PROGRAMS
Our Programs
Oriole offers morning classes from 9:00am am to 12 pm* (beginning September 2024), from September to June. Enrollment may begin at any time during the school year (until March) and fees will be pro-rated accordingly.
Toddler Class
18 months - 2.5 years old
8 children maximum
Ratio of 1 adult to 5 children
Available 2*, 3*, or 5 mornings a week
Our Toddler class provides a wonderful first school experience, with an emphasis on play based discovery, where children are given various opportunities to explore and observe their world through all of their senses. Activities foster the growth of language development and communication, self-help and social problem solving skills. Children develop large muscles in our gym specifically designed for toddler play, and engage in daily music, movement and creative story telling in one of our dedicated circle time rooms.
Registration is on-going throughout the school year, until March (based on availability.) We ask that families wishing to enroll their toddlers visit Oriole with their child for a tour so we can assess their physical ability to participate in the program.
Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend.
*2 day enrollment is limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays. 3 day enrollment is limited to Monday, Wednesday, Friday.*
*During periods of low enrollment, our Toddler class may run in conjunction with our Junior Preschool class**
Junior Preschool Class
2.6 - 3 years old
10 children maximum
Ratio of 1 adult to 5 children
Available 2, 3, 4, or 5 mornings a week
Our Junior Preschool class focuses on social relationships, language development, following routines, learning to be independent, and learning to be empathetic towards others. Activities introduce children to literacy and numeracy concepts in a fun, engaging manner. Junior class children enjoy 45 minutes of outdoor play in our private playground. Children also enjoy daily music, movement and storytelling activities in one of our dedicated circle time rooms.
Registration is on-going throughout the school year, until March. Children in the Toddler class will be eligible to move to the Junior class once they are between 2.3 and 2.6 years, are able to independently climb stairs and navigate the various levels in the playground, space permitting.
Children do not need to be toilet trained.
**During times of low enrollment, our Junior class may run in conjunction with either our Toddler or our Senior class.**
Senior Preschool Class
3 – 5 year olds
12 children maximum
Ratio of 1 adult to 8 children
Available 2, 3, 4 or 5 mornings a week
Our Senior Preschool class provides a strong foundation for full day Kindergarten by teaching effective communication skills, encouraging creative thinking, developing problem solving skills, and learning about phonics and numeracy concepts. Daily group activities focus on skills such as taking turns, asking questions, listening to others, observing, developing phonological awareness, and following directions. Children are also taught social problem-solving skills and work on mastering independence in a supportive, friendly environment.
Children must turn 3 years of age before December 31st of the school year to be eligible for the Senior Preschool class.
Children do not need to be toilet trained.
**During times of low enrollment, our Senior class may run in conjunction with our Junior class, with separate circle times.**
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Oriole Nursery School is a non-denominational, co-operative preschool where parents get the unique opportunity to share in their child’s preschool experience through bi-weekly participation in the classroom. These Duty Days enable parents and caregivers to participate firsthand in their child’s preschool experience, as a teacher’s assistant. Parents may also choose not to participate in the classroom, opting out of Duty Days, for an additional fee.
Parents also participate in the school’s operations through volunteer positions. Parents choose their level of participation within the community; volunteer jobs range from making play dough, filing art, helping with laundry, conducting tours of the school, and being a member of the Board of Directors.
FACILITIES
Our facilities consist of:
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3 inviting and well-equipped classrooms;
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A music and movement room;
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A room dedicated to circle time and enrichment programs
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A Community Hall which is used for our Sportball classes, for music and movement programs, and has a wide selection of toys to play with during poor weather;
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A large private, shady and secure outdoor playground for the Preschool classes;
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Access to a fully equipped kitchen, where nutritious snacks are prepared by our teachers.
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A large garden, where the children plant vegetables, herbs and flowers in spring, summer and fall
Each class follows its own schedule of activities. In all classes, children engage in:
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1 hour of open free play in our dedicated Toddler or Preschool classrooms
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Up to 30 minutes of teacher led circle time or small group activities in one of our dedicated circle time rooms
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A break for a nutritious snack, which is prepared on-site
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45 minutes of outdoor play in our private playground*. (During inclement weather, gross motor activities take place in our large, spacious gym)
*Our Toddler class plays indoors daily in our small gym. Once children are between 2.3 and 2.6, they will be assessed for their ability to climb stairs and elevations independently. If able, children in the Toddler Class will be eligible to move into the Junior class, space permitting.
Enriched programming and creative experiences include:
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Sportball, a non-competitive sports program, every second Monday
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French classes, with our very experienced French teacher, Aleks Papich
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Music, Dance and Yoga classes
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Special events for students and their siblings (attending with a caregiver) on Toronto District School Board PD Days.
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Daily art and sensory activities in our dedicated art room
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Gardening activities in the spring,summer and fall in our on-site gardens
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Science projects, cooking and baking activities and more!