Program information
Science
Westpark is one of the few elementary schools able to offer an extensive science program that enables students to apply the scientific method of inquiry to discover solutions to problem-based questions. The program intertwines with the world of technology, delivering opportunities of exploration with iPads, computers, mechanics and robotics. In the science-based classroom, the students will learn about science in a way that will help them to understand the world in which we live in and adapt to it. Our program provides students with an introduction to hands-on and interactive scientific activities that make use of intellectual processes like questioning, systematic observation, trial-and-error, experimental investigation, assessment of needs and constraints as well as model building.
Technology
Technological development is pervasive and our children should be introduced to the ongoing advances at an early age, as it is essential to learn about this to understand the world we live in and adapt to. Fostering our students to become responsible digital citizens through a variety of lessons and activities that will focus on the importance of developing a positive digital footprint. Through the introduction of many different technology tools such as computers, iPads and robotics at different grade levels, our students will use creativity, a concern for efficiency, rigor, initiative and the ability to think critically.
Visual Arts
Students have the opportunity to develop their creative potential and acquire visual literacy in regard to the visual world and their abilities to symbolize, express and communicate through images. Our art program provides children a variety of cognitive, psychomotor, social and aesthetic experiences as they produce media works using a variety of mediums. Through the years of their elementary experience, students will learn how to criticize critical thinking and develop their aesthetic sense by appreciating their own creations and those of their classmates while making connections with references to other school subjects. Students will benefit from extra time to practice expressing themselves in French. The language of instruction for this specialty, while participating in art class.
Music
Music is the art of combining and producing sounds for the purpose of expression, communication and creation. Our music program will develop the child’s auditory sense and creative potential for working with sound. They will have many opportunities to express themselves and communicate their «musical ideas» by singing, by playing musical instruments (percussions, xylophones, and recorder) and by using the technology (smart board, iPad and CD-ROM composition Finale). Westpark students make use of different stimuli and multiple possibilities of sound sources and musical language.
Experiences in musical education is further developed and enhanced in the older grades with the possibility for them to be part of the Westpark band or to participate in different ensembles (choir, recorder trio, etc.) which provide the music for many of our in school events throughout the year.
Physical Education
Health, fitness, sportsmanship and respect remain a focus of the program. Our students gain a sense of self-responsibility for their health and fitness through developing a repertoire of movement skills, cognitive strategies and the critical sense they need to manage their own health wisely with positive attitudes in their relationships with others when participating in physical activities. Students participate in a wide range of cooperative, individual, expressive, collective, outdoor and indoor fitness and similar activities.
The Phys Ed program expands beyond the class time activities exploring different sports and physical activities to organized teams that participate in school board tournaments in a variety of sports including handball, track and field, cross country running, basketball, ultimate frisbee and volleyball. Pilo Polo is one of the many extra curricular activities planned during lunch hour that involves teams, tournaments and cheering. There is no shortage of Westpark school spirit in the Phys Ed program.
Requirements
- Students in Kindergarten receive 60 minutes of physical education every week.
- All other students receive 90 minutes of physical education every week. The study of nutrition will also be incorporated into the program.
- If for some reason your child cannot participate, a note stating the reason is necessary. If your child must be exempt for several consecutive classes, a note from your child’s physician is required.
- Students are required to wear shorts or jogging pants, T-shirt and socks in the dress code colors and running shoes for gym.
- It is important to wear running shoes that are reserved for indoor use as running shoes worn outside accumulate dirt, become worn and do not provide the required traction and support.
- Pants with buckles, zippers, etc pose a safety hazard in the gym, and are, thus, inappropriate gym wear.
- Students with long hair are requested to tie it back for gym. Jewelry is not to be worn on gym days.
- Please note the gym day(s) of your child and ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn on those days.
PELO
What is P.E.L.O.?
The P.E.L.O. program aims to improve the students knowledge of their heritage language and gives greater depth to the students’ understanding of human experience by fostering an appreciation of the customs and achievements of people within their communities.
For many years now our School Board has offered Heritage Language courses (Programme de l’enseignement des langues d’origine), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.
Objective
These classes encourage mutual respect among cultures and are one of the best ways to achieve harmony in diversity. They are usually offered to students in Grades 1 to 6 only. These courses are offered in Hebrew, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Arabic or other.
This program offers the following advantages:
- its objectives conform to the Ministry of Education norms;
- it provides quality teaching;
- the program is integrated into the educational project of the school;
- there is now growing appreciation of the role that multilingual individuals can play in a increasingly diverse society, and there is also greater understanding of the academic and cognitive benefits that may accrue from learning their heritage language;
- knowledge of a third language can give our students a competitive advantage in the workforce by opening up additional job opportunities;
- promoting the students’ language and culture within a formal course recognizes alternative ways of expression and the value of the child’s culture;
- students will have the ability to communicate with more people, read more literature, and benefit more fully from travel to their country of origin.
Resources
Students, and their parents in certain cases, have the following services available to them if the need arises:
Resource Team
This multi-disciplinary team is made up of members from the school along with school board-based professionals. Then before school psychologist, please add special education technician and following school psychologist please add speech and language pathologist, Consultant of inclusive education and autism spectrum disorder consultant.
Special Education Technician
Works as a part of a teaching and multidisciplinary team to apply special techniques, supports and adaptations for students with intellectual/learning/physical disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in educational settings.
IEP Meetings
Parents, teachers, psychologist and resource teacher meet to draw an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for students with special needs.
Integration Aides
The LBPSB provides in-class and/or in-school assistance on a limited “as needed” basis for students with special needs.
Special Services
Students, and their parents in certain cases, have the following services available to them if the need arises.
Speech Therapy
A speech therapist periodically visits the school to assess students with speech development problems and provide guidelines for home and school use.
Occupational Therapy
The LBPSB provides occupational therapy assessment on an “as needed” basis.
Learning Diagnosticians
Learning Diagnosticians are available to the School Resource Team and Staff to assist in the diagnosis of learning difficulties.
Child Psychologist
A LBPSB school psychologist is available to the School Resource Team one day a week.
School Nurse
A health nurse from the CLSC is assigned to our school.
The school nurse monitors the health records of the students and organizes the inoculations for Grade 4 students.
The school nurse also periodically conducts information sessions on nutrition, cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, the school nurse provides sex education classes for Grades 5 and 6 students.
Additional nursing service can be arranged with the CLSC as the need arises.
Home Teaching
Home teaching may be available to students who are unable to attend school for a long period of time due to serious injury or illness.
Home teaching may also be available in a hospital setting.
Parents can contact the school for further information if the need arises.