Programs
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Here you'll find descriptions of all our programs, including the ones we can only run when we're not in the middle of a global pandemic:
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"A hugely important aspect of our programs is giving kids a moment to themselves to stop, breathe, and create. It doesn’t matter if it makes a mess or how it turns out. There’s no pressure or expectation, just the opportunity.
I really feel that we’re all continually pulled along the spectrum of highly structured organized time, which is necessary to get things done, and the ridiculous chaos of life. Creativity happens somewhere in the middle. Of course, some kids exhibit obvious artistic talent and could further develop their skills more formally. But every kid who comes through our programs is given space and time to think creatively, to be creative, to stop and look at things in a different way, and that’s something that they will bring to everything important in life—their friendships and relationships, their work and their studies.” - Sandy Bulchak, Former Teacher at Good Morning |
Summer Camps
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In 2021, we are offering the following low-ratio, half-day summer camps.
JULY July 5-9 - How Things Work July 12-16 - Our Planet and Being Green July 19-23 - Fine Art and Exploring the Masters July 26-30 - Music Exploration AUGUST Aug 3-6 - Shark Week Aug 9-13 - Fairy Tales Aug 16-20 - Landscapes Aug 23-27 - Art Around the World
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Virtual Art Classes
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During the shutdown, teacher Karen started "Kids Create with Karen" to help parents keep children busy with worthwhile activities. It ended up being a fun, all-ages class, and a great way to connect with both alumni and new young artists!
Everyone is welcome - parents, alumni, friends, family - come one, come all! All art projects can be completed using basic art supplies - things like crayons, watercolour paints, pencils, oil pastels, and card stock paper.
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Toddler Program
Our Toddler Program is designed to be a gentle, joyful introduction to school for your children, and help them prepare for kindergarten. The primary goal for our Toddler Program is to provide a happy and safe environment where the children are free to explore and discover new and wonderful things. We encourage them to interact with a variety of toys and materials, and we seek to maintain a good balance between individual and group activities. There are a lot of hugs and cuddles in this program!
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 11:30 am
- Size: Maximum 15 students: 2 teachers and one support
- Ages: 18 months to 30 months by September 1
- Cost: $260.00/month
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Preschool and Beyond
Happy preschoolers in pre-Covid times, (no distancing).
The Preschool and Beyond Program has a lot of similarities to the Toddler Program described below, but with an increased focus on social skills and more individual participation during circle time. Programming is based on a themed approach where the children's ideas and related experiences are greatly valued and incorporated.
Optional lunch drop ins for children registered in mornings only (($20/lunch)
Optional lunch drop ins for children registered in mornings only (($20/lunch)
- When: Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Options for 2021-2022:
Mornings - 9am to 11:30am - $330/month
Half Days - 9am to 1:00pm - $475/month
Full Days - 9am to 3:00pm - $575/month - Half Days and Full Days require you to pack a nut-free lunch. Eating at school is a great way to get your children ready for eating at Kindergarten and self-regulating their intake, as well as the social aspects of eating with their friends. What comes first? What is last? It also gives parents and caregivers a little extra time in their day to do what needs to get done, because we all know how quickly those preschool mornings can go by!
- Parents of children enrolled in the Mornings option can occasionally extend their child's day to Half Days ($20/day) or Full Days ($40/day) on an ad hoc basis; simply notify the Director a day or two before. ("Day of" requests can usually be accommodated, too.)
- Size: 21 students maximum; 2 teachers and one support
- Ages: Children between 31 months old and 6 years old on Sept 1
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Storyscapes
Storyscapes was conceived as an engaging early literacy program for younger children (ages 3-6) who are ready for activities that offer a bit more structure as well as lots of room for creativity. Maximum 8 students, 2 teachers for the 2020-21 year!
Each week we introduce a new book and develop thematically relevant activities, including playful discussion, art projects and drama. For example, we typically provide complementary props or costumes, learn songs or poems related to the story's theme, act out dialogue from the book, or create art inspired by the story or its illustrations. It's a big interactive, "now what can we do with this?"
At its heart, Storyscapes is an invitation to engage, be inspired, and create with each other. Now retired, former teacher Sandy Bulchak described it like this: "The point is not to recreate the pages with drama or art but to make room for inspiration and let them run with it. Given the space and opportunity to express themselves, the children are brilliant. It’s a gentle, fun, and creative way to foster early literacy." Children are encouraged to share their favourite stories, but we will also be sure to introduce them to new stories and old classics.
Former Teacher Sandy Bulchak on Storyscapes:
“Some children aren’t really drawn to letters and reading. But books are now more important than ever. They can engage and inspire our children more deeply than screens."
Each week we introduce a new book and develop thematically relevant activities, including playful discussion, art projects and drama. For example, we typically provide complementary props or costumes, learn songs or poems related to the story's theme, act out dialogue from the book, or create art inspired by the story or its illustrations. It's a big interactive, "now what can we do with this?"
At its heart, Storyscapes is an invitation to engage, be inspired, and create with each other. Now retired, former teacher Sandy Bulchak described it like this: "The point is not to recreate the pages with drama or art but to make room for inspiration and let them run with it. Given the space and opportunity to express themselves, the children are brilliant. It’s a gentle, fun, and creative way to foster early literacy." Children are encouraged to share their favourite stories, but we will also be sure to introduce them to new stories and old classics.
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m
- Size: Maximum eight students with teachers
- Ages: Children must reach their third birthday by December 31 of the school year
- Cost (2020-21): $250/month (for both Tuesdays and Thursdays)
Former Teacher Sandy Bulchak on Storyscapes:
“Some children aren’t really drawn to letters and reading. But books are now more important than ever. They can engage and inspire our children more deeply than screens."
Creative Arts After School (CAAS)
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Like an extended day program for creative kids! Available Monday through Friday, or any combination of weekdays, CAAS offers after school art classes and creative activities for ages JK-Grade 6.
These classes give your child's creative side a chance to shine, offering a balance between learning new concepts, experimenting with materials and tools through art and drama, and socializing with friends. (And of course it includes a nutritious snack.) Wonderful creations are produced in each class, although we like to stress that the focus is on the process and not the product! This is a stimulating and caring after-school art program where the children are encouraged to help plan our activities. We explore the works of famous artists, the elements of art, and a wonderful variety of materials.
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