Back to school tips
The British Columbia Ministry of Education has assembled a number of back to school factsheets for parents and guardians. Follow the links to read the fact sheets.
Here are a few tips provided by the Ministry of Education to help parents and guardians give students a smooth start to the school year.
Tips for a smooth start to the school year
Primary Students:
- Confirm what time school will start on the first day. All Vancouver elementary schools start at 9am and secondary schools start at 8:35am. View bell times.
- 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.
The above factsheet is available in:
NOTE: Look for links to Chinese, French and Punjabi translations of these factsheets at the bottom of the factsheets.