8/28/2015

5 Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for School

5 Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for School

The fall season is back, and school is about to start in Canada.  For kids of all ages to go back to academia, is also the need to prepare them for the next year.  Making sure they are well equipped to jump into the next grade can also help them to have a successful school year.  The way that you prepare your children will also support their growth to the next grade, allowing them to get the start that they need for the next grade.  Following are five tips that you can consider to help your kids get ready for this year's classes.  

1.   Mental Preparation.  Children have been in the mode of playing and enjoying the outdoors for the last three months.  They may have built routines based on fun and entertainment.  You will want to mentally prep your children for school.  Hint at starting school and let them know the schedule for a change of pace.

2.  Orientation.  Often, schools in Barrie or Ontario offer orientation for students and for parents.  You can meet your teacher, see the classroom and know exactly where you are going once the school year begins.  You will also be introduced to special activities and events that are expected to happen.  Taking advantage of orientation will help your child to build in excitement for the first day while knowing what to expect.

3.  Get to Know the Teacher.  While at orientation or at different moments, you can introduce your child to the teacher that they are going to have.  This will break discomfort for the child and makes sure that they are prepared for their next year of school. 

4.  See the School Roster.  The social aspect of school is one of the most important parts for children.  You want to make sure that your child knows who else is going to be in your class.  Checking the school roster and getting to know some of the other kids in class will alleviate discomfort that is associated with the school they are going to. 

5.  Change the schedule.  It is easy for the summer months to also lead to late nights and late mornings.  School changes the schedule and often becomes stressful for children.  You will want to find a way to begin changing their schedule before the first day of school.  Getting them in this habit will make a difference in their comfort level when they go back to learning. 


Get your child ready and prepped for their first day of school.  With early introductions to the classroom, teacher, and playmates, they will be able to recognize the changes that will occur.  Combining this with small changes at home will assist your children in developing a new schedule while building in excitement for their first day of school.

8/03/2015

Schools in Holly, Barrie

Schools in the Holly area of Barrie, Ontario


When choosing a neighbourhood for you and your family,  looking at schools is often one of the top points on your list. Choosing your child’s school can only be described as a process, it is important that you don’t make assumptions based on if the school is "public" or "separate;" doesn’t tell you much. There are terrific and terrible schools in the public and private sectors, thus relying on labels alone is dicey.
Holly has a number of great schools to choose from. When choosing your school it is good to visit it first, this way you know that the school is the environment that you want your child to learn in. 
Below is a list of schools in Holly along with their most recent overall rankings and links to their up-to-date rankings.

Public Schools:

Holly Meadows Elementary School has launched the ‘Bus Tag’ program that facilitates the safe arrival of students to and from school, this program was launched by the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC). The 2014 rankings for this school is 6/10.  You can view the up to date rankings for Holly Meadows Elementary School by clicking on the link.

WC Little Elementary School is located in the Holly region of Barrie, this school also offers a French Immersion option beginning in Grade 1; in addition to special education support that is intended to enhance independence and help students realize their success.  Their overall rating from 2014 7.3/10.  To keep up with the updated ratings click this link- WC Little Elementary School.

Bear Creek Secondary School has resources for both students and parents that is aimed at helping your children be the best that they can be and reach their education goals. With several sports and clubs available, there is something for everyone which encourages your children to get involved with school’s extra curricula activities. This school’s overall rating for 2014 is 6.1/10, if you would like to access the updated ratings or rating breakdowns click this link- Bear Creek Secondary School .

Separate Schools:

St. Bernadette Elementary School is a Catholic elementary school that combines traditional Catholic teachings with mainstream education. This school’s overall ratings for 2014 are 5.4/10 – to keep up to date with the ratings check this link St. Bernadette Elementary School.


St. Nicholas School is the perfect school for parents that are looking for a program that unites traditional education with Catholic curriculum. St. Nichols’s overall ranking for 2014 is 6.0/10, to keep up to date with the rankings go to  St. Nicholas School.