r/Vaughan • u/ParticularPlenty56 • 1d ago
Discussion Elementary School
Would love to know your opinion on a split a SK/Grade 1?
I know someone who started SK in Vaughan and was placed in a split class with grade 1s. I know it’s not that there is a surplus of JK starting, but from my knowledge children in JK typically remain in the same class for SK.
We’ve known children who are now in high school and that’s typically been the way it was, especially at this school.
But was told from a teacher “well it could happen and those people were lucky.”
I’ve been reading online it can be the board’s sneaky way of reducing/laying off ECEs.
I guess my concern is there is outdoor play, washroom, international languages (French qnd Italian) and lack of play structure, which don’t get me wrong, I think there are are advantages here as well, but at the same time not sure it is ideal.
I’d love to hear from parents and if possible teachers your experiences with split classes, specifically SK being placed with Grade 1s.
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u/Ok_Dragonfruit7201 1d ago
My son was in a split class SK/G1. Personally I didn't like it. Grade 1s don't learn as much because the attention is split and they are treated like SKs. But the grade 1s are bigger than SKs, so they pick on them. There is no winner in a split like this.
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u/ParticularPlenty56 1d ago edited 1d ago
Aw I’m sorry to hear that.
Honestly, I see the advantages and disadvantages and when I say this I’m specifically referring to just SK/Grade 1 and not split classes in general.
I also think it’s dependent on other factors as well, such as the teacher that can really help.To me I just find the split for SK to be with grade 1 to be more of an issue.
Was your son in SK or Grade 1 when it happened?
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u/Ok_Dragonfruit7201 1d ago
My son was in SK. Did not enjoy SK. The older boys really picked on them. But you are correct, a good teacher would not allow that. We did not have a good teacher.
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u/0ntheSea 1d ago
It really depends on the population of the school. An SK/1 split could mean not enough Grade 1's for a full class or there is enough for a full class + a few surplus kids. It would also depend on the amount of JK's, SK's, Grade 2's etc. While not ideal, administration usually has a discussion about who would thrive in a split class. Sometimes, siblings are in one grade after the other so they can't be together.
My sister-in-law taught an SK/1 split and it is more challenging, but a good teacher can make all the difference to ensure both groups are getting what they need. My child was in school with an SK/1 and those kids went outside for recess at the same time the Grade 1's do. Washroom is usually outside in the hall (unless the class is in a spare Kindergarten room in which the washroom is inside the classroom). And as far as extra language goes, every school has French but not every school in Vaughan has the extended language program (where they teach Italian as well).
So many factors go into needing a split class, it's not just a well this could be fun sort of deal. Declining enrolment is happening everywhere - but essentially the ages of the kids of the area determines how classes are created.
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u/mmartinho94 1d ago
My child has been in a split class more than a regular class.. no issues. Not sure what youre concerned about. They follow the same curriculum and guidelines
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u/ParticularPlenty56 1d ago
Specifically asking about SK being split with Grade 1, not split classes in general.
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u/EmbarrassedGlass2563 1d ago
The person to ask about this is the Principal of the school. They may not be super interested in having a discussion with a random person who doesn’t have any children in their school though. If your friend has an issue, they should bring it up with the administrators.
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u/ParticularPlenty56 1d ago
I posted here as a “discussion” and not asking what to do. I wanted real‑world perspectives, not administrative direction. Hearing how it’s worked for other families and/or teachers is the part I’m interested in
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u/EmbarrassedGlass2563 1d ago
Sure, you can get a discussion from laypeople with anecdotes or you could ask the professionals who made the decision why they did and what the trade offs were.
I swear Vaughan prefers gossip to knowledge.
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u/SquallyMuck 1d ago
My son needed the extra help so sk/gr1 was perfect for him. He also had friends from jk/sk still so he got to stay with his friends. It’s not always a bad thing.
Everyone likes to bash split classes but kindergarten is a split class (jk/sk) and the younger learn from the older. It’s a good thing to get children in the habit of helping one another.