New Family Resource Center
Welcome to InnovOak School!
We are thrilled that you’ve chosen to embark on this academic journey with us. Joining a new school is an exciting milestone, and we are here to support your child’s transition into our community. This guide outlines all the steps you need to take for a smooth and successful start. Once you receive the official academic welcome email from the Principal, you can begin following the steps below.
Important Links
myInnovOak - InnovOak Student Information System, used for Academic, Admissions, and Billing
Welcome and Introduction
Enrollment Confirmation and Welcome Email
After your child’s enrollment is confirmed, you will receive an email from your Admissions Advisor, introducing our principal and your child’s teacher. This will serve as your formal introduction to InnovOak and the completion of the admissions process.
Following this, the Principal will send an official academic welcome email.
Action Items:
Confirm receipt of the emails and review the tasks outlined.
Reach out to your Admissions Advisor if you have additional questions or need further clarification.
Teacher Introduction and Pre-Visits
Your child’s teacher will contact you via email to arrange a Teacher-Parent-Student Meet and Greet. These meetings are tailored to help familiarize families with classroom routines, schedules, and expectations.
For students in Preschool to Grade 8, pre-visits are often scheduled on Thursdays or Fridays before the first day of school.
Primary School (Preschool-SK): A gradual transition plan may be offered for younger students, including part-time attendance for the initial week.
Junior and Middle School (Grades 1-8): Pre-visits provide an opportunity for students to tour the classroom and meet peers before their first day.
Action Items:
Confirm your attendance for the Meet and Greet.
Discuss with the teacher any specific concerns, questions, or details about your child’s needs.
Work with the Principal and teacher to finalize a transition plan if necessary.
Getting Ready to Start School
Preparing for the First Day
On the first day of school, the Principal and your child’s teacher will meet families outdoors at 8:20 AM to welcome students and begin the transition process.
School staff will be available to monitor students' well-being and provide support if separation concerns arise.
Teachers will perform check-ins throughout the day to ensure students feel comfortable and engaged.
Action Items:
Plan to arrive by 8:15 AM to allow time for parking:
Use the Michael Street parking area or the designated Kiss and Ride zone for quick drop-offs.
Follow the school’s traffic flow guidelines to ensure safety for all families.
Pack a nut-free snack, as InnovOak does not provide snacks.
Notify the school staff if there are any specific concerns about your child’s transition.
Uniforms
Uniform guidelines include:
Formal Dress (Mondays and Thursdays): White dress shirt, grey pants/skirt, InnovOak tie, blazer, and black dress shoes.
Regular Dress (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays): Blue polo shirt or white dress shirt, grey pants/skirt, with optional sweater.
Athletic Uniform (on gym days): Includes athletic shorts, a crested shirt, and indoor/outdoor sneakers.
Preschool-SK: Only the golf shirt is required, though full casual sets are available.
Uniforms are purchased via the InnovOak Shop and sized using the size chart available on the InnovOak Shop website by following How to Fit a Uniform Properly.
Action Items:
Use the guide to measure your child accurately and place your order via the InnovOak Shop.
Contact shop@innovoak.ca for sizing assistance or to request exchanges.
Daily Logistics and Support Services
Transportation
Morning pickup begins at 7:00 AM, ensuring arrival by 8:30 AM.
Afternoon drop-offs occur shortly after dismissal, with a parent or approved adult required to meet Preschool-SK students.
Transportation operates on a limited capacity, and a waitlist may apply.
Action Items:
Confirm transportation arrangements through your Admissions Advisor.
Notify the school promptly if changes to the schedule are needed.
After School Care
The After-School Care Program runs from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM and offers supervised activities, including playtime and homework assistance.
A subscription is required, and late pickup fees apply for arrivals after 6:00 PM.
Action Items:
Register for the program via this link.
Review policies and procedures with your child to ensure smooth participation.
Dining and Snacks
InnovOak offers a daily lunch program, providing fresh, balanced meals delivered directly to the school.
Students must bring their own nut-free snacks, as snacks are not provided.
Action Items:
Order lunches through the lunch portal.
Pack a healthy snack each day to ensure your child is well-nourished throughout the day.
Administrative Requirements
Forms to Complete
The following forms must be submitted before your child’s first day:
Action Items:
Download forms using the link provided.
Submit printed forms to your child’s teacher promptly.
Attendance and Safe Arrival
Parents must report absences or late arrivals to attendance@innovoak.ca and copy the teacher.
Teachers will follow up if a student is unaccounted for during attendance checks.
Action Items:
Review the safe arrival protocol in the school handbook.
Ensure your emergency contact information is up-to-date in the myInnovOak Parent Portal.
Academic and Extracurriculars
Academic Reporting & Conference
Parent-Teacher Meetings:
Preschool to Grade 8: Scheduled in August, November, and March.
Senior School: Parents meet with course teachers during midterms, typically in November and March.
Library Visit
Regular library visits for JK-Grade 8 begin in September, with schedules provided by teachers.
Extra-curriculum Activities
The Instrumental Music Program for Grades 4-8 focuses on brass instruments and prepares students for future musical opportunities.
Action Items:
Speak with your teacher during the Meet and Greet to discuss extracurricular options.
Enroll your child in the music program or other activities of interest.
Communication
Staying Informed
InnovOak provides ongoing updates via the Parent Information Pages and Classroom Sites for homework and schoolwork.
Teachers are available for questions via email or scheduled meetings.
Action Items:
Regularly check the Parent Information Pages and Classroom Sites for updates.
Schedule meetings with teachers as needed for ongoing discussions about your child’s progress.
Closing
As a school, many of our students transition from a current public or private school setting. By following these steps, you and you child will have a smoother transition well beyond the first few days. If you have any questions, reach out to your Admissions Officer, Principal, or child’s teacher. We look forward to partnering with your family on this educational journey!