Life at a Canadian School

How can I help my child?

Encourage your child to look and see what everyone else is doing.  If everyone is getting out a pencil and a notebook, then they can, too!  If everyone is lining up at the door, so should they.  

Let your child know that it is okay to ask for help or to tell the teacher something.  First, every child must raise their hand and wait for the teacher to call on them.  If it is something simple (like asking to go to the washroom), they will have a ring of picture cards until they can use until they know the words.  If there is a story they want to share (like what they did on the weekend), I encourage them to use pictures and gestures until they can start adding words.  If they need to say something that is difficult to explain, they can ask to use Google Translate.

Each child needs a pair of indoor shoes.  These cannot be sandals or boots as students will wear them in gym class while they are running.  Please make sure your child can put these shoes on and take them off by themselves.  At each progress report time, it is good to remember to ask your child if these shoes still fit them.

If you need to pick your child up early, please contact the office before 2:00.  When you come to the school, please go to the office.  If your child will be absent, please let the office or the teacher know.  Please keep your child at home if they are sick.

Possible Cultural Differences

What does "hands off" mean?  Your child may hear this phrase at school.  Teachers say it to remind students to keep their hands to themselves and not hit or push others.  If a child wants to hug another child, they must ask that child for permission first.  We realize that "rough play" is a part of childhood in other countries, but it is discouraged here.  Please explain this to your child if it is different from their previous school.

In Canada, children are encouraged to take an active interest in their learning, and to push themselves.  We often play games, do activities, and have discussions to help the students learn.  We do not give a lot of homework, because we value letting children have time for play.  Sometimes, this leads children to misunderstand what we expect, and they feel that school is only a place to play.  This is not true.  Students should be actively involved in thinking and talking about their lessons.  They should identify what they need help with.  They should make connections to the topics, and further their knowledge in aspects they find interesting.  When they are able to read, they should be reading every night.  A large emphasis is placed on understanding books, not just reading the words.