Actually canada is not terrible on the world field hockey scene, they played in the last Olympics. I dont think it really registers on the average canadians psyche though, they just think of it as a form of ball hockey (the other type of hockey widely known here). Field hockey is more widely seen as a girls game here.

I find it a terrible game to watch on the Telly, and I love the game Balls too small moved around too fast, its too stop start and the commentators have no idea, but as its only 2 games every 4 years its a moot point.

Hey Lorna and Andrew, My Kids are 11 ()grade 6 and 9 (grade 4) and into their second year at Catholic elementary school here in Calgary.

1. They settled in really well, my eldest seems to have way more friends than she had in the UK, but I think it helps that they play out a lot with the other kids in their school, where as they didn't before (we lived in a different town to most of their school friends). They are also all given a 'Buddy". Grade 4 are buddies to the kindergarten and they in turn have older buddies from grade 7 (I think)

2. They love that its more hands on learning,(Science is a great day) for them its less sit down lecturing more getting up and doing however they HATE standing up and speaking in front of everyone (show and tell and some book reports), which is something these guys do from Pre school.

3. My girls are not so much into sports really, and were disgbusted with the wrestling lessons they had in gym class, most kids here play all sorts of sports in their free time from Base ball to Street Hockey, skating in the winter I guess if he seeks out a club he can play whatever sport he wants too.

4. They have canteen cards which we top up as and when, the food is bought in from suppliers out side of school, so they have pizza hut pizzas on Friday, Lasagne on Tuesday Mac and Cheese and Paninis also on offer along with a range of snacks, cookies, cheese strings, Bottles of juice etc. So I guess from reading the replies here it depends on the school. Hot Lasagne costs $4 but great on cold winter days.

5. Bloody awful, had to stop the eldest going to school in a denim mini skirt and wet hair just this morning...weather was minus 21, I nearly had a coronary just trying to explain that if the bus breaks down and she has to walk she will freeze...Aaaaaarrrrgggghhh To note if I was completely irresponsible (and i was tempted to be) I'd have let her go and find out for herself!

6. Don't know

7. Chocolate is what the kids miss most, yup even over the family and friends Chocolate for them wins hands down.

I find though that our school does not have a huge amount of out of hours activities for the elementary children, (their old school had lots of clubs at lunch and after school from chess to football, Drama, cricket, arts and crafts and learning to play an instrument were all offered through school). so far they've been offered 'cup stacking' and the Christmas play! There does seem more on offer to the Junior high but think they miss out a bit by excluding the elementary, however my friends child goes to a different school and has on offer 'robotics club" during lunch, different schools different options.

Blimey... understand it might not be quite their thing... but so far we have had many trips to a/e as it is so violent! He and his team mates are forever breaking things! Theya re tough as old boots!
Anyway.. we have actually found out now that there is actually a field hockey club in halifax. Hmm... don't want him to be branded a sissy when he is just trying to settle in. Perhaps we should just bide our time and see how the land lies when we get there. It's a shame as he plays at a really high level. Don't think he has ever set foot on the ice, so would get crucified if he tried ice hockey.
Thanks for the warning though

Wait until they become teenagers and think nothing of walking to school at -25c w/o a hat, running shoes on, thin gloves and coat half zipped......ears the colour of cherries etc, but at least they don't have hat head.

My son, in Grade 4 here in Ottawa, plays football a lot at recess time...road hockey is popular, baseball not at all, ice hockey is big but $$$$$$$$$$$ for kids......

Think we're already there, Today the eldest is going to the theatre hence the bus (normally they walk or bike)....and the desire to wear something other than jeans. I pointed out she went to the opera in jeans and didn't care, but today is different muuuuum!

I have such a job to get her in a decent coat, practical clothes (Hat, gloves, boots, Trousers etc). I might give in one day let her find out for herself, however I know I'd feel so guilty about it, I'd end up at school with her thermals......Ooooh now there's an idea

Bollocks. Street hockey seems pretty popular.

If the Grey Cup is anything to go by, I think that Canadians need to look at their own before classing other sports as sissy. I have never seen some many overweight men in spandex calling themselves sportsmen since I watched darts (OK darts players don't tend to wear spandex). At least the NFL players slam into one another

I find CFL/NFL mind numbingly dull...nerve gas for the brain...

Sure

I could only watch the Grey Cup for 12 minutes, the commercials did my head in - NFL on Channel 4 (when it was first shown) was good though

ha ha.. the mind boggles..what a vision

Several years ago I asked a sports fan to explain the difference between the two.

"People watch NFL games".

Hi - I'm a high school teacher in Montreal, QC (12-17 y/o). There's two possible outcomes for the children's school and lifestyle transition, considering their age: horrible -or- fantastic. Only their experience will tell. I do wish them all the best - and keep an open and positive attitude to your new home. From my observations:

1. UK/Can schools are basically comparable - the kid's will notice small variences - dependent upon the urban/rural setting and province. Pedagogically the UK/Can systems are the same. Your average teen is hormone driven, confused, but friendly; reactions and relationships are dependant of the child's personality and attitude.
2. Academics - if academic; sports - if athletic; neither - if a deadbeat.
3. Never seen it - even with priv. schools. Hockey=ice-hockey.
4. Most secondary schools provide cafeteria service rations or off campus victuals.
5. 90% of Canadian kids have no experince of formal uniforms in Canada; it usually indicates an exclusive or sectarian private school, often with a twisted sailor-moon image. Or if you live in Ontario.
6. If the local population has children . . . There is a new HS in this area, Lockview High School . Being a suburb of Halifax would indicate families are in this dwelling zone.
7. Everything is provided for here (new way, new life).

[QUOTE=Lorna999;8142574]We are in the middle of our visa application, and tying desperately to answer all the kids questions. My 13 year old son has compiled a list of questions he needs answers for. He is a mixture of 'terrified' and can't wait.

1. How did you guys find the schools when you started and were folk friendly towards you even though you are from britain... and might there be other brits in the school.
VERY FRIENDLY - THEY LOVE THE ACCENT - KEEP IT OF YOU CAN
2. what is your favourite thing at school in Canada.
NOTHING IN PARTICULAR
3. Do you ever get to play field hockey
THE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL HAVE A TEAM BUT IT IS PLAYED IN AUTUMN ONLY - SHORT SEASON. YOU CAN OF COURSE PLAY BALL HOCKEY ON THE UNFLOODED ICE RINK IN SPRING - THIS IS VERY POPULAR (AND GOOD FUN)
4. Do i have to have school lunches
NO
5. What is it like not having to wear uniform.
GREAT
6. We are hoping to move to fall river/sackville area. Will there be plenty of kids for us to hang out with??
PROBABLY
7. What thing do you miss the most from Britain that you can't get from Canada.
NOTHING
Thanks in advance for answers to any of these questions. I keep telling him that unfortunately I am noy psychic so can,t answer them myself.

thanks from Lorna and Andrew Age 13[/QUOTE

KIDS 9 AND 10, BEEN HERE 2 YEARS. PLAY BALL AND ICE HOCKEY - STARTED HERE 2 YRS AGO.
HAVING A GOOD LIFE AND THE LOCALS LOVE OUR ACCENTS.

Hi Guys... Thank you so much for all your informative replies. The children and I have enjoyed reading them together and I definately feel their enthusiasm growing. Have enjoyed the serious and the more lighthearted replies. What an exciting time!
Thanks again
Turner Family