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Assumption School offers new programs and infrastructure

Children of all denominations welcome
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Assumption School students [from left] Mackenzie Sayer, 12, Kalea Roehlig, five, Raelyn Zakkour, eight, Avary Reid, seven, Coco Edwards, seven, and Alison Ruegg, 12.

Creating a healthy learning environment for all its students, from kindergarten through grade nine, is the main goal for Assumption School administrators.

In order to ensure each student receives the best education possible, current programs have been enhanced, infrastructure and facilities upgraded and new services added, including special education, after-school care, preschool, a soccer field and playground.

Parents of children with special needs will find a wealth of special-education services and resources available at Assumption. ESL services are also available, in one-on-one or small group settings.

“We assess each child’s strengths and needs, and meet with our contracted professionals, including the teacher, teacher’s aide, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist and learning-resource teacher Katelyn Potesta,” explains Assumption principal Mimi Richardson. “The parents are also at the meeting; their input is a big part of it.”

Potesta organizes the meetings, where goals are set and personalized plans put in place to determine how to meet those goals.

“Katelyn coordinates special programming when a child requires it,” says Richardson. “We have kids going to therapeutic swimming and riding, and specialized gymnastics programs, because not everyone can take part in typical physical education classes.”

To enhance outdoor activities, a grant from Powell River Community Forest was used to develop a new playground and replace the aging soccer field. In addition to the grant, parents and volunteers donated time and labour to make the new field possible.

“The new field has opened up opportunities for students to be more active,” says parish education committee chairperson Stacey Ruegg. “It gets a lot of use now.”

Only phase one of the new playground is complete, but the new and improved area is already very popular with students and neighbourhood children.

“The field and playground are open to the public when school is not in session; it’s a community space,” explains Ruegg. “We’re in a high-density area, so it’s nice to have a close facility for people who might not be able to drive to other equipment.”

From 3:15 to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, after-school care coordinator Toni English has various stations set up for students who attend, including a quiet area where they can relax or read, an active area for playing and a separate space dedicated to homework.

“We also have a ‘let’s create’ area, which is a lot of fun,” says English. “Whatever they can imagine, we can make.” Children also have opportunities to burn off energy outside by playing physical games or using playground equipment.

“Our after-school care started in January,” says Ruegg. “Everyone is welcome to sign up, even those not registered at the school.”

Although the new preschool officially opens in September, registrations are now being accepted. According to Richardson, children attending will be in good hands.

“Cynthia Spenst is a highly trained, experienced and licensed early childhood educator,” says Richardson. “She is well known in the community for her work with children.”

The preschool will feature a developmental focus and a direction toward kindergarten readiness.

“Preschool is very much child-centred and going where the kids lead you,” says Spenst, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in human ecology, with a focus on family studies and child development. “It’s all through play and not imposing a program on them,” she adds.

Preschool classes will run from 9-11:30 am, with three-year-olds attending Tuesdays and Thursdays and four-year-olds taking part Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Although Assumption is a Catholic-Christian school, children of all denominations are welcome.

“We accept all students,” says Richardson. “Parents seem to enjoy all aspects of the school, and they all want their children to learn values, morals and be respectful and compassionate.”

Registration for the school year starting in September 2017 is now open. For information, call 604.485.9894, or go to assumpschool.ca.