Supporting Your Child’s Learning

Here are some of the ways parents can support their child’s learning.

1. Make sure your child gets the most out of the school day by helping him/her to arrive at school on time, healthy, and well rested.
2. Encourage your child to take part in school activities and education and to take pride in the school community including its building and grounds.
3. Be supportive of your school. Communicate with your child’s teacher and principal by visiting the school, phoning, or sending notes. If you have a concern, ask for a meeting.
4. Encourage your child by talking about and showing your interest and appreciation for his/her efforts at school and at home.
5. Attend school events such as orientation nights, parent-teacher meetings, and concerts.
6. Help in the classroom, on field trips, or on committees when volunteers are requested. Also, you may wish to participate in your School Council.
7. Read your school newsletter.
8. Read with your child regularly from a wide variety of books.
9. Reinforce self-esteem by listening to and praising your child.

Student Homework

All students from kindergarten through grade six are assigned homework to help them develop good study habits. Homework helps reinforce material taught during class time and encourages independent problem solving, and also provides a good opportunity for parents to become involved in their child’s learning. Homework can be a fun and happy time; your positive attitude will influence your child’s attitude towards homework. Remember that you are your child’s first teacher and helping them with homework teaches your child the value of a strong education.

Consistent practice of study skills results in higher achievement, so ask your child about what was worked on at school and what has to be completed at home. If homework was not assigned, then your child should spend time on review or reading. Homework assignments will vary. Some will be due the next day, and some will be long-term expectations such as weekly spelling and reading assignments.

Your child should plan daily activities so that there is time for homework. If a regular time is not possible, then plan a homework schedule each day and expect your child to follow it. Students are most efficient at doing homework or studying when they have a comfortable chair, a clean flat surface, the necessary equipment and supplies, good lighting and few distractions.

If you have any questions about your child’s homework, please ask your child’s teacher.

SchoolZone

Edmonton Public Schools provides SchoolZone, an online service which allows students, parents and school staff to interact on a regular basis by sharing school news, assignments, attendance and homework.

Go to SchoolZone

The School Council and Parents’ Association

School Council and Parent Association meetings are open to all parents and we look forward to more parents taking the initiative to become involved.

The School Council

The School Council is a group of parents, a teacher, the principal, and community members who work together to promote the well-being and effectiveness of the entire school community and, thereby, enhance student learning. As an advisory body, the school council facilitates cooperation among all those who have an interest in the programs and policies of the school.

The Parents’ Association

The Parents’ Association of James Gibbons, the school fundraising organization, works closely with the School Council in identifying projects for financial support. Membership on the executives cross both groups. The money raised by the Parents’ Association is used to help fund the school ski trip and other field trips, school events like the author-in-residence program and concerts, and to provide up-to-date technology, such as new computers and smart boards, as well as library books and other school resources.

Daycare and After-School Care

Angel’s Dream Daycare, located in the same building as James Gibbons School, provides daycare and after-school care. Angel’s Dream Daycare

• is fully accredited (both for daycare and out of school care);
• provides a variety of programs for kids of different age levels;
• presents a wide variety of activities, including reading stories, playing creative games, arts, crafts, yoga, dance, and more;
• has access to James Gibbons’ indoor gym and large outside playground;
• has an on-site kitchen and provides healthy snacks; and
• is a nice, clean, and safe environment.