Welcome to Kindergarten!
Starting school is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time for both families and new students - as family members of current students, we know, and we’re here to help!
This page will answer some of the questions other families have had about school life.
Read on to gear up for a great first day!
What time do we need to be at school?
Below is a typical schedule for a full school day. Kindergarten students typically eat lunch before other classes to allow younger students more time for transitioning between activities.
9:00 AM - School starts, students are in the classroom
If you arrive at school after 9:05 AM, please check in at the office. If you know you are going to be late or absent that day, call the office.
10:30 - 10:50 AM - Snack & Recess
12:10 - 12:55 PM - Lunch
Did you know Lord Strathcona has a Hot Lunch Program? Click here to learn more
3pm - School ends
Students MUST be picked up promptly at the end of the school day. Teachers will bring students who are not picked up to the office and every attempt will be made to reach their caregivers.
Where do we go on the first day?
The first weeks of kindergarten will be gradual entry, with different start and end times than a typical school day. Watch your email inbox for more information from the school regarding your young learner’s schedule. If you have out-of-school care, check with your care provider for details on when students need to be picked up by parents during the gradual entry weeks.
What is the hot lunch program?
Lord Strathcona is fortunate to offer a daily hot lunch, served to participating students. To participate, complete the registration form available at the school office.
This program is intended to be barrier-free, so the weekly or monthly payment amount is pay-what-you-can, at the discretion of each family. Payments can be made in cash at the office, or via SchoolCash Online.
What is school cash online?
Lord Strathcona is fortunate to offer a daily hot lunch, served to participating students. To participate, complete the registration form available at the school office.
This program is intended to be barrier-free, so the weekly or monthly payment amount is pay-what-you-can, at the discretion of each family. Payments can be made in cash at the office, or via SchoolCash Online.
What should we bring to school?
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Nut-free snack
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Nut-free, healthy lunch
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Only students not participating in the Hot Lunch Program. Please note that students do not have access to a fridge or microwave.
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Water bottle
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Spare clothing
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Pants, shirt, socks, underwear, in a separate bag with their name on it, appropriate for the season. We recommend school clothes that are "play and mess ready" and won't be missed if they are lost or damaged. There is a Lost and Found located near the office for student items that go missing.
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Rain gear on rainy days
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If the forecast is calling for lots of rain, consider dressing your child in their rain pants for school to increase the likelihood they will put them on for recess and lunch.
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Indoor shoes
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These will stay at school. Please no slippers, as students may walk between buildings and spend time in the gym.
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Mitts and a warm hat on cold days
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Jackets with warm hoods are recommended to avoid children sharing hats.
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Students need to be able to open their snack, water bottle and backpack without assistance, as well as put on and take off their own shoes. All supplies needed for schoolwork (paper, markers, notebooks, etc) are supplied in the classroom. There is a small yearly fee that can be paid via SchoolCash Online.
What should we leave at home?
Special items can be lost or damaged. Special toys, stuffies, etc should stay at home, except on certain
days at the discretion of school staff. Speak with your child’s teacher, as sometimes lovies may be
permitted for quiet time.
What should we do
if we are late?
If you arrive at the school later than 9:05am, please check in at the office and fill in the “Late Arrival” sheet. If you will be later than 9:15 am, please call or email the school
What should we do
if we are sick?
If your child is sick or your family is out of town, call or email the school and let them know how long you will be away.
How can I help my young learner feel excited?
Starting school is a big change in a young person’s life, and their family!
There are new routines, new expectations, and a lot of new people.
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Practice the commute
How will you get to school? How long will it take? Try getting up and getting to the school yard as you would on a typical school day.
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Find some ways to simplify your morning
Consider having your young learner pick out their clothes before they go to bed, or helping pack their snack the night before.
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Visit the school and play in the playground
This will help make the school grounds more familiar.
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Encourage them to talk about their feelings
It is very common to feel both nervous and scared, and happy and proud, all at the same time.
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Consider choosing something small that they can put in their backpack
This can be something to remind them of home, like a family photo, a small stuffie or a “lovie”
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Read books together about Kindergarten
There are many great books available at the library to check out. Ask your librarian for suggestions.
Ready for Kindergarten Checklists
For Caregivers:
I have signed up to receive newsletters from the PAC
I have added the Lord Strathcona School phone number to my contact list
I have signed up for SchoolCash Online (available in September)
I have completed the Hot Lunch Program registration form
I have checked out the Vancouver School Board calendar of dates
For New Students:
I have a backpack and can pack it and put it on myself
I can open my own lunch box, water bottle, and snack packaging
I can put on and take off my own school shoes and outerwear
I know where the school office is
