WISE HELP FOR FAMILIES
Calgary schools that encourage parents to stop by for a visit before their children begin kindergarten in the fall are on to a good idea. Starting school for the first time is a transition for the entire family, so any support and insight that can be gained should be welcomed. We all want children to be successful in their scholastic careers, and if having an informal conversation with a school principal or other staff member helps youngsters and their parents feel more comfortable about the exciting adventure that lies ahead, that’s to be encouraged.
Nervousness isn’t limited to pupils. Adults are also often anxious about the adjustment they’re about to begin.
Today’s classrooms face an increasing number of complexities, the Alberta Teachers’ Association notes.
“Even at the preschool level, we are identifying a number of challenges from language skills to dyslexia, and we are seeing many new Canadians, mostly in the metro areas,” said Greg Jeffery, the group’s president.
“Students with complex needs require support in the classrooms, in the form of aids or other resources.”
Principals’ invitation to meet with families is admirable, and just like in any healthy relationship, the communication will be beneficial to all parties. The school, for instance, will be better off if it knows an incoming student struggles in some fashion or requires special support. Parents will feel more comfortable contacting the school about any concerns that might arise if they know who’s on the other end of the phone or know who to ask to speak with.
“Transition planning is important for any student, going from one grade to another in any year,” says New Brighton Elementary School principal Jeff Hutton.
“And we are seeing increasing diversity and complexities in students, coming from different circumstances, different places in the world.
“We hope that parents have important things to share with us.”
Hutton — who will welcome up to 130 kindergarten students this fall — is absolutely right. Parents can’t be forced to attend such meet and greets, but school boards should insist that they are available to all those who want the benefit of having an early conversation with the principal or other staff member.
Some principals hold open houses or offer tours to familiarize families with their new school, but the chance to get the best start possible through a casual meeting with a child’s educators is an opportunity every parent should be given.