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Summer Rays is a four-week learning and recreation program for our students who have just completed Senior Kindergarten and are going into Grade 1 or Grade 1 students going into Grade 2 in September. Our program focuses on improving students' literacy skills, while offering all the benefits of activities such as field trips, arts and games.
Students are recommended to our Summer Rays Learning program by their current classroom teacher. Enrolment is limited. All accepted candidates are notified by phone in mid to late May of each school year.
Prior to the first day of the program, students receive a Ministry of Education required STAR assessment administered by our summer school staff.
When is Summer Rays offered?
Summer Rays runs Mondays to Thursdays, for 15 days during the month of July. The hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged to commit to the entire 15 days of the program.
Sample schedule
Students participate in a wide variety of activities while in the program. Below is a sample of the week's schedule:
| Day of Week | Activity |
|---|---|
|
Monday |
Bowling |
|
Tuesday |
Public library program and book exchange |
|
Wednesday |
Drumming teacher to visit |
|
Thursday |
Water/Park Fun Day - bring a bathing suit and towel |
Where is the program offered?
We currently offer the Summer Rays Learning program at three of our Durham Catholic elementary schools: (this is subject to change)
- St. Bernadette Catholic School in Ajax;
- Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School in Oshawa; and
- St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School in Oshawa.
Frequently asked questions
| Is there a fee to participate in the Summer Rays Learning program? |
| No. The program is free to attend. The cost of all field trips and transportation to and from activities during class is also provided. |
| Is transportation to the school provided at the start and end of day? |
| No. Parents must provide transportation to and from the school for children attending the Summer Rays Learning program. |
| Can anyone register for this program? |
| No. This program is for Durham Catholic students who are in Kindergarten or Grade 1 only. Teachers will recommend students for the summer program and parents will receive a letter inviting their child to participate. |
| Do I need to send a lunch with my child? |
|
Yes. Students are required to bring a lunch every day unless noted on the event calendar. A healthy daily snack will be provided. |
| Who runs the program? |
|
The program is offered through our Board and the Ministry of Education. It is taught by our qualified teachers and Early Childhood Educators. |
| How do I register my child for the program? |
|
A student is invited to participate in the program by recommendation from his/her current Kindergarten teacher and/or Grade 1 teacher. |
Parent testimonials
- "I noticed my son improved his reading, but more importantly his attitude towards reading was more positive."
- "Every aspect is pretty amazing and I am lucky to have my child experience it."