• Most classes include both Year 1 (JK) and Year 2 (SK) students. This helps children learn together and support each other.
• Classes with 16 or more students have two adults: a teacher and an early childhood educator (ECE)

• Children learn best when they can play, explore, and follow their interests.
• They learn to solve problems by trying new ideas.
• They build early reading, writing, and math skills during daily activities.
• They learn to understand their feelings and how to work with others.
• They also learn how to be responsible and caring members of their class

• Belonging and Contributing: Children learn how to make friends and feel part of their school community.
• Self‑Regulation and Well‑Being: Children learn to manage their emotions, stay calm, and take care of themselves and others.
• Demonstrating Literacy and Math Behaviours: Children build vocabulary and early math skills by talking, playing, and exploring.
• Problem Solving and Innovating: Children learn to ask questions, test ideas, and think in new and creative ways

• Families get three reports each year:
• • Fall: Initial Observations Report
  • Winter and Spring: Communication of Learning Reports
• These reports explain what children are learning, how they are growing, and what steps will help them continue to learn.

The Near North District School Board is proud to offer both English and French Immersion programming for Kindergarten.  Parents/guardians can enroll their children in the English Program or the French Immersion Program.

The English Program

The English Program is exclusively in English. Core French instruction is introduced in grade 4 and students learn basic French through songs, games, drama, and interactive activities for a specified period of time daily.

French Immersion

French Immersion immerses children in the French language, including cultural experiences, when they begin school. In Kindergarten, 90% of the day is taught in French. English-language instruction gradually increases until it reaches an equal balance with French instruction by Grade 5. This ensures that students gain effective bilingual skills. This program is designed for English speaking parents/guardians so they may support their child to become bilingual.  More information about French Immersion, Extended French, and Core French opportunities in the Near North District School Board can be found in the French Immersion, French as a Second Language, and Extended French Administrative Guidelines on the Board’s website.  The following schools offer French Immersion:  Alliance French Immersion Public School, Sunset Park Public School, Parry Sound Public School, and Mattawa District Public School.

Indigenous Language Programming

The Near North District School Board offers Indigenous Language Programming, Anishinaabemowiin, in many school communities.  Kindergarten students have opportunities to be exposed to Anishinaabemowiin at the following schools.  In the west region, NL is offered in Kindergarten at Britt Public School, Nobel Public School and Parry Sound Public School.  In the North Region, NL is offered at the junior level (beginning in Grade 4) at Whitewoods Elementary School and Woodlands Public School.  At the Intermediate and secondary levels, students in the West and North regions can continue their NL learning at Parry Sound Intermediate and Secondary School,  Northern Secondary School, Chippewa Intermediate and Secondary School, and West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School.