Firstly just to say that without BE I think we would not have even reached this point - the answers and advice we've received so far has been invaluable - thanks to everyone who has helped out in the past.

I have another question I'm afraid, this time about children entering Elementary School in Canada. At is seems impossible to gauge when we are going to receive our PR (other than the fact that it will be within the next 12 months fingers crossed). Our children, will be approx 6.5yrs and 2 x 4.5 yrs (twins) when we land, and originally I had always envisaged that they would start Elementary school at the beginning of the school year (September), however if this is to happen, we could well end up postponing our intended move by 10 months or so. Just wondering if anyone out there with children of a similar age had any advice re. starting school - and whether the beginning of the school year - or not, as as starting point was a big issue to them.

Thanks as always,

Hi

1. Well you probably don't have to worry about the 4.5 year olds, as elementary school starts at age 6.
2. The older one would be placed in grade 1 or 2 the school will test to see his/her level.

The practice is to put children in with their age group. If you land after April they would not be expected to attend school normally. Kindergarten would take the twins in September while the older one would go into grade 2 (probably) at the same time. Kindergarten may by half days full depending on where you settle.

Not here it doesn't.....here kids start school in September of the year they turn 5. Generally there's a cut off date (here in BC I believe it's that they must turn 5 before December but it may very across school boards). So, technically, you can get 4 year olds in Kindergarten. Where are you going? If you know where you're going you can check with the local school board.

Don't wait 10 months. Kids start new schools throughout the year due to moving, etc. so chances are your kids won't be the only ones who join a year in progress rather than starting in September, especially at their ages.

If you feel you have to delay, then put them in at the start of a term/semester, but delaying up to 10 months so they can start in September is a complete waste of time.

We moved over at easter and it all worked great for my boys who were 7 and 9 at the time. One went into grade 2 (he was in that grade in the uk) the other went into grade 4. (he had been in grade 5 in the uk)

just come when you can and when it work out with the children. Their education will not be harmed for starting half way through a year at their age.

We moved at Easter 3 years ago, with a 7 yr old, a 5 yr old a 3 yr old and an 18 month old.

Our kids just started school a week or two after we landed - the school had no problems with them starting part way through the year. The 7 yr old went into grade 2, the 5 yr old into kindergarten.

I wouldn't wait 10 months because I don't think it makes much difference at a young age if they do start part way through. And going to school will help them settle much faster as they make friends that way.

I agree with everyone else! Children are very adaptable and they will be fine starting mid year.
We have 3 kids and they started school 2 days after arriving! It was January and we had no problems.
We decided to put our kids into the correct grades for their ages rather than putting them up a grade (This is suggested sometimes as the UK starts school at 4) Socially it seemed important that they would fit in and find friends.
Education varies in each Province and even in different cities. We live on Vancouver Island, in BC.
They will be fine!

Thanks Guys,

We are also planning to move to Vancouver Island.

I think maybe we'll stop worrying so much about trying to land to co-incide with a new school year, and remember that at that age, we could just as well be moving to the next village as a different country for all the difference it is going to make to them ie. new school new friends etc..

Cheers