Important Parent Resources
With Colwell Nursery School & Kindergarten, you can return to work with peace of mind, knowing your kids are safe and productive all day long. Children will attend our centre each day, where they will participate in their respective synchronous learning programs provided online by the Ministry of Education. Our classrooms are capped at 15 students per room, respecting physical distancing measures. Each group will be supervised by our knowledgeable teachers, who are available to assist the students with their online learning curriculum. We'll even take care of lunch! Reach out to us for availability and pricing.
Schedule
Our Programs
Bronze
Half Day
2-½ Hours
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Silver
Extended Half-Day
4 Hours
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Gold
School Day
6 Hours
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Green
Full-Day
6+ Hours
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Blue
Before/After-school
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Dress Code
All belongings, such as coats, boots, hats and mittens, are labelled. Shoes should be left at school for rainy or snowy days. No sandals please, for safety reasons. Your child should also bring a backpack to carry home creative work and a change of clothing for occasional “accidents”.
Fee Payments
Our annual tuition fee is divided into twelve equal monthly payments, which are due at the beginning of each month. Note that no credit is given for absent days. We require post-dated cheques from September 1st to June 1st. Cheques will be deposited on the first of each month as the school year progresses. In case of withdrawal from the programme, one-month notice is required. The final date for withdrawals is April 30th.
Menu
We recognize the potentially serious consequences of children with allergies. Please review our Allergy and Anaphylactic Policy . Please do not send food with your child. Speak with a teacher if your child has special diet requirements. Also, we have partnered with Wholesome Kids Catering Inc., in order to offer our families a nutritious, cost-effective lunch programme, available 2, 3, and 5 days a week. Menus are offered on a four-week seasonal cycle to provide variety and accommodate most allergy requirements and religious/dietary restrictions.
Family/School Partnership
We encourage parents and children to visit the school before registration. All aspects of the program are discussed with the parents. Our teaching philosophy and methods are explained in detail. The adjustment of the child is observed, and plans are made to facilitate a smooth transition to school. The following opportunities for communication are provided:
An individual interview at registration, including a classroom visit.
Written material outlining our program, philosophy, policies, and goals.
A communication board, including our monthly program.
An evening open house with program information and parent/teacher interview time.
Program Description
From the moment children arrive, we encourage them to make decisions for themselves, where possible. The first task for every child is to make a choice: where will they begin? By beginning this way, we also allow children to start their day in a way that is comfortable for them.
Each child is encouraged to take part in the art program, science program, physical education program, and bathroom routine, while the staff ensures that each activity is completed before circle time.
There are no set groups, which gives children the opportunity to get to know all of the other children. We encourage children to spend time with activities, but only to their individual ability. We change the activities on a weekly basis, which keeps their interest high.
Mutual respect is a necessary component of our program. When children make choices, they learn that others will respect their decisions. When needed, the teacher will guide them in thinking through a problem and making a good choice.
Children need to take responsibility for the toys and for their behaviour. Putting a toy away is part of completing a task. Waiting for their turn is part of their responsibility. Children are also encouraged to use their own words to express their feelings in social situations.
The art program is a balance of painting, stringing, cutting, and pasting. We do easel paint and table paint. When finished, we always encourage the child’s input on the art made. This facilitates the development of ideas that the child will use as part of the creative writing process in school.
The second part begins with group teaching, which is a social time. We eat together, and we expect nice manners, encouraging a thank you from each child. The teaching circle is planned around our weekly topic. We sing songs about the topic and learn more about the topic through our songs. Many action songs, as well as role-play songs, are planned.
We try to challenge the children individually. We want every experience to be positive and successful so that they will want to try again.
Next, the play period is math and language-oriented. While the children are singing in the circle, the activities and centres are changed. These activities include visual recognition, sorting, matching, sequencing tasks, and listening centre, among others. Children again are free to choose activities that appeal to them. Teachers are always available for individual help or group activities.
Finally, we finish each day with storytime. Two teachers read stories. This is the one time that teachers assign the children to a group. Children vary in their ability to sit through a story. The last task each day is to prepare for home. The children will be dressed in their outside clothes, with their artwork in their bags, when we open the door for dismissal.
Emergencies & Other Policies
Emergency Evacuation – In the event requiring emergency evacuation, we would relocate to the Malvern Christian Assembly at 6705 Sheppard Ave. (Neilson and Sheppard) in Scarborough ( 416-284-4853 ).
Dismissal Policy – A child may not leave school with anybody but the parent and persons specified on the enrollment form. Any changes should be notified to the school beforehand.
Medication – Please do not send medication unless pre-arranged with staff. Colwell has special procedures in place in relation to EpiPens® and asthma inhalers.
Student Files – Colwell maintains student files for all children attending our programme and is subject to the Colwell Information Privacy Policy. Files include immunization records, contact information, allergy information, and other various details. Please forward, in writing, any updates or changes.
Parking Lot and Grounds – The church has generously granted us permission to use the grass area along the fence line, east of the parking lot, before and after class. Please do not allow your children to play on the island or gardens.
