Prepare the first school meeting around the child’s real educational history, language use and support needs. Ask who handles admission, assessment and daily communication. A useful meeting ends with named contacts and clear next questions, rather than an assumption that every new pupil needs the same placement or support.
Ask the relevant education system about support
Ontario’s government says some school boards have newcomer reception centres that assess children’s language skills and help identify schools with language training. It directs families to their local school board for available services. This Ontario example does not establish school placement, access rights or assessment methods in another jurisdiction. Ontario Government: Improve your English and French.
Build a child-centred meeting sheet
Share relevant records through the school’s accepted private channel. Include what has helped the child before, without labelling a learning need yourself. Ask which original records or translations are actually required and who can explain a missing or unfamiliar document.
| Meeting topic | Information to offer | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Education history | Genuine school and subject records | How is placement assessed here? |
| Language | Languages used and prior support | What assessment and help are available? |
| Daily routine | Transport, care and communication needs | Who confirms practical arrangements? |
| Follow-up | Parent or guardian contact preferences | Who owns each next action? |
A missing record should become an enquiry
Illustrative situation: a family has a report card but is waiting for a complete school transcript. Explain which record is available and ask the receiving school how to proceed. Do not invent grades or assume the report establishes an equivalent year level. Record the school’s answer and the named person who will follow up when the authentic transcript arrives.
Include the child's perspective
Ask age-appropriate questions about what feels unfamiliar and which daily arrangements would help. Confirm how parents receive notices and how to ask for language assistance. Keep admission eligibility and immigration questions with the responsible authorities. This sheet supports a school conversation; it does not assess learning needs or promise a place.
Keep the next action in your moving planner. For the country-specific authority, use our destination directory.