Welcome to Kindergarten!
We are excited to welcome you and your child into Kindergarten and help you establish a foundation for lifelong learning. Our goal is to offer a warm first impression and a positive entry into the school system. We are here to assist you and offer resources to equip you with what you need to prepare your family and child for school. Welcome to our learning community!
Registration
Please visit our Kindergarten Registration page for more details or click one of the buttons below if you are confident your child is eligible and you have the required documents handy to begin the registration process.
Resources: Preparing for Kindergarten
A Day in the Life of Kindergarten Grade 4 & 5 Students Share their Advice
More BC Kindergarten programs:
Timeline: Kindergarten Important Dates
January: Register your child
May/June: Attend the Welcome to Kindergarten event at your new school (details sent via email after you register)
July/August: Naturally introduce concepts to your child over the summer period including:
- Play: sing, dance, draw, build, imagine
- Experiment with literacy: try using writing tools, read to your child, take note of letters and numbers around you
- Social practices: sharing, taking turns, leading, following, listening
- Independence: using zippers, taking on/off shoes, eating and using a lunchbox
- Fine motor skills: buttons, playdough, scissors, tracing
- School grounds: walk to your school and enjoy time at the playground
September: Kindergarten gradual entry begins
- Gradual entry is offered at all 28 elementary schools in the district and provides a smoother transition to a full day of school
- Gradual entry begins with a welcoming conversation with the Kindergarten teacher(s), followed by small periods of time at school that are built upon over the first days of Kindergarten. This process is intended to build comfort and confidence for you and your child!
- The more we know and learn about your child, the better we can plan for a smooth transition. Involvement with community services and a child’s home language are examples of information that can help us prepare a personalized welcome.
October/November
- Teachers/support staff get to know your child
Questions? Please Contact Us!
Charmaine Shortt
District Principal of Early Learning & Child Care
cshortt@sd61.bc.ca.