Our Primary Program
Young children are very open and receptive to the world around them. Imaginative play and imitation are the gifts of the Primary (Kindergarten) child as they seek to emulate the world around them, and learn by bringing everything into their play. The Primary curriculum utilizes these gifts of imagination and imitation. Our week is filled with movement, song, story, painting, beeswax modelling, play both in and outside, as we explore and question the world around us.
The Language arts curriculum consists of nature stories, fairy tales, and folk tales from around the world. Stories are first told by heart to cultivate the child’s own imaginative faculties, and then puppet or people plays are introduced. A love of language is instilled into the children as they too learn to be storytellers. Our day is filled with song as we sing through transitions, and learn seasonal songs that also incorporate mathematical and scientific concepts. Another gift of this age is an insatiable curiosity as children continue to learn and discover the world around them. In the mathematics and science curriculum the teacher utilizes and fosters this curiosity and wonder.
The students learn nature stories, the cyclical nature of the seasons and interdependence of life. Outside time is important each day, where children question and interact with insects, the natural world, the weather, gravity and other scientific laws learning through direct experience.
Children learn how to live in community with one another through Creative Play. Social learning is very important at this age as children learn how to share, communicate, and work with one another, to find confidence in themselves and compassion for others. The Primary teacher models to the children ways of communicating, interacting, and solving conflicts. Creative play is also a place where children follow their own creativity and imagination, practice problem solving, planning, and lay their foundation for critical thinking.
All of the above creates a learning environment that is embracing and engaging. Children are also introduced to two new subjects: French and Physical Education class. Three seasonal festivals give families a chance to join in the school community and celebrate their child’s work. Our teacher to student ratio is carefully considered to ensure that the young child will have a warm and personal relationship with the teacher and classmates in a safe and caring environment.
Our Teachers
Jordan and Amanda have been working towards their dream of teaching Pre-Primary together for a number of years. In 2022, they both completed their Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at the Rudolf Steiner College, Canada. They have been actively involved in our school community for over a decade, and are both parents of Shambhala School graduates and current students.
“I believe in creating a nurturing and supportive environment to foster children’s exploration of their world. I like working here because teachers at Shambhala School see and nurture the unique qualities in each child and help them to incorporate these qualities into a social group. The combination of seeing both forest AND trees encourages social and emotional growth and resilience.” – Jordan West
Jordan has experience working in our Before and After School and Pre-Primary programs. Jordan has a background in history, visual arts, early years education and a gift for creating.
“I have a deep passion and respect for the magic of early childhood. A secure and healthy foundation is the key to a child flourishing through the rest of their educational journey. Being able to be a part of nurturing the younger members of the school community is a joy and an honour.” – Amanda Smith
Amanda is a certified children’s yoga teacher and has shared her teachings with our pre-primary and primary students in past years. She has worked in Before and After school, substituted in our Pre-Primary Program and in recent years has worked in our Primary program. Amanda has a background in drama and a love for nurturing young children.
Take a Virtual Tour of Our Primary Classroom:
For those that are unable to visit us in person, here’s a video tour of our classroom that we created in 2020 with Teacher Nika. While Jordan and Amanda have changed a few details the overall feel of the classroom remains the same. It’s a special magical space for young children.
2024/2025 ENROLLMENT
Explore our website to learn more about our application process, tuition and other fees and before and after school program.
Learn More About Our Primary Program
Please submit an Admissions Inquiry Form, and we will get back to you to answer your questions and book a meeting or tour.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Upon deciding that you would like to secure a spot for your child in our Elementary School we invite you to make your formal application, submit other required documents and pay your application fee. Read about these steps and find additional relevant information to this stage of your decision making by reviewing our application process and tuition and other fees.
REGISTER FOR BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
We provide a Before and After School Program, however space is limited. We encourage families to register for Before and After School Programs when they register their student for the school year (within 14 days of acceptance). Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for enrollment in our Before and After School Program is August 1.