River Valley School - Calgary Montessori School - Kindergarten to Grade 6 Elementary Program

CURRICULUM AND MORE

French

·	A specialist instructs students in Kindergarten - Grade 6
·	Focus is on conversational French Vocabulary
·	Writing, dialogue skits and songs are used increasingly from Kindergarten - Grade 6
·	Incorporates an annual French carnival celebrating the French culture

Music

·	A specialist instructs students in Kindergarten - Grade 6
·	Program consists of Kodaly, world music and jazz
·	At various grades, students are introduced to recorders, French spoons, xylophones, metallaphones, glockenspiels, and rhythm instruments
·	Various performances are held throughout the year

Art/Drama

·	A specialist instructs students in Grades 4 - 6
·	Art program integrated into the classroom for Kindergarten - Grade 3

Physical Education

·	A specialist instructs students in Kindergarten - Grade 6
·	Focus on promoting fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle
·	Activities support teamwork and cooperation in an inclusive environment
·	Close proximity to Shouldice Pool and Canada Olympic Park permit extra additions to our curriculum
·	Swimming, skiing and in-line skating are all part of the Physical Education curriculum for Kindergarten - Grade 6

Library

·	A specialist is available to students in Kindergarten - Grade 6
·	Books vary from pre-school level to more advance reference materials
·	A new library was purchased in 2002
·	Investment in Library materials currently exceeds $60,000
·	Materials are enhanced annually through various programs

Special Programs
RVS enhances students' growth with activities that support both their academic and social development. In a typical year, RVS may offer Grade 1 - 6 students these pursuits either during regular school time, at recess, or after school:

·	Intramurals
·	Field Trips
·	Drama
·	Choir
·	Speech Arts

Citizenship
RVS offers students many educational opportunities, reinforces our core values, and promotes Maria Montessori's philosophies of respect, responsibility, cultural awareness and peaceful practice. A significant part of this involves understanding and supporting various programs impacting those around us - our city, our country, and our world. To foster global citizenship, international understanding and leadership, RVS students are part of these initiatives:

International Project
Our international project combines the efforts of RVS with the Colin Glassco Foundation for Children to drill a clean water well for the Tonga people in the Gwembe Valley in Zambia, Africa.

National and Community Support
Local initiatives focus on our environment, and year-round support of the food bank. National themes concentrate on health and medical research support such as UNICEF, The Terry Fox Run, and Head for a Cure.

Leadership
Students learn that leadership requires teamwork, public speaking skills, the ability to communicate and cooperation. Students are increasingly engaged in leadership responsibilities throughout their education at RVS. This culminates with the grade six students, who elect The Grade Six Leadership Team. Our Grade Six Team is responsible for organizing, coordinating and delivering special activities and events such as RVS assemblies and concerts throughout the year. Grade six students also manage the school intramural program.