FACTSHEET

Aug. 30, 2010

Ministry of Education

 

BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS FOR A SMOOTH START

 

Primary Students:

 

• Confirm what time school will start on the first day.
• If your children are going to a new school, check with the school to see what information or identification will be required on registration day.
• Get your children used to the back-to-school routine before the first day of school by having them shift to their school bedtime and wake-up routine a week before school begins.
• Have your children choose their outfits the night before the first day to help start the morning calmly and efficiently.
• Find out how your child’s teacher communicates with parents and take advantage of the opportunities available.
• Get involved in the school community. Contact your local board of education or the Parent Advisory Council at your child’s school for volunteer opportunities.

 

Intermediate/Middle Students:

 

• Review your children’s class schedules with them to ensure all of their classes are correct.
• Help your children figure out a plan for getting to class on time, especially if classes are at opposite ends of the building.
• If your children are going to a new school, encourage them to check out the school before their first day. Have them locate the gym, library, cafeteria and their classrooms to get them acquainted with the facilities.
• Talk to your children about the upcoming school year; be positive and remind them of the friends they will meet, the new things they will learn and the fun they will have.
• Continue to be involved in the school community as this is a great way to get to know your children’s teachers and other parents.

 

Secondary Students:

 

• If your teenagers are going to a new school, have them arrange a visit to learn where to find their classrooms, the gym, the library and the cafeteria so they will feel more comfortable on their first day.
• Encourage your teenagers to review their schedules and make an appointment with a school counsellor if there are any conflicts or mistakes.
• Have them practise the combination on their locks to ensure they know the combination and that the locks work properly.
• Work with your child, their teacher and principal to ensure courses, programs and graduation requirements are being met.
• Continue to be involved in the school community.

 

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This factsheet is available in French at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2010/tips-smoothstart_fr.pdf

 

In Chinese at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2010/tips-smoothstart_ch.pdf

 

In Punjabi at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2010/tips-smoothstart_pu.pdf

 

Media Contact:

Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

 

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