Skip to main content
Early Learning » Kindergarten

Kindergarten

green banner
Starting Kindergarten:
 
We build on strengths to foster a strong and positive sense of identity so every child sees themself as a confident and capable learner. Therefore, there's no need for children to demonstrate readiness for school or master any specific skills prior to starting kindergarten. 
 
Kindergarten pre-registration typically opens in January via an online webform. Families complete their child’s registration by bringing the following documents in person to the catchment school that serves their neighbourhood:
 
    • Completed Student Registration Form
    • Proof of residency (i.e. driver's license, telephone/hydro bill or other documentation with street address)
    • Student’s birth certificate
    • Student’s BC Services Card
    • Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
    • Legal documentation involving guardianship (if applicable)
 
Requests on behalf of a child wishing to attend a non-catchment school will be considered subject to the availability of space. Families still need to register their child at their catchment school and fill in a Transfer Request Form. School catchment information and registration forms can be found on the school district website: www.sd48seatosky.org.
 
divider
Programs of Choice:
 

Please note that availability in one of our Programs of Choice is based on unique school configurations, and space may be limited.

 

  • French Immersion: Complete registration in person at your English catchment school.
  • Cultural Journeys: Register for Cultural Journeys in person at St’a7mes School.
 
divider
Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions:
 

K Connections

We partner with Sea to Sky Community Services to provide an opportunity for children going into kindergarten to meet and play together at their new school. During Kindergarten Connections, children and caregivers come into the school together to listen to a story and participate in a fun activity led by an Early Childhood Educator. Afterwards, children play together on the school's playground while caregivers are encouraged to form connections with each other. These gatherings strengthen the transition to kindergarten by helping children and families feel safe and comfortable at school. Children who attend receive a copy of The Kissing Hand as well as a raccoon finger puppet from Strong Nations.

divider
Welcome to Kindergarten:
 

WTK

We welcome new kindergarten children and their families prior to the start of school. These events in May and June help children develop positive feelings toward school and foster inclusion, connection, and belonging. Gifts for children and resources for families are given out during these welcoming events, which we encourage all families to attend.

 

Our district is focused on the theme of belonging. Our tagline, You Belong Here! guides us in welcoming children and families into our schools. We provide schools with a Family Resource Package created in collaboration with staff and community partners to distribute to families.

 

Schools may also wish to include:

 

  • A welcome letter from the school principal that includes a land acknowledgement.
  • A poster of the First Peoples Principles of Learning and/or Lil'wat Principles of Learning.
  • A school-based bell schedule.
  • A school-based calendar.
  • Information about the school's PAC.
  • A kindergarten school supply list.
  • A September school-based gradual entry schedule.
 
divider
Belonging Bags:
Belonging Bags
 
We encourage staff to work together to curate belonging bags to give to incoming kindergarten students aligned with our vision. Many schools are in the process of engaging in collaborative dialogue and professional inquiry to reimagine their Welcome to Kindergarten event(s) to respond to our current context. Resources such as the Station Inspiration slide deck are intended to support staff in this responsive work.
 
In 2024, Welcome to Kindergarten belonging bags were provided by the school district to bring our vision to life, and contained the following:
 
 
divider

Gradual Entry:

 

The transition to school is a big step filled with excitement and new experiences. It’s normal for children to feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Gradual entry is a thoughtfully planned schedule in September during which children attend school in smaller groups for shorter periods of time. This supports them in connecting with their teacher, becoming familiar with the larger school environment, and being introduced to routines and activities in a gentle and gradual way. This gift of time helps families and educators to work together to support the child during their transition to school so they will gain confidence and thrive in their new school setting.

 

"Kindergarten Gradual Entry is a developmental model of transition planning emphasizing the interconnected relationships among the child, teachers, family, peers and community that are developed across time."

 

- Pifiata & Kraft-Sayre, 2003
 
divider

Welcoming Conversations:

 

Welcoming conversations at schools with incoming kindergarten families support educators in building positive relationships with families. Through conversation, we grow to understand each child's unique needs, interests, and backgrounds. Families have the chance to share stories, ask questions, and express concerns. Staff and families work together to identify personalized goals that will best support the child during their kindergarten year.

 

 

Resources