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Every day, Madison Airdrie would cry when dropped off to school for her half-day of junior kindergarten.
So when her mother, Tanya Connolly, found out Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School was moving to a full-day, every-day schedule for the 2008-2009 school year, she was a bit nervous -- an emotion other parents may be experiencing as the Province moves closer to all-day learning for four- and five-year-old students.
"I was scared because of the naps," Ms. Connolly said. "She used to cry every day."
The Province recently announced the release and recommendations of advisor Dr. Charles Pascal's report on implementing full-day learning for children ages four and five. In doing so, it reaffirmed its commitment to launch the initiative starting in 2010 with the investment of $200 million in 2010/11 and $300 million in 2011/12.
But last year, the Durham Catholic District School Board decided to pilot and pay for its own all-day every-day kindergarten program at Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School in Oshawa, a decision that worried even the school's senior kindergarten teacher at first.
"I was pretty horrified," said Phyllis Pereira, Madison's teacher. "I didn't think the kids would be able to handle it. I thought they'd get tired, I didn't think they'd have the stamina for it."
That fear proved fruitless.
"It was great for her," said Robin Russell, standing inside her daughter Reanna Russell's senior kindergarten room. "I just notice a huge difference (compared) to my son, who did half day every day... the reading, the independence, writing."
The Catholic board chose Monsignor Philip Coffey to pilot the program because of the level of learning intervention required there, said Chris Hurst, superintendent of education.
For the first month of full-time kindergarten, they kept things light, providing instruction in the morning, then switching to learn through play for the afternoon. When they got into the flow of things, Ms. Pereira was able to do more individual and small-group instruction in the afternoon.
"That is the biggest factor," Ms. Pereira said, adding it was hard to work one-on-one with the kids in the half-day program because of time.
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At first Reanna came home tired, but then she got into a routine and likes going to school now, Ms. Russell said. She even prefers to lunch at school instead of home, Ms. Russell added.
"I think it's a great idea," Ms. Connolly said of the all-day every-day kindergarten. "She was so dependent on me, now it's a huge difference.
"I didn't think she'd be able to do it but she did," Ms. Connolly said. "She seems way more ready (for Grade 1). Everything, reading, writing."
Ms. Russell agreed and encouraged other parents not to dismiss it too quickly, although she understands their concerns.
"I would say it's great and to give it a chance," Ms. Russell said.
- reprinted from News Durham Region