albert
Sports Academy
4 to 12 English/French
Immersion
50 Gainsborough Ave.
780-459-4478
Geoff Giacobbo,
Coordinator
NEW! Future K-9 School
Jensen Lakes Development
Expected Opening
2017-2018
MORINVILLE
École Notre Dame
Elementary School
Pre-K to 4 English/ French
Immersion
9717 Morinville Drive
780-939-4020
Raymonde Roulston,
Principal
École Georges H. Primeau
5 to 8 English/French
Immersion
811 Grandin Drive
780-939-3593
Allan Menduk, Principal
Morinville Community
High School
9 to 12 English/ French
Immersion
9506 –100 Ave.
780-939-6891
Todd Eistetter, Principal
NEW! Future K-6 School
Westwinds Development
Expected Opening
2017-2018
LEGAL
Legal School
Pre-K to 9 English
5122– 46 St.
780-961-3791
Shelby Moser, Principal
Additional
NOTES
Superintendent:
District Principal:
Transportation:
David Keohane
dkeohane@gsacrd.ab.ca
Marina Lotoski
mlotoski@gsacrd.ab.ca
Lauri-Ann Turnbull
lturnbull@gsacrd.ab.ca
Associate Superintendent
of Student Services:
Early Learning
Coordinator:
Learning Consultant Religious Education:
Colleen McClure
cmcclure@gsacrd.ab.ca
Rachel O’Brien
robrien@gsacrd.ab.ca
Greater St. Albert
Catholic Schools
Faith in Our Students
Colin Loiselle
cloiselle@gsacrd.ab.ca
For more information:
6 St. Vital Ave, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K2
Phone: 780-459-4411 | Fax: 780-458-3213
www.gsacrd.ab.ca