About iGen

What criteria are used to select iGen students?

We are looking for evidence that students are kind and trustworthy. Sherbrooke is a home, and the students we pick must be able to work somewhat independently and be able to behave in respectful ways without constant adult supervision.

Is there a fee for students to participate in the program?

There is no fee for participation. However, students will be required to bring school supplies for their learning. A list of required supplies can be found here.

Where and when does my child need to be dropped off and picked up?

Students must be dropped off at the preschool entrance of École College Park School between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m (supervision begins at 8:30 a.m.). They will be required to stay outside on the playground with the student body until 8:45 a.m., when the iGen class leaves as a group to walk to Sherbrooke. It is important that students are prompt and arrive by no later than 8:45 a.m. The school day ends at 3:30 p.m. every day, except on Thursdays when it ends at 3:15 p.m. due to a staff meeting. Students can be picked up at the College Park preschool entrance, where they were dropped off.

Is there a before and after school program my child can attend? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, for more information about École College Park School's before and after school program, click here. Application forms are available at the beginning of the year and there is an additional cost.

Where will students eat lunch and how will it be supervised?

Students will eat lunch in the Sherbrooke cafeteria and will be supervised by teacher Keri Albert.

Do students have to bring their lunch or can they buy it? Is there a microwave?

Students can bring their own lunch or purchase a healthy lunch option from the Sherbrooke cafeteria. Those who bring their lunch have access to a microwave.

Where will students spend recess and how will they be supervised?

Students will be outdoors for recess, but the time of recess will be flexible. The day begins and ends with an in motion walk to and from Sherbrooke. The lunch hour begins with a 20-minute outdoor recess.

How will my child be supervised when working outside the classroom with Elders?

The teacher will work with each student to plan when and where they work around Sherbrooke. Each student will be held accountable for their plan and will be monitored by the teacher, residents and staff. In addition, we use our technology to keep in touch.

Can students participate in extracurricular activities?

We collaborate with École College Park School to develop band, library and gym experiences the students can participate in.

Will students have classes in physical education or band?

Students will take part in physical education in the gym. iGen students also participate in a mandatory band program.

What happens when the teacher is sick or away from school?

A substitute teacher will meet students at École College Park School's preschool entrance at 8:45 a.m. All substitute teachers volunteer in the classroom, so they know the expectations and how it operates.

My child is currently in French immersion. Can they return to French immersion after being out of the program for a year?

Students who participate in iGen will be welcomed back into their French immersion classroom the following year. However, they will not receive French instruction in the iGen classroom. While there may be opportunities for French immersion students to work on projects using the French language with Elders and staff, or to complete some of their coursework in French, this is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is recommended that French immersion students receive French tutoring outside the classroom during their iGen year and/or join the Fransaskoise community.

Are students with special needs able to apply? If so, what supports will they receive?

Students with special needs may apply. Communication with the student and their family will help us determine if the student would be a fit for iGen. Student independence will be a consideration.

If my child does not like the program, can they return to their home school during the year?

We will have a four-week window within which students can decide to return to their home school. If students pass the four-week window, they will be expected to remain in the program for the full year. We will be in close communication with the student and their family while this decision is being made. Problem solving will be part of this process.

Will there be a waiting list for spots that become available during the year?

A waiting list is established through the selection process at the end of the school year. Students who are placed on the waiting list will be notified of their position. If selected students decide to revoke their application during the summer or choose to leave the program within the first two weeks, individuals on the waiting list will be contacted.

About Sherbrooke

What happens if Sherbrooke needs to close access to the public for reasons such as norovirus?

In the event Sherbrooke closes to the public, iGen will be housed at École College Park School.

Will students have access to Wi-Fi when at Sherbrooke?

Students will have access to Wi-Fi at Sherbrooke, but their use of the Internet will be limited to meaningful research/communication and will be monitored. Students will be expected to remain unplugged while moving about Sherbrooke and interacting with residents, visitors and staff.

Will there be a phone in the classroom? Can students bring cellphones?

We have a telephone in the iGen classroom. Teacher Keri Albert will also have an iPhone on her at all times, as will any substitute teachers. Students will be invited to bring a phone, iPad, iPod or other smart device for learning and communication purposes. When not in use, the devices will be locked in our lockers.

Other

Will there be volunteers working in the classroom?

Yes, there will be volunteers working in the classroom. All staff and volunteers must have completed a police record check that includes the vulnerable sector. Forms for a police record check are available at the École College Park School front office. The check is free of charge for volunteers.

Can parents volunteer to help in the classroom?

We welcome parents and family members in the classroom as guests and volunteers. As noted above, all volunteers are required to complete a police record check.