What is Sunday School at Westminster?
Sponsored by Westminster’s Christian Education Committee, Westminster’s long-standing Sunday School Program offers a full Nursery, Toddler Class, JK/SK Class, Grade 1 to Grade 6 Class, a Grade 7/8 Class and a class for our High-Schoolers (Grades 9 – 12). All children registered in Westminster’s Sunday School Program are welcome to worship, learn and play with us each Sunday morning following the Children’s Story led by The Minister.

Our Grade 1-6 Class is based on the Sunday School Rotational Model. The group begins each Sunday session gathered together in Room 2 following the Children’s Sstory. Led by a unit leader, they engage in worship, listen for God’s word through the weekly bible story, collect offering and recite the Lord’s Prayer. The children are then divided into grade groups to begin a rotation of activities based on the day’s bible message (drama, crafts, kitchen, gym, computer lab, etc.) and delivered by a unit team of teachers. It is through rotation to different units each week that our children gain a deeper understanding of each of our bible stories and an opportunity to express themselves through different mediums.

The mission of Westminster’s Sunday School is to provide life and texture to our faith stories and United Church traditions and a forum for our children to learn and develop their faith through discussion, rotation through teaching centers and interaction with their peers.

The 2008/9 curriculum being used in Westminster’s Sunday School classes is Bible Quest and Seasons of the Spirit.

Where is Sunday School?
· Nursery (Infant – 2 years):
First classroom on the right-hand side of the main hallway, just past the washrooms. Nursery care is available prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. "and until 11:45 a.m". each Sunday, for the duration of worship service each Sunday)

· Toddler Class (2 years to school-age):
Classroom next to the Nursery from, accessible through the nurseryfrom the second classroom doors (first door) on the right-hand side of the main hallway)

· Children from JK – Grade 12:
Join their parents or guardians in the Sanctuary until the Children’s Story and then proceed to their respective classrooms:

JK/SK:
Second classroom, right-hand side of the main hallway
Grade 1-6:
Room 2, Gathering Room: last classroom, left-hand side of the main hallway
Grade 7/8:
Last classroom, right-hand side of the main hallway (“Youth Room”)
Grade 9-12:
Founders Room, between the Sanctuary and Kitchen (just off the Narthex)

How do I register my child(ren) for Sunday School?
In order to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our children, we ask that all parents or guardians of children attending Westminster’s Sunday School complete and return a Sunday School Registration Form at the start of the child(ren)’s first visit. Registration Forms can be found on the Sunday School Info Table just outside of Room 2. Each completed form contains confidential information about your child(ren) and assists our teaching staff when planning for classroom activities.

Will my child(ren) make friends at Sunday School?
We celebrate and encourage friendships within each of our Sunday School classes. Every child registered in Sunday School (JK/SK – Grade 12) is invited to a Friendship Party held specifically for their class. There’s food, music, fun and an opportunity to make friends. We want our children to feel they belong and are important to their class. Parties run each Sunday after service from late January to early March of each year. Watch your Sunday Bulletin and mailbox for your child(ren)’s invitation!

Can I help with Sunday School?
The success of Westminster’s Sunday School Program relies on the many volunteer teachers who support our program and Sunday School Co-ordinator by sharing their time and talents with our children.

You don’t need teaching experience or in-depth knowledge and training in religious studies. Our program is designed in monthly “units” or segments, so by offering to volunteer, you are committing to a “unit” rather than a whole year. Curriculum is provided for each unit, so all we ask is that you bring your enthusiasm and willingness to share with our children!

As you generously volunteer your time in our Sunday School, please note that in order to contribute to the continued safety of our children, all volunteers working with children at Westminster must register for and obtain a Police Reference Check prior to teaching or participating in other supervisory roles involving children. A Police Reference Check can be obtained for a nominal fee through the Durham Regional Police. For volunteers working in Toronto, the Toronto Police Service (40 College Street) also offers this service. A copy of your original form should be sent confidentially to the Westminster Church Office, “Attention: WUC Privacy Officer”. Your form will be kept on file at the Church Office and is valid for five (5) years. Kindly reference the following websites for further details: www.police.durham.on.ca or www.TorontoPolice.on.ca Questions?

Does Westminster run Vacation Bible School?
Each year, Westminster provides a 1-week, full-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) for registered children in July or August. VBS is provided through Christian Education volunteers and our Sunday School Co-ordinator.