Welcome to Kindergarten!

Cashmere Avenue Public School Mission 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 Just read

Office Staff Principal – Joe Catalfamo Vice-principal – Terry- Lynn Graham – School Secretary – Maria Patiile

Kindergarten Teachers

Students speaking 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. Try to visit drop in learning centres like the one at Floradale Public school on Paisley Avenue. Students are required to be completely toilet trained by their first year of school unless they have a designated Special Need. If you have concerns about their speech development, their coordination, social skills or their behaviour they may need to be assessed to make sure their development is within the norm. The school does not have the means to do this for Kindergarten students. It needs to be accessed through your medical health practitioner.

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!