Hello and welcome (back) to the Full Day Kindergarten Program at St. Stephen School.We hope that everyone had a restful summer.September is a month of new beginnings and for the first few weeks the children will be making new friends, learning new routines and exploring their kindergarten learning environment.
The FDK program capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and their desire to make sense and explore their environment. Throughout the year, the children will be participating in various open-ended learning opportunities in the classroom and outside at recess. As educators, our responsibility is to help develop your child’s ability to combine their natural wonderings with curriculum goals, and help them make connections and extend their learning through interactions with their peers and teachers.
Our Teaching Teams are:
K1:Michelle Boudreau/Rebecca Shackleton
K2:Erica Mallamo/Jennifer Thompson
K3:Joanne Jackson/Dianne Moore
K4:Jillian Treboutat/Shannon Whitteker
K5:Samuela Cusano/Sarah Hodgins
Indoor Shoes, Spare Clothes and Blanket/Yoga mat:
·We ask that each child brings one pair of indoor running shoes (with non-marking soles and Velcro attachments). These will be left at school and worn inside only.
·Please send one extra set of clothing for your child in a labelled Ziploc bag (shirt, pants, underwear and socks).
·Each child will need a small blanket for quiet time. We also recommend a yoga mat for your child’s comfort.The blanket will be sent home periodically to be washed (usually on a Friday) – please send it back to school on the following Monday.
Lunch and Recess:
·The children have two snack and one lunch break. Please send 2-3 small, nutritious snacks along with their lunch. It may be helpful to label the snacks as am or pm to help your child avoid eating all of their snacks at once.Please be advised that your child may not eat all of their snacks/lunch.We cannot force your child to eat if they do not want to or are full.We will let you know if we feel your child needs more food to eat or are unable to fully consume their food.Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We are a nut-free school (Fibre One bars are not nut-free).
·Every day, the children will have 2 blocks of outdoor play.Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather daily.If it is raining heavily or very cold (-28) or hot (+30) we will remain indoors.
Mailbags/Teacher Blogs:
·Each child will receive a mailbag on their first day of school. We will use this as our main tool of communication. Mailbags are sent home daily and should be returned each day in your child’s backpack.
·Please check your child’s homeroom teacher’s website/blog for other daily reminders and important information.These can be found on the school website:[email protected]
Transportation/Absences:
·If there is going to be a change to your child’s school transportation (bussing, pick up, childcare) OR if you know in advance that your child is going to be absent, please write us a quick note and put it in your child’s mailbag or call the school at 613-831-8844 .All changes in regards to busing must go through the office and can take up to 3 business days to go in effect.
·If your child is late, please sign them in at the office.Please do not escort them to their class without letting the office know.Thanks so much for your cooperation in this matter.
Family Photos:
·Each homeroom class requests a family picture (4x6 or 5x7) to be used as part of our Family Photo Display.This display will offer your child a sense of home while they are at school.
*Recycled items (i.e.: shoe boxes, egg cartons, paper towel rolls, etc.) or unused craft supplies are always accepted and most welcome!
Should you have any questions or concerns please send us a note or give us a call.We always look forward to hearing from you! We look forward to being your child’s teacher and guiding them on their learning journey.