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THE NEWCOMER'S
GUIDE TO THE
CANADIAN SCHOOL
SYSTEM
Welcome to Canada and Your
New School
This guide will present newcomer families and students with important information about the public school system in Canada. The following information will provide parents/guardians with a better understanding of what to expect during their child's education. It will also provide tips for student success and help parents/guardians communicate with their child's school. This guide is intended to provide newcomers with an overview of school policies and procedures in order to assist the settlement process. PNT SWIS Coordination Email: [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Public Schools............................................................................
Private Schools..........................................................................
Preschool......................................................................................
(Primary) Elementary School............................................
Middle School and (Secondary) High School............
School Year..................................................................................
School Day....................................................................................
Attendance..................................................................................
School Closures.........................................................................
Dress Code...................................................................................
Grading..........................................................................................
Report Cards...............................................................................
Parent-Teacher Interviews.................................................
School Supplies.........................................................................
Field Trips....................................................................................
Student Discipline....................................................................
Minister of Education............................................................
School Boards.............................................................................
School Councils.........................................................................
Principals......................................................................................
Teachers.......................................................................................
The Canadian School System ................................................
Grades in the School System ..................................................
School Procedures ........................................................................
Roles and Responsibilities ......................................................
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Public Schools Private Schools The Canadian School System In Canada, there is no federal department of education; each province/territory is responsible for its own school system, Ministry of Education, and Education Act. An Education Act is a piece of legislation which outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Ministry of Education, School Boards, and School Principals and Teachers. A Minster of Education is an elected member of the provincial government, and each province has its own Minister who is appointed by the Premier of the province. The school system in Canada includes public and private schools. French Language Schools For children with at least one parent who is a Native French speaker In Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, Catholic Schools are also included in the public school system. Private schools are schools that are not funded (or fully funded) by the government. As a result, they charge tuition fees for students who wish to attend. French Immersion Schools For students whose first language is not French Public schools offer free education which is provided by the government. In addition to schools taught in English, the public school system includes: Grades in the School System Preschool Preschool is an optional educational opportunity for children ages 3-5, before they begin their mandatory education. Preschools focus more on early learning and academics than daycares and can prepare children for their school years.
In Canada, it is required by law that
children attend school from the age of 6-
16 (18 in some provinces)
(Primary) Elementary School In some provinces/territories, middle (or junior high) school includes grades 7 and 8, while high school includes School Procedures School Year or April. There may also be some days throughout the year where students do not have school because teachers have professional development or planning days. Each school will have a calendar available which will outline which days are holidays or days off for the school year. Elementary school includes kindergarten and Grades 1 through 6. In Canada, it is mandatory for children to begin attending school at the age of 6, or Grade 1. The only exceptions to this are British Colombia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick, where it is mandatory for children to start school at age 5, or Kindergarten. While kindergarten is optional in the other
provinces, parents
are encouraged to
enroll their
children in
kindergarten as it
helps children
develop problem-
solving skills and
interpersonal
skills.
The school year runs from late August or early September until late May or early June. Students then have summer vacation from June through August. Schools are closed for all statutory holidays, a winter break at the end of December, and a spring break in March Middle School and (Secondary) High School grades 9-12. In Quebec, high school includes grades 7-12.
Grading Systems will differ
slightly among provinces,
but generally follow this
format:
A=80-100% (Excellent)
B=70-79% (Good)
C=60-69% (Average/Fair)
D=50-59% (Poor)
F=0-49% (Fail)
Quizzes and Exams Written or Oral Reports Homework Student Projects Class participation Daily assignments Teachers will evaluate each student's assigned work and learning, and provide a letter grade in the course, based on their evaluation. Some of the ways that teachers evaluate students include: Parent- Teacher Interviews
Report Cards
Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled meetings between parents/ guardians and their child's teachers. They will happen at different points Grading Report cards are expected to be reviewed and signed by parents/ guardians and returned to the school. Each school will have its own policy outlining what students are/are not allowed to wear to school. Students are expected to follow their school's dress code. Dress Code throughout the school year and allow parents/guardians to discuss their child's learning and educational progress. During these meetings, teachers may share the child's work and discuss their achievement with parents/ guardians. Teachers may also discuss Students will receive report cards throughout the school year with their grades in each course based on the teacher's evaluation. They will often include comments and feedback from the teachers on the student's progress. bus services may also be cancelled during extreme weather. Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring the bus service and planning alternate transportation if buses are cancelled so their children get to school safely.
First, a phone call will go out to the parent/guardian from the teacher. After multiple absences, a phone call will go out to the parent/ guardian from a guidance counsellor or school administrator. If absences continue, a meeting with the student, action. Teachers will often address minor instances with the student, but if inappropriate behavior persists, a meeting with the parents/guardians may be required. School administration may also be involved. Disciplinary action may include written warnings, detention, or suspension. Parents/guardians should work together with teachers when issues of disruptive behavior or failure to follow Student Discipline Field trips are special class visits to places like Disruptive and disrespectful behavior, or failure to follow school policies (ex. attendance or dress code policies) may result in disciplinary museums, theatres, science centers or farms in order to provide an educational experience outside of the classroom. Field trips are organized by teachers, and a letter will be sent home with students informing parents/guardians of the field trip. A signature from the parent/guardian will be required to provide permission for the student to attend the field trip. There might be opportunities for Field Trips need to bring with them. Textbooks are provided by the school, and students can access other reading material from their school's library. Students may be required to have a separate pair of shoes appropriate for physical education classes. parents to volunteer to assist the teacher on the field trip.
Disciplinary Action for
Absences
If the problem persists, the student may be removed from the course. parent/guardian, and counsellor or administrator may be scheduled. *Parents and students should be familiar with their school's specific attendance policy, as school procedures may differ between schools Parents/guardians are responsible for providing basic school supplies for their children. Most schools will provide a list of school supplies that students will School Supplies concerns that they have and work with parents to find solutions.
School Social Workers English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers Language Assessment ESL Teachers provide specialized language instruction to students who do not speak English as their first language. They assess newcomer students' language skills and design programs to meet individual language needs. ESL Teachers may design lesson plans around activities involved in daily life in Canada, and Canadian culture.
Your child's level of English will be
assessed when they are registered
for school. This language
assessment will help the school
determine how much additional
ESL support they require.
School counsellors are responsible for promoting mental health and assisting students who are experiencing a crisis. They will work with individuals and groups on various issues such as substance abuse, bullying, anger management, and stress and anxiety. School counsellors can connect students and families to other supports in the community. School counsellors also offer counselling on course selection and career planning. School Counsellors Teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans and teaching classes. Teachers evaluate student progress and assist students with education plans and career goals. Teachers are also responsible for supervising students and maintaining discipline in their classrooms. Teachers involvement in school life and provide educational programs for parents and school staff. School Social Workers also provide support to students dealing with family conflict, low self- esteem, relationships, sexuality, learning difficulties, and mental health issues. School Social Workers provide individual, family, and group counselling and connect students and families to community resources as needed. They encourage parental
Help with school registration, orientation, and parent-teacher interviews Provide important information to parents/guardians and students about school policies, expectations, rules, and extracurricular activities Assess needs and provide referrals and connections to community resources Increase families' involvement in the community by referring them to affordable community programs Increase parental involvement in education and promote The SWIS program is a school- based settlement service funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and is available in every province. Settlement Service Providers place settlement workers in school with high numbers of newcomer students. SWIS workers collaborate with schools, community organizations, How SWIS Workers Can Assist You Ensure parents/guardians and students are aware of their rights and responsibilities and advocate for the students and families Provide culturally sensitive services and promote respect for cultural diversity within the school and community through education sessions Collaborate with school staff and school counsellors to provide culturally competent interventions in times of crisis Provide interpretation and translation communication between parents and school staff Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program and settlement service providers to assist newcomer students and their families settle in their school. The goals of the SWIS program are to meet the needs of newcomer students and families and support them in receiving the services required to be successful. Some of the objectives of the program are that students and families are knowledgeable about and connected to their school, that they are successful in their school, and that they feel supported and empowered.
Be Involved in School Activities Encourage persistence, the creation of goals/plans, and the importance of requesting help when needed Join the School Council How Parents/Guardians can Promote a Positive Attitude Towards Education Provide a quiet space for homework Show enthusiasm for school programs and activities Read with your children Ask specific questions about your child's day, school activities, and what they are learning As members of the school council, parents/guardians have the opportunity to be involved in school decision making. It also allows parents/ guardians to advise on school programming and learning opportunities. Parents/guardians can get involved by attending school plays, concerts, and sporting events, and by going to/participating in community events and meetings hosted by the school or school council. Parents/guardians should also attend all parent-teacher interviews and are encouraged to attend school board meetings in order to stay informed about their child's education. Volunteer Another way for parents/guardians to get involved in their child's education is to volunteer with the school. Some elementary school teachers have parent volunteers assist in their classrooms. Parents/guardians can also volunteer to assist teachers with class field trips, or help with school fundraising events.
Why is Attendance Important? Students who are chronically absent are more likely to drop out of school It teaches students the skills they need to be successful after graduation Absences may cause students to miss key lessons in the course content and important information about assignments and exams Attendance & Class Participation Students are expected to attend all classes. If a student is going to be absent from a class, they must obtain permission from their parents/ guardians. Students are also responsible for any work or tests missed during their absence. Not only are students to attend classes regularly, but they are also expected to be active Too many absences can cause students to fall behind and have difficulty staying on track to graduate It is crucial for building relationships with other students and creating a sense of belonging Student Expectations participants in their classes. This means that teachers encourage and expect students to ask questions, think critically, and express their opinions on topics presented in class. Class participation may include group work, where students are divided into smaller groups to discuss specific topics and then present their discussion to the rest of the class. Students may also be assigned to a group to complete a project or homework assignment. Each student is expected to contribute equally to
Behavioral Guidelines students to refrain from using their cell phones during class time, and teachers may confiscate phones temporarily if students are not following the school's expectations. If a student is expecting an important phone call, they should let their teacher know ahead of time. Most schools will also expect students to use their computers and internet for education purposes only. Students who violate internet use policies or access inappropriate material may be disciplined. Each school will have its own policy regarding cell phone and internet use and students, as well as
Cyber Bullying
uncomfortable to a trusted adult or school staff Cell Phones/ Internet Use Schools are to be safe places free from all forms of discrimination, bullying, and harassment. Each school will have its own code of conduct and behavioral guidelines outlining the expectations of all students to encourage and promote a safe and accepting environment. expected to complete written assignments or prepare for oral presentations by a specific date. Students should write down all assignments and due dates in a day planner to keep track of homework and ensure work is completed on time. The use of cell phones, computers, or other electronic devices to harass, threaten, make fun of, or be mean to someone online. Students should report any emails, texts, photos, or other messages that make them feel intimidated or member. Parents/ guardians should be aware of apps that their children are using, talk with their children about online bullying, and make sure their children know they are there to listen if they need help. The use of cell phones during class time can distract students from learning, and be very disruptive for other students. Most schools expect parents/guardians, should familiarize themselves with their school's policy.
High School Course Selection Extracurricular Activities Other Information Bullying happens when a student, or group of students intimidates, or coerces a targeted individual. This can include physical, psychological, social, and emotional harm. Students, as well as parents/guardians, are encouraged to report any concerns about bullying, harassment, or discrimination to a member of the school staff. School may be fees involved with some activities. If parents/ guardians have any concerns over fees, they should speak with the school. administration takes harassment and discrimination seriously. Students who engage in discriminatory and disrespectful behavior towards fellow students will be expected to meet with school counsellors or other school staff to resolve the conflict. If inappropriate behavior
Getting involved in
extracurricular
activities is a good way
for students to be
more involved in their
school, meet new
people, learn how to
cooperate with others,
and build new skills.
persists, the student may be suspended or expelled. Extracurricular activities include sports, art, theatre, music, and clubs that take place outside of school hours. Students are encouraged to join a team, activity, or club that interests them. There the courses that are offered at the school. To graduate, students will need to complete the required number of credits, as per their provincial standards. Some of these credits will be earned from passing compulsory courses, and the rest will be earned from passing elective courses, which the student chooses. Post-secondary programs often require certain high school classes to be completed (also called prerequisites) for students to enroll High schools will have booklets available for free which outline all
ESL Teachers retrieved from: https://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/guides/esl- teachers/ Extracurricular Activities retrieved from:https://www.saskatoonpublicschools.ca/scho ol/evanhardy/ProgramsServices/extracurr/Pages/ default.aspx#/= Help protect your child from cyberbullying retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public- safety-canada/campaigns/cyberbullying/help- protect-your-child-from-cyberbullying.html Key Roles of SWIS retrieved from: https://swissask.ca/about-us/ Kindergarten is Optional Depending on Where You Live retrieved from: https://globalnews.ca/news/4056554/kindergarten -is-optional-depending-on-where-you-live/ Learning & Education retrieved from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positive/#catlea rning Parent Engagement retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/involveme nt/ Parent-Teacher Interviews retrieved from: https://settlement.org/ontario/education/element ary-and-secondary-school/help-your-child- succeed-in-school/parent-teacher-interviews/ Progressive Discipline retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/discipli ne.html Public Education in Canada retrieved from: https://www.cdnsba.org/all-about Settlement Services provided by Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) retrieved from: https://www.eisa- edmonton.org/services/settlement- services/community-settlement-services/ Settlement Workers in Schools Best Strategies: Step-by-Step Activity Guidelines Manual retrieved from: https://swissask.ca/wp- content/uploads/2019/12/best-strategies-step-by- step-activity-guidlines.pdf Severe Weather retrieved from: https://www.spsd.sk.ca/division/severeweather/Pa ges/default.aspx#/= Social Work Practice in Schools retrieved from: https://www.casw- acts.ca/en/social-work-practice-schools Student Code of Conduct retrieved from: http://www.prsdmb.ca/student- code-of-conduct/ Study Tips retrieved from: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/center/homework -help.html#catstudysmart The Newcomer's Guide to Elementary School in Ontario retrieved from: https://settlement.org/ontario/education/element ary-and-secondary-school/newcomers-guides-to- education/the-newcomer-s-guide-to-elementary- school-in-ontario/ The Newcomer Guide to Schooling in Canada retrieved from: https://arrivein.com/studying/the- newcomer-guide-to-schooling-in-canada/
The Official BRC Survival Guide retrieved from: https://www.spsd.sk.ca/school/bedfordroad/Abou t/handbook/Documents/handbook20.pdf The State of High School Guidance Counselling in Canada retrieved from: https://canadianschoolcounsellor.com/winter /winter2018-features/the-state-of-high-school- guidance-counselling-in-canada/ Tips for Parents retrieved from: https://peopleforeducation.ca/wp- content/uploads/2017/07/Parent-Involvement- English.pdf West Vancouver Secondary School Code of Conduct retrieved from: https://westvancouverschools.ca/westvancouver- secondary/about-wvss/code-of-conduct/ Who's responsible for your child's education? retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochur e/whosresp.html#minister Why does Alberta still have a separate Catholic school system? Here's a 2 minute explanation retrieved from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/why- alberta-saskatchewan-ontario-have-separate- catholic-schools-1.
