Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents Spring

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2020204.669.4043 • [email protected] • Supported by Healthy Child Manitoba — Putting children and families first

EASY AS 1, 2, 3!Even from a young age, children are interested in basic math concepts like counting, sorting, and recognizing

and making patterns. Through exposure to mathematics, kids can develop confidence, make predictions

and logical decisions, and become effective problem solvers to succeed in school, sports, and other activities.

An understanding of math is important, as we use these concepts our entire lives in managing our time and money, in preparing meals, and in our careers. When we play with our children, we can help them develop an interest in early math in natural, meaningful ways.

Here are a few ideas for encouraging their interest in numeracy.

Count TogetherCount anything and everything! Count the number of stairs in your house, count geese flying in the sky, and count the number of boxcars as the train passes by. Count the number of times you can bounce a ball or swing back and forth. Count the candles on a birthday cake. Count your fingers and toes!

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589 Roch St., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 2P7 | Tel: 204.667.7130 | Fax: 204.661.5618 This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. • www.retsd.mb.ca

Ward 1Colleen Carswell (chair)

204.222.1486 [email protected]

Jerry Sodomlak (vice-chair) 204.999.1409

[email protected]

Ward 3Brianne Goertzen


Keith Morrison 204.795.3357

[email protected]

Ward 5Michael West 204.990.3228

[email protected]

Your River East Transcona School Division Trustees

For more information about the board of trustees, visit: www.retsd.mb.ca/BoardofTrustees

Ward 2 Rod Giesbrecht 204.661.5984

[email protected]

John Toews 204.663.0475

[email protected]

Ward 4Peter Kotyk


Susan Olynik 204.661.6440

[email protected]


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Number HuntNumbers are simply everywhere in our neighbourhood! Make a point of looking high and low for numbers on houses, street signs, restaurant menus, newspapers, license plates, clocks and billboards, and in elevators.

Play TogetherSit down as a family to play board games, concentration/memory, cards, and dice. Try playing “I Spy” using shapes, numbers, and colours. Puzzles are another fun activity for talking about size and shape. Enjoy guessing

games like—“How many steps will it take to walk down the street?” Get active playing hopscotch, hide-and seek, or “What time is it, Mr. Wolf?”

Bake TogetherMaking cookies can be a delicious, educational experience. Give your child the opportunity to look at the recipe, measure out ingredients, stir the bowl, and put cookie dough onto trays. How long does the cookie take to bake? Which is the biggest cookie? Which cookie has the most chocolate chips?

Work TogetherYour child will learn a lot by helping out around the house. While doing laundry, ask your child to sort socks by colour. When cleaning up the toys, encourage your child to gather up all the Lego pieces into one container or neatly line up all the little cars by size.

Sing TogetherSpend quality time together singing songs about counting and numbers. Kids love singing and dancing to favourites, including “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed,” “The Ants Go Marching,” or “Alice the Camel.” Looking for some new rhymes to try? Turn to page 10 for fall-themed songs.

Read TogetherCuddle up with some quality counting books like Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin, Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh, or Goodnight Moon 123 by Margaret Wise Brown. Let your child count the pages in the book and look for images that might repeat throughout the story.

In RETSD, we are pleased to offer several FREE numeracy-based programs including Preschool Play Projects, 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe, and the 1-2-3, Play with Me drop-in program. You can count on having a fantastic time at parent-child programs this spring.


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PROGRAM REGISTRATIONRegistration begins immediately for the following FREE parenting support and family learning programs: Handle with Care; Signing with Your Child; Developing Self-Regulation in Children; Phonological Awareness and the Reading Process; Preschool Play Projects; and Blue Jeans Jamboree.

Registration for our FREE early learning programs—as listed on pages 4–8—begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020. To register, phone 204.669.4043 or email [email protected].

Registering by Phone?

Our registration switchboard opens promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Registering by Email?

Email registrations will only be accepted from 9:30 a.m. onward on Saturday, March 14. Emails arriving before 9:30 a.m. cannot be processed in advance. To be fair to all interested participants, you will be asked to resend your message at the appropriate time. Due to heavy email volume on registration day, please allow at least 90 minutes for your email confirmation to arrive. To register for a program, please provide the following:

• Child’s name (please list names of all children attending)

• Child’s date of birth• Parent name• Mailing address• Home/cellphone number• Email address where you wish to be

contacted• Any known food allergies• Name and location of the program

you wish to attend

Snacks & Food AllergiesParticipants are sure to enjoy the delicious snacks provided each class. Our snack time will always feature a variety of healthy, peanut-free options. To ensure the safety of all participants, let us know if your child has any known food allergies when registering. If your child has severe allergies or food intolerances, you are welcome to bring a nut-free snack from home.

Waiting Lists

When classes are full, families will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available. If you find yourself unable to start or continue your program, email [email protected] or call 204.669.4043, as other families may be eager to attend.

Song Sheets

Participants will receive an email with the songs our facilitators plan to teach during circle time. We will learn the songs together so don’t worry if you don’t know the rhymes already. At our parent-child programs, we make a point of repeating songs several times to help your family learn and enjoy the rhymes. Printed copies of the song sheet will be available upon request for your use at home.

Program Evaluations

Following the final class, all participants will be sent a link to complete an online evaluation. Your comments and suggestions are very important to us, help guide our programming decisions, and are shared in reports to our funders.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS (SCHOOLS & SITES)

ACCESS River East 975 Henderson Hwy.

Bernie Wolfe School 95 Bournais Dr.

Bertrun E. Glavin School 166 Antrim Rd.

Donwood School 400 Donwood Dr.

Emerson School 323 Emerson Ave.

Hampstead School 920 Hampstead Ave.

Harold Hatcher School 500 Redonda St.

Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd.

Lord Wolseley School 939 Henderson Hwy.

Melrose Park Community Centre 480 Kimberly Ave.

Polson School 491 Munroe Ave.

Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St.

Princess Margaret School 367 Hawthorne Ave.

Radisson School 1105 Winona St.

River East Personal Care Home 1375 Molson St.

École Salisbury Morse Place School 795 Prince Rupert Ave.

Student Services—Kildare 760 Kildare Ave. E.

Wayoata School 605 Wayoata St.


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PARENTING SUPPORTHandle with Care* Handle with Care aims to increase the mental health of preschoolers by introducing their parents to a variety of meaningful activities and strategies to promote children’s positive social and emotional development. During these interactive sessions, participants will explore the four building blocks of positive mental health—attachment, self-esteem, expressing emotions, and relationships.

Thursdays, May 14–June 4 1–3 p.m. Hampstead School

Childcare will be provided. All children requiring care must be registered in advance.

Signing with Your Child*During this interactive session, parents/caregivers will discover the benefits of using sign language

with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Participants will learn how to sign the alphabet, numbers 1–10, and some basic vocabulary with a child-friendly focus. Together, we’ll also practise a few traditional songs and rhymes that parents can take home to teach their families.

Monday, April 6 6:15–7:45 p.m. Emerson School


Developing Self-Regulation in Children: Insights from a Brain-Based Parenting Perspective*Emotional and behavioural regulation are not skills children are born with; however, they are critical developmental tasks with long-term impacts on their mental health

and well-being. Children’s ability to self-regulate emotions and behaviour is developed through interactions with parents and caregivers. In this presentation, parents and caregivers will be provided with brain-based insights to support them in understanding how they can help build their children’s brains and capacity for emotional and behavioural regulation. Practical parenting strategies that set the stage for positive mental health in children will be discussed.

Tuesday, April 14 6:15–7:30 p.m. Emerson School


Making the Most of Your Tax Benefits & Credits*During this informative workshop presented by Canada Revenue Agency, participants will learn more about the benefits and credits individuals can receive when they file their tax returns. Parents will hear about the Canada Child Benefit, GSTC, and Disability Benefits as it relates to both adults and children, as well as the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions about tax benefits to this workshop. Printed resources detailing tax benefits will be provided.

Wednesday, April 15 6:15–7:45 p.m. Student Services—Kildare

Please note, childcare will not be provided for this workshop.


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Phonological Awareness & the Reading Process*

Join us for an interactive workshop where we explore the concept of phonological awareness and how to support children as they learn to read. The session will be led by Cathy Spack and Rachel Therrien, RETSD speech-language pathologists.

Wednesday, May 6 1–3:45 p.m. Polson School


Preschool Play Projects*

During these “make-and-take” sessions, parents/caregivers will have the opportunity to create easy literacy and numeracy activities to keep their child entertained at home, in the car, and on outings. Participants will make file-folder games, board games, memory games, and more. All supplies will be provided. While parents/caregivers are being artistic, children will enjoy playing with toys and games, and creating some art. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all.

Mondays, April 6–May 11 1–2:30 p.m. Emerson School

Blue Jeans Jamboree*

Best enjoyed by children 18 months to 5 years

Grab your cowboy hat, bandana, and boots to join us for an exciting country-western adventure! Mosey over to our theme stations to pan for gold, play horseshoes, make sheriff badges and cactus-inspired art, and try other interesting educational games/activities. Before riding off into the sunset, young cowboys and cowgirls will enjoy a healthy trail-mix snack and a campfire sing-along. Yee-haw!

Wednesday, April 8 6:15–7:30 p.m. Joseph Teres School

Literacy Links Family Picnic Bring your picnic supper and join us for the Literacy Links Family Picnic. Families will love participating in exciting activities, including parachute rhyme-time, bingo, face-painting, crafts, stories and playing on an inflatable bouncer. Complimentary beverages and watermelon will be served. In case of rain, the picnic will be held in the school gym.

Thursday, May 28 5:15–7 p.m. Joseph Teres School

*Registration for the above programs begins immediately by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected]. Program locations (schools & sites) listed on page 2.


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Baby BumblebeesBest enjoyed by children birth to crawling

Introduce your baby to the joy of songs, rhymes, and finger plays! Sing along to your favourites while learning new lap songs, diapering songs, and lullabies that are sure to delight and stimulate your little one. Each week, parents will enjoy a healthy snack and time to connect and chat with other new parents. Interesting parenting resources and tip sheets will be provided to participants.

Mondays, April 6–June 8 10:30–11:30 a.m. ACCESS River East Cancelled April 13 & May 18

Tuesdays, April 7–May 26 1:15–2:15 p.m. École Salisbury Morse Place School

Wednesdays, April 15–June 3 10–11 a.m. Donwood School

Thursdays, April 9–May 28 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Joseph Teres School

I’m a Little YogiBest enjoyed by children 7 months to 5 years

I’m a Little Yogi is a fun-loving, supportive parent-child program designed to playfully teach yoga to young children. Children will learn interesting yoga poses, including crane, tree, and downward dog. I’m a Little Yogi builds the parent-child bond, and helps children feel happier and more confident while honouring their explorative and physical nature. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all.

TOTS Class (7 months to 20 months) Sundays, April 5–May 10 10:45–11:45 a.m. Emerson School Cancelled April 12

TYKES Class (21 months to 5 years) Sundays, April 5–May 10 9:15–10:15 a.m. Emerson School Cancelled April 12

Gift of WordsBest enjoyed by children walking to 2 ½ years

A dynamic program for toddlers who love to move and explore, Gift

of Words features interactive songs, rhymes, and fun finger plays. Children will enjoy a book-sharing circle and group storytelling using puppets. Following a healthy snack, expect more circle time fun!

Mondays, April 6–June 1 10–11 a.m. Princess Margaret School Cancelled May 18

Wednesdays, April 8–May 27 9:30–10:30 a.m. Harold Hatcher School

Thursdays, April 9–May 28 9:15–10:15 a.m. Joseph Teres School


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Night OwlsBest enjoyed by children ages 1 to 5

Parents and children will have a hoot at Night Owls, as they spend quality time together playing with toys and games, reading interesting books, creating some art, and munching on a healthy snack. Children will love meeting our friend/puppet, Snowy the Owl, who visits during our lively rhyme circle.

Tuesdays, April 7-May 12 5:45–7:15 p.m. Joseph Teres School

Thursdays, April 9–May 14 5:45–7:15 p.m. Emerson School

Weekend Wee PlayBest enjoyed by children ages 1 to 5

Weekends are a great time to play with toys and make new friends! Together we will enjoy a playful, relaxing morning filled with arts and crafts, puzzles, toys, and Play-Doh fun! Each class features a group story experience, book sharing, a healthy snack, and an energetic circle time filled with your favourite songs and rhymes.

Saturdays, April 4–May 9 9–10:45 a.m. Joseph Teres School Cancelled April 11

Sundays, April 5–May 10 9:30–11:30 a.m. Emerson School Cancelled April 12

Once Upon a RhymeBest enjoyed by children ages 18 months to 3 ½ years

At Once Upon a Rhyme, families will have fun learning new songs and

rhymes, reading interesting stories, and participating in an interactive group story experience. After a healthy snack, children will create some art and play with toys.

Wednesdays, April 15–May 20 9:30–11 a.m. Polson School

Thursdays, April 9–May 14 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson School

Growing Up GreenBest enjoyed by children ages 2 to 5

An environmentally themed program where preschoolers and their parents/ caregivers will play and learn in the great outdoors! Through songs,

books, and nature-based activities, participants will gain an appreciation for the world around them. As most of this program will be held outside, please remember to dress for the weather.

Thursdays, April 23–May 28 1:30–3 p.m. Emerson School

Fridays, April 24–May 29 1–2:30 p.m. Polson School

Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 14 at 9:30 a.m., by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected]. Program locations (schools & sites) listed on page 2.


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Jack Be NimbleBest enjoyed by children ages 2 to 5

Join in the fun at Jack Be Nimble, an “in-motion” based literacy program where parents/caregivers and children play and learn together! The class features easy stretches, parachute rhyme time, and co-operative parent-child games and activities.

Tuesdays, April 7–May 26 10–11 a.m. Melrose Park Community Centre

Wednesdays, April 8–May 27 10–11 a.m. River East Personal Care Home

Wednesdays, April 15–May 13 6:15–7:15 p.m. Lord Wolseley School

Thursdays, April 9–May 14 6:15–7:15 p.m. Joseph Teres School

Sundays, April 5–May 10 10–11 a.m. Emerson School Cancelled April 12

Shake, Rattle & RhymeBest enjoyed by children ages 2 to 5

We’ve got the beat! During this musically themed program, participants will play a variety of instruments, like maracas, cymbals, drums, and tambourines. Imagine how much fun we’ll have singing, dancing, and getting active using colourful scarves and ribbons. Each class, children and their parents/caregivers will enjoy hearing stories, playing with toys, and making a musical craft to take home and play. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all.

Tuesdays, April 7–May 26 9:30–11 a.m. Bernie Wolfe School

Wednesdays, April 8–May 27 9:30–11 a.m. Prince Edward School

Spring Frogs & Polliwogs

Best enjoyed by children ages 2 to 5

Stories, crafts, and games will keep participants hopping at this celebration of spring. Together, participants will enjoy a high-energy sing-along, featuring green frogs, brown bunnies, yellow ducks, red ladybugs, and brilliantly coloured butterflies. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all. This seasonal program will be hosted inside the classroom.

Mondays, April 6–May 11 10–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School

Wednesdays, April 8–May 13 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson School

Saturdays, April 4–May 9 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Joseph Teres School Cancelled April 11


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Bookworms

Best enjoyed by children ages 2 ½ to 5

Together, we will explore fantastic stories written by notable children’s authors and create art based upon these special readings. At Bookworms, circle-time features lively songs and rhymes, and book sharing with parents/caregivers, and is followed by a delicious, healthy snack and free play with toys.

Thursdays, April 16–May 21 9:45–11:15 a.m. Bertrun E. Glavin School

Guess Who Helps You


Together we will learn about special community helpers who live, work, and positively contribute to our neighbourhoods. Through songs, books, and educational games, we

will discover the everyday heroes and helpers, like police officers, doctors, dentists, librarians, and others who make our streets safer and our lives richer.

Wednesdays, April 8–May 13 10–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School

Mr. Golden Sun


Join us for some sizzling “fun in the sun” as we sing songs around a beach bonfire and enjoy summer-inspired stories and crafts. Children will go on a rainbow-fish number hunt and participate in coconut bowling and sunshine-themed activities. Feel free to dress for the tropics!

Fridays, April 24–May 29 10–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School

Painter’s Playhouse


Let’s create some beautiful masterpieces together! Using fingers and feet, paintbrushes, and interesting household items to create unique art, young artists will explore different textures and rich colours in their painting projects. The program features a lively circle time filled with songs, rhymes, interactive stories, colours, shapes, and a rainbow of healthy snacks. Each week, children will also have time to play with toys and socialize with their friends.

Mondays, April 13–May 25 9:30–11 a.m. Wayoata School Cancelled May 18

Tuesdays, April 14–May 19 9:45–11:15 a.m. Bertrun E. Glavin School

Pyjama Band


Putting the “jam” into pyjamas, these musical mornings will feature a variety of instruments like maracas, cymbals, drums, and tambourines. Together, we will enjoy stories, games, and a creative art experience. A cereal smorgasbord and other healthy snacks will be enjoyed by all. Don’t forget to wear your PJs!

Mondays, April 13–May 25 1:15–2:45 p.m. Wayoata School Cancelled May 18



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Stars & Spaceships


Zoom, zoom, zoom—we’re going to the moon! Climb aboard a spaceship as we embark on a spectacular adventure to outer space. Through songs, stories, and space-themed games and activities, young astronauts will learn about twinkly stars, the Milky Way, and planets. Together we will enjoy counting stars, decorating rocket ships, and making alien-inspired art. At the end of our mission, a healthy snack will be served.

Tuesdays, April 7–May 12 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson School

Wheels on the Bus


Drivers, start your engines and join us for a fun program! Together, we will explore the world of cars, trucks, buses, construction vehicles, and more. Each class, participants will race to try activity stations and enjoy free play with cars, trucks, and garages. Circle time will feature transportation songs and stories, finger plays, and felt-board fun. Before the checkered flag signals the end of class, participants will also enjoy a creative art experience and fuel up with a healthy snack.

Fridays, April 24–May 29 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson School

Mondays, April 13–May 11 5:45–7:15 p.m. Emerson School

1, 2, Buckle My Shoe


Count on having a great time at 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe! Families will enjoy songs and books focusing on counting and early math. Classes feature fun ways for children to incorporate counting into their lives, exploring numbers through snacks, crafts, educational games, and activities. Parents/caregivers will enjoy creating games and counting activities for their child.

Thursdays, April 9–May 14 9:30–11:15 a.m. Hampstead School

Fridays, April 24–May 29 9:45–11:30 a.m. Donwood School

Animal Crackers


Animal Crackers is an exciting program where families learn about animals big and small. Through interactive group stories, activities, and crafts, participants will meet a different animal each week! After munching on a healthy snack, children will enjoy playing with toys while parents/caregivers connect with other preschool families.

ZOO Friends ThemeMondays, April 13–May 25 9:30–11:15 a.m. Radisson School Cancelled May 18

FARM Friends ThemeMondays, April 6–May 25 1–2:45 p.m. Lord Wolseley School Cancelled May 18


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Diggin’ with the Dinos


Be prepared to have a “ROARing” good time as we bravely explore the world of dinosaurs both large and small. On this journey, participants will learn about the T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and other interesting dinosaur friends through songs, books, puzzles, active games, and creative art experiences.

Fridays, April 24–May 29 9:30–11 a.m. Polson School

Purple Stew


Purple Stew focuses on themes of healthy eating and nutrition through lively songs, rhymes, books, crafts, and activities. During each class, young participants will help prepare a delicious and nutritious snack. While children enjoy time crafting, parents/caregivers will have the chance to create educational games and activities for their child.

Tuesdays, April 14–May 19 10–11:45 a.m. Princess Margaret School

Thursdays, April 16–May 21 9:30–11:15 a.m. École Salisbury Morse Place School

Whale Tales


Journey under the sea for a special adventure where parents/caregivers and children play, learn, and laugh together. This program features books, crafts, games, and math activities celebrating our friends who live in the deep blue sea. Be sure to dive into a snack of goldfish crackers after our seaside serenade begins.

Mondays, April 13–May 25 9:30–11 a.m. Prince Edward School Cancelled May 18

All Aboard the Friend ShipBest enjoyed by children ages 4 to 5

Join the crew as we set sail on an interesting voyage filled with songs, books, puppets and games. On the “Friend Ship,” participants will have fun learning about being a good friend, taking turns, understanding and managing their emotions, and

developing problem-solving skills. A healthy snack will be enjoyed shared with our new friends.

Tuesdays, April 21–May 26 1–2:30 p.m. Bernie Wolfe School



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DROP-IN STAY & PLAY PROGRAMS(No registration required)Best enjoyed by children birth to age 5

Join in the fun at our drop-in Stay & Play programs, where we will be reading, singing, creating some art, and enjoying healthy snacks while meeting other preschool families.

MondaysApril 6–June 15 9–11 a.m. Hampstead School Cancelled May 18

April 6–June 15 9:15–11:15 a.m. Harold Hatcher School Cancelled May 18 & June 8

April 6–May 25 9:45–11:45 a.m. Emerson School Cancelled May 18

TuesdaysApril 7–June 16 9:15–11:15 a.m. École Salisbury Morse Place School

April 7–May 12 9:30–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School

April 7–June 9 9:30–11:30 a.m. Radisson School

April 7–June 9 1–3 p.m. Bertrun E. Glavin School

WednesdaysApril 8–June 3 9–11 a.m. Wayoata School

April 8–June 10 9:30–11:30 a.m. Lord Wolseley School

April 8–June 10 9:30–11:30 a.m. Princess Margaret School

April 8–June 17 12:30–2:30 p.m. Hampstead School Cancelled May 20

ThursdaysApril 9–June 4 9–11 a.m. Bernie Wolfe School

April 9–June 11 9:30–11:30 a.m. Radisson School

April 9–June 11 1–3 p.m. Donwood School

FridaysApril 24–June 12 9:15–11:15 a.m. Harold Hatcher School Cancelled June 5

April 24–June 12 9:15–11:15 a.m. Prince Edward School

April 24–June 12 9:30–11:30 a.m. Lord Wolseley School

DROP-IN STAY & PLAY PROGRAMS (THEME-BASED, No registration required)Best enjoyed by children birth to age 5

1-2-3 Play with Me

1-2-3 Play with Me is a numeracy-themed Stay & Play program, where educational activities, art experiences, circle time, and stories will feature counting and early math skills, along with lots of time for free play and socializing. This program combines the convenience of a drop-in program with the structure of our specialty, theme-based programs.

Tuesdays, April 7–May 12 1–2:30 p.m. Emerson School


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PRESCHOOL PEN PALS

Introduce your child, ages 3–5, to the joys of reading and writing through our Preschool Pen Pals program. Your little one will enjoy receiving a special letter featuring a rhyme, joke, sticker, and seasonal activity to try. It’s easy to participate—just have your child write a short letter or draw a picture to join this program. Have them tell a little bit about themselves, like their age and some of their favourite things. Please send your letters to:

Kelly Martino Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. Winnipeg, MB R2C 5B8

COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN

Schools in RETSD

Looking for information on schools located in your neighbourhood? Visit www.retsd.mb.ca > Schools > School Locator. A complete list of RETSD’s early years schools can be found at www.retsd.mb.ca > Schools. All RETSD schools have websites where you can find their calendar, bell times, staff contacts, upcoming events and activities, and registration forms.

Registering for Kindergarten

Registration begins on site at all early years schools at 8 a.m. on March 2, 2020. To register, please provide proof of age documentation for your child (e.g. birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, Manitoba Health Card, INAC status card, birth registration signed by the director of Vital Statistics). You will also be asked for two pieces of identification for proof of residency

(e.g. driver’s licence, Manitoba Health Card, tenancy agreement, offer to purchase documents, utility bill). For your convenience, registration forms

can be found at www.retsd. mb.ca > Schools > (click on designated school your child will attend) > Documents & Forms > Registration.


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Language Options

Language options for kindergarten include English, French immersion, English-German Bilingual, or English-Ukrainian Bilingual. Please note that your family doesn’t need to have made a final decision regarding a language program before registering for school. By registering in the spring, you have the opportunity to ask questions and gain information to

help you with this decision. Let your local school know you are considering a language option and the staff will be happy to assist you.

Additional Support Needs

Concerned that your child may require additional support to participate in educational programming in kindergarten? Contact Mary LaPage Leclerc, assistant manager of student services, at 204.669.5643.

Literacy Links Visits*

Literacy Links is a FREE, fun, and interactive way for children to get a head start for kindergarten. We are pleased to offer two options to visit with your family—(1) home visits scheduled around your availability, or (2) evening visits hosted in RETSD schools. During each of the three one-hour sessions, a facilitator will provide your family with exciting games, activities, and information to help you learn together and prepare for school. For more information, contact Kelly Martino, community programming co-ordinator—preschool, at 204.669.4043 or [email protected].

Growing & Learning*

If your child is attending kindergarten in our division in 2020, you are invited to attend one of our FREE Preschool Growing & Learning Days this spring.

All events run from 2–6 p.m. Activity stations take 90 minutes to complete.

Thursday, April 16 John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St.

Wednesday, April 22 Angus McKay School 850 Woodvale St.

Wednesday, April 29 Wayoata School 605 Wayoata St.

Thursday, May 7 Dr. F.W.L Hamilton School 3225 Henderson Hwy.

Wednesday, May 13 Bernie Wolfe School 95 Bournais Dr.


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KINDER CAMP*

A special parent-child program for children entering kindergarten

Kindergarten, here we come! At Kinder Camp, parents and children will enjoy a variety of songs/rhymes, finger plays, and books geared towards starting the adventure of school. Each class features fun ways to explore print, rhyme, rhythm, beginning sounds, and early math— all designed to get your child excited

about kindergarten. Parents will create a special homemade book that their child will cherish as they begin their first school year.

At Kinder Camp, parents/caregivers stay on site to play and learn with their child. Siblings are welcome to participate but need to be registered in advance. *All Countdown to Kindergarten programs are subject to change and are dependent on funding approval.

July 6–10 9:30–11:30 a.m. Emerson School 323 Emerson Ave.

July 6–10 1–3 p.m. Emerson School 323 Emerson Ave.

July 13–17 9:30–11:30 a.m. École Centrale 604 Day St.

July 13–17 1–3 p.m. École Centrale 604 Day St.

July 20–24 9:30–11:30 a.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St.

July 20–23 6–7:45 p.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St.

July 27–31 9:30–11:30 a.m. Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St.

July 27–31 1–3 p.m. Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St.

Aug 4–7 9:30–11:30 a.m. Bird’s Hill School 3950 Raleigh St.

Aug 4–7 1–3 p.m. Bird’s Hill School 3950 Raleigh St.

*Registration begins on Wednesday, January 22, by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].


THE EARLY LEARNING TEAM

We are pleased to provide early learning and family support to families living in River East Transcona. Feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding our preschool initiatives.

Jason Drysdale Assistant Superintendent of Schools 204.667.7130, ext. 2233 [email protected]

Kim Campbell Manager of Community Initiatives 204.669.9412, ext. 2941 [email protected]

Kelly Martino Community Programming Co-ordinator—Preschool 204.669.4043 [email protected]

PARENT ADVISORY GROUP

Are you interested in sharing your ideas to help shape preschool programming? We are recruiting new members for our parent advisory group, which meets three times a year to discuss and provide feedback on our free early learning programs. Childcare and a light dinner is provided for participants. Contact Kim Campbell at 204.669.9412, ext. 2941, or [email protected] for more information.

VOLUNTEERING

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteering experience that will make a difference in the lives of preschool families? We are now recruiting volunteers to assist at our early learning programs.

For more information, contact Kelly Martino at [email protected] or 204.669.4043.

EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY CHAMPIONS

Early learning programs are supported by Healthy Child Manitoba, the Early Childhood Matters Parent Child Coalitions in River East and Transcona, and River East Transcona School Division. Thank you to our partners who generously support our preschool initiatives:

• First Book Canada

• Kiwanis Club of East Kildonan

• Melrose Park Community Club

• River East Personal Care Home

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

• Volunteers!

FREE BABY GIFT FOR NEW PARENTS Did you just have a baby? River East Transcona School Division and the Early Childhood Matters Parent Child Coalitions in River East and Transcona would like to help you celebrate this wonderful event. We have a book, I Love It When You, which we’d love to give to you to keep and enjoy.

To receive your FREE book, contact us at [email protected] or 204.669.4043. Please leave us your mailing address, and your child’s name and date of birth.

HEALTHY BABY DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Families Connecting ACCESS River East 975 Henderson Hwy. Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m.

Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church 1011 Munroe Ave. Thursdays, 1:15–3:15 p.m.

Transcona United Memorial Church 209 Yale Ave. W. Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m.

Young Parents Connecting For parents 21 years or under with a child under the age of three

École Salisbury Morse Place School 795 Prince Rupert Ave. Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 p.m.