Elementary Program (K-6)

Bienvenue à la maternelle

JHP Early Learning Program

Consider giving your child the gift of a second language!

French Immersion 

Kindergarten

J.H. Picard is pleased to offer half day Kindergarten programming. Classes are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. *No class on Thursday. Our program is rich in oral language, literacy, numeracy, exploration and discovery. Children must be 5 years old on or before December 31^st, 2022 to register.

The classroom learning environment highlights curriculum and learner outcomes through play. 

The teacher:

• targets learning outcomes

• plans, develops and teaches whole group, small group and individual experiences

• creates meaningful opportunities

• assesses the children’s understanding and reports on learner outcomes to parents including formal reporting with PowerTeacher Pro to reflect the integrated nature of the Kindergarten program

• develops and implements Individual Program Plans to support students with special needs

Inclusive Learning Environment 

French Immersion is designed for all students and all types of learners. As students continue in the French Immersion program, they will achieve a high level of French proficiency, while continuing to develop English language skills.

At J.H. Picard:

• Our elementary students are immersed in a French-speaking, strength-based environment. 
• Students are welcomed and nurtured in a safe and inclusive community to achieve full potential. 
• A holistic approach is used to develop and nurture the spiritual, emotional, linguistic, physical, academic and social needs of our students. 
• Elementary students access a school continuum of supports identifying strategies, accommodations, and interventions available to support the diverse needs of students.
• Students are actively involved in social justice initiatives, the community and leadership programs.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for French immersion. No knowledge of French is required for these entry points. 

Formal English Language Arts instruction begins mid-Grade 2. In kindergarten and grade one, students receive all of their instruction apart from Religion in French. Students will gradually build their French vocabulary and proficiency through routine activities, play-based projects, songs, gestures and visual aids.

Our family doesn't speak French, is French Immersion right for my child?

Yes! French Immersion is geared towards non-French speaking families. Your child will be introduced to the French language through songs, games, repetition and play. All communications between the school and parents will be in English.

Parent Support: Canadian Parents for French https://cpf.ca/ 

How do I prepare my child for Kindergarten?

• Talk often about Kindergarten and reassure your child that it will be an exciting experience.
• Help your child develop a sense of responsibility. Encourage your child to learn to look after his/her belongings.
• Explore the world that your child lives in. Talk about what your child sees, point out numbers and letters that he/she sees.
• Read with your child daily and have conversations about the books read.
• Provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children to promote the development of social skills.
• Encourage your child to know his/her personal information (i.e. first and last name and phone number).
• Celebrate together in the little accomplishments that occur each day
• Pray together

What documentation is needed for registration?

You will be asked to provide proof of your child’s name, date of birth and citizenship. 

Only the following documents are accepted:

• Birth Certificate
• Permanent Resident Card
• Parent Work Permit
• Parent Study Permit
• Adoption Paper