Homework Guidance

The assignment of formal exercises for completion is the prerogative of the teacher, but every encouragement shall be given to pupils (and parents) to set aside some regular time each evening for home study.

The nature and amounts of home study recommended are as follows:

Division I

The motivation which comes from parental interest in children’s school work can be valuable to a child. Parents and teachers should encourage children to read from books suggested by the school. Pressures can bring about negative results. No formal assignments shall be made, but from 5 to 10 minutes of systematic study per night is recommended.

Division II

Formal assignments can be given at the discretion of the teacher, particularly for pupils who need special attention or help, but in general, assignments should be of the reading or study type. Parents should be made aware of the teacher’s general requirements with respect to home study, and the Board’s expectations as set forth in section 2 above, but no school requirement should exceed 20 minutes in length.

Homework is assigned to students to reinforce lessons taught in class and also to provide extra drill where practice is required. This also provides an opportunity to strengthen the ties between home and school. The support and interest of parents will have a large influence on students’ attitudes toward homework.

We believe that students benefit from regularly scheduled home study time. This study time can consist of a variety of activities, which are initiated by the school or the home. These amounts of time will vary with the child, the time of year and the specific activity.

Home study activities may consist of:

• recreational reading with someone or alone
• completion of school assignments
• review and study of school or interest topics
• special projects
• educationally related activities with parents (examples: baking, travelling, watching TV and discussing the shows, working on an interest area project initiated by the child, etc.) or visiting the Public Library.

If you wish to have more details regarding homework, please contact your child’s teacher.

School Assemblies

Students plan, host and present a variety of assemblies and learning celebrations throughout the school year. These special events provide students with opportunities to showcase projects, to share exciting happenings from their class and to contribute to our Sunnyside School community. All classes will share the responsibility for presentations at our assemblies and families are invited to attend. Check your child’s agenda and the monthly calendar for special events that you may wish to attend.

How Parents Can Support Learning

• Ensure that children attend school regularly and punctually.
• Send children to school properly rested, nourished, groomed and dressed.
• Contact the school when it is necessary for children to be absent or to arrive late.
• Work with staff/parent contacts on mutual respect.
• Provide staff with information they need to understand each child’s behaviour and learning needs.
• Keep aware of children’s education programs and progress.
• Participate in parent conferences and other programs for parents organized by the school.
• Respond to communications from the school.
• Actively encourage children to recognize the importance of the school and/or learning.
• Support and encourage respect for the school’s expectations for student behavior.
• Support home study by encouraging it and providing a conducive environment in which learning can take place.
• Keep informed regarding children’s friends and out-of-school activities.
• Respond to school or School Council requests for parent participation.

A Curriculum Summary for each grade level is made available at the first conference of the year as well as at the Alberta Learning web site: www.learning.gov.ab.ca.