Age Qualification
General provincial standards require that children being admitted to kindergarten be 5 years old on or before December 31 of the year they begin kindergarten. Children being admitted to grade one must be 6 years old on or before December 31 of the year they begin grade one.
Available spaces
Class sizes will be determined in the following manner:
1. Maximum class size for grades one to eight shall be 30 students; for kindergarten the maximum shall be 25 students. The Board retains the right to limit class size to a number below the maximum level.
2. Class size may exceed 30 (25 for K) only by the passage of a Board motion in consideration of a specific case. Parents must petition the Board in writing for consideration of a special admission request when maximum class size may be exceeded.
3. In the event that all other criteria are met and the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, the final decision for acceptance into the school shall rest with the Board.
School-Readiness Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to be considered for acceptance:
• Potty Training: Children must be fully potty trained before enrollment. This includes independently recognizing the need to use the restroom, managing clothing, and completing toileting with minimal assistance.
• Age-Appropriate Independence: Students should demonstrate a level of independence appropriate for their age group. This may include the ability to follow simple directions, transition between activities, participate in group routines, and manage basic self-care tasks.
• Developmental Readiness: Children should exhibit social, emotional, and behavioral skills that allow them to engage safely and respectfully in a classroom setting. This includes the ability to interact appropriately with peers and adults.
Acceptance Process
Applications are reviewed to determine whether the student meets these readiness standards. Admission is offered at the discretion of the school and may depend on the child's ability to adapt to the classroom environment and participate in the program safely and effectively. If a student does not yet meet the readiness criteria, families may be encouraged to reapply at a later date.
Priorities and Conditions
The St. Ignatius School Board of Directors reserves the right to accept applicants subject to the following priorities and conditions:
Parishioners of St. Ignatius Church
First priority will be given to children and siblings of parish members currently enrolled in the school, and then to the children of the parish's practicing Catholic families who are supporting the parish financially, according to their means. Priority will be assigned based on the length of time that applying families have been members of the Parish.
Catholic Students from other Parishes
Any Catholic children, not currently members of this parish, whose families wish to apply to the school, shall be considered on an individual basis. Preference will be given to children coming from other parishes that do not have schools, or where enrollment is such that space is not available in their local parish school.
Non-Catholic Students
Non-Catholic children may be admitted to St. Ignatius School after admission is completed of Catholic students. Once the deadline for application has passed, Catholic applicants will have priority over non-Catholic applicants. Children from these families will be expected to participate in the entire educational program of the school, including religious instruction.
Non-Resident Students
Families of children who hold Canadian Visitor's Visas and who are admitted to the school will be expected to financially contribute to the school the amount equal to the sum provided by the provincial grant, as well as the costs above the provincial grant. These families will be required to pay in advance or to provide post-dated cheques to the school to cover these costs.