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
Office Staff
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
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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
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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 fundraising activities.
What does a day in
Kindergarten look like?
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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?
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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.
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!