Programs for the school:

Academics - ECS and Grades 1 - 9

Band - Learning a variety of instruments and public performances.

Art - A variey of opportunities for artistic expression.

Industrial Arts - Handling tools safely and building projects.

Multi-Media - Converging of computer and cosumer electronics technologies.

Student Leadership - Leading with enthusiasm and charisma.

Real 8 - Experiential Education

Kindergarten Programs

R. A. Reynolds School offers a full-time Kindergarten program to its English and French Immersion students. The Program operates from Monday to Thursday each week and follows the same day schedule as the primary school. The Kindergarten program provides learning experiences to stimulate and support the development of the whole child. One major component is literacy with the major goal of having all of our Kindergarten students reading simple picture books or more advanced material by the end of their first year in school.

KINDERGARTEN LITERACY

One of the major goals of our full-day Kindergarten program is to introduce our students to literacy and have all of them reading simple picture books by the end of the year. We believe Kindergarten children can learn to read and there is strong research base to support this belief. Teachers undergo continuous training throughout the school year to assist them in this endeavor.

ELIGIBILITY FOR KINDERGARTEN

To be eligible for entering the Program a child must be 4 ½ years of age as of September 1st for the given school term. The official cut-off date is March 1st at which time the child must be 5 years of age. Kindergarten funding is also available for children who are younger than 4 ½ but whose normal development is being adversely affected by an identifiable handicap(s). Parents who have a special needs child who is younger than 4 ½ years are asked to contact the school if they are interested in a program for their child.

ADMISSION

1. Children entering Kindergarten must have reached the age of 4 years and 6 months by September 1st as shown on their birth certificate.
2. Children who have attended Kindergarten and have reached the age of 5 years and 6 months by September 1st are eligible for the Grade 1 Program.
3. Special needs students may be admitted if they are 3 years and 6 months in September.
4. Physically and intellectually disabled students may be admitted at the age of 2 years and 6 months.
5. Students transferring in from other schools must bring their report card and birth certificate and be accompanied by their parent or guardian.

Birth Certificate
The child’s birth certificate is necessary in order that the school can confirm the child’s eligibility for enrollment in the Kindergarten program. Parents are, therefore, requested to present a birth certificate on the day of registration.
Note: Parents who do not have an official birth certificate for their child can obtain one from Tri-Town Registries Inc. 5214 – 51 Avenue, Cold Lake, AB T9M 1P3 Ph.594-5809 for those children born in Alberta.

French Immersion Program

Interested students from Kindergarten to grade eight and late entry French Immersion students from grades 5 to 8 (those students who have not studied in French but would like to begin to do so) are given the opportunity to learn and grow “tout en français”! Our French immersion team is dedicated to providing excellent instruction as well as developing a spirit of community within the program. Instruction in Kindergarten through grade two is totally in French; when students enter grade three they are provided with formal English instruction as well. Immersion inter-grade activities are an important part of our program. Projects such as “Acti-Lecteurs” are aimed at enhancing language skills and fostering collaboration amongst students and staff.

What is French Immersion?

French Immersion is an educational approach to teach students to understand and communicate in French. In Canada over 320 000 students are enrolled in Immersion programs.  Approximately 20 % of people in Alberta are bilingual.  Subjects are taught in French to create a program where students:

• become bilingual
• understand, speak, read and write in French
• achieve academically as well as their non-Immersion peers
• develop competencies in their native language, English (formal English language arts begins in Gr. 3)
• appreciate the traditions and cultures of French and English speaking Canadians

Who should register in French Immersion?

Can any child learn through the Immersion program? With rare exceptions, the answer is a resounding yes. There are no entrance requirements, French Immersion programs have always been open to everyone.

Considering French for your child?

Learning a second language will benefit your children.
Learning a second language will;

• Improve your child’s learning and listening skills.
• Increase cognitive abilities, creating “outside of the box” thinkers.
• Enhance knowledge of your child’s mother tongue; and
• Make learning another language easier.
• Provide more educational and career opportunities.
• Increase understanding of and respect for other cultures and people.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Immersion
Links to French Immersion Resources
Canadian Parents for French
http://members.shaw.ca/rconstant/ray.htm (an online repertoire of activities)
http://www.quia.com/shared/french/ (variety of activities based on language acquisition (vocabulary), grammar, culture, etc.)
English-French Translation:
http://www.wordreference.com/
Language Guide:
http://www.languageguide.org/eng/
Les Debrouillards:
http://www.lesdebrouillards.qc.ca/applicationWeb/pages/publique/
Math Lessons :
http://www.mathgoodies.com/francais/
Curriculum Links

• Alberta Learning (Curriculum Information)
• French Achievement Test Information
• French Diploma Exam Information
• Associations
  • Canadian Parents for French (Alberta Branch)
  • Canadian Parents for French
  • Alberta Chapter of French Canadians Association