Miss Ripley’s “very capable” kindergarten class

By: Krista Ellingson

There is something wonderful about a kindergarten room, and Miss Jill Ripley's classroom at Colonel Walker School is no exception. Perhaps it's the faint smell of white glue and tempera paint from the kids' art projects, as well as pea gravel dust that floats in from the playground. It could also be the children's bold and colourful artwork which Jill, a young, enthusiastic teacher with six years experience, exhibits throughout her classroom.

At the close of the 2008-09 school year, Jill Ripley, who is originally from Amherst, Nova Scotia, celebrated her first teaching year in Calgary. This fall, she returns to Colonel Walker for an exciting second year teaching in Inglewood.

"I really liked joining this small community school. I enjoyed getting to know all the students in the school and the staff is close. Parents were very welcoming and generously chipped in to help throughout the year," notes Miss Ripley, who had 11 students in her half-day kindergarten program during 2008-09 school year. "With the small class I had more opportunities to work one-on-one with each child, assess their needs and strengths, and address them individually. But whether it's a large or small class, the key is to set expectations, and be clear when we work and when we play."

Jill says the highlights during the past year were the fields trips, including the high level of parent volunteerism, and the school's Open House hosted in April.

"It was nice to see how many people attended the event. It feels like there is lots of support and that the community is very interested in our program," notes Jill. "I like that a lot."

When describing her teaching style, Miss Ripley says she has high expectations of her students, especially since, as she says, "children are very capable," but that she is very warm and approachable and she keeps the learning environment fun.

"Our daughter, Avery, LOVES Miss Ripley. She's wonderful," says Brenda Fougere, whose son, Neven, also attends Colonel Walker School. "Jill knows that the little kids are sponges and take everything in. She does a great job in helping them learn. She celebrates their accomplishments and provides lots of encouragement."

Jill reveals she is very proud of the phonics program she introduced to her kindergarten students this past year - a program that provides a good start towards learning how to read.

"Colonel Walker is a great school," concludes Miss Ripley. "I'm excited about the fall. I'll get to know a new group of students and parents, as well as more people in the Inglewood community." Jill is also excited to be working with all her colleagues for another year since the entire faculty is expected to return this fall.

It's not too late to register for Colonel Walker School! The school office will be open for new student registrations on Monday, August 24. If you're interesting in joining the Colonel Walker School community, please contact 403-777-6780. Colonel Walker School also accepts Out-of-Attendance children and families, which simply means registration is open to students outside of Inglewood. Please remember: School starts Thursday, August 27 at 8:30 a.m.