To Principals and Educator Teams This presentation was created in response to a request by educator teams to update the current information for the Kindergarten Parent Orientation Meeting. This led to the formation of a working group comprised of teachers and ECEs to develop a revised presentation. The intention was to make it purposeful and relevant to parents at this point in the transition to school process. Please see the notes pages on the slides for details regarding the presentation including the slides that need to be revised to support the specific information for your school. You are reminded to invite the Child Care partners to the parent orientation meeting to talk to parents about the before and after school programs. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Jill Staples Curriculum Consultant Early Years (K-3)

Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night St. Bernadette Catholic School

Focus on Faith Prayer Jesus, Friend and Teacher, you ask us, “Who do you say that I am?” Thank you for inviting us to know you more each day. Quiet our minds to hear your Word; to love you more; for the more we know you, the more brightly we reflect you. You meet us in our every need, your love, new each day! Guide us as we build your kingdom, and find our home in you; for you are the Lord, the face of God, And the breath of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Halton Catholic District School Board Mission Statement “The Halton Catholic District School Board in partnership with home and Church is dedicated to providing excellence in Catholic education by developing Christ-centred individuals enabled to transform society.”

The Full-Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program “Play nourishes every aspect of children’s development—it forms the foundation of intellectual, social, physical, and emotional skills necessary for success in school and in life. Play “paves the way for learning”. Canadian Council on Learning, Lessons in Learning (2006) cited in The Full-Day Early Learning-Kindergarten Program (Draft), 2010

Play-based Learning Providing large blocks for play Supporting children’s ideas and interests Providing a variety of hands-on experiences Responding, challenging and extending children’s thinking and learning

Children are curious and connect prior knowledge to new experiences in order to understand the world around them.

Religious Development In kindergarten, the aim is to assist children to see traces of God in and around them. Spiritual growth takes place within the home, school, church and community.

The 7 Areas of Learning Religion Personal & Social Development Language Science & Technology Science & Technology Mathematics Health & Physical Education The Arts Full-Day Early Learning-Kindergarten Program (Draft), 2010, p.22

The 6 Developmental Domains Social Cognitive Emotional Communication / Language Communication / Language Physical Full-Day Early Learning-Kindergarten Program (Draft), 2010, p.22 Spiritual

The School Day… 8:40-8:45Entry into classroom (attendance) 8:45-9:00Outdoor Play/Gym 9:00-11:45Early Learning Kindergarten Program by FDK Team 11:45-12:45 Lunch and Outdoor Play Time 12:45-2:45 pm Early Learning Kindergarten Program by FDK Team 2:45-3:10 pm Outdoor Play 3:10-3:15 pm Dismissal of Students

Entry Procedures Drop-off Bus YMCA Before School Parents are encouraged to leave their children to the supervision of the educators. This will encourage all of the children to adjust sooner to the kind, nurturing learning environment of kindergarten and to continue to develop independence and self-regulation skills.

Dismissal Procedures Pick-up Bus YMCA After School

Bus Transportation Please visit for more information.

Before and After School Care Times Funded by parent fees Contact person Seamless day

Lunch and Snacks… Peanut Free/Food Allergies Containers and Utensils Labelling Healthy Snack “Litterless” Portions/Quantity

Clothing and Footwear… One set of spare clothing to keep at school in a labelled ziplock bag including: Socks Underwear Shirt Pants Your child should be able to put their shoes on independently (velcro vs laces) Running shoes must be worn in the gym School uniform… MAKE SURE ALL OF THEIR BELONGINGS ARE LABELLED

Backpacks should be large enough to hold… Large picture books Communication bag Shoes Lunch Snacks

Establishing Routines… Toileting Independence Bedtime Dressing and Undressing

Additional Information Volunteers in the school (police check) September Timetable Observations-November Interviews-January Report Card-June

Next steps…