South Windsor Elementary Welcomes

YOU!!!

As the newest members of our budding family, we here at South Windsor Elementary are honoured to welcome you to our multicultural, learning community. With a rich cultural heritage, South Windsor Elementary prides itself on the diversity of our growing student body, the holistic nature of our educational approach, and the positive contributions of our students and staff into making both this community and the world a better place. With the knowledge that we can each learn a lot from each other, we hope to share in the experience as your child embarks on his or her educational journey! Within this newsletter you will find information pertaining to the education system in Ontario, the registration process, school procedures and policies, ESL programs, adjusting to school-life in Canada, community resources, and how you as parents can get involved in your childs education. If you have additional questions, require clarification, or need further information at any point after reading this letter, please contact us at the following number: South Windsor Elementary: (519) 123-4567

The School System in Ontario:

Education in Ontario falls under provincial jurisdiction and is principally governed by the regulations set out in the Education Act, a legal document that outlines the responsibilities and duties of the Minister of Education, school boards, principals, teachers, and all other parties responsible for administering your childs education. The following chart describes the primary roles of these parties as below:

The Minister of Education assists in the development of educational policy and also administers provincial statues and regulations concerning issues such as school funding. The minister also helps to develop curriculum, set guidelines for school board officials, and prepares lists of approved textbooks and other learning materials. School boards are the administrations that operate the province's publicly funded schools. They are responsible for determining the number, size and location of schools, developing education programs that meet the needs of the school community, developing school policies, and managing the funds allocated to the school community by the province. Trustees are members of the school board that serve as a link between the local community and the school district. These elected officals are responsible for working with school councils to make decisions regarding policies and other educational matters based on the concerns of their constituents. Principals are responsible for the management of individual schools. They determine the organization of the school, ensure student supervision and discipline, maintain student records, ensure the quality of instruction from the school's teachers, and select appropriate textbooks and other learning materials from approved Ministry lists. Teachers help to educate your child by preparing lesson plans and delivering instruction, evaluating student progress, promoting student learning, modeling appropriate values, citizenship, and respect.

The Minister of Education

School Boards

Trustees

Principals

Teachers

Other info you should know:

- There are currently four public funded school systems in Ontario: the English Public Board, the English Catholic Board, the French Language Public Board and the French Language Catholic Board. Students report cards, educational documents, and teacher comments are stored in their Ontario Student Record (OSR), an individualized collection of document for each student that allows teachers to learn about student needs and plan learning activities appropriately. Your childs OSR is confidential, but you may request to see it.

The Registration Process:

In order to register your child for school at South Windsor Elementary, you will need to provide the following information: 1. Proof of your childs age- a birth certificate or passport 2. Proof of your address or residency- a copy of a blank statement, telephone or electrical bill, or apartment lease with your name and address. 3. Proof of guardianship (Note: This is required if the child is under 18 years of age and is not living with the parent.) 4. Proof of students immigration status- this requires one of the following: Canadian passport, Record of Landing form (IMM1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292), or a Permanent Resident Card. ( Note: As outlined in the Education Act, all children of ages 6-18 can attend school, regardless of their immigration status, or the immigration status of their parents.) 5. Immunization Record: Proof that your child has received the necessary immunizations according to the immunization schedule in Ontario.

Assessment:
At our first scheduled interview, the principal and ESL teacher will meet with you and your child in order to assess both his/hers math and English literacy skills. At this time, it would be extremely helpful if you could bring any of your childs past report cards, textbooks, assignments, or relevant school information. This material will be used by the schools teachers in order to determine what he or she has previously learned.

Learning English:

As much in that we are all equal, the fascinating reality of the human condition is that we are all different. We each come from different backgrounds, possess different abilities, and are all individually unique. Accordingly, every child will learn to process the English language at different rates, even two children from the same family. However, within approximately two years of arrival, most newcomer students develop sufficient proficiency in English to communicate in day-to-day situations. Furthermore, in order to perform at the same level as their English speaking peers with respect to the areas of reading, writing, and comprehending complex ideas or problems, it is estimated that students may require five to seven years of second language development.

ESL/ ELD Programs:

Whereas many newcomer students are often proficient in their first language upon arriving into Canada, they often possess limited English skills. More over, some students may have been born in Canada but only started to learn English when they first attended school. In many cases, students writing skills will not be at the expectations of their grade level due to prolonged absence from school, or from not learning to read or write in their first language. Thus, in order to attain the necessary reading and writing skills, and catch up to their English-speaking peers, these students are enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) programs. These programs assist children by: - Providing students with extra assistance from their classroom teacher. - Allowing students to work with an ESL/ELD teacher in the regular classroom. - Permitting students to leave the classroom to work with the ESL/ELD teacher.

What can you do to help?

- Provide opportunities for your children to further develop their first language while learning English. This includes both reading and writing in their first language as well. Studies have shown that children who are able to proficiently speak, read and write in their first language are more adept at learning English quickly. Promote language development by allowing your child to participate in extracurricular activities with peers after school that requires he or she to speak in English.

The Three Ps: Policies, Procedures, and Principles

Lunch: You are welcome to pick up your child to eat lunch at home, however he or she is just as welcome to eat lunch at school. When packing your childs lunch, please try to avoid packing sugary foods such as candy or pop in favour of more healthy options. Also, as some students at South Windsor Elementary possess severe allergies to nuts, the school has adopted a nut-free policy. Other than that, please feel free to send the kind of food your child is accustomed to eating at home. *Note: It may not be always possible to heat your childs lunch. Absence and Sickness: To ensure the safety of our students, please contact the school if your child will be absent for the day. You will be contacted in the case that your child has not arrived after the morning bell and you have not yet phoned the school. In the incident that your child becomes sick while at school, the school secretary will call you, or in the event that you cannot be reached, your childs emergency contact person. For any serious illnesses or accidents, an ambulance will be called and your child will be transported to the hospital with a staff member. Weather: Occasionally in the wintertime, a heavy snowstorm may result in school closure and the cancellation of bus transportation. Be sure to listen to reports of these announcements on the radio or local TV station during cases of severe weather. Dressing for School: Students should arrive at school dressed appropriately. Make sure that your childs clothes are equipped to handle the weather conditions. In the wintertime, it is suggested that students bring a winter coat, boots, sweater, hat, gloves, or scarf. You may also wish to bring a pair of boots for rainy days as well. Additionally, we ask that you please bring an extra pair of indoor shoes for your child to use during class time and the gym period. *Note: No profane language or graphics will be permitted on clothing in the school. If this case should arise, the student will be asked to phone home in order to obtain different attire. Recess, Supervision, and Bullying: Several teachers will supervise students playing in the schoolyard area 15 minutes prior to school starting, and 15 minutes after school ends. During recess and the lunch period your child will be supervised on school grounds as well. At South Windsor Elementary, we strive to make the classroom and the playground an environment that is free of violence, abuse (both physical and verbal), hate, and negativity. Students are expected to abide by the schools code of conduct and behave in a manner that is both conducive to peaceful problem-solving methods, tolerance, and positivity. Any student in violation of this code may be sent to the principals office and the appropriate discipline will be enforced.

Religious Accommodation: At South Windsor Elementary, we deeply respect both your faith and religious beliefs. If you child will not be attending school due to the observance of a religious holiday, please contact the schools office in advance.

What your Child is Learning: The Ontario Curriculum:

All publicly funded school in Ontario follow the Ontario Curriculum, a collection of documents that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do in each subject area, and for each grade level. Utilizing these curriculum documents, teachers develop lesson plans and create learning activities. For more information regarding the curriculum, including the subjects of Mathematics, Science and Technology, the Arts, Language Arts, Health and Physical Education, French, and Social Studies, please visit: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/

Parent Involvement and Communication with the School:

Parent/Teacher Interviews: Ordinarily held at least twice a year, parent teacher interviews are simply conversations shared between the parent and the teacher concerning a students progress, learning needs, and issues that are in the best interests of his or her education and development. Additionally, these meetings typically address the information contained within your childs progress report or report card as well. More importantly, parent/teacher interviews provide an opportunity for both the home and school units to discuss what steps may be taken to help your child succeed in school. These meetings are commonly scheduled in the months of November and March, however additional meetings may be scheduled at the request of either the parents or teacher. A newsletter will be brought home with your child addressing the exact date of these meetings well before they occur. Tips for the Interview: -Discuss what your child enjoys about school, and has difficulty with in class before the interview. -Make questions to ask the teacher before the interview. Write them down if necessary. -If an interpreter is required, please contact the school before the interview process. - Because interviews last for typically a short period of time (5 to 10 minutes), be sure to arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. -Discuss with your child what was talked about in the interview -If you still have concerns or further meetings are necessary (whether formal or informal), be sure to contact the teacher or school. We look forward to hearing from you! Volunteering: We encourage parents to get involved in their childrens education and hope to see you at some of our various school events. If you would like to volunteer, whether as a chaperone during field trips, assisting in a bake sale or fundraiser, or in many other ways, please contact the school or your childs classroom teacher. If you wish to work primarily with your childs class, please speak to your childs teacher about volunteering.

Adjusting to a New School:

It goes without saying that moving away from your home is a troubling endeavor, particularly for a child. However, a childs difficulty in adjusting to a new school environment can often be compounded by issues such as the following: - A dramatically different culture and lifestyle - Missing family, friends, and loved ones back home - Feeling anxiety with respect to learning a new language and living in a new country - Feeling alone At South Windsor Elementary we are committed to integrating your children within our school community and will do everything in our power to increase their comfort level and sense of belonging. If you have any issues concerning your childs adjustment to his/her new surroundings, please contact the school teacher or principal. In order to help your child familiarize him/herself with the surrounding area and make friends: - Take your child to safe neighborhood areas where they may meet children of their own age level. - Find a community program that interests your child, such as a sport, or art program. For further information concerning community resources, please contact the Newcomer Reception Centre (contact information to follow). - Get to know your neighbors. - Talk to your child about their new friends and make arrangements to invite them over for play dates or dinner. To help alleviate any anxiety your child has concerning his/her adjustment to a new school: - Discuss your childs feelings about the adjustment, and share your own feelings as well. Often times, children will feel better knowing that they can express themselves to a caring family member, and may take comfort in the fact that you are adjusting to a new life as well. - Encourage your child to share their experiences at school with you. - Inform the classroom teacher that your child is anxious about his/her new school so that the teacher can help ease your childs comfort level - Discuss with your child that it is normal to feel anxious about big changes in life. - Praise your childs efforts and school achievements.

Community Outlets:
For further assistance, please contact the following community resources: The Newcomer Reception Centre The Newcomer Reception Centre offers a variety of settlement services, including ESL assessments, interpreter assistance during the school registration process and parent/teacher interviews, and assisting families in accessing available services in the community. Phone: (519) 985-6333 Address: 443 Ouellette Ave, Unit C

References: 1. The NewcomersGuide to Elementary School in Ontario (http://www.settlement.org/downloads/edguide/en_pub_full.pdf) 2. How do I enroll my Child in School? (http://www.settlement.org) 3. Whos Responsible for your Childs Education? (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca)