FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 05, 2026

RCDSB Sets the Stage for September with Welcome to Kindergarten Events

PEMBROKE, ON -- Next year’s Kindergarten families across Renfrew County are encouraged to drop in, meet educators, and experience the Kindergarten program firsthand. 

The Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) is hosting a series of Welcome to Kindergarten events at schools across the region this May and June. The events serve as an orientation for families who have already registered and an open invitation for anyone still considering Kindergarten this fall. Families can meet staff, explore classrooms, and learn about the new curriculum before September.

Starting this September, every RCDSB Kindergarten classroom will follow Ontario's updated Kindergarten curriculum (2026). The new curriculum brings more direct teaching of reading, writing, math and science. Play-based learning remains a key component of every Kindergarten student’s day.

RCDSB offers the Early French Immersion pathway at designated schools and the Core French pathway at all schools. 

"We are incredibly excited to welcome our newest learners and their families into our schools this spring," says Kristen Niemi, Director of Education for the RCDSB. 

“These orientation sessions are a vital first step in building a strong partnership between home and school. With the introduction of Ontario’s updated Kindergarten curriculum this September, families can feel confident that their children will benefit from a robust foundation in literacy and numeracy, all while flourishing in the nurturing, play-based environments our educators are so passionate about creating." 

Welcome to the Kindergarten Event Schedule

• Wednesday, May 6: Eganville District Public School

• Thursday, May 7: AJ Charbonneau Public School

• Tuesday, May 12: Valour JK to 12 Public School

• Thursday, May 14: Beachburg Public School, Champlain Discovery Public School, Cobden District Public School, Highview Public School, McNab Public School, Queen Elizabeth Public School, Rockwood Public School, Madawaska Valley District School. 

• Thursday, May 21: Mackenzie Community School

• Friday, May 22: Pine View Public School

• Tuesday, May 26: Central Public School

• Tuesday, June 2: Admaston Public School

• Wednesday, June 10: Palmer Rapids Public School

• Friday, June 12: Herman Street Public School, Killaloe Public School, Walter Zadow Public School

Not registered yet? It is not too late. Contact your local school directly to get started. Times and additional details are available at rcdsb.on.ca.

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About RCDSB: The Renfrew County District School Board provides public education to approximately 9,000 students across 21 elementary and 7 secondary schools in Renfrew County, Ontario.