Ukrainian Program Planning & Registration for 2022/2023
Thank you to parents and guardians who were able to join us online to discuss the Ukrainian program aspirations and challenges as we plan classes and configurations for next year!
Some themes and questions we heard at last night’s meeting include:
- Parents appreciate having homeroom classes of English and Ukrainian students together - in addition to Ukrainian options classes - for socialization and a variety of peer groupings throughout the day.
- Some parents and their children expressed a desire for more hours in the Ukrainian language. Others expressed concern that 40% of instruction in Ukrainian could be frustrating for children who have experienced interruptions in learning the language over the past two years due to the pandemic.
- Student engagement is always an aspiration (and children report loving the cultural activities). A feeling of competence and proficiency in using the language for basic communication and some more rigorous tasks is also desired.
- There was both a concern about the need for combined classes (eg., Grade 5/6) in the Ukrainian program AND an understanding that combined classes are often needed to make viable class sizes.
- Questions and ideas raised:
- Is it possible to offer a Ukrainian language option class in Grades 4-6, similar to French as a Second Language? Could this be a follow-up to a more cultural activities program focus in Kindergarten to Grade 3?
- Could the Division One (Grades K-3) focus be rebuilding the program and increasing to 40% of instruction in Ukrainian while Division Two (Grade 4-6) focuses on differentiated instruction that accommodates for language proficiency loss due to COVID interruptions?
- How are the school administration, EIPS, and school staff working to build the Ukrainian program and increase enrolment? (answered in meeting)
- What is the plan for 2022/2023 for increased rigor and language acquisition?
- How can communication channels be used to share more of what’s going on in classes?
- In what ways can parents from the Ukrainian program be more involved and help staff with events and community connections?
We continue to gather feedback from all school families. Please send an email to Principal.ALH@eips.ca, call the school at 780-632-3113 to speak with Keri Busenius, or schedule an appointment to share thoughts on or before January 25. By January 31, we hope to have processed feedback and can share 2022/2023 options in advance of registration opening on February 1.
SOCIAL MEDIA STORIES & PHOTOS
Check out our posts and photos on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and the school website to see us teaching and learning!
REGISTRATION
Kindergarten Registration begins on February 1. Returning Student Registration is from February 1 - 28. Our school offers two programs of choice:
- Ukrainian Language & Culture for Kindergarten students (30 mins per day on Kindergarten days)
- Ukrainian Bilingual Program Grades 1-6 (30-40% of instruction in Ukrainian for Music, Art, Health, Social Studies, and Ukrainian Language Arts)
PANDEMIC OPERATIONS
Please remember to send the following items with your child each day:
- Water bottle (bottle fillers are in operation; water fountains are not)
- 2-3 masks
- government supplied medical grade masks are recommended
- cloth masks and procedural masks with ear loops are also acceptable
- face coverings, such as neck gaiters and bandannas, are not acceptable for use at school
Consult the COVID Checklist for children prior to sending your child to school. Please keep your child at home if ill. Call or email the school to let us know.
Check the EIPS website for the latest updates regarding School Operations Guidelines.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 24 - School Council & Friends of ALH meeting 6:30 PM (virtual) - the Google Meet link is https://meet.google.com/shi-ykot-xih . Please remember to log into your personal Google account or your child’s school Google account to be able to join the meeting.
January 26 - Bell Let’s Talk Day; Hot Dog hot lunch
January 28 - Crazy Hair Day for school spirit; Dairy Queen hot lunch
January 31 - No School; Professional Learning Day for teachers
February 2 - Early dismissal 1:55 PM; Staff meeting day
February 10/11 - No School; Teachers’ Convention
February 21 - Family Day; No School
February 22/23 - Parent-Teacher Interviews in the evening (in-person or virtual - TBA)
February 25 - Tropical Day for school spirit
March 18 - Report Cards for Term 2 posted online
Your Journey Begins Here!
Keri Busenius & Rita Lal
Principal & Assistant Principal