If you are a new immigrant to Richmond, navigating the school system can be a daunting task. Add to that, parents who can't speak the language. It doesn't have to be difficult if parents come prepared, according to Glenn Kishi, district administrator for the Richmond School District.
"Any new immigrants can go to our website to get information on registering," said Kishi.
"If they do not speak English, there is a drop down menu (select language) that will change the text to other languages."
Also, during the summer months, parents can call the district's switchboard with any inquiry.
When it is time to register their child, Kishi said, they do ask parents who don't speak English to bring an interpreter with them to the registration.
The biggest challenge that occurs for some new immigrants who try to enroll their children in school is missing documents.
"When parents register, there are a number of things that we require, and if they are missing documents, then we will not take their registration," Kishi said.
The list of documents the school district requires includes one of the following: proof of residence such as a mortgage document, formal rental or lease agreement, current property tax notice or unconditional contract of purchase and sale with possession date and subject removed, proof of Canadian citizenship or Landed Immigrant Status for child and parents, birth certificate, immunization record (if available), and last report card, if available.
"The parents are required to register their kids," added Kishi. "We do not let other members of the family do this.
"We also check the parents' documents, so we know they are the parents. We also want to make sure that the parents are going to stay in Canada while their students attend school here. We do find some who are just here to register the student and then leave the country."
If you are ESL students, you will be given an assessment appointment. These appointments started on Aug. 21.
"We will have workers at these assessments to meet with families and help them with any questions they may have about our schools, as well as what supports are available to them in the community," added Kishi.
If you are new to Richmond or moving within Richmond, you can register by calling the Richmond School District at 604-668-6000 or 604-668-6087.
For more information, visit the Richmond School District website at www.sd38.bc.ca.
