Frequently Asked Questions
How does this program work for a homeschool family?
SJCS students in the grades 1-6 attend classes every Wednesday and Friday. SJCS students in the grades 7-12 program attend classes four days per week from Tuesday to Friday. All students must register with our school authority, the St Isidore Learning Centre. This is part of the SJCS registration process.
What do the grades 3-6 students do at home on the days they're not at SJCS?
Toward the end of August, parents and students are provided access to the Family Page on the website.
This provides the family with grade-level classroom pages full of resources and instruction. Families access grade appropriate homework documents with detailed instructions so that studies may be carried on at home throughout the academic year. All the courses which the students take at the schola are managed by the SJCS tutors. As well, our certified on-site teacher-facilitators help each SJCS family stay on track and attain the goals of our program.
What is the "Thursday program"?
Some families wish to register a junior student for an extra day on Thursday. Under the supervision of a SJCS tutor and parent assistant, students in grades 1 to 6 complete the homework assigned for the day and participate in other activities: gym time, an art or science activity, as well as time outdoors - often tobogganing, skating, a walk or visit to a senior residence next door. The day is wrapped up with a Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm. There is an extra cost for this program.
Can my high school student get a certified diploma?
Our rigorous program is designed to provide an excellent education based on the classical model and students who complete the program are exceptionally well formed. Some SJCS courses are tailored to also align with Alberta Education outcomes. Student may choose to meet these specific outcomes and challenge courses to also obtain an Alberta High School Diploma if they wish. The supervising school authority is the accrediting body who evaluates the student's work for credit.
Does St Isidore help pay for program fees?
Yes, all students registered with the St Isidore Learning Centre receive some financial support. SJCS will invoice families for the remaining amount to ensure fees are paid in full.
Is an interview necessary for admittance?
All new families applying for admittance need to schedule an interview with the SJCS Admissions Co-ordinator, by phone or in person, in order to ascertain suitability for admittance. SJCS will schedule an appointment with each prospective student to assess reading and writing skills.
Are there ways SJCS can help us if program fees are beyond our means?
We recognize that fees can place a financial burden on some, especially on large single-income families. In such cases, we encourage families to reach out to us to work out a payment plan on a case by case basis. We strive to make it possible for any family with a strong desire to participate in our program to do so.
SJCS is building a Family Relief Fund for the sole purpose of assisting qualifying families who need financial help, beyond an adapted payment plan, to pay for their children's fees. These funds are generated by extra profits from events (such as our musicals and concerts) as well as from donors who wish to sponsor a student. Some organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus, and individual patrons have made generous contributions to this fund.
What is the SJCS Parent Society and what is its function?
The SJCS Parent Society is an adjunct organization run by participating SJCS parents. It was instituted in 2018 to help build community and support the schola with its time and talent.
Do I need to buy textbooks, workbooks, or other curriculum
- adding up to more costs?
Not really. We provide you with almost all the resources needed in both junior and senior programs. We've grown a large collection of textbooks and library books that are loaned out to families. We've developed our own workbooks in the junior program and have minimized the need to purchasing expensive curriculum. That's one of the great benefits of our program; we eliminate a lot of those expenses homeschool families often incur.
There are some required purchases such as literature novels. We also encourage junior parents to purchase the All About Spelling Teacher Manuals, although it is not absolutely necessary. There are copies available in the SJCS Library for reference. Families are required to provide their own math curriculum in the junior grades only (grade 1-6).
Do we need to be Catholic to enrol?
No, any and every child is warmly welcomed to attend SJCS with the understanding that ours is a Catholic formation program. Every student participates in the choir, attends the First Friday Mass, participates in religion or theology classes, and learns the required hymns and prayers.
Could my child with special-needs enrol in your program?
SJCS does not have the expertise nor resources to help students with special-needs. Some students with special-needs might benefit from our program depending on individual circumstances. This would need to be determined on a case by case basis. Our facility is wheelchair friendly.
Do we need to commit to the scheduled Sung Masses and choir performances?
Yes. All students are expected to sing and participate fully in the scheduled Masses and performances by both the junior and senior choirs. All events requiring mandatory student participation are confirmed and listed well in advance of the schola year - posted by the end of June on our Family Page.
Can my child join the program and not the choir?
No, St John Choir Schola is primarily a choir program which is an integral part of our mission. All SJCS students must participate fully in the choir.
Can my child join the choir and not the academic program?
Yes, we have a “choir only” option for students in grades 7-12. Program fees are adjusted accordingly.
What if my child can't sing?
All children benefit from singing in a choir and the ability to sing in tune is a learned skill. It is not a genetic endowment. The majority of students find their singing voices quite naturally in the St. John's environment. In rare cases a teacher will work with a student one-on-one to improve pitch accuracy. By singing in the choir students also learn aspects of sight singing and music theory appropriate to their age.
What kind of repertoire do the choirs sing?
The choice of repertoire is dependent on the age of the student. The three choirs that we have - Little Lambs, Junior Choir and Senior Choir take into account the maturity and development of each student. Certainly there is an important focus on sacred and liturgical music, and as students mature they are exposed to some of the masterpieces of the choral repertoire - both sacred and secular.
I love what you are doing! . . . Can I help?
We encourage anyone who is passionate about our mission and ministry to reach out and ask our executive director about volunteering and hiring opportunities.
Sounds like fun. Is it?
Classical doesn't mean a fossilized curriculum with no room for enjoyment. Just ask our students.
SJCS is as serious as it needs to be and no more.
How does this program work for a homeschool family?
SJCS students in the grades 1-6 attend classes every Wednesday and Friday. SJCS students in the grades 7-12 program attend classes four days per week from Tuesday to Friday. All students must register with our school authority, the St Isidore Learning Centre. This is part of the SJCS registration process.
What do the grades 3-6 students do at home on the days they're not at SJCS?
Toward the end of August, parents and students are provided access to the Family Page on the website.
This provides the family with grade-level classroom pages full of resources and instruction. Families access grade appropriate homework documents with detailed instructions so that studies may be carried on at home throughout the academic year. All the courses which the students take at the schola are managed by the SJCS tutors. As well, our certified on-site teacher-facilitators help each SJCS family stay on track and attain the goals of our program.
What is the "Thursday program"?
Some families wish to register a junior student for an extra day on Thursday. Under the supervision of a SJCS tutor and parent assistant, students in grades 1 to 6 complete the homework assigned for the day and participate in other activities: gym time, an art or science activity, as well as time outdoors - often tobogganing, skating, a walk or visit to a senior residence next door. The day is wrapped up with a Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm. There is an extra cost for this program.
Can my high school student get a certified diploma?
Our rigorous program is designed to provide an excellent education based on the classical model and students who complete the program are exceptionally well formed. Some SJCS courses are tailored to also align with Alberta Education outcomes. Student may choose to meet these specific outcomes and challenge courses to also obtain an Alberta High School Diploma if they wish. The supervising school authority is the accrediting body who evaluates the student's work for credit.
Does St Isidore help pay for program fees?
Yes, all students registered with the St Isidore Learning Centre receive some financial support. SJCS will invoice families for the remaining amount to ensure fees are paid in full.
Is an interview necessary for admittance?
All new families applying for admittance need to schedule an interview with the SJCS Admissions Co-ordinator, by phone or in person, in order to ascertain suitability for admittance. SJCS will schedule an appointment with each prospective student to assess reading and writing skills.
Are there ways SJCS can help us if program fees are beyond our means?
We recognize that fees can place a financial burden on some, especially on large single-income families. In such cases, we encourage families to reach out to us to work out a payment plan on a case by case basis. We strive to make it possible for any family with a strong desire to participate in our program to do so.
SJCS is building a Family Relief Fund for the sole purpose of assisting qualifying families who need financial help, beyond an adapted payment plan, to pay for their children's fees. These funds are generated by extra profits from events (such as our musicals and concerts) as well as from donors who wish to sponsor a student. Some organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus, and individual patrons have made generous contributions to this fund.
What is the SJCS Parent Society and what is its function?
The SJCS Parent Society is an adjunct organization run by participating SJCS parents. It was instituted in 2018 to help build community and support the schola with its time and talent.
Do I need to buy textbooks, workbooks, or other curriculum
- adding up to more costs?
Not really. We provide you with almost all the resources needed in both junior and senior programs. We've grown a large collection of textbooks and library books that are loaned out to families. We've developed our own workbooks in the junior program and have minimized the need to purchasing expensive curriculum. That's one of the great benefits of our program; we eliminate a lot of those expenses homeschool families often incur.
There are some required purchases such as literature novels. We also encourage junior parents to purchase the All About Spelling Teacher Manuals, although it is not absolutely necessary. There are copies available in the SJCS Library for reference. Families are required to provide their own math curriculum in the junior grades only (grade 1-6).
Do we need to be Catholic to enrol?
No, any and every child is warmly welcomed to attend SJCS with the understanding that ours is a Catholic formation program. Every student participates in the choir, attends the First Friday Mass, participates in religion or theology classes, and learns the required hymns and prayers.
Could my child with special-needs enrol in your program?
SJCS does not have the expertise nor resources to help students with special-needs. Some students with special-needs might benefit from our program depending on individual circumstances. This would need to be determined on a case by case basis. Our facility is wheelchair friendly.
Do we need to commit to the scheduled Sung Masses and choir performances?
Yes. All students are expected to sing and participate fully in the scheduled Masses and performances by both the junior and senior choirs. All events requiring mandatory student participation are confirmed and listed well in advance of the schola year - posted by the end of June on our Family Page.
Can my child join the program and not the choir?
No, St John Choir Schola is primarily a choir program which is an integral part of our mission. All SJCS students must participate fully in the choir.
Can my child join the choir and not the academic program?
Yes, we have a “choir only” option for students in grades 7-12. Program fees are adjusted accordingly.
What if my child can't sing?
All children benefit from singing in a choir and the ability to sing in tune is a learned skill. It is not a genetic endowment. The majority of students find their singing voices quite naturally in the St. John's environment. In rare cases a teacher will work with a student one-on-one to improve pitch accuracy. By singing in the choir students also learn aspects of sight singing and music theory appropriate to their age.
What kind of repertoire do the choirs sing?
The choice of repertoire is dependent on the age of the student. The three choirs that we have - Little Lambs, Junior Choir and Senior Choir take into account the maturity and development of each student. Certainly there is an important focus on sacred and liturgical music, and as students mature they are exposed to some of the masterpieces of the choral repertoire - both sacred and secular.
I love what you are doing! . . . Can I help?
We encourage anyone who is passionate about our mission and ministry to reach out and ask our executive director about volunteering and hiring opportunities.
Sounds like fun. Is it?
Classical doesn't mean a fossilized curriculum with no room for enjoyment. Just ask our students.
SJCS is as serious as it needs to be and no more.