Kindergarten Gradual Entry - September 2021

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is looking forward to welcoming your child to Kindergarten in the 2021-2022 school year. This year, the spiritual theme calls us to reflect on what it means to be A Community of Faith. Our DCDSB Community of Faith is one of acceptance and respect for each individual because we are the body of Christ.

Children arrive in Kindergarten as unique individuals shaped by their experiences and at different stages of development. We recognize that these past two years have been unusual for you and your child due to the pandemic. As such, DCDSB has planned a gradual start for Junior and Senior Kindergarten students to ensure the best start possible for our youngest learners.

Children will be welcomed to school in small groups at the beginning of the school year. They will have the opportunity to get to know their Kindergarten educators (Early Childhood Educator and Teacher) and some of their classmates. Kindergarten educators will introduce children to classroom routines and procedures, supporting the transition on a more individual basis through these smaller groups.

Transitioning to school in smaller groups during Kindergarten Gradual Entry provides Kindergarten educators with sufficient time to support your child, so they will feel comfortable and valued as new school community members.

Please contact your school Principal if you require any accommodations (due to child care, etc.) during the Kindergarten Gradual Entry process. Thank you for supporting your child during this transition to school.

Your child will be assigned to a small group. Please see the schedule below for the first week of school. 

Reminders for the first day of school:

• Before you leave the house, please complete the COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening.
• Arrive early and take your child around the school to orient them to their new environment.
• Show them where you will pick them up at the end of the day or where their child care/caregiver will meet them.
• Masks are required on school grounds for all parents/guardians/caregivers and children in Grades 1-12.
• Send your child a nut-free lunch and two snacks.
• We highly encourage you to send your child with a mask.
• Send your child with an extra set of clothes and an extra mask in a breathable bag with their name on it.
• Send your child with a refillable water bottle labeled with their name.
• Send your child with a pair of indoor shoes, if possible, with their name clearly labeled on them.

Please note that all updates regarding the 2021-2022 school year will be posted to the DCDSB’s Return to Learning webpage.

We look forward to welcoming your child to the Durham Catholic District School Board.