The seeds of learning are planted in our Pre-JK(Little Gems), Junior and Senior Kindergarten programs. Pre-JK(Little Gems) and JK are offered on both a full time and a part time basis. Our programs offer young students a happy and safe introduction to school life with a well balanced program blending a gentle introduction to academics with a fun-filled day of music, play, crafts, and activities.
Introduction to academic subjects begins in a nurturing, fun, and age appropriate environment. Early introduction to French, computers, our extensive library and well equipped gym provide our youngest students with many exciting opportunities to grow and learn in a safe, welcoming environment. Differentiated instruction in our small classrooms allows us to cater to each child's individual learning style. Learning becomes an exciting discovery on a stage set by our experienced teachers.
Academically our Little Gems begin with an introduction to the alphabet, numbers, colours and shapes. Mathematics progresses through JK with counting to 100 by ones, twos, fives and tens, and telling time; by SK number recognition extends to 200, and simple addition and subtraction are introduced. Language Arts follows a classic pattern in JK, building from the alphabet learnt in Little Gems through upper and lower case letters, letter sounds, letter blends, and special sounds. Reading and printing begins in JK, readiness skills are taught through a phonics based program including hands on activities and seat work in JK and SK.
French is introduced beginning in Little Gems by our French teacher who visits the classroom and continues to build through JK and SK and beyond. With songs and games and stories about simple things the children quickly grasp an early understanding and develop a love of languages at an early age.
The children visit our beautiful gym regularly each week where they are encouraged to participate with a variety of equipment such as balls, hoops, bean bags and even a parachute! Teamwork, listening skills, and physical control improve and grow in JK and SK. Daily activity times provide the children with age appropriate self directed socialization at a variety of play centres including a puppet show, sandbox and a large variety of toys and equipment for the children to discover and explore. Play time is an important part of our programs with time devoted daily to free play both indoors and outdoors, crafts, painting, play dough etc.
Your child will learn about God's world and their place in it. They will learn songs and stories from the old and new testaments. Most importantly they will learn that Jesus loves us, is God's son and has a wonderful plan for our lives. Children are encouraged to care for and respect each other, to use their manners, take turns and share.
Throughout the year we work through a variety of different themes, some of these may include: the four seasons, Christmas, Easter, butterflies and the five senses. Our units and themes are highlighted with a variety of school trips and special guest visits which may include among others: Saultos Gym, Spring Ridge Farm, Mountsberg Maple Syrup and visits from the fire department, police, dentist and Humane Society.
We also enjoy music everyday, beginning each the day with "O Canada", our days include theme songs, praise songs, rhymes and finger plays. The children also participate in RCA's weekly Chapels and monthly Assemblies where much singing, participation and sometimes dancing as a school is done. We also have weekly visits from our music teacher, which includes singing and fun with instruments. Our big performance is when we take part in our school Christmas musical, rehearsing and preparing to appear on stage!
Remember at RCA we keep our class sizes small with a max of 5 children per day in Little Gems and 15 in the JK and SK. Spaces often fill up fast!
