The Hanover School Division Board of Trustees have voted to change the kindergarten class schedule for schools in the Steinbach catchment area. Class scheduling at Elmdale, Southwood, and Woodlawn schools will change from the existing half day (every day) class schedule, to a full day (alternate day) class schedule effective September, 2017. Schools within the catchment areas of Blumenort, Bothwell, Kleefeld, Landmark, and Mitchell will continue with the existing format of half day (every day) kindergarten classes.
Prior to the Board decision, HSD had sought expression of community interest for such change via an online survey held during Kindergarten Registration Week, Feb. 6-13, 2017. Parents/Guardians of children currently attending kindergarten and those with children registered to start kindergarten in the fall of 2017, were surveyed as to their scheduling preference. A total of 478 households participated in the survey.
Within the Steinbach catchment, a total of 249 households participated. Steinbach aggregate results reflect a 59% preference for change to a full day (alternate day) schedule, with 36% favoring the existing half day (every day) schedule, and 5% indicating no preference. Feedback from Blumenort, Bothwell, Kleefeld, Landmark, and Mitchell catchments did not reflect a strong desire for schedule change.
At present, HSD schools in the Grunthal and Niverville catchment areas are operating on the full day (alternate day) kindergarten schedule. Feedback to date has shown this to be a positive experience for children and their families in these communities.
The survey results enabled the Board to make an informed decision; one that HSD believes is the best route forward for each school, and reflects the voice of our communities. Hanover School Division thanks all who participated in the survey.
