Kindergarten | New Grade 1 Orientation
We will be having an orientation for new students on Friday, June 2, at 11:30 am. More information to follow.
Please note that we accept new registrations at both Kindergarten and Grade 1. Previous Spanish language experience is not required and parents do not need to know the language.
On-Line registration for the 2023-2024 school year for Kindergarten and Grade One is ongoing. Please follow the instructions on the CBE Registration site: CBE Registration.
We look forward to welcoming you to Escuela Eugene Coste School. If you have any questions please contact us at 403-777-8511 or eugenecoste@cbe.ab.ca.
Do not forget to visit our website for more school information, EugeneCosteSchool.
What is Kindergarten All About?
The Kindergarten program is your child’s introduction to their formal learning experience. The major objectives of our program are to nurture a positive self-concept for each child, and create a lasting impression to the excitement of learning at school!
The Kindergarten program believes that young children learn best when they are exposed to a variety of materials with lots of opportunity to play, inquire and engage in hands-on experiences.
Key Components of Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten program of Studies focuses on the following areas:
- Personal and Social Responsibility
- Creative and Cultural Expression
- Early Literacy & Early Numeracy
- Physical Skills & Well-Being
- Citizenship and Identity
- Community & Environmental Awareness
A Typical Kinder Day
Kindergarten classes are a busy and fun place to learn! Our Kindergarten program is designed to meet the learning ongoing developmental needs of each child. Our day has many different elements such as:
- Large group time: singing, calendar, story time and interactive lessons
- Table work: writing, literacy, numeracy and art activities
- Centers: students have time for free exploration of many different play-based activities
- Small group & one-on-one time: reading and working with the Teacher and/or Educational Assistant
- Other: gym, library, special visitors, field trips and, of course, time outside and on the playground
For more information about the Kindergarten curriculum in Alberta, please visit Alberta Education.
How Are Children Organized Into Classes?
Class lists are organized in June. Making class lists is a complicated task and we must factor in busing, gender balance, before/after school care, as well as we do our best to accommodate personal preferences for Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday classes. You will receive an email confirming which class your child is in prior to the end of June. If you have any questions contact please contact Sra. Sylvia Toy at the main office at 403-777-8511 ext. 0 or via email at satoy@cbe.ab.ca.
What Should My Child Know Before Coming to Kindergarten?
In September, our students range in age from 4½ to 5½ years. Some children will have prior preschool experience while others will have none. No two children will be alike and all will be exactly who they should be! Our program will meet the needs of all children. There is no need for you or your child to have any knowledge of Spanish. Our bilingual program is specifically created for English-speaking children who would like to learn an additional language. Parents do not have to take Spanish classes in order to support their child in a bilingual program, as the curriculum is developmentally appropriate and parents are not required to supplement classroom instruction at home.
What Happens on the First Day of Kindergarten?
Our Kindergarten teachers will contact you prior to the first day of school to welcome you and let you know the procedures for your child's first day of school.
We will be holding meet-the-teacher conferences in September where you will have 15 minutes with your child’s teacher to tell them all the amazing things about your child!
Does Kindergarten Have Staggered Entry?
No. Escuela Eugene Coste does not have staggered entry for Kindergarten classes. All Kindergarten students will begin and end at regular school hours. See our Contact Us page for Kindergarten Bell times.
Can I Stay for My Child’s First Day?
Unfortunately, we do not allow parents to come into the school on the first day. This is to help all the children transition into the classroom and we find having parents come into the school is disruptive, and can often be very emotional. It is much easier to say goodbye outside and the teacher can start to get to know all our new language learners. Even if your child cries, we are able to handle it and we can promise you they will be all smiles when you see them at dismissal. Part of Kindergarten is starting to embrace greater autonomy which starts on the first day.
At dismissal time please wait outside the Kindergarten door and please be on time for pick up (see school hours). This will be very important to develop security within your new Kindergartener as they will have been brave all day and will want to see your smiling face!
Please be assured that the beginning of Kindergarten is a very gentle time where we take things very slowly. Sometimes children are brave for the first few days and then they may begin to have separation anxiety later on - this is normal! We will do everything we can to make you and your child as comfortable as possible! We are not going to start speaking Spanish right away. Spanish is gradually introduced during the first few weeks of school once daily routines are well established.
Join Us for a Morning Coffee After Drop-Off
We invite all parents to come join us in the gym for a welcome back coffee mixer while your new Kindergartener gets settled in class. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and learn how you can get involved in the school and opportunities that contribute to our school community. We hope to see you there!
Where is the Kindergarten Entrance?
Our Kindergarten doors face the south soccer field where students will come in each morning; these will clearly be marked. Parents will say goodbye to their children outside once the bell rings for the morning classes and for the afternoon class. Students will enter and put their outdoor shoes on the trays outside their classrooms. Their jackets and backpacks will remain on their labelled hallway hooks while they are in class. You will meet your child at the same doors for dismissal.
Further Information
Visit our Back to School page for more information on what you need to know when coming to school.
Kindergarten / Grade 1
Registration for Kindergarten and Grade One (new registrations) is ongoing.
In-School Care: K-5
https://www.childsplaycanada.ca/schools/calgary/eugene-coste/
