Core Nursery School Program
Welcome to Nursery School. We hope you are ready for a fun-filled school year. For those new to our school — just relax and enjoy the experience of a co-operative with your child.
The staff will help you through your first days. We ask parents to please leave the classroom no later than 15 minutes after your child’s morning or afternoon start time. This allows the children to settle in and transition to the classroom. If you are feeling anxious, feel free to stay in the room next to the school. The staff will let you know how your child is doing.
Below is a brief break down of the daily schedule. Exact times depend on morning or afternoon program:
1 hour Free Play
15 minutes Clean Up
15 minutes Bathroom Break
30 minutes Snack
20 minutes Circle
10 minutes Get ready for Parents
Fridays are Fabulous
Children must already be enrolled in the two-day program to be eligible for enrollment in the Friday Program. It is a continuation of the weekly themes and not a duplication. Free play is still an important aspect of the morning. The children are learning to share, communicate and cooperate with one another during this time. The small teacher/student ratio can allow us to do more entailed art, experiments, or maybe even some drama.
We use the upstairs hall for gross motor play. After warming up, this is great time to use the balls, parachute, or play games. The children really enjoy this time.
The class curriculum changes based on the interests and needs of students. Teachers are flexible and adapt the program to meet the needs of each students.
Friday students also have the opportunity to share a first snack provided by the nursery school and a second snack which they will bring to school themselves.
What are Parent Helper Days?
Parents are an essential part of the co-operative nursery school experience. We ask that everyone pitches in to help with the school and to keep our costs down. As a nursery school parent, there are a number of important roles that you will help out with throughout the year. These roles not only get you involved with your child’s education, but also build community, make connections with other families at the school, and get to know your child’s teachers better. The following activities and opportunities are needed for the running of our school:
More information is available in our Parent Handbook.
The volunteering adult or adults (cannot be more than two) must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check from the OPP (or the affiliated police agency in your residing area). Once registration is confirmed, the registrar will send a letter stating the need for the VSC for a volunteer role. It is then to be sent via the OPP website. Parent volunteers must also provide a record of immunizations or proof of immunity. The ones required include: Up to date Diphtheria & Tetanus (within the last 10 years), Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, and Measles, Mumps & Rubella. The VSC
and immunization record is required for any adult who will be assisting in the classroom. These documents are required by the Ministry of Education and must be receive before someone can assist in the classroom. It is highly recommended that at least one family member has this paperwork on file at the nursery school.
Snacks
Students in the morning, afternoon, and Friday programs will be provided by the Nursery School with a healthy snack. A snack provides children with the energy and nutrients they need to grow and learn and play at school. Without adequate energy from food, they may feel sluggish and find it difficult to concentrate in class. Providing healthy snacks also helps children form healthy eating habits that can last throughout their lives. We find that children are more apt to trying something new in a group setting.
We are a nut free school. Because of student allergies and sensitivities, snacks will be packaged rather than homemade, and will be safe and free from any allergens specified on the snack document circulated at the beginning of the year.
For a healthy snack, we aim to include a food from each of the three groups in Canada’s Food Guide. These are examples of the types of snacks that your child may be served:
Vegetable and Fruit — apple, banana, orange, grapes, watermelon, berries, pear, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, peach, grape tomatoes, cucumber, baby carrots, celery sticks, green, yellow & red peppers, raisins, dried cranberries, applesauce, fruit/veg puree pouches.
Grain Products — rice cakes or crackers (no sesame), veggie straws, pita chips, Rice Chex, pretzels, ‘Made Good’ products, or others noting free from common allergens and no eggs (no egg noodles, pancakes, crepes, waffles, or potato chips).
Proteins — kielbasa sausage, pepperoni, hummus. *No Dairy* ( No yogurt, cheese) *No Eggs* (No salad dressings with egg, veggie dips, mayonnaise, eggnog, meringues, unbaked glazes made with egg, or any food that isn’t cooked/baked at high heat where
egg is a primary ingredient)
Beverages: Children will be served water.
The school provides glasses and small plates for serving. Students do not need to pack a water bottle.
Policies
It’s important that all parent helpers understand the school’s policies. Please read the 2024/2025 Parent Handbook carefully.
Parent Executive Meeting Minutes 2024/25