The word Kindergarten is a beautiful expression of what school should be; a garden for children. A garden is a place of joy and productivity. To correctly understand what God intended work to be we should reflect on the fact that He placed the first people in a garden. A garden is not a farm where productivity is the overriding goal, nor is it a meadow where the grasses and flowers grow wild. In a garden each plant is loved and every sign of life is celebrated. We take the time to marvel together with our God at the wonderful things that He has made. In Kindergarten each sign of the growing life of the child is treasured and nurtured so that God’s image in that child may shine for all the world to see.

In Kindergarten our children begin the chapter of their lives we call the school years. Children must build the stamina that a school day requires. They must be introduces to the routines and practices of a student. Since our classes tend to be small, a great deal of attention can be paid to the uniqueness of each child. The curriculum includes Bible stories and studies of God’s creation. Special education is available for students who struggle with traditional modes of learning. Parents of students participate actively in our Kindergarten program. Our desire is that every five year old child who is a member of a Christian family in the Rocky Mountain House area is enrolled in the Rocky Christian School Kindergarten program. Come join us!

THE ROCKY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SOCIETY

The Rocky Christian School Society is a member operated society, registered under the Societies Act, and is the legal entity governing the school. Education principles of the Society can be found in the By-Laws. New Kindergarten families must become Rocky Christian School Society members. New families to the school will be interviewed by the admissions committee of the Rocky Christian School to determine if the home and school would be able to support each other in educating their children. The membership fee is $100.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Kindergarten children must have reached five years of age by December 31 of the school year applied for. Special needs children are accepted at two and a half or three and a half years of age, according to government kindergarten guidelines. A teacher assistant is hired to work on a one-on-one basis with each special needs child for whom grant money is available.

COST

Kindergarten fees are $180.00.

PROGRAM

There are four aspects to the program:

1. Children

The Rocky Christian Kindergarten program offers an activity-centred approach to learning. We have structured our program to form an effective bridge between the home and the school. We trust that Rocky Christian Kindergarten will provide a warm, supportive environment where God is King of our lives.

2. Parents

Our kindergarten program strives to unite school and home.

3. Staff

We recognise the Kindergarten staff's need for support and continued learning on how to best meet the needs of children and their families. Parents are encouraged to serve as resource people for classroom activities. Staff members are given opportunities to attend Kindergarten-related workshops, etc.

4. Community

Community resource persons can assist in meeting developmental and special needs of children and families.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR:

Phoning:

• People are needed for contacting parents when it is necessary for parents to have information immediately.

Driving:

• A list of as many parents as possible is needed so the teacher knows who to contact when drivers are needed for field trips. Drivers are only allowed to carry as many people as can be accommodated in seat belts. Those parents driving must have insurance to cover passengers other than family. Drivers are responsible to be sure they have $1,000,000 of liability coverage and they must provide a current driver’s abstract and criminal records check.

Help:

• All parents may be asked to help in classroom clean up, bring refreshments for special events, and/or baby-sitting from time to time.

Committee Work

• Rocky Christian School has many committees on which parents serve to make the school a better place.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Kindergarten children will attend from 8:40 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Kindergarten days are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Please listen to 94.5 FM for reports of school or bus cancellation on days when weather conditions make transportation hazardous.

DRESS

Children should be dressed in clothing appropriate for play and weather conditions. Please see the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of this site for more on our dress code.

FIELD TRIPS

The number and types of field trips are usually decided on the recommendations of staff and parents. In most cases the trips should assist the children, staff and parents in learning more about the classroom themes. The field trips vary from year to year, depending on the needs of the students and their families. Our guideline for chaperoning field trips is one adult to five children. The use of seat belts is required when transporting children on field trips. Car seats are required when the child is less than 40 lbs.

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

For skating and swimming sessions parents ought to plan to attend as many as possible, especially if your child has not yet learned to skate or swim.

BUSING

Students within the local public school bussing area are transported on the Wild Rose School Division #66 school buses. Arrangements should be made with the transportation supervisor at the School Division Bus Shop (845-4255). The Rocky Christian School also has one school bus in the Leslieville area. Arrangements to ride on the school bus should be made through the school.

INSURANCE

The Rocky Christian School Society carries liability insurance for students registered with the school (Kindergarten through Grade 9). The school also carries accident and injury insurance for each student to cover injuries sustained during school time or at school functions.

POLICIES

The policies of the Rocky Christian School Kindergarten on the topics covered here are available in more detail to all parents in the school office.