There's a new kindergarten program coming to Whitmore school that will promote inclusivity, and give parents an opportunity to learn alongside their kids.
The new program runs every day, and at two o'clock, parents and younger siblings of the students will be welcomed into the school if they choose, to participate in activities like medicine picking, making ribbon skirts, and gardening. Principal Dawn Dutchak says teachers were the driving force behind the new program.
"Our teachers had looked at some of the things they had perceived as barriers within our school," said Dutchak, "They want to make sure that parents felt comfortable within our building, that they see representation."
There will also be an opportunity for language learning, for both Michif and Anishinabek if there is enough interest among parents. The new program will use resources already in the Mountain View School Division, along with a grant through the provincial government's Teachers Idea Fund.