Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Junior Kindergarten

Yellowknife Catholic Schools introduced Junior Kindergarten in our schools August 2017.  We offer English and Land-Based programs at Weledeh Catholic School as well as English and Bilingual programs at École St. Joseph School. These programs are staffed by Early Childhood Educators.

Our Junior Kindergarten classrooms follow the NT JK/K curriculum. This program focuses on play based learning, which includes socialization, creative play, literacy and school readiness skills. Children use personal experiences to build and provide opportunity to become more familiar with the world around them.

YCS offers Junior Kindergarten as a bilingual option. It is our intent that the children will be gradually introduced to the French language through daily routines, play and other appropriate activities. They will develop a basic vocabulary and a love of second language learning.    

Children must be four years of age on or before December 31st.  This is a full-time program with the option of registering part-time.  

Bilingual Junior Kindergarten 

Through the bilingual program, it is our intent that the children will be gradually introduced to the French language through daily routines, play and other appropriate activities. They will develop a basic vocabulary and a love of second language learning.     

Land-Based Junior Kindergarten

Through the land-based program, it is our intent to extend our programming to include land based learning and exploration. We know that outdoor play strengthens bodies and social skills. We want to help build resilience & problem solving through risky play.

Kindergarten

The Kindergarten experience enhances children’s personal development and gives them a growing sense of responsibility. The program teaches them how to try new things with confidence, creativity and a “can do” attitude. Children’s endurance and stamina builds gradually over the year. In a Catholic school, the affective and sensory religious experiences the children enjoy in Kindergarten are the foundation of their continuing spiritual journey. After kindergarten, the children are ready to build on their everyday faith experiences as they learn more explicitly in Grade 1 that God loves each of us unconditionally.

Children must be five years of age on or before December 31st.  This is a full-time program with the option of registering part-time.