One night only: Celebrities live the kindergarten experience in Peel

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - What kindergarten class boasts Canada's most famous gym teacher, a pre-school rock star, two pro-football players, a police officer and corporate executives? It's the all-adult celebrity kindergarten class at the Peel District School Board's Kindergarten Live! event.

On Dec. 3, more than 20 celebrities, community leaders, athletes, corporate leaders and media will be part of a "one night only" adult kindergarten classroom. Held at Queen Street Public School, the "class" arrives at 6:30 p.m. for the "before-school" program, hosted by child care partners, and waits for the bell to ring at 7 p.m.

Kindergarten Live! Celebrity Edition is part of a series of activities to help parents understand the advantages of the Peel board full-day kindergarten program. That night, a special Kindergarten Carousel of staff booths will allow parents to ask all their questions about the start of kindergarten—from what is in the curriculum, to what to pack for lunch. Parents can also sign up for daytime classroom visits with explore guides.

Notes Brian Woodland, director of communications and community relations, "When we surveyed kindergarten parents, we found they wanted much more than the information we usually provide at registration time in February. They have lots of questions about the entire kindergarten experience and what it means for their child. Kindergarten Live!—the evening, carousel and daytime visits—is our response. We think it will be fun and provide important learning—just like kindergarten itself."

Queen Street Public School is located at 20 Academic Drive in Brampton. To learn more or to register for Kindergarten Live! parents can visit www.peelschools.org/parents/kindergarten/kindergartenlive. All registered participants will be entered into a draw for one of five backpacks filled with school supplies to get their children ready for school.

Every year, more than 10,000 students enter kindergarten at the Peel board. Children born in 2010 can start kindergarten in September 2014. Parents can register their child at the school he or she will attend on Feb. 4, 5, 6 & 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Feb. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Parents can call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212 to find out which school their child will attend.

The Peel board is Canada's largest school board outside of Toronto with 153,000 students in 242 schools. All 205 Peel elementary schools will feature full-day kindergarten, starting September 2014.

SOURCE: Peel District School Board

Media contact: Brian Woodland, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Peel District School Board, 905-890-1010 ext. 2812, [email protected] 

Note to media: View the "class list" for Kindergarten Live. Media are welcome to cover the celebrity classroom experience, and spokespeople will be available for the Kindergarten Carousel. Staff will be available in multiple languages.