Programs

From academics to athletics, to music and visual arts, at Holy Ghost School we provide a wide range of programming to facilitate opportunities for physical, intellectual and spiritual development.

Kindergarten

At Holy Ghost School, we offer a full time kindergarten program. It is a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, integrated, extended day program of learning for five-year-old children. Our kindergarten program provides a strong foundation for learning in the early years in a safe and caring play-based environment that promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children.

Physical Education/Athletics

Holy Ghost School grade 1-8 students receive physical education classes four times per six day school cycle, while the kindergarten students receive it all six school days. Physical Education classes can include daily fitness, student lead participation, low organized games, as well as differing sport instruction. The focus for the students is participation and enjoyment of physical activity.

Holy Ghost School competes in the Manitoba Catholic Schools Athletic Association [MCSAA] in volleyball, basketball, badminton and track & field. Grade 6-8 students can participate in volleyball and basketball. The badminton league is for grade 7 & 8 students. The MCSAA track and field meet has events for grade 4-8 students. HGS has enjoyed much success in volleyball and basketball over the past 15 years thanks in large part to wonderful teacher and volunteer coaches, many of which are HGS alumni.

An additional HGS Physical Education program that is unique to our school is the Learn to Skate program that started in the winter of 2021. All HGS grade 1-8 students are welcomed to join this program to either learn how to skate or to improve on their skating ability. This program will continue to run each winter.

Music

Holy Ghost School’s music program focuses on providing each student with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge that will allow them to not only play music, but to also understand the processes behind it. Each student is educated through an ensemble based approach that often employs Orff philosophy and methodology. By combining vocal, rhythmic, and instrumental practices, students are exposed to a range of musical possibilities where traditional study and creativity can mingle.

Holy Ghost offers introductory violin classes for Grade 2 & 3 students. In a combined group setting, we focus on learning basic technique, pitch, scales, and songs. Our program meets twice a week in the mornings to play through a variety of Suzuki curriculum and fiddling music. This program begins a musical journey leading to musical skills, competence as a performer, and confidence as an individual. Students learn the importance of commitment, individual responsibility, creative expression, the value of hard work, and of course, the violin!

Grade 4 & 5 students study the recorder through the direct application of music theory fundamentals while emphasizing the value of commitment and hard work. Recorders also provide a solid base for students who wish to upgrade to other instruments such as the saxophone or clarinet.

Grade 6 students have the opportunity participate in the school’s ukulele program. Our initial focus is to build confidence and skills with the instrument by studying chords. We then move into combining chords with single line melodies, scales and improvisation.

Grade 7 & 8 students can join the school’s guitar program. The main focus of this program is to build a practical knowledge of guitar playing, with the integration of reading traditional notation. The goal is to provide students with an assortment of musical “tools” that they can carry with them as they discover the benefits of this culturally fulfilling activity and transform it into a life-long habit.

Holy Ghost also hosts a variety of musical extra curricular programs that students are always encouraged to join. They include singing or playing guitar for the school’s choir, recorder/Orff ensembles, and taking part in the annual Christmas concert.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts is an introductory course designed for students to study studio skills, art history and visual literacy. Students are given the opportunity to grow and develop as an individual through a variety of Art experiences and mediums (materials). Students will explore various 2 and 3 dimensional art forms to learn about the elements and principles of design. Students develop drawing skills, perceptive abilities and solve problems of artistic expression. Most of the classes will be devoted to studio work. Design concepts, color theory, art history and aesthetics will be taught in order to gain proficiency in technique and use of tools. Related studies in art history and aesthetics will help to develop an understanding of the artistic tradition. A willingness to experiment, analyze and interpret artwork will be integral towards achievement in this course.

Faith Formation (Religious Education)

Through our dedicated educational team and the strong presence of our Holy Ghost Parish community, we are committed to providing students with a quality Catholic education at Holy Ghost School. Our goal is to shape our students into life-long learners and community builders who are rooted in Christian values and faith, particularly in charity, benevolence, social justice and social good.

Heritage Language Classes

For over 40 years, Holy Ghost School has been providing an educational opportunity for our students to study a heritage language and culture that they are connected to through family or country of origin.

Currently, we offer classes in Jezyk Polski (Polish) and Tagalog (Filipino) to all our students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Classes run during the Before School Program from 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. five days a week.

In Polish classes, students are learning to read, write and speak the language and they are learning about the geography and history of Poland. Currently, there are two groups: K to Grade 3 and Grades 4 to 8.

In Filipino classes, students are learning thematically about the culture, traditions and customs of the Philippines. Tagalog is incorporated into all of their lessons and activities. Some such activities include parol (lantern) making, learning the national anthem in Tagalog and Tinikling (cultural dance), etc. Currently, there is one group for K to Grade 8.

Heritage Language Classes – Guidelines

Religious program / Sacramental prep

Through Catholic Education, students are readied to take their place in society in view of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Prayer, sacraments, liturgy instruction and service are all ways in which Holy Ghost instills Catholic Christian values to help our students grow in their faith. Prayer, Worship, and Service remains as an integral part of the school community. Our teachers begin each class with prayer. Our students attend monthly mass to celebrate the Eucharist, receive the sacraments at our parish church, Holy Ghost, and offer service to our school and parish community.

Students at Holy Ghost receive the following sacraments:

Reconciliation
First Communion
Confirmation

Before and After School Program

The Before School Program is available from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. At 8:30 am students are released to the school playground, where adult supervision is provided until the bell rings at 8:45 am.

The After School Program begins at 3:45 pm and ends at 5:30 pm. On early dismissal days, this program begins at 2:15 pm. Students in the After School program must report directly to the program supervisor upon dismissal.

Fees per program:

Time will be billed at the nearest 15 minute interval.

1 child – $6.00 per hour

2 children – $8.00 per hour

3 or more children – $12.00 per hour

Before and After School Guidelines

Private Music Lessons offered at Holy Ghost School

The Academy of Music offers private piano, violin, guitar and ukulele lessons during and after school at Holy Ghost.

Tuition is $25 per 30-minute lesson once a week.

To register or for more information please visit the Academy of Music website www.academymusic.ca or call 204-786-1704.