February 16, 2021
By Kristena Schutt-Moore
The days leading up to the first day of school can be a hectic and scary time for both children and parents. Now with COVID-19, that only increases the concerns and worry for many parents. North Hastings Children’s Services has come up with a way to help area families prepare for their first days of kindergarten.
Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. the NHCS hosts the Virtual Preschool Readiness Program over the ZOOM online meeting format. The goal of the program is to support families through the transition into school. The families will be able to participate in new activities, investigate learning techniques, and prepare for the first important steps towards school. The school readiness program works to prepare students for all aspects of school including helping to develop emotional and social skills.
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
North Hastings Children’s Services put on a guided family drumming meditation on Zoom on Jan. 11. The event was hosted by NHCS’s Indigenous cultural coordinator Trevor Pearce and Kyla Kraft-Romain, a meditation expert with over 15 years experience who currently works at the Petawawa Family Resource Centre through their employment service. Pearce does the drumming and sings songs, while Kraft-Romain guides attendees through a unique meditation experience. There will be another class by Zoom on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who is interested. To register for the second class, you can email NHCS at register@nhcs.ca.