Primary Classrooms
The beginning years in school are full of excitement and a love for learning. Once adjusted to the routines of school, students learn to love their teachers, enjoy their friends and find joy in everyday routines.
Our primary program consists of Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2. Both kindergarten programs take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays all day, every week. Staff is added as needed to ensure a low teacher-child ratio. In the event that a class size grows, educational assistants are placed with the class to ensure optimal learning. Students start school full-time in Grade 1. For parents who would like full-time school for their kindergarten-aged child, we also offer an optional Tuesday and Thursday educational program.
At the primary level, larger blocks of learning are used for interdisciplinary themes or significant topics related to social studies or science. Structuring the day in this way enhances the possibility of meaningful investigation and experience of what it means to live as a Christian in society. Other curriculum areas, such as language arts and mathematics, are then integrated into these theme-based units. Learning is done primarily through teacher instruction and learning centres. It is largely language based as letters, sounds and words become the focus.
Homework is minimal in the primary grades. It often consists of reading together at home, practicing "Word Wall words" (spelling words), and learning memory work (important Bible verses) throughout the week.
Class meetings begin in the primary years. Class meetings are a time to share information with students, to make classroom decisions together or to solve problems within the class. Class meetings provide students with the opportunity to participate in a group exchange of ideas in a respectful, caring atmosphere. During the primary years, class meetings are held informally when the need arises.
Throughout the primary years, parents and teachers work together to instill a love for learning, build a child's confidence and create work habits that will last throughout their school years.
The spiritual nurture and development of students is integrated throughout the primary child's learning. Staff and parents work to help students see that God is the source of truth and his Word stands forever. Students begin to see God's story, the Master Story, as the ultimate story, a story in which they can play a leading role. Their child-like faith is nurtured, molded and encouraged. We pray and work toward our student's growth in faith through the learning process.
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