"Together inspiring passion for

learning - excelling now - succeeding tomorrow "

The AIM of the Kindergarten Program is . . .

. . . to provide a strong foundation from which students can grow to become active participants in life-long learning.

In Kindergarten, STUDENTS COME FIRST. We put extra care and attention into everything we do, so that each child will have a positive introduction to their school years. Our Kindergarten staff looks forward to sharing your child's unique talents and gifts and getting to know their individual needs.

Kindergarten is a place where your child will learn and grow; where you can expect a stimulating learning environment, active learning and appreciation for diversity. The Kindergarten program advocates development of the whole child - socio-emotionally, physically and intellectually.

PREKINDERGARTEN

The Good Spirit School Division, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, offers PreKindergarten classes. Prekindergarten provides a quality education program to nurture the socio-emotional, intellectual and physical development of children with the highest needs. The program focuses on nurturing self-esteem, school readiness, and speech and language development.

A limited number of spaces are available for three- and four-year-old children. We offer PreKindergarten programs at the following schools: Canora Junior Elementary School, Columbia School (Yorkton), Davison School (Melville), Dr. Brass School (Yorkton), Langenburg High School and Victoria School (Kamsack).

If you are interested in finding out more information and/or applying to attend PreKindergarten, please contact your local school directly.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

To register for schools within the City of Yorkton boundaries, please call the Fairview Education Centre Administration Office at 786-5500. This includes the following schools:

Columbia School (southwest)

Dr. Brass School (central)

M.C. Knoll Scholl (northeast)

Yorkdale Central School (south & rural surrounding Yorkton)

All other schools may be contacted directly to register. Please click here for a listing of our schools and their contact information.

All parents who have pre-registered will be notified by their local school about the Kindergarten Registration Day. This important day is held near the end of May and includes an opportunity for the new Kindergarten children to spend time with their teacher while their parents learn about the program and complete forms, etc. Some schools within the division may have already hosted their Registration Day and/or previously contacted your family. If you have any questions, contact your local school for clarification.

Help your Child Prepare for the Transition to Kindergarten

Kindergarten is easier when children have basic skills such as the following: know their name, address and phone number; be able to put on shoes and get coats and boots on and off; be able to use the bathroom and wash their hands; and know how to co-operate with other children through sharing and taking turns.

Parents/caregivers should model a positive attitude towards school. Research has offered evidence that the attitude of the parents/caregivers toward education has a strong impact on student success.

Read to children and recite traditional verses, rhymes and stories. Children need to hear the rhythm of language and they benefit from repeating the same stories and verses over and over again. If their parents/caregivers value literature, then children usually will too.

Provide writing tools and paper for their children and encourage them to "write" lists, thank you notes, etc.

Help children explore their environment by taking them to libraries, stores, farms, lakes, museums, art galleries and parks. These are great opportunities to talk with children about what they see, hear, smell, taste and feel. These outings will expand their horizons and enhance further learning. For example, a story about a farm will mean much more to a child if she/he has visited one.

Play time is learning time!

Hey Kids . . . want to have some coloring fun? Click on your favorite animal and find a picture that you can print out and color!

An exciting year of growth, discovery and friendship lies ahead!