The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board created several innovative programs to ensure that our most vulnerable students are prepared and will have a good experience as they begin or return to school this fall.
Junior Kindergarten program
Starting school can be scary for our youngest students even without the protocols that have been put in place in response to COVID-19.
That’s why the RCCDSB conducted a Junior Kindergarten transition welcome program at three of its schools. New little students who would benefit from the program (and their families) were invited to Holy Name Catholic School in Pembroke, St. Francis of Assisi in Petawawa, or Our Lady of Fatima in Renfrew to attend two half-day ‘practise’ days that simulated a regular school day.
Staff tracked data and created learner profiles for each student which will be shared with their home school so they will know the supports needed for each child.
“It went very well and we gathered lots of data to help little ones begin on their school journey,” said Clint Young, Principal, St. Michael’s Catholic School, Douglas.
Transition program for students with special education needs
Some of our most vulnerable students who have been away from school since March were also in need of support to ensure a seamless transition back to the classroom.
The program took place at 8 RCCDSB school sites (2 high school and 6 elementary). Students returning to new classrooms, students new to the Board, and those changing schools within the Board were scheduled for a visit that was customized to their needs.
