Spanish bilingual program is a go in Winnipeg School Division

While most students are counting the sleeps till the end of the school year,KathyHeppnersays her 5-year-old daughter Elena can't wait to get into the classroom.

"She is very excited and telling everyone she is going to Spanishkindergarten. I am just thrilled. I think on the first day of school, I will have tears of joy and happiness,"saidHeppner. "Elena was born in Bolivia and I am ecstatic she will be able to learn the language of her birth country."

Heppner, who is not Spanish, learned the language while workingwith an NGO in Bolivia.

Her daughter Elenawill be one of the first students in the Winnipeg School Division's new Spanish bilingual program at Earl Grey School this fall. Heppner and another parent have been working to bring the program in for the past four years.

• Spanish bilingual program registration underway in Winnipeg School Division

It was approved by the WSD a couple of months ago.Fourteen students from within the division have registered. Another 11from outside the division are signed up but haven't been given approval yet.

"Our hope is to fill the class first withstudents who live within the school division boundaries," said Gail Singer, principal of Earl Grey. Students within the division will be bused for free.

"Weare very excited to have it. It's going to bring a whole new dimension to our school that we are thrilled to have. It's a great opportunity,"said Singer.

A teacher has been hired . A consultant is helping to develop and adapt the curriculumfrom other kindergarten programs. Singer says Earl Greyhas room to expand long-term with more enrolment. The program will be offered in kindergarten this fall,kindergarten and grade one in thefall of 2017, and then expands to the other grades up to Grade 6. More students from within the division can still register. The cap on the class is 20.

A meeting will be held at Earl Grey Mondayat 6:30 p.m. to talk about how to support bilingualismat home. Presentations will be made in both Spanish and English.