Firstly, Hi! Welcome to Area 1 Frontier School Division (FSD).
Secondly, getting to know the division and this part of Manitoba is going to be a wonderful, winding adventure.
So, here are the things that we recommend that you look into when beginning your journey with Frontier School Division (whether you are new to teaching or just new to FSD).
First thoughts...
Look over the Questions & Checklists for New Teachers (below). These checklists were created by FSD. teachers about all of the questions they wish they had answered before they moved to their communities.
Think about how you want to set up your classroom... in terms of the actual "set-up" and in terms of the routines and expectations you will have. For this, we recommend two books: The First Days of School (Video: Here) and Spaces and Places.
Year Planning
 Now, think about your year plans. Before the end of your first month of teaching, principals will ask you to submit year plans as well as sub plans (in case of emergency). Please visit Manitoba Education for curriculum link to all subject areas for more information.
As you are completing your year plans please note the Assessments that FSD participates in: English Language Arts (October), Mathematics (May/June), and Manitoba Provincial Assessments.
Think about assessment. Have a read at Manitoba Education's document Rethinking Classroom Assessment. Have a varied approach of how you assess your students. Think about Assessment for Learning, Assessment as Learning, Assessment of Learning.
Beginning in 2013-14 Manitoba has implemented Provincial Report Cards. Please familiarize yourself with how the Report Card looks and the areas you need to report for each student. You can also find Support Documents on this website.
Visit 'Year At-A-Glance' to find a list of events for you to help keep track of events throughout the year. The list isn't complete and dates will vary from school to school.
Collective Agreement
If you haven't already done so, please make yourself aware of Manitoba Teachers' Society current Collective Agreement with Frontier School Division. Please take a moment and have a look at the Manitoba Teachers' Society page as well.
Final Thoughts...
The last piece of advice we can give you is to familiarize yourself with your students very quickly. Go through your student list when you begin at your school and talk to the resource teacher: find out if any of your students have a resource file. Chances are, you will have a student on an Individual Education Plan (or IEP). Additionally, this is important for students in High School or about to enter High School as they may be on a Modified Program. If you have any questions about any of this, talk to your Resource teacher. Or, if your school doesn't have a resource teacher, contact the Area 1 office in September and speak to our Student Services Consultant.
Both the Mathematics Instructional Coach and English Language Arts Instructional Coach put together a list of highly recommended resources that we refer to, and that the division uses for planning. Additionally, we both generated a list of things to do if you don't know what to plan for your first month. Please visit 'Favourite Resources'.