P.O. Box 64, Station P, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S6
Phone: 416-534-0100 • fax: 416-536-0100 • email: info@peopleforeducation.com or visit: www.peopleforeducation.com.
Starting school is an exciting time for students and their parents, but some students have first-day jitters.
The following information will help make starting school easier.
What will my child learn in Junior and Senior Kindergarten?• Kindergarten is an introduction to the more formal learning that begins in Grade 1. It might seem as if kindergarten students just spend their time playing, but they are actually leaning
about letters, numbers, reading, the arts, physical education and science through many different kinds of activities.
• Teachers set up educational toys and games in ‘activity centres’ around the classroom which children visit during the class.
• The Kindergarten program is set out by the provincial Ministry of Education and includes six main areas: Personal and Social Development,
Language, Math, Science and Technology,
Health and Physical Activity, and the Arts.
Kindergarten students do not usually get homework,
but they often bring books home to read with their parents. Reading with your child – in any language – is one of the best ways to help them succeed in school.
What’s the difference between Kindergarten and Grade 1?
• Students go to school all day every day in Grade 1, and the teaching and learning is more formal. Children still play and spend time learning social skills, but they are also taught in a more structured way about reading, writing,
math, science, social studies and the arts.
• By the end of Grade 1, children should be able to read simple words and books and understand
basic math skills like addition and subtraction
and measurement.
• For some students the transition to Grade 1 is just as big as the transition to Kindergarten. It may take them a few weeks to get used to the new structure and the new rules.
How can I help my child settle in?• Some children cry on their first day of school, but they often calm down shortly after their parents leave. The teacher will let you know if your child is having problems adjusting so that you and the teacher can work together to help your child.
• When parents show an interest in their children’s
school, students are more likely to be successful. Talk about school with enthusiasm, and ask your child specific questions about their day, like “What songs did you sing today? What book did the teacher read?” or “Did you visit the library?”
• Participate in school activities as much as you can. Attending school concerts, sports and community events will help you feel comfortable
in the school and give you a chance to get to know the other members of the school community.
Can I spend time in the classroom with my child?
• It’s important to ask the teacher about visiting the classroom. Most teachers welcome visitors, but they may ask parents to visit at specific times so that they don’t disrupt the learning activities.
How can I find out how my child is doing in school?• Teachers use different ways to report on your child’s progress. They may talk to you informally
or send a note home.
• Students receive report cards at least twice a year with information on their progress in all
the subject areas, and there are scheduled parent
teacher interviews at least once a year (you
can ask for an interpreter if you need one).
What if I want to speak to the teacher?• If you have questions or concerns, you can ask
the teacher for an appointment or phone the
school. By making an appointment, you will
ensure that the teacher can set aside enough
time to talk and prepare for the meeting. That
way, the meeting will be much more helpful
for you, your child, and the teacher.
Can I volunteer in my child’s class?• Ask the teacher about volunteer opportunities
in the classroom. Most teachers appreciate the
help, but may need to schedule volunteer visits
to coordinate them with planned classroom
activities.
• If you are not available during the day, find out
if there are things you can do from home, or
if there are evening or weekend activities that
you can help with. Many schools have events
like movie nights, fun fairs, or other community
events, and they always need volunteers.
What is Curriculum Night and why should I go?• This is an evening, usually held in September,
for parents to meet the teachers and find out
more about the programs offered at the school.
It is sometimes called an “Open House” or
“Meet the Teacher Night”.
• At Curriculum Night you will meet the teacher
and find out about the class schedule, homework
expectations, and plans for the year. You
will also have the chance to meet other parents
and staff members.
When will my child learn French?• In some school boards, students start to learn
French in grade 1, while in others, students
start in grade 4.
• French Immersion is a program where students
study in French for most of the school
day. French Immersion programs can start
either in Senior Kindergarten or in grade four.
You can ask your principal for more details.
What is a School Council?• The school council is the parent organization
at the school. Contact the school council if you
have questions about how to get involved at
the school, or if you are looking for information
from a parent perspective.
• Council meetings are open to everyone in the
community, so you do not have to be a member
to attend. It is a great way to keep up with
what is happening in the school.
Where can I go if I need help?• You should feel free to ask for help or information
whenever you need it. School secretaries
know almost everything that goes on in the
school, so the school office is a good place to
start. There you can find out about things like
interpreters, special education, daycare and
lunchroom programs, or make an appointment
to talk to the principal or your child’s teacher.
• Some schools have settlement workers to help
families new to the country, and most schools
have access to specialists who can help if your
child is having difficulty.
• Community centres, libraries and Ontario Early
Years Centres have many helpful programs
and resources for parents and children.
• The People for Education website has information
available in several languages. Visit us at www.peopleforeducation.com.Trustees are also available to help you navigate the school system.
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