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.”

The virtual format allows for interaction, with opportunities for parents to ask questions live during the presentation or via the chat feature. Manseau has carefully tailored the session to include questions commonly asked in previous years. “We ensure the presentation is thorough, but there’s always room for more,” she said. “If a parent brings up something we haven’t covered, we address it on the spot.”

The idea for the session grew out of the need to reassure parents navigating a new chapter in their child’s life. Manseau explained that the ETSB takes on an initial guiding role before individual schools step in to provide more personalized support. “We start with general information to help parents feel confident,” she said. “Once their child is registered, they’ll have opportunities to meet their school’s team for more specific guidance.”

While much of the material remains consistent year-to-year, Manseau sees every session as an opportunity to reach a new audience. “Each group of parents is different,” she noted. “What’s familiar to us is brand new to them, so we focus on making the experience accessible and welcoming.”

Parents interested in attending can find the Zoom link on the ETSB’s Facebook page or by visiting the event page directly. This session promises to be an invaluable resource for families looking to understand and prepare for the kindergarten journey. “It’s a chance to ease anxieties and make informed decisions for their child,” Manseau said.