Preparing for school
Things to consider before the first day of school
Is your child registered? To register for school, contact the school directly. Ask about required school supplies or school supply fees as well as what time school starts and ends.
The school calendar lists the first day of school, holidays, professional learning days and more. Be familiar with the school calendar to plan for family appointments, holidays, and other activities.
Ease your child into a new routine
Have your child go to bed at school-night bedtime a few nights before the first day. Set an alarm clock for the correct school wake-up time.
Get ready the night before. Establish a routine that requires your child to choose clothes for the next school day, and to pack a book bag every night before bed. This will help eliminate last minute rushing in the morning.
Getting to and from school
If your child is taking a bus, do you know the bus route? View bus routes for your child using the Public Schools Branch online application. Find out how long the ride is and talk about bus safety.
Make sure your child knows the plan for getting to and from school and what happens after school. Here are some things to consider:
- Does your child know what to do if he or she gets lost?
- Does your child know whether to come home or go to an after school program or babysitter after school?
- If you're not home after school, does your child know who will be responsible for him or her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?
- If your child is going to a babysitter, does he or she know how to get to there?
- Have you reviewed safety precautions with your child regarding traffic and strangers?
- If your child is riding a bike, does he or she know the school's rules for bicycles?
Attending a new school
- Talk about It. Encourage your child to share his or her feelings. Talk about the excitement of starting at a new school and discuss any concerns your child might have.
- Take a school tour. Call the school and arrange to tour the school with your child. Help your child find their way around the school and the location of their classroom and the bathroom. If possible, meet the teacher and principal.
- Make a new friend. If possible, introduce your child to a classmate before the first day of school.
Source: Alberta Education Tips for Parents (amended August 2012)
Are you a newcomer to Canada?
Public education is free to all permanent residents and refugees in PEI from kindergarten to grade 12. As a parent or grandparent, the first step for immigrant students to attend school in PEI is to contact the Immigrant Student Services of the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada.