School Registration

Section 1

Registering for School

Depending on the school board you apply to, the process can change slightly. However, in Ontario, many school boards follow similar steps for registration. Families usually start by finding their local school board or local school using their address, postal code, or city.

To apply for your local school board, you should prepare your child’s proof of age document. This can include a passport, birth certificate, or baptismal record. You may also need your child’s proof of status in Canada, such as a Permanent Resident card, Landing Record also called IMM 1000, or Refugee Claimant Document.

You should also bring original proof of address, such as a current utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax bill. Families may also need to bring the child’s immunization record and previous report cards or school records.

Some newcomer students may be referred to a Welcome Centre for Newcomers. This can help assess the student’s English language and mathematics skills before they are placed in a school. Try to register as soon as possible, especially if you arrive before the start of September.

• Proof of age, such as a passport, birth certificate, or baptismal record.
• Proof of status in Canada, such as a Permanent Resident card, IMM 1000, or Refugee Claimant Document.
• Original proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or property tax bill.
• Immunization record.
• Previous report cards or school records, if available.

Section 2

Daily School Routines

In Ontario, there are a few daily routines that children should understand before attending their first day of school. One of the first things they may notice is the school bell. Most schools use a real or digital bell to tell students when to line up, enter the building, or go to class.

Your child should know where their line-up spot or entry door is. Many schools also begin the day with the Canadian national anthem, O Canada. Students usually stand still and remain quiet. Your child does not have to sing if they are not comfortable yet.

Schools usually have lunch and snack times. Make sure your child knows how to open their containers. Many schools do not allow nuts or peanut butter because of allergies. Depending on the school, other snacks may also be restricted.

Students often have indoor and outdoor shoes to help keep the school clean. Children may also go outside for recess, usually for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, even in cold weather unless it is unsafe. Your child should know how to dress for winter and put on boots, gloves, jackets, and snow pants if needed.

Social and safety expectations

Your child should know their full name and be able to recognize it in writing. They should also know their teacher’s name, bus number if they take the bus, and who to ask for help. It can be useful to keep an emergency contact written or tagged onto their bag.

Remind your child to keep their hands to themselves. Ontario schools usually have strict rules against hitting, pushing, or rough play, even as a joke. Children should also avoid sharing food because some students may have serious allergies.

Section 3

School Bus System

Your child will usually only receive school bus transportation if you live a certain distance from their school. This distance can vary by school board and grade, so always check your local transportation service.

In Peel, transportation eligibility distances are commonly listed as more than 1.0 km for Kindergarten to Grade 1, more than 1.6 km for Grades 2 to 4, more than 2.0 km for Grades 5 to 8, and more than 3.8 km for Grades 9 to 12.

The bus usually does not stop directly at your front door. Your child should know their local bus stop and should arrive at least 10 minutes before pickup time. Younger children, especially in Kindergarten and Grade 1, may wear a coloured tag so the driver can identify their correct stop.

Students are expected to stay seated and face forward, keep the aisle clear, including backpacks, speak quietly so the driver is not distracted, and avoid eating or drinking on the bus.

Section 4

Before and After School Programs

Many elementary schools partner with third-party providers for before and after school care. Common providers may include PLASP, YMCA, Peel Child Care, or other local childcare organizations.

These programs can support families who need childcare before the school day starts or after the school day ends. Availability, cost, hours, and registration rules can depend on the school and provider.

To find your local provider, search your school name together with “before and after school program,” or check your local school board’s website.