written by Principal Dave Shinness

I hope that by now you have heard the news that Highroad Academy is going to start a pre-school program this September. We have been thinking about the possibility of starting one for a while but this appears to be best time for us to begin. You may be aware that the BC Provincial Government wants to change its position on early education and day care. If the economy had not gone through such turmoil, the government would have effected more change by now. One of the ways they wish to support early learning is by adding full time, full day Kindergarten to provincial schools. Next year 50% of Kindergarten students will be enrolled in such programs. By 2012 they hope that all Kindergarten students will be in full time programs. The feedback I have received about full time Kindergarten programs has been mixed. Some people are all in favour and others have real concerns. At this point, we need to see how the province works this initiative out. Ontario and Alberta have already or are in the process of instituting full time Kindergarten programs. In regards to Highroad, we have been informed that we will not be funded for full time Kindergarten next year.

However for pre-school, it is full steam ahead for us. We have hired an ECE certified supervisor to help us create our program. By the beginning of February, many of your questions will be answered as we confirm many details such as the application process, tuition fees, a parent handbook and other important information. Our admissions policy for the preschool will be somewhat different than our K-12 school. We will have open admissions which will be in effect on a trial basis for this upcoming school year. This means that anyone can apply for preschool enrollment. Another detail that we feel confident about is that we will have the pre-school in what is now our Kindergarten house. It should be a great place. We are very excited about the potential of pre-school and believe that it will add very much to the programs of Highroad Academy. Please pay attention for further details.

Message from Pastor Lorne Lueck, Glad Tidings Fellowship

“God has placed within our church a great desire to go above and beyond for the next generation.  To see our children succeed in knowledge, character and godliness is the dream of every Christian parent.  We invite you to partner with us as we disciple and equip this generation to influence their world!”

46641 CHILLIWACK CENTRAL RD, CHILLIWACK BC V2P 1K3 Ph: 604.792.4680 Fax: 604.792.2465 ⓒ HRA