Since 1980, Elk Island Catholic Schools has provided Ukrainian-English bilingual education from the Kindergarten level right up through junior and senior high school.
The elementary school component is taught at St. Nicholas Catholic School in Sherwood Park. In Kindergarten, emphasis is given to the development of oral language skills and children take part in a variety of classroom activities such as storytelling, games, action songs, choral work, drama and puppetry. From grades 1 to 4, students receive language arts, math and science instruction in English and Ukrainian language arts, religion, social studies, music, art, health and physical education instruction in Ukrainian.
The program continues through middle school at St. Theresa Catholic School in Sherwood Park. The bulk of instruction is received in English, with language arts and Christian ethics taught in Ukrainian. At the senior high level, the program is available at Archbishop Jordan Catholic High School in Sherwood Park, where students receive language arts instruction in Ukrainian.
The program is open to everyone: no previous Ukrainian language experience or Ukrainian background is required. Students may enter the program at Kindergarten or Grade 1 and have the option to transfer to the regular English program at any time. It is important to note that this is a bilingual program, not immersion. All core subjects, such as language arts, math and science, are taught in English, while other subjects are taught in Ukrainian to a maximum of 50 per cent of the school day.
Advantages of a Bilingual Education
- Students consistently exceed provincial averages in academic achievement.
- Improved communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
- Creative thinking is enhanced in second-language students.
- Students develop new insights into the English language and culture.
- Bilingual students have wider job and career opportunities because of their linguistic abilities.
- Bilingual students can easily learn additional languages.
- Students learn to look at the world from the point of view of two cultures.
St. Nicholas Elementary School
Programs available at school
Ukrainian Bilingual pre K – grade 6
Little Orchard Sadochok Preschool
Our contacts
Our address
109 Georgian Way, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 3K9
St. Theresa Junior High School
Programs available at school
Ukrainian Bilingual Grades 5-8
Our contacts
Our address
2021 Brentwood Blvd, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 0X2
Archbishop Jordan High School
Programs available at school
Ukrainian Bilingual Grades 9-12
Our contacts
Our address
4001 Emerald Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 0P5
Frequently Asked Questions
Do parents need to be of Ukrainian descent and/or speak Ukrainian?
No, it is not a requirement. Many families in our program do not speak Ukrainian, and some are not of Ukrainian heritage. This will not affect your child’s ability to learn.
Does the time devoted to Ukrainian take away from instruction in other subjects?
No. Students follow the same curriculum as the English Program. In addition, they are taught Ukrainian Language Arts. Grades 5–6 can take special programs (e.g., Sports for Life, Performing Arts), and Grades 7–12 can choose other complementary options.
How can I help my child with homework?
Homework assignments are designed to be understandable for all students. If your child has difficulty, teachers are always available to help you find a solution.
How much Ukrainian will my child use in the classroom?
Ukrainian is used up to 50% of the time in the Elementary Bilingual Program. Students learn to speak, read, and write in both Ukrainian and English.
Will my child be confused or overwhelmed by hearing another language?
Learning a new language can be challenging, but research shows that it actually enhances English skills. Ukrainian Bilingual students often outperform their peers in certain skills.
Can my child enter the program after Grade 1?
Most students start in Preschool or Kindergarten, but entry is also possible in Grades 1 or 2. Admission after Grade 2 requires review and approval by the teacher and administration.