Welcome to Kindergarten!Welcome to

Kindergarten!

Cashmere Avenue Public SchoolMission statement- To enable all students and staff to reach their full potential in a community of learning, and become productive, adaptive, independent and interdependent participants in a rapidly changing world, to be able to creatively apply knowledge and skills to real world problems. Population- 450 students in grades Kindergarten to Grade Six

Office Staff

Kindergarten Teachers

Studentsspeaking 36 different

languages.

My child does not speak English!

• Kindergarten program is fundamentally a language learning program using strategies designed to support Early language learners of all abilities

• Strategies include using visuals and pictures, music, movement and direct language instruction in a play based, highly social environment

• Students who are still in need of extra support when they move to Grade One will work with an English Language Learning Teacher

Full Day Kindergarten • Currently the plan is to begin full

day sessions at Cashmere in September of 2012

• Lots more info will follow

Play Based Child Centred Program

Why is play important?• Developmentally appropriate – this is

how young children learn best• Motivating – develops a love for school• Encourages problem solving, social skill

development, high level thinking skills and core brain development in a safe and emotionally nurturing manner

Kindergarten Handbook• Ontario government designed

curriculum which sets out learning expectations in 6 areas of development

• Can be accessed online at www.edu.gov.on.ca

Personal and Social Development

• Self-help skills• Social skills• Emotional

intelligence• Behaviour

management and problem solving skills

Language• Spoken language

skills ( listening and speaking)

• Reading• Writing

Mathematics• Numeracy• Patterning and

Algebra• Measurement• Geometry and

Spatial Sense• Data

Management and Probability

Science• Exploration and

Experimentation• Use of Technology

Health and Physical Development

• Healthy living• Body awareness• Gross motor

development• Fine motor

development

The Arts• Music and

Movement• Drama• Visual Arts

How will I know how my child is doing?

• January Parent –Teacher- Student conferences where teachers will share the Summary of Progress

• May – Parent Observation of child at school• June – Summary of Progress updated and sent

home• Ongoing communication with teacher by notes

and phone calls• Parents may request an interview with the

teacher at any time throughout the school year

When does school begin?

• We bring the Junior Kindergarten students into the school after September gradually, a few at a time. You will receive information from the school identifying your child’s start day and teacher in the mail in June.

Mail Envelopes• Each student will

receive a plastic envelope to transport work and notes to and from school. Please help your child look after this envelope and return to the teacher regularly.

Library Bags• Each student will

receive a library bag with their library number on it. The library books must be returned in this bag.

Backpack• Students will need a

backpack to carry materials to and from school. It should be the biggest one your child can comfortably manage. Please help your child learn to open and close the backpack by themselves.

Snack• There will be an open

snack time provided during free choice time each day. Please send a healthy, nut-free snack which your child can manage independently and eat in about 5 minutes.

Indoor Shoes• Each student is

required to bring a pair of running shoes to leave at school for use inside the school and in the gymnasium. Slip on shoes or shoes with Velcro fasteners work best.

Change of clothes• Students may

bring a change of clothes to school to wear in case of accidents. Please have all items of clothing labeled with your child’s name.

What else does my child need to bring to

school?• Nothing!• No toys, stickers, make-up or nail

polish or school supplies.

Washroom Use• There are

washrooms in the Kindergarten classes. The students are expected to be able to take care of their toileting needs without teacher assistance.

Outdoor play• Outdoor play is a

vital part of the Kindergarten program. Students should be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions every day.

Birthday Parties• The teachers and students develop a

way to celebrate each students birthday in the classroom together. This way all students receive the same recognition on their special day.

• Please do not send any special items to distribute such as birthday cakes, loot bags, candy or invitations. Save your celebrations for the enjoyment of your family.

Bussing• If your child will be riding the

bus to and from school you can find bussing routes and times posted in front foyer of school prior to the first week of school.

• Students will be given bus tags on their first day of school which must be displayed on their backpacks.

• Parents and caregivers must be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pick-up and drop off times.

• Students are required to observe bus safety rules.

Volunteers in the School

• Parents who would like to assist in the Kindergarten program or elsewhere in the school must have a criminal record check.

• Parents are encouraged to join the Parent Council and support ongoing fund-raising activities.

What does a day in Kindergarten look like?• Independent Reading Time• Group learning time• Must-do activity• Free choice activity time• Library, Music or Gym• Outdoor Play

How can I help my child get ready for Kindergarten?

• Prepare them to stay without you.• Ensure that they are independent in their dressing and toileting skills.• Discuss any developmental concerns you may have regarding your

child’s progress with you pediatrician or family doctor.• Read to your child daily and discuss the ideas and events in the

stories.• Explore the community programs and opportunities for learning with

your child. (libraries, parks, drop-in and Early Learning Centres, Recreational Facilities)

• Accept and praise your child’s attempts at learning and creativity.• Develop mathematical language and understandings through

counting, sorting, matching and talking about numbers, numerals, shapes, sizes and physical properties.

• Help your child learn to identify their names.

Attendance• Regular attendance is key to each

students success at school.• Extended vacations during the school

year should be avoided• Ill children need to be kept at home to

prevent the spread of infections.• If your child will be missing school for

any reason please call the school before the start of the first day’s absence.

Thank-you for coming!• We look forward

to working with you as partners in education. Have a fun summer. See you in September!