Kindergarten registration begins

Full-time kindergarten is expanding in Thunder Bay this fall with the addition of five full-time junior kindergarten programs, said superintendent of education Sherri-Lynne Pharand.

Lakehead Public Schools first implemented full-time senior kindergarten in 2002 and is now in 11 of the board’s 23 elementary schools that offer kindergarten. The five JK full-time programs will be located where there already is full-time senior kindergarten.

Monday was the launch of kindergarten registration week for the public board and Pharand said starting kindergarten is a very important time in a child and a family’s life. She added that she was sure there would be many questions about the full-time programs.

There is an information session Monday evening at the Valhalla Inn beginning at 7 p.m. for parents and guardians and open houses in all elementary schools this Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

"A lot of parents want to know what they’re child will be doing at school," said Pharand, adding that there will be a presentation from a teacher and early childhood educator as well as a video outlining a day in the life of a kindergarten student.

"So they get a sense of a typical day and what it looks like and the type of things their children will be learning," she said. "It’s important as well to have a focus on play because we know children at age three and four learn through play."

Parents can register their children for kindergarten starting Monday evening; they need to bring their child’s birth certificate. Registration can also be done this week at neighbourhood schools or anytime before the school starts.

But Pharand said they’re encouraging parents to register their children this week.

"We think kindergarten is an outstanding time to lay a solid foundation for children’s educational futures and at Lakehead Public Schools early learning has been a significant priority and will continue to be," Pharand said.

"Setting a child off on the right step for kindergarten is one of the most important things we do. We look forward to welcoming parents and families and working together with them to have success for their children."

For more information call the kindergarten information line at 625-5143.