Children learn through a wealth of cultural and language experiences at the adjacent church, hall, and in the community. Parents are encouraged to attend field trips which include a "harbooze" (pumpkin) hunt at Butterfield Acres in the fall and downhill ski lessons at Canadian Olympic Park in the winter.
Children visit St. Vladimir's Orthodox Congregation and Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Calgary Collection, to learn about religious holidays and aspects of pioneer Ukrainian Canadian life. Ukrainian songs and traditions including kolachi baking, pysanky writing (decorating Easter Eggs), and preparing Easter baskets, are an integral part of the preschool program.
Children learn through traditional and current Ukrainian songs and dance. The alphabet and phrases are taught in Ukrainian. Children showcase their language skills 3 times a year: the St. Nicholas Concert in December, family fun night in May (aka the perogy party), and at the year-end concert in June.
We have a great facility that includes: Full–sized gymnasium, classroom, kitchen preparation area for snacks/baking, outdoor private playground (in progress), cultural centre building, and a church. View our photos above.
Pani Olena has been our Sadochok Teacher for the past three years. Born in
Kharkiv, Ukraine, she graduated from the Kharkiv State Pedagogical
University and worked in Ukraine as a teacher for 18 years. After immigrating
to Canada in 2006, she became Sadochok's Teaching Assistant in 2008-9 and
began teaching at Calgary's Ukrainian Saturday School "Ridna Shkola." Her
philosophy is that each child is special and unique and has made her life
interesting and amazing. Pani Olena is truly the pillar and heart of our
special Sadochok program. Bilingual and CPR Certified
Pani Valentyna has served as Sadochok's Teacher Assistant for the past three
years. Originally from Louboutin, Ukraine, she graduated from Kharkiv State
University with a Master's Degree in Economy and worked in Ukraine as a
teacher for 24 years. She loves teaching children, talking with them, and
trying to see the world through their eyes. She is happiest around kids as
they fill her heart with joy. Sadochok is delighted to have Pani Valentyna
in our Sadochok family. Bilingual and CPR Certified
