Our Mission Working together, we provide a respectful and caring learning community where all individuals can reach for personal excellence and grow in social responsibility. Van Walleghem Van Walleghem operates with a student population of approximately 500 students. Half the student population attends the Kindergarten to Grade 8 English Program with the other half in the Kindergarten to Grade 8 French Immersion Program. Academic Program The traditional subjects are a priority with us. The provincial curriculum is implemented with the goals and objectives established by Manitoba Education and Training (English Program) and the Bureau d'Education Francaise (French Immersion). As appropriate, subjects are taught in an integrated approach with areas being grouped into thematic units that incorporate as many subject areas as possible. Dual Track: French Immersion and English Van Walleghem offers parents the choice of having their child educated primarily in either French or English. The goal of the French Immersion program is to graduate students who are functionally bilingual. Entry to French Immersion is at kindergarten or grade 1. French Immersion is designed for students whose home language is not French. Students are immersed in French, which serves as the language of instruction and take English Language Arts as a subject. By contrast, students in the English program take French as a subject. Our teachers are qualified and experienced in second language learning, be it for students in French Immersion or those taking French in the English program. Physical Education We provide an award winning program taught by physical education specialists. Our emphasis is on developing the attitudes of sportsmanship and fair play through full student participation, best efforts on an individual basis, and an attitude of cooperation. The program at Van Walleghem has won the National Fitness Canada award- Quality Daily Physical Education. Our goal is to provide the knowledge, skills and attitudes that provide all students with the tools to lead and value lifelong active living. State of the Art Technology We take pride in being able to offer our students up-to-date facilities in computer technology. This school focuses on the use of the computer as a tool to complete tasks across the curriculum. Every teacher is computer literate and incorporates the learning of computer skills into classroom subjects. All classes have scheduled computer lab periods, and computers in every class with internet access. Our automated library system, student-use computers in the library, and our access to the world through telecommunications, all encourage students to use technology as a learning tool. Extracurricular Programs There is a rich and varied offering of clubs and programs available for students. All students have the opportunity to participate in musical productions, choirs, computer club, chess club, stained glass club, running club, skipping club, ski club, basketball club, grade 7/8 sports teams and many other activities. Music Our music specialist provides world class instruction in music - incorporating musical instruments and movement into a well rounded music education. There are three extra curricular choirs in operation at the school to provide extended opportunity for students with an interest in music. Annually, professional musicians perform for students in conjunction with the program. Parental Involvement Parents and staff work in partnership to extend the learning of Van Walleghem students. The Ecole Van Walleghem School Parent Council is an active and effective support to the operation of the school. Every parent is a member of the Council, and involvement and participation is encouraged. Special Learning Needs Van Walleghem supports students with special learning needs - from our very capable learners to those students for which learning is difficult. Major components in our work with exceptional students includes: *resource teacher and counsellor time focussed on working with teachers and their students in support of instructional excellence *initiating a student education planning process where the learning needs of special individual students indicate need for greater collaboration *support for out of class activities which enhance classroom learning through group work related to classroom activities Modern Facilities This modern facility is located in Linden Woods, a magnificently landscaped community situated in southwest Winnipeg. The school, completed in October 1987, includes eighteen classrooms as well as many specialized facilities. The building is climate controlled, with heating and air conditioning supplied through heat exchange units utilizing ground water as the primary energy source. Specialized facilities include: *two gymnasiums *two specialized kindergarten classrooms complete with reading lofts and their own washrooms *1800 square foot library equipped with an automated library system and CD equipped student use computers *lab equipped with computers and a teacher computer with a colour overhead projection system * Internet (World Wide Web) connections in all classrooms *extensive outdoor playground equipment adjacent to a City of Winnipeg Park boasting multiple athletic fields- soccer, baseball, and outstanding cross-country, bicycle and walking paths *specialized music room *Daycare facility within the school building (operated as an independent organization)