Welcome Families Kindergarten Parent Orientation St Elizabeth Thurs

Welcome Families Kindergarten Parent Orientation St. Elizabeth Thurs. May 24, 2018

Our Prayer Hold my child’s hand Lord, show them the way, help them be grateful every day. Show them the difference between right and wrong, keep them safe Lord, all day long. Give them direction on what to do. Lead the way, Lord, I trust you.

Agenda • Meet your Kindergarten and St. Elizabeth team Guest Speakers: Tara Patterson (Parent Council) Ashley Fisher (The Idea Exchange) Cara Cressman (SLP – WCDSB) • • • The Kindergarten Program 2016 Communication Safe Arrival and Dismissal Transportation Lunch Time / Snacks School Visits Readiness for Kindergarten School Supplies Question Period

Your Kindergarten Team • Includes a certified Kindergarten teacher and registered early childhood educator (ECE). • Collaborative and complementary partnership to support children and families

The Kindergarten Program 2016 Learning in the new Kindergarten Program 2016 is organized around 4 ‘frames’ or areas • Belonging & Contributing • Self-Regulation & Well-Being • Demonstrating Literacy & Mathematics Behaviours • Problem Solving & Innovating

The Four Frames… • Align with the Catholic Graduate Expectations

What Might This Look Like? • • • Balance of inquiry-based learning & guided instruction Blocks of time for child-initiated play Literacy & numeracy instruction Daily prayer Religion & Family Life Instruction Learning opportunities in response to student interests & needs Snack & lunch times Outdoor Play Circle time School-wide celebrations

How Will I Know What My Child Is Learning? Communication with families… • Is based on documentation from the Kindergarten team • Is ongoing throughout the year • Is provided through a variety of informal means (phone calls, newsletters, blogs, discussions, communication bags and agendas. ) • School and Board Website www. wcdsb. ca stelizabeth. wcdsb. ca • Is a two way endeavor • School Cash Online Together families & educators provide insights into the child’s learning

Formal Communication All families in the province of Ontario will receive formal written communication about their child’s learning, including next steps for learning at school and at home. Late October/November : Communication of Learning Initial Observation sent home; parents invited to an observation and/or interview session February: Communication of Learning sent home; parents may request an interview June: Communication of Learning sent home ,

Safe Arrival and Dismissal • • Safe Arrival Children enter their classrooms through the doors in the gated Kindergarten area. • • Parents or Bus Buddies must stay with your child until supervision begins at 8: 55 a. m. Children enter the classroom as they arrive in between 8: 55 a. m. and 9: 10 a. m. Extended Day students must be signed in by parent/ guardian and will be escorted to the classroom by the Early Childhood Educator Safe Dismissal Bus Students – There are staff members supervising loading and unloading of buses. Bus buddies will come to the Kindergarten classrooms and will walk the JK/SK students to their buses. Walking Students – Parents/Guardians/Siblings will wait in the gated Kindergarten area for the teacher to dismiss the walkers. Extended Day Students – ECE or teacher will escort children to the extended day classroom.

Transportation • Want to know if you live in a busing or walking zone? Visit: www. sss. stswr. ca • last week of August letter sent to families with transportation information • Take a Ride on a Bus : look for registration flyer coming to you in August for “First Rider” program Aug. 26/18 2: 00 pm • Bus name tag • Bus buddies • parent/guardian must meet bus • Bussing begins 1 st day of school See flyer for more details:

Lunch Time/Snacks • • • Morning and afternoon snacks Lunch – 30 minutes Reusable containers please (labeled) Water bottles/juice/drinks *Please note: WCDSB schools are Peanut Free Zones *Peanut Butter substitutes are also not permitted at school.

School Entry Monday 3 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 4 5 6 Labour Day Scheduled school visits for Year 1 (JK) students and their families 10 11 All students attend Year 2 (SK) students Attend 12 Friday • All Year 2 (SK) students attend • Half of Year 1 (JK) class attends school all day • All Year 2 (SK) students attend • Other half of Year 1 (JK) class attends school all day 13 14

School Visit • • • Conducted during first day of school Meet the FDK team (Teacher and ECE) To build rapport with child and parents Take a picture Exchange information and procedures Teachers will call in July/August to set up a time for Sept. 4 visit

Readiness for School • Readiness for school refers to the child’s ability to meet the demands of school: * to interact and work cooperatively with others * to be able to listen and follow directions * to be able to share * to see, hear, speak clearly (hearing and vision check ups are recommended before September) * to be independent regarding washroom routines * ELL, Special Needs, Allergies • Organizations in our Community: * Early Years Centres, Library, YMCA, Neighbourhood Associations, Region of Waterloo Public Health

School Supplies • • Big School Bag All school supplies are provided Lunch Box with snacks and lunch (reusable containers J) Reusable container for beverages Indoor Shoes (Velcro/Slip-Ons) Change of Clothes Label EVERYTHING Donations of Kleenex, baby wipes and mild liquid hand soap are always appreciated

The Extended Day Program We are pleased to announce that for the 2018 -19 school year your child’s school will offer the Extended Day program ● Registration is open to all children in JK to Grade 6 ● Programs are led by the Early Childhood Educators working in the kindergarten classrooms providing a seamless integrated school day for students ● Fees are pro-rated based on school bell times ● Schedules can be flexible to meet family's needs with a set recurring weekly schedule ● Programs are eligible for the Region of Waterloo ‘s Child Care subsidy. ● Programs are offered on PD Days, Christmas and March Break. ● Further information on the Extended Day Program and individual program fees may be found at the board website: www. wcdsb. ca

Summary • • • Transportation School Visit Phone Call (July/Aug. ) BIG School Bag / Backpack Take A Ride on the Bus Label all belongings Practice snacks/lunch scenarios at home Readiness for School Communication with Teachers Parents and Children Do Not Panic

We’re Happy to Answer Any Other Questions You May Have