Junior School (Kindergarten - Grade 7)

The Junior School is a vibrant place for elementary school aged children to grow, learn, and begin to explore and discover their unique abilities, talents, and interests. We strive to create a community where everyone feels safe, connected, and cared for. We embrace an educational experience that supports each student’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. We believe in nurturing strong minds and good hearts.

The Junior School proudly offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP) within our Kindergarten to Grade 7 learning continuum. Both programs provide a research-based, international philosophy and framework that engages our students in rigorous and globally significant, inquiry-based teaching and learning.

Core aspects of learning and student life in the Junior School include:

The International Baccalaureate Primary and Middle Years Programs provide the philosophy and framework for our Kindergarten - Grade 7 academic program.
A focus on building positive relationships amongst students and teachers through daily, extended homeroom time.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through the Second Step® program.
A student services department that provides learning strategies support in and out of the classroom, and counsellors who support social and emotional wellness.
Core and specialist subject teachers across all grades.
Technology enhanced learning, with access to iPads and Chromebooks in K-Grade 4 and a 1:1 school-issued laptop program that starts in Grade 5.
Opportunities for outdoor learning (e.g. school garden) and outdoor education (e.g. overnight camp experiences for students in Grade 4 and up).
An extensive co-curricular clubs and athletics program.
Opportunities to participate in representative athletic competitions (e.g. cross-country, track, and swimming) and competitive athletic teams (e.g. volleyball, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee) in Grades 5-7.
Opportunities for student-initiated action and service in the school and beyond.
Opportunities for leadership development through contribution to the school (e.g. Grade 7 Ambassador program).
Student-led assemblies that celebrate student voices and support community building.
Special events and opportunities for students across Kindergarten - Grade 12 to build community and connection (e.g. house events, full school assemblies, feasts, Gr. 6-7 musical, K-4 arts showcase, PYP Exhibition, Mandy Richmond Public Speaking Celebration).
Spacious facilities that include well-equipped classrooms, a Great Hall, library, design lab, music room, two art rooms, a science lab, large playground, and fields.
A team of caring, collaborative, and committed teachers, support staff, and school leaders.

Junior School Library

MACDOUGALL LIBRARY

The Macdougall Library is a fun and lively space that encourages our students to develop a love of reading.

Students can use a variety of areas in the library to connect and learn from beanbag chairs to collaborative table configurations. The library is a well-resourced, dynamic, and warm learning space specially designed for our Junior School students. The teacher-librarian works closely with faculty, parents, and students to provide fun and interesting learning opportunities and a great book selection.

Technology

Southridge strives to integrate technology across the curriculum in an effort to accommodate different learning styles and levels, enhance creativity, develop problem solving strategies, and improve critical thinking skills. Technology does not stand alone; it is best used when seamlessly incorporated into teacher lessons in different subjects to help students achieve desired learning outcomes.

Southridge is a leader in the implementation and use of school technology. All students from Grade 5 to graduation have laptops that they use as part of the school’s one-to-one program.

Southridge understands that through the use of technology in the classroom, the boundaries of learning are extended beyond the physical location of the classroom and the hours of the school day. Using the school’s learning platforms, students are able to check for homework, join educational discussions, review and preview lessons through uploaded teacher videos, and take ownership of their learning in a variety of other ways. Educational technology enables teachers and students to connect with others locally and globally for the purpose of collaborative learning.

Southridge teaches the skills and ethics necessary to thrive in an increasingly technology-rich world. Because technology sometimes outpaces moral and legal considerations, a solid framework for ethical use of technology is taught to our students. Students are empowered to use technology in a safe and ethical manner to enrich their understanding of themselves and their community, both locally and globally.

Southridge believes that educators need to help guide our students in the ethical and responsible use of technologies such as laptops and smart phones. The virtual world (which is more a place than a thing) that today’s teens inhabit is largely run by social rules that the teens themselves have created over the past few years. Southridge directly addresses this by openly teaching students and the school community about ethical and responsible use of social media, email, and other online activities.

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Junior School (Kindergarten - Grade 7)

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Junior School Library

MACDOUGALL LIBRARY

Technology

Explore our PYP Program

Explore our MYP Program