I have twins who are graduating from Wesbrook preschool tomorrow. I am so sad this day is finally here! Sad to leave this wonderful and special place, it's like parting with your extended family. This is the BEST preschool we could have ever hoped for our kids to have their start in life. My kids didn't just do well, they thrived here and looked forward to preschool each day. They love teacher Jasmina and teacher Elizabeth. My kids have shown tremendous growth emotionally and developmentally over the last two years thanks to Wesbrook. I loved the parent participation (now become 'parent involvement' for next year) aspect of it since it allowed me to be present in the classroom and get to learn a few parenting tips from teacher Jasmina, basically how to become a better parent, and get to know all the kids and families. I loved all the social events which enabled us to get to know other families in the preschool better, like potluck picnics, Halloween pumpkin carving, holiday party, the bi-monthly meetings, fundraiser gala, Easter eggs decorating, Mother's day and Father's day teas, Fiesta Day parade, etc. School trips this year included the planetarium, pumpkin patch and UBC farm, and differed from year to year.
Teacher Jasmina is the best preschool teacher, is wise and experienced and always on top of everything while the kids are under her care. No words can fully describe what an amazing teacher she is, loving, patient, calming, has a way with getting kids to listen, knowledgeable, inspiring, motivating, caring... everything a parent can only hope for in a preschool teacher for your child's first classroom experience.
Within the huge classroom, I loved all the different activity stations (most I've seen in any preschool) and activities they did during their day. The painting easel always had paint jars with paint anytime kids felt like painting. Their daily routine included circle time, free play, art activity of the day, tidy-up time, snack time, outdoor time, and weekly music session. There's even an indoor playground apparatus for those rainy days, and a performance stage for special occasions. They learn through play and circle time about topics on different themes throughout the year, like dinosaurs, astronomy & space, the seasons, bugs, etc. Each year there were caterpillars in a terrarium that turn into larvae and eventually butterflies that children would help release outside. This year there were also a terrarium of stick bugs where they got to see them grow.
Since I'm a bit of a clean freak myself, I loved how clean the space was kept, surfaces are wiped down after each the morning and afternoon sessions, washrooms included, and floors swept and area rugs vacuumed daily, the floors are mopped weekly. I'm sure it helped keep germs away and reduce illnesses with the kids.
I love how they go outside every day (except if it's pouring rain), to the playground across the street where teacher often bring toys out like tricycles, shovels, monster trucks, wagon, etc. Dino Dig is always a fun event for everyone, Jasmina does it so well, the 'dino' bones the kids dig up are quite impressive! Sometimes they will go on a neighbourhood nature walk and learn about the things Jasmina would point out along the way. We loved the weekly beach days once the warm weather has arrived in spring time where they may go on nature walks down at the beach and parkland, or partake in a beach clean up day.
I wish every family with a preschool age child could have a chance to experience Wesbrook, it has been the most wonderful two years for us and I really can't say enough good things about it! read more
