Program information
STEAM Program
In the spring of 2016, the Governing Board approved for Riverview to become a S.T.E.A.M school that focuses on project-based learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. We see it as preparing students for life in the 21st century while teaching them to think critically, problem solve, use creativity and asking questions. Students are given opportunities to create, research, build, tinker, work together and apply the skills they are learning in fun and practical ways. This is either done in the traditional classes or in their Art and Tech classes.
In 2017 we received a $10,000 grant from Softchoice and received 22 Lenovo chromebooks and 20 Apple iPads. We currently have 1 to 1 chromebooks for students in our cycle 2 and 3 and shared iPad use for students in Kindergarten and Cycle 1.
We are currently transforming our third floor to house a modern Art Lab and Makerspace Lab. This was made possible through the fundraising efforts of our P.P.O (Parent Participation Organization). Check back often for pictures of the renovation and our students at work!
French Immersion
Riverview is an early French Immersion School which means from Kindergarten to Grade Two, the students receive 85% of their instruction in French.
From Grade 3 to Grade 6, the students move to a bilingual program where one day they are instructed in English and the following day they are instructed in French. On Fridays half of the instruction is in English and the other half is in French.
Subjects taught in French are:
- French
- Science & Technology
- Social Studies
- Ethics and Religious Culture
Subjects taught in English are:
- English
- Math
- Phys. Ed
- Art
- Music
We try to incorporate numerous opportunities to expose our students to the French Language and French Culture. Some of these include: field trips, guest speakers, French presentations, French activities and having Francophone volunteers in to read and work with the students in French. These are all ways of preparing our students to be bilingual and bi-literate.
Music
We believe in the power of music to transform and enrich the lives of children. We are thrilled to have a part-time music program where students in grades one to six receive music ranging from thirty minutes a week to ninety minutes. Our music program teaches students to invent, interpret and appreciate musical pieces, instruments and sounds.
This is done through singing, playing instruments which include ukuleles, recorders, drums and keyboards. Students also have an opportunity to create their own musical instruments through our STEAM curriculum.
Twice a year in the winter and spring, students put on a concert to showcase their learning for family members and the student body.
In the spring of 2017, we were the recipients of a $5,000 MusiCounts grant where we were able to purchase music equipment for our music program.
For the past two years we have had free private and group music lessons offered to students after school through the School of Music Montreal. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their music skills in a fun and supporting environment. The School of Music Montreal is a non-profit organization in the making in affiliation with McGill University.
Art
Students in grades 1 through 6 receive sixty to ninety minutes of visual art each week. Visual Arts helps students acquire visual literacy and develops their creative potential. As we are focusing on a STEAM curriculum, our students have many opportunities to create, interpret and appreciate artistic productions in a variety of ways including through media, project-based group work and recyclable materials.
Students develop their abilities to express and communicate through images that they create. They also learn how to appreciate the works of classmates and other artists as well.
If you walk through the halls of our school you will be amazed at what the students are able to create. Our Art teacher brings out talents and skills from our students that they never knew they had.
Once a year we strive to have a vernissage where students are able to showcase and speak to their creations to parents and partners in the community.
In 2017 we hope to raise enough funds to modernize our Art room into a real Artist studio in order that students can fully respect and appreciate the artists within them and each other!
Physical Education
Health, fitness, sportsmanship and respect are all important components of the Physical Education Program. Our students gain a sense of self-responsibility for their health and fitness through developing a repertoire of movement skills and cognitive strategies. Also important is teaching them to manage their health wisely and displaying positive attitudes when interacting with others during physical activities.
Students in Kindergarten, Cycle 1 and 2 receive 90 minutes of physical education every week.
Students in cycle 3 receive 120 minutes of physical education every week.
If for some reason your child cannot participate, a note stating the reason is necessary. If your child must be exempt for several consecutive classes, a note from your child’s physician is required.
The Phys. Ed program expands beyond the class time gym activities by students having the option to participate in a variety of school board tournaments throughout the year such as handball, track and field, cross country running, basketball, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball. Students are required to wear shorts or jogging pants, T-shirts and running shoes for gym. It is important to wear running shoes that are reserved for indoor use as running shoes worn outside accumulate dirt, become worn and do not provide the required traction and support. Please note the gym day(s) of your child and ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn on those days.