kindergarten Program

Information for September: Letter - Registration (PDF)
Click to Play Kindergarten Promotional Video
Download Parent Handbook PDF: 2MB - 8MB
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Top 10 Reasons For Attending Lakeland Catholic Kindergarten Programs

1.	"Strong literacy programs based on most current research and practice"
Our balanced literacy program is based on best teaching practices and current research. Balanced literacy is a powerful tool to provide an introduction to language for kindergarten students. This program consists of read-a-louds, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, modeled writing, shared writing, guided writing, independent writing and word work.

2.	"Teaching strategies that take students from where they are, based on individual learning styles"
Our teaching staff is aware that all children start in different places and have different learning styles and interests. Teachers continuously assess the needs of their students and use this information to guide their practice. In meeting the needs of their students, teachers plan activities, using flexible grouping and hands on learning and that are developmentally appropriate. Students are encouraged to learn in a variety of learning styles as per Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. This allows students to work in areas of personal interest. Our goal is to help children develop and strengthen all their abilities.

3.	"Moral Intelligence Program and values teaching"
Students are introduced to virtues such as Self-Control, Conscience, Empathy, Respect, Kindness, Tolerance and Fairness. These virtues are taught in isolation as well as being immersed throughout the daily routine. All Lakeland Catholic staff have received several days of professional development with Michelle Borba. Students are encouraged to learn slogans and participate in role-plays that help develop these virtues.

4.	"Catholic-Christian Education for all students"
This Moral Intelligence compliments our Catholic Christian values and atmosphere of the school. Kindergarten students are introduced and included in all the religious celebrations throughout the school. A young child’s way of being “religious” is to play, be creative, curious, and express wonderment. Throughout the day the children are encouraged to see “traces” of God through all their experiences. The Religion program” In God’s Image”, uses the existing special moments and experiences of young children.

5.	"Developmentally appropriate curriculum, which is research based and offers concrete and measurable results"
Play-based centres are the heart of our developmentally appropriate program. Play gives children opportunities to explore and experiment with their environment, add to their knowledge and learn new skills. Research shows that children who experience a developmentally appropriate kindergarten program will be better prepared for more academic endeavours in later years.

6.	"Choice of English or French Immersion"
Lakeland Catholic is proud to offer a kindergarten program in both official languages of Canada. The aim of the French immersion program is functional bilingualism.Parents can enroll their children in either the French immersion or English program. Having both programs in the school creates a harmonious atmosphere, which teaches students tolerance and respect for others. The same Alberta curriculum is covered in both English and French at the kindergarten level.

7.	"Highly skilled and experienced teachers who are current in their professional practice"
All Lakeland Catholic kindergarten teachers are involved in ongoing professional development initiatives throughout the year. Curriculum coordinators work closely with the kindergarten teachers to ensure that best practices are used consistently.

8.	"Publicly funded"
Schools in Lakeland Catholic are publicly funded, as are all Catholic schools in the Province of Alberta.

9.	"Friendly family atmosphere, where students are valued, respected and always feel welcomed"
Our friendly family atmosphere in Lakeland Catholic Schools is promoted by the welcoming atmosphere and environment, which nurtures the whole child. This eases the transition between home and school. In order to achieve this, we have a number of initiatives such as our pre-school visitation, student orientations, parent information evening, Kindergarten Orientation Program, Individual student meetings and staggered start dates.

10.	"Highly interactive program that develop well-rounded children who are excited about school"
Kindergarten students in Lakeland Catholic are highly excited and stimulated by the opportunities created by our interactive environment. This not only applies to the classroom but also to whole school activities such as Artists in Residence Programs, Track & Field, Spirit Days, Mass &Religious Celebrations, Literacy Nights, Author Visits, Career Day, and cultural performers.