Specialist Schedule

DAYS 1, 3, and 5 - Phys Ed with Mr. Chris Meuse Click here for the GSP Phys Ed site 

DAY 3 - Library with Mrs. Amy Kelly Pigott Click here for the Library site

DAYS 2, 4, 6 - Music with Mrs. Elizabeth MacLean  Click here for the GSP Music site

Frequently asked questions:

From birthday party invitations and allergies to hot lunch orders and poop :)  I've heard it all, so don't be afraid to ask me anything at any time!

Do you speak French all day?

Learning French is a gradual process.  Right now we are learning in a bilingual environment.  I speak French using basic vocabulary (followed by a lot of pointing, acting, etc..) then alternate with an English translation.  Gradually, once students become more confident and comfortable with classroom routines, I will be speaking more and more French without the kids even noticing!  At any time throughout the year, if children become sick or get hurt, we will always be speaking in English to comfort them :)

How much French should my child be speaking at the end of Kindergarten?

Your child will learn to speak French very gradually this year!  First, he/she will be learning  the names of everyone in class.  Then we will  learn how to read and write our friends' names!  At the same time, we will practice how to recognize/identify letters and numbers in French. Simple sentences and basic French expression come at a later date.....every class is different and will move at different paces.  I always tell the little ones that we will learn how to speak new words in French....then we will learn how to read these words, and finally write these words (or letters).  Every child learns at a different pace, and that's ok!  Your child will also be learning French through songs, and poems.  As important as it is for your child to take risks and to try speaking as many French words as he/she can.....it is also very important for your child to be able to watch me, so they understand what I am saying in French.  By the end of the year, I will be speaking entirely in French and your child should be able to understand almost everything that I am saying.  If your child can focus, watch, and listen to me when I teach, even if they don't understand everything I am saying in French, he/she should be able to look at what I am pointing out/acting out/drawing to make sense of all directions and conversations.  Remember....not all children learned how to walk and talk at the same time, so not everyone will learn how to read/write/speak in French at the same time!

Do you have homework in Kindergarten?

Reading regularly to your child in English or in French (approx 10-15 minutes per day) is a great way to establish a "homework" routine! Curling up on the couch or in bed with a good bedtime story, reading the school’s newsletters, flipping through a comic book or magazine, or even playing a few word games on the computer are all great ways to read with your child. I will also send home a monthly challenge calendar.  It can be completed at your own pace but it will list the skills that have been presented in class so that you are able to follow along with what your child is learning.  It also helps fill in the blanks when your child responds to the question, "What did you do at school today?" with that predictable word, "nothing!"

I don't speak French...is that a problem?

Absolutely not!  Your child will love to teach you new words and songs as he/she learns them!  There are also resources to help parents at the Canadian Parents for French webpage: https://pei.cpf.ca/  Under "FSL resources", there is a section just for parents!

Here is a link if you would ever like to reach out to our French immersion resource team (Madame Tasha Gorveatt and Madame Andrea Pinet): French Resource

It's my child's birthday party....can I send invitations to school for you to pass out to my child's friends?

Yes, if you are inviting the whole class your child can pass out the invitations.  If you are inviting only a few children, please send me a note to tell me about the invitations and I will quietly put the cards in each child's school bag.

Is Glen Stewart peanut-free?

Yes!  Due to life-threatening allergies we are peanut-free and also fish/shellfish free!

What time should I drop off/pick up my child from school?

Student drop off is between 8:05a.m.-8:25 a.m.  Classes begin at 8:30, so dropping your child off by 8:20 is preferable (especially in the winter months when it takes much longer for the kids to get settled for the day!)  Our day ends at 2:30pm, and very often the Kindergarten students will be the first ones out of the building.

How can I contact you?

E-mail at anytime at jcmckenzie@cloud.edu.pe.ca

You can also call me at school (902) 569-0550

My child has bathroom issues...what can I do to help?

Make sure that your child always has a change of clothes (including socks and underwear!)  If your child is anxious about going #2 at school, send in flushable wipes for your  child to keep in his/her school bag!  I am not able to help your child in the bathroom, but am able to stand outside to coach them through the wiping process ......and watch the video below.....I just couldn't resist!  Ha!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU7nGr0vi4o