By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) is hosting an online information session for parents on Jan. 21 from 7–8 p.m., aimed at demystifying the process of registering young children for kindergarten. Early Years Pedagogical Consultant Genevieve Manseau, who spearheaded the event, shared insights into what attendees can expect and why these sessions are invaluable.
This marks the second year for the virtual session, designed specifically for parents enrolling their children in K4 (kindergarten for four-year-olds) or K5 (kindergarten for five-year-olds) for the first time. Manseau explained in a recent interview, “Starting school is a significant milestone that brings up a lot of emotions, stress, and questions for parents. We want to make that transition as smooth as possible.”
The session will provide a comprehensive overview of what the kindergarten experience entails, including daily schedules, classroom activities, and the support systems in place for students. Manseau emphasized, “Parents often wonder, ‘What does a school day look like? Who will my child interact with?’ We cover everything from the teacher’s role to other key staff like bus drivers and support personnel.”
The ETSB has also incorporated elements unique to their jurisdiction, such as language options. Parents can learn about the mix of English and French in ETSB classrooms and how to navigate the eligibility requirements for English education in Quebec. “Eligibility is a big topic,” Manseau noted. “We explain what parents need to know and the documents required to determine whether their child qualifies.”
A key component of the session is addressing parents’ logistical concerns. Topics include school catchment areas, contact information for local schools, and transportation options. “We’ll even provide a list of all ETSB schools with their contact details,” Manseau added. “This helps parents figure out which school their child should attend.”