Starting a new school year can be an exciting time and a big adjustment, especially for children who are beginning kindergarten or teenagers starting high school for the first time.

To help ease the transition back to school, Halton Region offers a variety or resources that can help parents and their children adjust and thrive throughout the school years. 

Supporting success at school
Parents of preschoolers starting kindergarten can access Halton Region’s Ready, Set, Go! webpage for tips, printable resources and a webinar discussing:
 

• important skills for children;
• the importance of relationships;
• helpful routines; and
• learning through play.

If you have a teen starting high school, you may want to access information and resources on Halton’s Transition to High School webpage. Resources include a webinar on how to navigate and support your teen’s successful transition to high school and a list of important dates at each local school board.

Healthy children, better learners
As a former pro athlete, I know all too well about the connection between one’s physical health and mental focus. Children are more likely to attend school and focus better in class when they are eating nutritious food and exercising. Good vision and oral hygiene are also an important part of your child’s overall health.

Preschool children should have at least one eye exam between the ages of two and five years of age. Junior or senior kindergarten school entry is an ideal time for your child’s eyes to be examined. Visit our Visual Health For Children webpage for more information.

To identify oral health problems early on, registered dental hygienists from our Halton Region Health Department provide a free dental screening for students in selected grades at public elementary schools. Visit our Oral Health webpage to learn about Regional programs, services and information to help you and your child achieve optimal oral health.

Reporting immunizations
Some immunizations are required to attend school, so it is important to make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date and reported to the Halton Region Health Department.
If your child is getting his or her immunizations before returning to school, there are several easy ways to update the Health Department:  

• Online at halton.ca/immunize
• Through the OneHalton app
• Mail or drop off the immunization record to the Halton Region Health Department at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, L6M 3L1
• Call 311

All of us play a part in strengthening the health, safety and wellbeing of our community. Thank you for helping us keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. 

For more resources that can help your family prepare for the upcoming school year, visit halton.ca.