GECDSB
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
2014
Nick Arundine – Colchester North Public School
Shawn Dufour – Harrow Public School
Kris Marentette – Mount Carmel-Blytheswood Public School
 Dates:
February 10 – 21, 2014
 Open
House Events : Wednesday, February 12th, 2014 starting at
5:30 pm
 *NEW*
A Day in the Life Events : Thursday, February 13th, 2014
between 10 am and 2 pm. Parents and caregivers are welcome to
tour each school during regular hours of operation to get a sense
of everyday life.
 Child
must be age 4 before December 31, 2014 for JK and age 5
before December 31, 2014 for SK
WHAT ARE THE DETAILS?

Most schools are busily preparing for the February 12th evening.

Although each school places its own special touches on this night,
all staff are encouraged to be a part of the evening’s events.

The registration and open house takes a lot of pre-planning which
begins with encouraging parents and caregivers to attend through
advertising.
THE OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

Each school has its unique way of spreading the word. Here are some ideas from around
the system.

1.

2.
Our Board’s public relations officer does a great job with promoting Scott
Scantlebury.

3.
Many schools have an information and welcome message on their phone system.

4.
Most schools have this advertised on their outdoor school sign if available.

5.
Staff are encouraged to spread the news using word of mouth.

6.
Information is included in school newsletters or brochures that are sent home.

7.
Often times letters sent home directly to families.

8.
Families encouraged to share flyers with other families in their neighbourhood who
have small children.

9.
Sometimes local childcare centres are asked to display posters advertising the
registration information.
Additional signage us arranged in high traffic area
HOW DO SCHOOLS SPREAD THE WORD?

10. School office staff sometimes approach all classrooms and ask students
who has siblings at home that would be of age to register for JK.

11.
Posters are displayed in Doctor’s offices.

12.
The school and Board websites are used to advertise.

13.
Some schools use the Synervoice phone call out program to advertise.

14. Some local businesses with outdoor lit signs have been kind enough to
add information to their sign (e.g., Joses in Leamington)

16.

17. Many secretaries keep detailed lists of students born in each year and
use this list to make personal phone calls to parents and caregivers.
Public board secondary schools also advertise on their outdoor signage.
HOW DO SCHOOLS SPREAD THE WORD?

Although each school adds its own flavour, one common theme
is that it takes a team approach, often led by the Early Years
team in each school.

Many Principals begin by writing personal letters to staff to invite
them to be a part of the Open House evening.

Some ideas that GECDSB schools use to make the Open House
night special are as follows:
WHAT DO THE EVENING OPEN
HOUSES LOOK LIKE?

1.
In some schools the Health Unit displays information for new
families

2.
Picture are taken of student being registered. A certificate is
made with student’s picture (e.g., Future Victoria Shooting Star).
Sometimes photographers such Edge or Lifetouch work with schools
to make this happen.

3.
Interactive Smart Board/iPad activity for the children and
parents.

4.
Student ambassadors wearing school spirit wear greet new
families at the door.

5.
Cardboard footprints are often placed in the hallway to guide
parents to each passport location.

7.

8.
Students have a passport card that guides them to certain areas
of each school. Students receive a prize at the main office once their
passports have been filled at each station- (e.g., Story book, t-shirts,
puzzles, bug boxes, etc.)
Mad Science sometimes has an interactive display.

9.
Community connections – sometimes the local local librarian is invited
to share a read aloud.

10.
Daycare providers are invited to be in attendance as well.

11.
Themes are sometimes used (e.g., Olympic Theme)

12.
Parent Family Literacy Centres (PFLCs are often part of the event)

13. Sometimes the registrations evening is linked to a literacy or numeracy
night or book fair event.

14. First 10 kids who come to the open house get a $5.00 gift certificate to
use at the book fair that night.

15. Student ambassadors may be used for tours during the 2 weeks and
the open house.

16. SWIS workers are often used for interpretation services and information
sharing.

1.
SAC is invited to have an information display that is often a part of
the student’s passport card journey.

2.

2.
At MD Bennie, parents help in greeting families and give future JK
child a name tag and Bulldog pendant to wear around their neck.

3.

4.
If there are enough parents, some schools have them go along with
families on their tour as hosts/tour guides when student ambassadors are
all busy. They love to brag about their child’s school.

5.
Some Council’s give out a gift to the student once they have
completed filling out registration package.
Many Councils provide snacks for families on that evening.
Other parents serve a juice box and a cookie to children.
THE TEAM INCLUDES SCHOOL
COUNCILS. HOW ARE SCHOOL
COUNCILS INVOLVED?

In the end, the Open House event is
about showing new families how great
the GECDSB is and welcoming our
newest families and newest students to a
to a great school.
Grade 7 teacher Dale Scratch
welcoming a new registration.
WHAT ARE THE REWARDS?