Our School
The North Grenville Co-operative Pre-School and Learning Centre is a non-profit, fully co-operative organization run by parents and community members whose vision is to provide a first academic experience and enhanced learning opportunities to pre-school and school age children respectively.
Through the co-operation and participation of our diverse community we are dedicated to guiding our children towards excellence in learning and community involvement.
The North Grenville Co-operative Pre-School and Learning Centre is a pre-school and more. In offering an exceptional first learning experience we are preparing our children for a smooth transition into the mainstream academic world of kindergarten. The North Grenville Co-operative Pre-School and Learning Centre also offers enhanced learning opportunities that will develop our school-age children's imaginations, talents, and skills through special interest programs developed by professionals for our children; from learning through music, children's arts programs, to global awareness and environment programs and others. The North Grenville Co-operative Pre-School and Learning Centre is committed to tailoring the curriculum to meet the needs of the community and our children.
Our Mission
Our mission and values:
- To provide a fun, positive and safe learning environment.
- To help children develop and share ideas.
- To develop positive attitudes towards civic participation and respect in our children.
- To recognize the value that each child possesses and celebrate each child's uniqueness.
- To celebrate the cultural diversity and richness of our community.
- To allow children to explore their imagination.
- To ensure parents the opportunity to participate in all aspects of their children's learning experience.
- To allow all children of our community an equal opportunity for enrichment.
Leahurst House
The oldest building on the Kemptville College of Agricultural Technology campus and the only one designated as a heritage property, Leahurst began as a farmhouse belonging to the McCargar's, a Wesleyan Methodist family with roots in both the United States and Ireland. According to the records, Thomas McCargar bought the 100 acres in 1825 after it had passed through several hands. The land had been given first to Captain Peter Drummond of Jessup's Rangers as a grant.
Possibly the oldest stone house in the area, Leahurst is believed to have been built in 1840. The assessment rolls describe it as a "stone or brick house" with three fireplaces and a value of 155 pounds.
Since then, it has undergone a metamorphosis. In 1918, two years after the College was started, it was renovated for the first principal, William J. Bell and his family. Work crews constructed a cellar under the entire house and added a second story. The following year, a veranda was added to the front of the house and a bedroom and balcony to the back. In 1949, the back veranda was replaced by a smaller stone veranda. Architecturally, Leahurst is distinguished by three half round dormers and a two tier tin roof.
A one-time women's residence, Leahurst was made into a Home Management Centre for the second time in the late 60's. Scores of Food Management students remember Leahurst as an army recruit remembers basic training. They remember the traumas of formal meals, the dropped forks and the fauxpas, the pressures of carrying on bright table conversation with teachers present. Some remember the windy nights when the doors and windows creaked. They swear Leahurst has a set of ghosts. Most recently, Leahurst had been used for faculty functions and training students in Food Management.
The name Leahurst is derived from "Lea" meaning a grassy meadow, and "hurst" meaning a grove or thicket.
In March 2004, Leahurst house became home to the North Grenville Co-operative Preschool and Learning Centre, a non-profit, fully co-operative organization run by parents and community members whose vision is to provide a first academic experience and enhanced learning opportunities to pre-school and school age children respectively.
Big Dreams, Little Women
The North Grenville Co-operative Pre-School & Learning Centre was a dream made reality. Read the story of our humble beginnings as written by one of our dedicated founders, Malou LeBlanc. Her words embody our commitment to the school's mission and inspire us continue providing high-quality child care and learning opportunities to our community's children.
It started with a simple statement, "We are thinking of starting a nursery school." A group of 6 women, meeting in one living room strewn with toys, made a decision that will consume much of their "free time." All but one had at least two young children. All but one had something else in common, that their children had once (or twice) been taught by this one beloved nursery school teacher who is now looking to strike out on her own. So popular is this teacher, that 3 more women jumped at the opportunity to be part of this dream. And so it was, that the North Grenville Co-operative Preschool was born. But wait, it will not be just another preschool, it will also have a French program, and a Learning Centre, to cater to children aged 3-12 years old who are seeking to learn more about music, science and the arts, or to be part of a club: reading, drama or science.
As this school is to be non-profit and fully co-operative, with no capital to start with, the 9 women embarked on fund-raising and solicitation campaigns. Response came in the forms of monetary and service donations, donation of used and new furniture and appliances and materials at cost. Applications for grants are also in progress.
What started as an idea is now becoming a reality. After tons of brainstorming, paperwork and negotiations, the group has acquired use of the perfect place to realize that dream - a charming heritage home located at the University of Guelph, Kemptville College Campus which is the LeaHurst House. With no money to pay for labor, the women, with the help of some very supportive husbands and friends, are currently renovating the building's interior to meet ministry approval, as well as to create a nurturing environment where preschool aged children can have their first academic experience.
The English preschool program will start in March, and the rest of the programs are slated to start in September. There is still a lot of work to be done, but these women are determined and inspired to make this dream come true, for the sake of one truly amazing teacher, and this community's children.
The North Grenville Co-operative Preschool and Learning Centre founding members (2004) are: Stephanie Meakin, Donna Scott, Tina LaRochelle, Denise Connick, Peggy Nishizeki, Malou LeBlanc, Silvie Courtemanche, Lorraine Farrell and Mary Jane Kohler, who simply loves to teach. They can be reached at 258-9661.