Programs
English-German Bilingual Program
The English-German Bilingual Program is designed to
give all students the opportunity to study in German. They learn to speak, read,
and write in German while following the provincial curriculum. In a bilingual
heritage language program, the target language (German) is used as the language
of instruction for 50 per cent or less of the school day. In kindergarten, this may be
more than 50 per cent at the discretion of the teacher and school administration. At
Donwood, from Grades 1 to 5, German instruction is done in German language arts,
social studies, and health.
Physical Education
The main goals of the Donwood School physical education program
are:
- To help students develop an appreciation for physical
activity.
- To help students reach their potential in the development of
their physical skills.
Music
Music education is a developmental and
sequential process. Students at the primary and intermediate age learn by
doing. The music program includes multiple components and develops skills and
knowledge through: singing, moving to the music, creating music, listening
activities, dramatization, playing instruments, and reading and writing
music.
Resource
Donwood has a resource program that works towards the inclusion of all
children in our school. Support is given to staff to help plan and implement
programming. Specific instruction is given to educational assistants who work with
the students. We believe a team approach is essential in meeting the diverse
needs of our school community.
Reading Recovery
Reading Recovery is a temporary intensive literacy intervention
strategy for early readers who are "at risk" in beginning reading. It was
developed and refined by carefully observing how readers learn to read, and by
identifying the successful strategies they use. Reading Recovery was developed
by Dr. Marie Clay, an educator and researcher.
Students participate in an intensive, daily 30-minute lesson. The
instruction builds on individual strengths. Lessons are designed to help the
child develop independent, self-extending strategies and to reach the average
achievement levels of their classmates within 20 weeks. Parents have an
important role to play in supporting the Reading Recovery program.
Counselling
Counselling services provided at Donwood School address the social/emotional and personal needs of the students, as well as their need for
appropriate academic programming. Support provided may be in individual or group
counselling sessions, as well as whole-class programming. The counsellor, in
liaison with classroom teachers and the resource department, consults with
outside agencies on an "as needed" basis to support students, classrooms, and
home.
Volunteering
Donwood volunteers are very special people doing important jobs! They
are our liaison between the school and the community. Donwood volunteers work at
a variety of tasks throughout the school. Whether our volunteers are filing
library books, assisting with field days, reading with individual students, or
creating student materials, they are valued members of our school team.
All volunteers must complete a Child Abuse Registry
check prior to volunteering in the school. These forms are available in the
school office and require you to produce identification to office
staff.
