1. Harbour View Grade 5 Parent Meeting Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School By Crista Jones Jan.8, 2015

2. Como Lake Middle School  The majority of Harbour View students will attend Como Lake Middle as it is the regular catchment for many students at Harbour View.  There will be a Grade 5 parent meeting in the spring and students will attend the Grade 5 tour of their middle school around the same time.

3. Ecole Moody Middle School  Late French Immersion – Parent Information Meeting is on Wednesday, January 14 th at 7pm. Moody Middle is also a designated school of the arts where they integrate arts programs into their school schedule.

4. Banting Middle School  Late French Immersion – Parent Information Meeting is Monday, Jan. 19 th at 7pm. Banting will visit those Harbour View students interested in the program on Thursday, Jan. 15 th.

5. Montgomery Middle School  Montessori Parent Meeting on Tuesday, January 13 th at 7pm.  Late Montessori program – You need to contact the principal, Rob McFaul, for an application. They only admit a limited number of students.  Grade 5 parent information meeting for all Montgomery students will be in the spring as will the Grade 5 tour.

6. Scott Creek Middle School  Late Montessori program – you need to contact the principal, Mr. Rob Foot, if you want an application to this program.

7. Hillcrest Middle School  MACC program is for designated gifted students only. There will be a district-wide MACC parent information meeting at Heritage Woods Secondary Theatre on Thurs. Jan. 8 th at 7pm. Applications are online and are due on January 14 th and 4pm.

8. Cross Boundary Transfers  Cross Boundary Applications – are done online at www.sd43.bc.cawww.sd43.bc.ca  from Feb. 6 at 9am until Feb. 18 th at 4pm.  It’s on a first come, first served basis.  It is not necessary to apply for a cross boundary transfer if your child is accepted into the MACC program or late immersion program.

9. Transitions to Middle School  It is normal for your Grade 5 child to feel worried about moving to middle school. For many, it is an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces. They feel outside their comfort zone.  What do they worry about? They worry about such things as: remembering locker combinations and the class schedule, being “thrown” into lockers by older students, having friends in their classes.  How can you help? Reassure them that they adjusted to elementary school in Kindergarten and again in intermediate grades, and that they have more skills and more maturity than they did when they were four or five. Help them to think “Green thoughts”.

10. What to Expect  Your child may ask for a phone in middle school. This is your decision as a parent. Be aware there are a variety of plans you can purchase. If it includes data, this can bring along it’s own set of challenges.  During adolescence, many children start to shift their centre of attention away from their family and more towards peers.  Some children will start to spend more time behind their bedroom door on electronic devices. It is helpful to limit their time on these devices and be sure they are not stored in bedrooms at night.  Instead, place them in a safe and secure location at night so they can get a restful sleep.

11. What to Expect - 2  Maintain or build in a scheduled family night  Movies, games night, a family hike or bike ride.  The purpose is to continue to build your relationship with your child and keep the lines of communication open.  They will likely need to come to you at some point when they have decisions to make about peer influences.  A useful book to read is “Hold on to Your Kids” by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate.

12. Things to Remember  Breathe!  If you are feeling anxious about the transition, your child will sense your anxiety and will begin to feel the same way about middle school.  You want this to be a positive experience for your child.