Junior Kindergarten
Junior kindergarten is the start of a bright future at WPGA. Our teachers build joyful classroom connections, incorporating community and character into thematic units purposely designed for the 4-year-old mind.
Program Philosophy
Rooted in WPGA's mission of Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy, our inquiry-based JK program aims to inspire in children a lifelong love of learning. Through guided inquiry and experiential activities, many of which take place outdoors, children develop a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, motor skills and creative expression. Music, art, science and social studies are woven into the daily schedule, with a PE block daily and Spanish, French or Mandarin alternated weekly. Students are active and spend time each day in nature.
Literacy and Numeracy
- A literacy-rich environment fosters reading engagement and vocabulary development; multiple interactions with text each day explore relationships between letters, sound, structure and grammar.
- The use of natural elements, with connections between shape, form, quantity and quality, facilitate an understanding of abstract math concepts.
- Technology is used as a tool, where appropriate, to enhance learning.
Character Development
- Teachers, trained in attachment theory, develop connections with each student to support children’s social-emotional wellbeing and decision-making capabilities.
- Children are guided to naturally converse with peers, which sets the stage for friendship and collaboration.
- The school’s values of inclusiveness and mindfulness are integrated to encourage kindness to self and others.
Community/Global Connections
- Language lessons (French, Spanish, Mandarin) include interactive activities that relate to different cultures around the globe.
- Children are part of the school community, with older student "buddies," regular visits to the school library, and participation in school events, concerts and assemblies.
- Service and sustainability are emphasized, with opportunities to contribute to our school, local and global communities, and the environment.
Program Features
- Full day program (8:30am-3pm, with flexible drop-off until 9am and pick-up to 3pm).
- Three teachers for one class of 25 students (8:1 student teacher ratio).
- Early Childhood Education Centre features two spacious classrooms, art and science stations, a comfortable quiet room, kitchen, large outdoor garden, water station, and nature discovery area.
- Specialists teach Mandarin, Spanish and PE.
- Parent involvement is encouraged, with parent-teacher conferences, student-sharing sessions, parent education workshops and grade socials throughout the year.
糖心Vlog Academy
Tel: 604-222-8750
Since 1996, 糖心Vlog Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.