Academic Program

Students at École Margaret Underhill are provided with excellent programming in all academic subjects, including French and English Language Arts, Mathématiques, Social Studies (Sciences Humaines), Science (Sciences de la Nature), and Health (Hygiène). A section of the Health program (Safety, Personal & Social Management, Healthy Lifestyle Practices) is taught in English. In addition to these, we include computer lessons in the classroom and in our computer lab. In the French Immersion program, Kindergarten children begin to understand vocabulary and can follow short instructions in the French language. Gr. 1 students continue to understand more complex sentences and begin to use short familiar French phrases. Reading, writing and speaking in French become more comprehensive as students progress through Gr. 2 to 4.

Physical Education Program

É.M.U. also provides a very active Physical Education Program incorporating Leadership and Intramural Programs. In addition to a top quality program (4 half-hour instructional periods per 6-day cycle), students requiring additional practice in the basic movement skills are offered a Perceptual Motor Program of one half-hour per cycle. Every year, our grade 4 students have the opportunity to develop strong leadership skills through a leadership program delivered by our Physical Education Teacher. The grade 4 students officiate activities for other grade levels. The noon-hour Intramural Program features a variety of activities throughout the year which can include Indoor Soccer, Cross-Country Running and Skiing, Handball, Track & Field, Gr. 1 & 2 Activity Centers, French Canadian Folk Dancing, Skating and Swimming. Our Leadership Motto: LEADERS ARE MADE!

Music Programs

É.M.U. offers excellent Music Programs delivered by a specialist. Classes participate in a Music Program (2 periods/per cycle) and a Choir Program (one period/per cycle). Children are provided with the opportunity to develop skills in performing, reading, creating, listening to and describing music. As well, students are given the opportunity to experience playing percussion (Orff) instruments. Formal Grade 4 recorder lessons are given. Appreciation of music is viewed as the universal language of childhood. Students perform at Assemblies and Concerts with great emphasis on public speaking and the performing arts. Yearly outings to the Winnipeg Symphony and the Art Gallery are offered to Gr. 4 students.

Patrol and Monitor Program

As part of the Leadership Program, École Margaret Underhill has an active Patrol and Monitor Program. Being the school’s seniors, all grade 4 students take responsibility for certain tasks for the school year. At the end of year 3, students ‘apply’ for their choice of next year’s job openings. They choose from working as: patrols, grade 1 or 2 lunch monitors, milk monitors, kindergarten monitors, plant & aquarium monitors, brush monitors or mini-custodians. Students take pride in becoming responsible and doing their jobs well!

Resource Program

É.M.U.’s Resource Teacher who works closely with the school administrator and classroom teachers in developing programs and materials for students with challenging needs. Meetings with parents of students as well as consultation with and/or referral to outside agencies are part of the services offered at É.M.U. The Resource Teacher and classroom teachers work collaboratively to write and implement Early Intervention Education Plans, Individualized Education Plans or Adapted Education Plans for individuals or groups of students with challenging needs who are at risk, or for enrichment. Direct service is given on a one-on-one or a small group setting. A yearly Vision and Hearing Screening Program at the Kindergarten, Gr.1 and Gr. 3 levels is also a part of Resource Services.

Reading Recovery Program

Our Reading Recovery Program Teacher is a specialist trained to work with grade 1 and grade 2 students. The Reading Recovery Program is a short-term intervention for at risk learners who need to develop their reading and writing skills. This is done during 30 minutes daily with 1:1 instructional sessions. The goal is to increase the child’s skills to a level that will allow the child to work independently in the classroom.

Hot Lunch Program

Through the É.M.U. Advisory Council Volunteer Program, the school offers Grades 1 – 4 students a hot meal alternative on Fridays. Foods offered are pizza, hotdogs, burgers, chicken strips and cookies. A schedule and order form is sent home every two months.

Volunteer Program

Over 100 parents, grandparents and community members participate yearly in our program (at school or at home). Their contribution helps the school to function at its optimal level by: reading to or with children, sharing special talents, supervising outings, baking, and making kits and games at home. All volunteers are required to complete a Child Abuse Registry Form. In addition, volunteers are asked to sign the Volunteer Registry Book at the office and are asked to wear a volunteer identification badge around their neck to assist all staff and students in identifying visitors to the school.