Welcome to Edelweiss Preparatory School

The Early years are a key time for laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. We believe that each child has specific interests, curiousities, talents and self-esteem which must be nurtured and enhanced during these Early years. Time and time again, we hear from parents about how well prepared they felt their children were for higher learning because of the experiences they had at Edelweiss.

Programming

Jolly Phonics Program

All the Edelweiss staff are trained in the use of the Jolly Phonics program. We have seen great results with our students in pre-reading and reading skills with the use of this program.

Preschool

We believe that preschool is the place where children are most likely to develop a positive attitude toward school – establishing a connection between their early learning experience and how they will respond to, and pursue, future educational endeavours. In a warm and nurturing environment, 3 year olds are able to reach important developmental milestones. The preschool children will have many exciting opportunities to continue to grow as they refine their fine and gross motor skills, devlop their social skills, and expand their vocabulary by way of planned and informal learning experiences. They will enjoy many language and math readiness activities.

Preschool classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Music lessons weekly
• Science experiments weekly
• Gym lessons daily
• Centre time daily
• Fine Motor Activities
• Creative Story times
• Author of the Month
• Jolly Phonics curriculum
• Special theme days
• Field trip in Spring
• ABC / Number activities
• Special Art & Craft activities
• Theme based learning

2 & 3 Day Jr. Kindergarten

Jr. Kindergarten is a Kindergarten readiness program for children who are 4 years old by Dec 31st, of the year they are registered in.

The Jr. Kindergarten children will embark on a yearlong learning adventure that will progressively challenge language and math experiences. The classes are designed to enrich both the mind and character of every child within an environment rich in fun, phonics, art, science, math, language instruction and self esteem building acitivities.

Program Highlights

Mon/Wed/Fri Jr. Kindergarten classes are offered am or pm. There is also a 2 day Jr Kindergarten option on Tues/Thurs afternoons.

All Jr. Kindergarten programs include:

• Music lessons weekly
• Science experiments weekly
• Spanish lessons weekly
• Gym lessons daily
• Science centre activities
• Centres daily
• Journals
• Home Reading program
• Arts & Crafts activities
• Alphabet & Number book: printing skills
• Learning Without Tears curriculum
• Jolly Phonics curriculum
• Math centre activities
• Circle time and calendar activities daily
• Show & Tell
• Author of the Month
• Virtue of the Month
• Environmental Theme of the Month
• Theme based learning
• Special Guest Presenters on theme related topics
• Storytime
• Field Trips

Spanish Classes

Spanish as a second language will be taught in the Jr Kindergarten & Kindergarten programs. We have a native speaking Spanish teacher who will give your child’s class a weekly lesson.

The comprehension of Spanish comes first prior to speaking it and children are able to understand a lot of instructions from the teacher in Spanish as the year progresses. They learn their colours, shapes, numbers, body parts, family members, etc in Spanish through games, songs and hands-on activities.

5 Day Program

The Edelweiss 5 Day program is well known for providing children with the tools they need for reading, writing and reasoning while enhancing independent thinking. The program is full of fun educational experiences to prepare children for Kindergarten or Grade 1. Some years it is a split class of Jr. Kindergarten & Kindergarten.

• Max. 12 children in the class with 1 teacher Monday – Friday 8:20 – 11:20 AM or 12:15 – 2:45 PM class

Program Highlights

• Field Trips – 5 per year
• Learning Without Tears curriculum & workbooks
• Jolly Phonics program
• Spanish lessons weekly
• Drama lessons
• Physical Education in our gym daily
• Yoga classes weekly with certified Yoga instructor
• Science experiments weekly
• Science centre activities
• Art Workshops
• Arts and Crafts
• Centres daily
• Journals: drawing and printing
• Home Reading program
• Math program
• Math centre activities
• Author of the Month study
• Cultural Presentations
• Virtue of the Month program
• Musician of the Month program
• Environmental Theme of the Month
• Special Guest Presenters on theme-related topics
• Author readings

Environmental Commitment

Edelweiss is committed to having eco-healthy practices as a commitment to improving the environmental and developmental health of the children at Edelweiss. As part of this commitment we have become the first school in Alberta to receive certification as an ECO Healthy Child Care facility through the Children’s Environmental Health Network who certify centres world wide.

Environmental Themes

Edelweiss has a monthly theme to teach children about our environment. Our environmental themes are as follows:

September: What is our Environment?

October: Introduction to Recycling at School

November: Transportation Choices

December: Saving Power

January: Reusing

February: Reducing

March: Composting

April: Renewable Energy

May: Respect for Nature

June: Water Conservation

We look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to e-mail or call with any questions about the school, the admissions process, or to schedule a visit: Email us at [email protected] or call 403-282-4220.

Walter & Margaret Reid, Directors