How old does my child have to be to attend Kindergarten?
Registration begins in January for the next school year. Children must be five years old by January 31 of the school year they will be attending Kindergarten. For example, if your child will be five years old by January 31, 2013, s/he can start Kindergarten in the fall of 2012.
When should I register my child for Kindergarten?
You can register your child beginning in January of the school year your child will be attending Kindergarten. Call or visit your local public school. Many of our schools offer parent information evenings and tours in January each year. Our principals are always available to answer any questions you have about registration. You are welcome to call or drop in to any of our schools at any time. We'd love to see you!
Later in the spring, our schools offer orientation sessions and a "sneak peek" at Kindergarten for families and their children. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore their new classroom and for parents to begin their relationship with the Kindergarten teacher and staff at the school.
We understand the importance of early learning and literacy. Our Kindergarten classes are small to encourage individualized education. Our Literacy for Life initiative includes a strong literacy component in Kindergarten. When it comes to supporting literacy, Saskatoon Public Schools is a leader!
Does Saskatoon Public Schools have French Immersion Kindergarten?
Yes. Five of our elementary schools offer French Immersion. French is the language of instruction and communication in the school setting. Our French Immersion program is structured so that children learn French and English skills and follow the same curricula as all other students in the province. Our French Immersion elementary schools are École College Park, École Henry Kelsey, École Victoria, École River Heights and École Lakeview.
Do I have a choice of full-day or half-day Kindergarten?
We are pleased to offer the following Kindergarten options:
- Half-time Kindergarten at all of our neighbourhood schools;
- A literacy enhanced, full day every day Kindergarten program at Alvin Buckwold, Caroline Robins, Caswell, Confederation Park, Fairhaven, Forest Grove, Holliston, Howard Coad, King George, Lawson Heights, Mayfair, Pleasant Hill, Princess Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth, Vincent Massey. Westmount and W.P. Bate Schools;
- Full day, every other day Kindergarten at Dr. John G. Egnatoff, Dundonald, Fairhaven, Forest Grove, Hugh Cairns, John Lake, Montgomery, Roland Michener, Saskatoon Christian, Silverspring, Sutherland, and Wildwood Schools;
- French Immersion Kindergarten at École College Park, École Henry Kelsey, École Lakeview, École River Heights, and École Victoria and;
- The Nehiyawiwin Cree Language and Culture Kindergarten Program at Confederation Park Community School.
We are dedicated to jump starting your child's education with our focus on literacy. Visit your local public school to find out how we inspire learning!
How do I register at Saskatoon Public Schools?
Welcome to Saskatoon Public Schools. We look forward to meeting you and your child/children! Students are registered at the school in their neighbourhood. Registration forms are available at the school or on the school's website.
Students who are new to Saskatoon Public Schools, and who do not speak English as their first language, should register through our Newcomer Student Centre located at 310 21st Street in down town Saskatoon. Please call 683-8400 for an appointment.
We offer free public education for all students. Our elementary schools offer Kindergarten to Grade 8 for ages 5 to 13. Our high schools (collegiates) offer Grades 9 to 12 for ages 14 to 21.
How do I register my child for Kindergarten?
Registration for Kindergarten begins in January for the next school year. Children must be 5 years old by January 31st of the school year in which they begin Kindergarten. For example, to start Kindergarten in September 2011, your child must be five years old by January 31 of 2012.
How do I register my child for all other grades?
Students can register at any time during the school year (September to June). When you enroll your children, you must provide the school principal with documentation that verifies their age. One of the following documents may be used:
- Certificate of Birth;
- Baptismal Certificate;
- Passport;
- Saskatchewan Health Services Card or equivalent.
The individual school principal is responsible for the decision on the admission of students to schools.
What if I am a permanent resident?
If your family has been granted a confirmation of permanent residence, your children can register in our schools. Please bring your documentation from Citizen and Immigration Canada to our Newcomer Student Centre when registering.
What if I am in Canada on a study or work permit?
If you have entered Canada on either a study (for full time studies only) or a work permit, you may register your children in our schools without having to pay a tuition fee. Please bring your documentation (study or work permit) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to your appointment at our Newcomer Student Centre.
Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows students (who are not Canadian citizens) accompanying their parents who have study or work permits to attend our schools.
Study permits for parents will be accepted only if the following criteria are met: (1) The parents' study is for at least one year, and (2) The area of study is more substantial than English alone. This means if parents are taking only English as a Second/Additional Language (ESL/EAL) classes, their children have to enroll with our division through the Saskatoon International High School Program and pay a tuition fee. For more information about the International High School Program please visit www.saskatooninternational.com
What if I am in Canada as a visitor?
If you have been issued a visitor record by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you must pay a tuition fee for your children to attend our schools. When you register your children at the school, please bring your passports to verify your visitor status as well as the date of birth of your children.
Where can I get a copy of my high school transcript?
To receive your official high school transcript you need to contact the Office of the Registrar at the Ministry of Education in Regina. Information is available on their website.
How much does it cost?
The cost is $15 for three copies.
Can my transcript be mailed directly to the university/technical college?
The Ministry of Education will send transcripts directly to an educational institution if requested. The cost is $15.00 per institution.
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Registrar
Ministry of Education
1814 Lorne Street, 2nd floor
Regina SK S4P 2L7
Call 1-888-775-3276
How does Saskatoon Public Schools meet my child's special needs?
Intensive Supports funding is provided by the Ministry of Education for students receiving intensive educational programs and supports who are identified as:
- Visually impaired;
- Hearing impaired;
- Intellectually disabled;
- Mental Health impairment;
- Orthopaedic disability;
- Pervasive development disorder;
- Physical health impairment;
- Prenatal substance exposure;
- Substance related disorders;
- Multiply disabled and;
- Other: Diagnosed
How are students identified for Intensive Support?
Our school teams and special education consultants work with families to obtain the necessary medical documentation, which meets Ministry of Education criteria. In order for a student to receive intensive supports, the school division must demonstrate the program and supports provided for each student, and document these through the students Personal Program Plan. A qualified special education teacher and professional support staff are responsible for the assessment, program planning and program delivery. Educational Assistants may be provided as part of the support plan for the student.
What are some of the supports and services provided by Saskatoon Public Schools?
We provide an array of services including:
- Assessment
- Resource programs
- Educational Assistants
- Special programs
- Special schools
- Speech/language services
- Classroom supports
- Consultative supports
- Social skills programming
- Counsellors/Social Workers
- Interagency collaboration
- Planning and evaluation at the individual, school and community levels
What is assistive technology and how it is accessed?
Assistive technology allows students with disabilities to access the curriculum. In order to receive a technical aid, students must first meet the criteria for intensive supports. Then the school team must show that the assistive technology will help the student to access the educational program in a way that is not otherwise available. Prior approval must be obtained from the Coordinator of Special Education, Saskatoon Public Schools. Once approved, the assistive technology is ordered and sent to the school. Assistive technology stays with the student no matter what school the student attends in Saskatchewan. If the student moves out of the province, the assistive technology is returned to the Special Education Branch and is re-assigned to another student.
What are some of the special programs offered to students with intensive needs?
We offer many special programs to students with intensive needs. Although our first choice is that these students attend their neighbourhood schools with supports, there are times when a special program is deemed the best educational opportunity for some students.
- The Functional Life Skills Program is offered to students with a moderate intellectual disability. There is a Junior Program for students six to 10 years of age; an Intermediate Program for students 11 to 14 years of age and a Senior Program for students 15 to 22 years of age.
- The Functional Academics Program is for students with mild intellectual disabilities, who also face behaviour challenges. There is a Junior Program for students six to nine years of age, an Intermediate Program for students 10 to 12 years of age, and a Senior Program for students 12 to 14 years of age.
- The Life Skills Work Study Program is offered at the high school level. Students follow a four to five year Alternate Education Program. For those students who may benefit from additional programming, the Life Skills Work Study Transition Program operates in our Education Centre and students may attend until they reach 22 years of age.
John Dolan School is a special school and provides a range of services for students with multiple disabilities. John Dolan School is also home to the Mary Vinish Snoezelen Park.
For more information about other special education programs and services please check our list of special education programs and services.
Are there services offered at the preschool level for students with intensive needs?
Yes. The research is clear that early intervention is very beneficial for children with disabilities, and Saskatoon Public Schools work with other agencies to provide a variety of services for our preschool students. We have two congregated preschools and a Therapeutic Preschool. In addition, we offer support in community preschools through our Preschool Support Program where students with disabilities are provided with an Educational Assistant and consultative support.
Who can we contact for more information?
Call the Special Education office at (306) 683-8332.
How do I rent a Saskatoon Public Schools Facility?
As a publicly funded organization and supporter of youth and community programs, Saskatoon Public Schools makes its property and facilities available for use by community or non-profit organizations, our employees, and our partners in education.
To rent a facility please familiarize yourself with the following files:
The documents posted on this page contain all the necessary information you require to rent a facility from Saskatoon Public Schools. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us by email or phone (306) 683-8218.
Can I donate used technology to the school division?
Our schools make good use of donated computer equipment; however, to limit the internal costs associated with accepting/maintaining the equipment, a minimum level will be accepted. This minimum level matches computer technology that the division currently receives from a Federal Government program (Computers for Schools).
Donations typically are distributed on a school priority basis; however, for donations directly to specific schools please contact the school. The donation technical guidelines will be the same.
CPU: 1.8 GHz Processor, 1 GB RAM, Sound Card, SVGA Graphics, 24X CD-ROM, 40 GB HD
Monitor: 17" SVGA
Note: Receipts will only be issued for equipment valued over $500 (as determined by the division).