The Ukrainian Bilingual program provides students with a wealth of experiences and advantages that benefit them within the classroom walls and beyond. The program explores many facets of Ukrainian culture. Students participate in celebrations that help them gain an understanding of the Ukrainian Catholic faith, with special emphasis on the Byzantine Rite.
Students learn to understand, speak, read, and write Ukrainian while complimenting their English language development. Ukrainian bilingual programming provides a rich environment for the development of the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote effective global citizenship and enhance the economic and career potential of the student.
Eligibility and Points of Entry
Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two entry points for the Ukrainian Bilingual program. No knowledge of Ukrainian is required for these entry points.
Families wishing to register their child(ren) in the Ukrainian Bilingual program after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.
Ukrainian Dance Academy
Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a Ukrainian Dance Academy at St. Martin and St. Matthew Catholic Elementary Schools. Our Ukrainian Dance Academy is a wonderful way for children to experience Ukrainian culture, learn the history of Ukrainian dance, build flexibility for other sports and leadership opportunities, and create life-long friendships. The program includes classical ballet, character ballet, and Ukrainian dance techniques.
For more information, please visit our Ukrainian Dance Academy program page
Resources for Families
ECSD is here to support our families and students throughout their language learning journey. We have a helpful video series, Language Learning Myths and Misconceptions, which is a dedicated resource to support families considering enrolling their children into a language program, and an in-depth video, Supporting Your Language Learner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t speak Ukrainian – how can I support my child’s learning?
Edmonton Catholic Schools language programs are designed for families who may not speak the language they want their child(ren) to study. Several resources are available to assist your child(ren) in their language learning journey. These can be found on the program page of the selected language.
Will communications from the school be in English or Ukrainian?
Communications from the school and Edmonton Catholic Schools will be in English.
Can my child enter the Ukrainian Bilingual program beyond Kindergarten or Grade 1?
Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for the Ukrainian Bilingual program. No prior knowledge of Ukrainian is required for these entry points. Families wishing to register their children in the Ukrainian Bilingual program after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.
Can my child continue in the Ukrainian Bilingual program from Kindergarten to Grade 12?
Yes! Edmonton Catholic Schools offers the Ukrainian Bilingual program in all grades.
What options are available for my child to get to the school with our chosen language program?
Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:
- Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
- Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable.
Please visit this page for more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools.
What schools offer the Ukrainian Bilingual program?
To find which schools offer the language of your choice, please visit the list above ECSD Ukrainian Bilingual Schools.
What are the benefits of a language program?
Learning a second language has been shown to bring cognitive and academic benefits, and can open up many additional opportunities such as employment. Research has shown that learning a second language can positively affect first language development.
Can my child challenge a language course?
Yes. Current Edmonton Catholic Schools high school students have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency (culture, speaking, reading, writing) in one of six languages Filipino, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Please visit our second language course challenge page for more information.
Registration
To register your child(ren), please visit our registration page for more information.
Transportation
Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:
- Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
- Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable.
For more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools, please visit this page.
New to Canada?
Edmonton Catholic Schools welcomes families from around the world. In particular, at this difficult time, we look forward to welcoming and supporting families from Ukraine. We encourage you to call One World . . . One Centre at 780-441-6060 for inquiries about having your children begin school with Edmonton Catholic Schools.
At One World . . . One Centre we have an Intercultural Liaison who speaks Ukrainian and is able to support you and answer your questions.
У нашому Центрі «Один Світ...Один Центр» (One World..One Centre) маємо працівницю з міжкультурних зв’язків , яка володіє українською мовою і готова підтримати вас та відповісти на ваші запитання.
One World . . . One Centre has connections with many community resources who will be able to support you in Edmonton.
ECSD Ukrainian Bilingual Schools
- St. Martin Catholic Elementary School
- St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
- St. Brendan Catholic Elementary/Junior High School (Junior High only)
- Austin O'Brien Catholic High School
To view these schools' locations, please click on our Ukrainian Bilingual Schools Map.