SkillBoosters for English Language Arts and/or Mathematics
mornings, 9:00 to 11:30
weekly, July 5 to August 27
entering grades 1 to 9
or
SkillBoosters for French Language Arts
mornings, 9:00 to 11:30
weekly, July 5 to July 30
entering grades 1 to 9

Summer is a relaxed time for students to consolidate and enhance skills needed for a smooth progression into the next school year. Summer programs at the Centre are organized to allow students the free time that is so essential during their holidays. Weeks do not have to be consecutive and our programs run during July and August, giving lots of choices.  

Students can arrive anytime between 8:00 and 9:00 for fun board games.  The academic program runs from 9:00 to 11:30. Parents have the option to pick up anytime between 11:30 and 12:30.  Students should bring a book or other activity to play quietly while they wait for their pick up.  The students really appreciate our air conditioned facility!

Registration: Please call the Centre at 613-729-9940 if you have any questions, or access the summer application form for a summary of dates, fees and programs. Registration begins in February and continues into the summer as long as space permits. In order to allow sufficient time to prepare your child's individualized program and plan our staffing requirements, registration must be received by Wednesday noon for the following week.

There are optional afternoon programs that include supervised lunch and then a choice of: 
In July
Dovercourt Recreation Camps at Turnbull
Soong Badminton Academy Camp
Above the Rim Basketball School

In August
Dovercourt Recreation Camps at Turnbull
Soong Badminton Academy Camp

In addition, there is a full day, one week, July 19 to 23, Camp Crescendo band program.

SkillBoosters enables an easier progression into the student's next grade level by improving basic skills, increasing confidence, and developing good work habits, organizational skills and proficiency in written language. Small groups of six to eight students ensure much attention and encouragement. To enhance this learning opportunity, each student's program is individualized to his/her specific needs.

What our parents and students appreciate in our SkillBoosters program:

• small classes of 8 to 10 students, with each student on an individualized program
• more work covered in a shorter time than in a more conventional classroom
• flexible timing and choices of weeks during July and August
• weeks do not have to be consecutive
• frequent communication with parents, including a call to review goals before the student begins 
• relaxed and encouraging atmosphere, yet a well structured program
• caring and warm teachers who show their enthusiasm each day; they are teaching in the summer because they really love what they are doing!
• wide range of educational resources that students find very motivating
• continual feedback to students to assist with progress
• a report card summarizing progress (for those attending 3 or more weeks)

The areas covered depend on the individual's needs and the number of weeks he/she has signed up for, but can include the following:

• oral reading/phonics
• work habits, organizational skills for task completion
• reading comprehension
• listening skills
• spelling
• note-taking skills
• vocabulary expansion
• handwriting
• organizational skills related to written expression
• visual-motor integration
• technical writing skills (e.g. sentence and paragraph structure, punctuation, grammar)
• novel study and short stories to enhance reading, comprehension and written expression
• arithmetic computations and number facts
• mathematics: word problems, reasoning skills, geometry, algebra, high school prep
• critical problem solving/reasoning skills

In addition, as the individual needs of the student merits, emphasis is placed on strategies to teach and increase attention, task completion, self-confidence, positive work habits to facilitate learning, and time management and organizational skills.

Due to the individualized nature of our programs, enrichment is also offered. Gifted students have the opportunity to expand their reasoning and problem solving skills as well as their oral and written communication skills. In addition, areas outlined above can be addressed to enhance their skills. 

Each small group may have a range in grade levels; however, due to the individual nature of each student's program this does not impact on his/her progress.

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT GAINS, AN ENROLLMENT OF 4 WEEKS IS RECOMMENDED. However, since the student's program is individualized, the weeks do not have to be consecutive.  If students attend for less than four weeks, then a few key areas will be targeted.  If a student's skills are quite weak and advancement to the next grade is questionable, a more intensive program is highly recommended. For students seeking enrichment, a two or three week program may be sufficient.

Assessments: An educational assessment is not required, but is very useful in designing the student's individualized academic program and to maximize student success.  Please see Summer Assessments on the menu at the left for details.

Feedback and Reporting: You will receive a call from the teacher or Principal on the Friday or weekend before your child's program begins to review the objectives for your child. Oral feedback is given during the program and we also welcome parents' input and questions regarding their child's progress.  All students who attend three or more weeks in the same SkillBoosters program receive a written report to summarize objectives and progress. For students attending only one or two weeks, oral feedback is given at the end of their program.