Kindergarten at Palermo

We can't wait to welcome you to Palermo Public School!

What does a day at Palermo look like?

First day of School

Take a look at the list of things to bring on the first day by clicking here. Thank you!

Kindergarten Entry

Supervision begins at 8:40 a.m. Please accompany your child to the Kindergarten playground located on the South side of the school. Educators will be waiting at the gates facing the south parking lot to greet you and your child. Your child will line up with their classmates until the bell rings at 8:55 a.m. Please be on time. Instruction begins as soon as the children enter the classroom. If your child is taking a bus, an Educator will escort your child from the bus lane to the Kindergarten playground.

Instructional Time

Instructional time looks different in every Kindergarten classroom as it is a play-based program that takes children's interest into account. Palermo Kindergarten classes have large group gatherings for morning circle, songs and poems as well as read alouds during the day.

Each class has centres that the children can choose to play at. Centres include: a sensory bin, sand box, block area, house centre, listening/quiet reading area, art easel, writing table, light table, math bins and a playdough or inquiry area.

Small groups are offered throughout the day for guided instruction. Guided instruction can include guided reading or writing, alphabet and letter sound recognition, math lessons, as well as inquiry and art to name a few. The children have the opportunity to take part in a library book exchange once a week. They get scheduled times to play large group games in the gym. You can read more about the program by clicking here.

Nutrition Breaks

We have 2 nutrition breaks that are 40 minutes in duration at Palermo. Nutrition breaks are split into 2 twenty minute periods. During this time your child will get 20 minutes of eating time and 20 minutes of outdoor time. We often allow extra time for students to eat as it is a great time for socializing with friends. Times can be found in the Full Palermo School Day Schedule.
Please note Palermo is a Nut Free school. More information about allergies and lunches can be found in our Lunch FAQ.

Snacks

Please ensure you pack a nutritious lunch for your child. Practice opening and closing containers at home, as this can be a tricky skill to learn. We often recommend having two sections in the lunch bag or labeling containers so your child does not eat all of their food during the first nutrition break. Please pack food you know your child likes and save trying new foods for home! Palermo also offers lunch programs that you can register for once the school year begins.

Outdoor Time

Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. For ideas of how to dress your child for the weather click here.

Indoor recess only occurs during rain and extremely cold temperatures. During nutrition breaks, there is one educator or supervisor per class. Outdoor time during nutrition breaks is a chance for your child to explore the play area, create imaginary games, and develop their gross motor skills through running, riding bikes or playing games like tag or hide and seek. Other options such as colouring, playing in the mud kitchen, blowing bubbles and using sidewalk chalk are also available.

Nature walks are also a large part of the Kindergarten program at Palermo. The students get a chance to explore the walking trails, the pond and the field across the street from the school. This is an opportunity for the students to learn about nature, ask questions and express their natural curiosity.

Kindergarten Dismissal

Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m.

If your child gets picked up, they will be dismissed from the Kindergarten playground through the gate nearest their classroom. An educator will only release your child to an approved person on the list you provide the school.
If your child takes the bus, an educator will escort your child to the appropriate bus. Please ensure you are at the bus stop on time to pick your child up. More information about transportation is above and at www.haltonbus.ca.
If your child is going to the YMCA after school program, an educator will bring your child to the classroom where the YMCA is located.
If your child is going to a different child care provider after school, please let their teacher know and they will make arrangements to ensure your child is taken to the proper location. Please make sure you fill out the First Week Information Form found under the First Day of School heading.

We can't wait to see you in September!

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