Kindergarten

Boozhoo! Welcome to Henry Coaster Memorial School!

We are Mrs. Lauren Moreau and Mr. Shun Michael Villegas, your Kindergarten Team for this school year. We are excited to welcome everyone back and look forward to supporting your child throughout their learning journey.

Our hope is to create a warm and inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, cared for, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Each child brings unique gifts, experiences, and stories. Together, we will build a classroom community rooted in kindness, respect, and belonging, one that nurtures your child’s spirit, heart, mind, and body.

In our classroom, we will inspire a love of learning through play, exploration, creativity, and meaningful experiences while honouring and incorporating Indigenous language and culture.

Together, we will encourage your child to try new things, build confidence, and celebrate every achievement big or small. We look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and joyful moments together!

Our Classroom Philosophy

We believe that teaching and learning go hand in hand and are shaped through meaningful relationships among the child, their family, educators, the community, and the environment. Learning is most powerful when the child is placed at the center, and when educators take a professional, reflective approach that values collaboration and shared responsibility in supporting each child’s growth.

We believe children are capable, curious, and full of potential. They learn best through play-based, hands-on experiences that build on their interests, strengths, and natural sense of wonder. Our learning environment is loving, caring, and safe—one that is dynamic and responsive, evolving to reflect the voices, ideas, interests, and needs of the children.

We believe families are essential partners in children’s learning and development. Through open communication and consistent collaboration, we work together with families and stakeholders to support each child’s well-being and success. We also believe that community involvement enriches learning by connecting classroom experiences to real-world knowledge and relationships.

Our practice is guided by Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, which invites us to bring together Indigenous ways of knowing and Western perspectives in respectful and balanced ways. Grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, we view learning as holistic, relational, experiential, and connected to the land, culture, and community. Through this approach, we nurture inclusive, respectful, and meaningful learning experiences for all children.

Cultural Integration

Our Kindergarten program is deeply rooted in Oji-Cree culture, honoring the knowledge, traditions, and values of the community. Children learn through meaningful cultural experiences such as singing traditional songs, participating in seasonal celebrations, and engaging in regular visits from community Elders who generously share stories, teachings, and lived experiences. These experiences help children understand who they are, where they come from, and the importance of respect, relationships, and the land.

We believe that a strong cultural foundation supports children in developing confidence, identity, and a deep sense of belonging. Culture is woven naturally into our daily routines and learning experiences, rather than taught as a separate subject.

Language learning is an important part of our program. Children learn the Oji-Cree language with Miss Brenda through a variety of engaging language activities. In addition, Orville supports cultural learning through drumming, dancing, hula hoops, and language-based activities, allowing children to express themselves through movement, rhythm, and music. The language is incorporated into learning materials, classroom labels, routines, and play-based learning experiences, helping children hear, practice, and use the language in meaningful ways.

Through cultural integration, we nurture respectful, confident learners who feel connected to their culture, language, community, and identity.

How Families Can Support Learning

Families play an important role in supporting children’s learning and development. Learning continues at home through everyday moments, routines, and shared experiences. Simple activities done consistently help children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Reading with your child every day—even for just 10 minutes—helps develop language, listening skills, and imagination. Talking about the story, looking at pictures, and asking questions strengthens understanding and connection.

Practicing counting during daily routines, such as counting toys, steps, snacks, or household items, helps build early math skills in meaningful ways.

Using Oji-Cree words and phrases at home supports language development and strengthens children’s cultural identity. Sharing family stories, traditions, and experiences helps children feel proud of who they are and deepens their sense of belonging.

Establishing daily routines, such as regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and time for play and learning, provides children with a sense of security and structure. Encouraging outdoor play and exploration supports physical development, creativity, and a connection to the land.

By learning together at home, families help create strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.

Miigwech!