The start of September means time to go back to school, so are you a newcomer to Canada with children aged 5-17? To help you get ready before Sept. 1, GGP hosts a helpful, free program from Monday, Aug. 16, through Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 1-3pm. For more information or to register, email kris.pabisiak@globalgatheringplace.com.
Are your children attending elementary or high school in Canada for the first time?
Back to School Help Topics:
- getting your child/children registered
- transportation
- school curriculum
- school supplies
- before and after school programs/care
- preparing snacks and lunch
- doing homework and being engaged in your child’s learning (e.g. reading with them)
- parent/teacher interviews (“three-way conferences”)
- the school’s expectations of you as a parent
- understanding report cards and the grading system
- and more.
Program Coordinator Kris Pabisiak leads parents through all the different things you need to know before school starts. The session on Aug. 18 will feature a local school librarian to talk about the importance of reading with your children to improve their reading and listening comprehension skills.
School Registration Information:
Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (gscs.ca): New Canadians need to make an appointment to register in local Catholic schools: dates/times are Aug 16-20 and 23-27 from 8:30am-3:30pm. A registration form will be completed for each child in the family, and you will also need to complete the Settlement and Support Worker in Schools (SSWIS) form and sign it (GSCS staff can fill in the forms with your help if you are not able). Bring the following documents to your appointment (the office is at 420 22nd St. E): visa/passport/immigration papers; Sask. health card (if you have one); birth certificate and/or baptismal certificate (if you have one); original transcripts of education documents (translated if possible); and medical records, if available (e.g. immunization records). To register, call 306-659-7000.
Saskatoon Public Schools (spsd.sk.ca): Students of families new to Canada or who are not Canadian citizens should contact the Newcomer Student Centre to register for school. Registration and language assessments are by appointment only for the upcoming year. Please call 306-683-8400 or email nsc@spsd.sk.ca to book an appointment. Documents required for registration: recent, dated documentation to confirm primary place of residence in Saskatoon (e.g. signed mortgage, rental or lease agreement; Saskatchewan driver’s licence; or, a utility bill—water, gas, energy, cable TV); the student’s immigration document; proof of immigration status in Canada for parent(s) (e.g. confirmation of landing paper or permanent resident card OR parent’s work) or study permit (confirmation of enrollment in post-secondary program for study permit holders).
