Transition to School - Kindergarten
Introduction
Your child has registered for kindergarten! It is a time of excitement, wonder and of course a little fear. Is my child ready? Will they make friends? Will they like their teachers? This is a big step for parents and children. Just remember that you are your child's first and most important teacher. Children begin learning at birth and the first six years of a child’s life are the most influential time in brain development, learning, behaviour and health.
In my position as Transition to School Coordinator I am here to answer the two most frequently asked questions from parents: "How can I get my child ready for school?" and "Is my child ready for school?". To assist with a smooth transition for students (and parents) to kindergarten, District 2 has a series of transition to school events throughout the year. These events will allow you to find the answers to your questions above, and a whole lot more. Information about these programs and kindergarten registration can be found below.
Learning is in everything we do. School is the next step along the learning path. We are excited to welcome you to School District 2. We look forward to partnering with you in the education of your child.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Kennedy, Transition to School Coordinator
School District 2
(506) 856-3802
Newsletters
Transition to Kindergarten Events Schedule
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Ongoing | Kindergarten Registration for children who will be starting school in September 2012 begins Oct 11, 2011 |
| Oct/Nov 2011 | Kindergarten Kick-Off Meeting. Your invitation which includes a summary of what this meeting is about is included in your Kindergarten registration package. |
| November 2011 | Welcome to Kindergarten Event - children and parents/guardians or caregivers attend a fun activity-based session and receive a bag full of materials to assist in getting ready for school. Your invitation is included in your Kindergarten registration package. |
| January 2012 | Pre School Screening held in schools - child and parents/guardians or caregivers come into the school for an opportunity to work with the kindergarten teachers and complete the Early Years Assessment. More Info | Schedule |
| Jan - May 2012 | Mini Parent Child Mother Goose Program (Media Release and Schedule) |
| March 2012 | Parents will receive feedback on the Early Years Assessment |
| April/May 2012 | Pre-School Programming - to enhance school readiness skills. |
| June 2012 | Kindergarten Orientation - children and parents/guardians go to school for a portion of the day to experience a day in kindergarten. |
Registration
School Entry Age
Policy 301 6.1
In most cases, a child will begin school in the year he/she turns five years old. Section 15 of the Education Act states that a child must begin kindergarten at the beginning of the school year in the calendar in which he/she turns five years old unless:
a) The child is exempted from school attendance under section 15 of the Education Act; or,
b) The child is still four years of age on September 1 of that calendar year. In such a case, the child may, at his/her parents’ discretion, enter school either that year or the following year.
Please visit your neighborhood school between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to register your child. It is not necessary to make an appointment.
Children must be five before the end of December 2012, to be eligible to start school in September 2012.
It is important that all children, who will be starting kindergarten in September 2012, are registered for school. Parents and children will be invited to participate in special events throughout the school year to help with the transition to kindergarten.
The following forms can be printed and completed prior to going to the school:
The following information is required for registration:
- Birth Certificate
- Medicare Card
- Immunization Records
- Proof of Residence (copy of phone/electric bill, etc.)
For additional information, please contact your neighborhood school or Lorraine Kennedy, Transition to School Co-ordinator for School District 2, at 856-3802
Kindergarten Kick-Off
Parents, Guardians and Caregivers are invited to attend the Kindergarten Kick-Off at their community schools. This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the Transition to School program and the planned activities and events throughout the pre-school year. There will be suggestions of activities that could be done at home and other information to encourage your child’s learning as he/she gets ready to go to school in September 2012.
We look forward to working with you to support your child’s transition into kindergarten.
If you are not able to attend the date assigned for your school meeting, please drop into a Kindergarten Kick Off at another school.
Kindergarten Kick-Off Schedule
Welcome to Kindergarten Program
Families with pre-school children are invited to attend the Welcome to Kindergarten event at their school.
Children registered to attend Kindergarten in September 2012 receive a Welcome to Kindergarten bag filled with magnetic letters and numbers, books, crayons, paper, glue, scissors, and Play-Doh. Teachers lead hands on activities that will help children get ready for school and guide families through fun educational activities using the materials found in the Welcome to Kindergarten bags.
Please check the schedule to see when the Welcome to Kindergarten session will be offered at your school.
Welcome to Kindergarten Schedule | Media Release
Early Years Evaluation
School District 2 will be conducting Early Years Evaluations for children entering Kindergarten in September 2012. The dates for this year’s assessments are January 30th to February 3rd. If your child missed the early years assessment please ensure that your contact information (address and phone numbers) is updated with your child’s school. We will be in contact with you shortly to schedule/reschedule an appointment.