Sharon Bennet,
Junior Primary Director

I didn’t enjoy school as a child, and some days I still can’t quite believe that I teach in a school! But it’s why I believe early childhood education should feel safe, joyful, and deeply welcoming from the very beginning. 

At Sacred Heart School of Halifax, our renowned Junior Primary Program for four-year-olds is intentionally designed to help children feel seen, heard, loved, and valued the moment they walk through the door. Whether a child is new to our school community or joining us with older siblings, we focus on creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment that builds confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of learning.

We take time to get to know one another and the spaces we use. We share stories with each other, we play together, eat together, and laugh together — a lot. In doing so, we’re making connections and building bridges towards trusting relationships. We’re also watching and listening. 

Four-year-olds are curious and engaged learners, and they need to know that their teachers are just as invested in their interests as they are. We meet each child where they’re at, and we tailor their experience from there. 

But we also have expectations for behaviour from day one. We hold the bar high, but not so high that each child can’t reach theirs. As early childhood educators, we model respect and civility. We demonstrate friendship, how to say I’m sorry when mistakes are made, and how to be resilient by trying again when we don’t succeed. We talk through problems with the children, and we talk with their parents, developing strong lines of communication between school and home. 

We teach children to listen to and follow instructions by appealing to their love of knowledge. We discuss why. This helps set children up for future success in an academic, rules-based system that depends on co-operation and collaboration. 

We give children agency over their belongings, teaching independence and respect, while also explaining why their part in keeping a shared space neat and tidy matters. 

And, don’t tell anyone, but every now and then we break all the rules: sometimes we have loud days, when we shout at the top of our lungs; sometimes we explore all the parts of the school we don’t normally go to; and once a year, when all the other Elementary School teachers and students have left the building, we run with abandon through the hallways and even ride our bikes inside, just for the pure joy of it! 

Most importantly, what really defines Sacred Heart’s Junior Primary Program is that love abounds. We give hugs all the time, when there’s frustration and joy, and often, just because. We acknowledge feelings, both big and small. We learn to name empathy, which evolves through our growing respect and understanding of each other’s needs. Love is indeed part of our Mission because we know it is what makes all the difference for the growth and spiritual development of our youngest students. 

Amidst this environment of respect, love, play, and learning, we are creating an exceptional environment for our littlest learners. One that sets them up for success as they move on to more formal learning. It is an honour and privilege to be able to nurture our youngest children for the exciting journey of life and learning beginning in Junior Primary and beyond.