The First Day of School
The first day of school can be both exciting and overwhelming so we create a staggered start schedule for each of the classes. You will receive a registration package including the staggered schedule before school starts in the fall.
The staggered start allows extra time for students to arrive, get oriented and say their goodbyes to their parents. It is especially important for our preschool students to spend a little extra time with their parents on the first day. Many kindergarten students are very comfortable and excited to be back and reconnect with friends. Often the kindergarten students even help the little ones to relax and play.
The First Day Can be Tough for Parents
Your child may cry when it’s time for you to leave, but rest assured we have been there for these emotional moments since we opened our doors in 2007 to offer hugs, wipe tears and hold hands. After parents leave, little ones often brighten up and become so curious about their classmates, teacher and environment that the natural learning process replaces any feelings of sadness or uncertainty. Our experienced teachers are here to support you and your child.
We will show your child around Alerces, touring all of the classrooms, taking them to the bathrooms, and helping them settle into our nap room with their favourite blanket, soft music and lowered lighting.
What to Bring on the First Day of School
Blanket
Please send your child’s favourite blanket or one that they will feel cozy and secure with for nap time.
Extra Change of Clothes
Please send an extra set of clothing just in case of any spills, outdoor messes or bathroom accidents. Include a pair of pants, a shirt, socks and underwear in a large Ziploc bag labelled with your child’s name. If your child does need to change during the day we will send the soiled clothes home in the Ziploc bag in your child’s backpack for you to wash. Please send a fresh set of extra clothes to school the next day.
Lunch and Snacks
Please pack a nutritious lunch and snacks, feel free to get some inspiration from our Lunch & Snacks page that other parents have sent.
Favourite Book or Stuffy
It is not necessary to send anything but if your child has a favourite book or stuffy that they would like to bring to help feel more secure during nap time then you are welcome to send this.
Additional Items
One pair of indoor runners
Appropriate outdoor clothing and outdoor shoes or boots depending on the season. We spend lots of time outdoors so it is important to send rubber boots and a raincoat when it is raining; mitts, toque, boots and winter wear when it is cold. It is especially important that children are dressed appropriately for our Forest School program.
1 box of Kleenex
1 box of bandaids
Sunscreen if necessary
Bugspray
