Parents

14th Annual Take Our Kids To Work Day

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

GRADE 9 PARENT NEWSLETTER

Take Our Kids to Work day is a national event that the Brandon School Division has participated in for the last 13 years. You've likely heard about it, read about it, or even seen it happen. With the proper planning and preparation, it's a great day and those who have participated in the past agree that it's a very rewarding and educational experience for students, parents and employers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who makes the necessary arrangements for my child?

You do. Each year close to 500 Grade 9's participate so we depend on families to make their own arrangements and ones that will work best for your individual situation.

2. What if I cannot take my child to my workplace?

Although the majority of students do job shadow their parents, there are situations when that isn't possible. We ask that you make alternate arrangements by speaking to relatives, friends or co-workers. Some students job shadow their friends' parents, a former teacher, coach, hairstylist etc. This, of course, also depends on their interests and occupational goals.

3. What can I do if all my attempts fail and I just can't find someone for my child to job shadow?

Firstly, I would advise you to start making your plans EARLY. The families who delay in making their arrangements are often the ones who run into problems closer to the deadline. In any event, please contact me ASAP and I can suggest a "volunteer host" in the community - depending again on your child's interests, e.g. Trades, Health, Science, Technology, Business etc.

4. Does my child come to school at all on November 3?

No, Your child will go directly to their arranged workplace and job shadow their parent or host.

5. Are the job shadow hours the same as school hours?

Not usually, as hours will vary depending on the job site. Students will "work" basically the same hours as their parent or host. In past years, students have started work as early as 4:00 a.m. in the case of a student job shadowing a grocery store employee responsible for cleaning or stocking. Others may work an evening or night shift at the hospital. This in itself is an eye opening experience!

6. Is there much paperwork involved?

No, just this newsletter and the Parent Guide pamphlet which includes the waiver form. The Parent Guide will be sent home with your child early to mid October. Please watch for it, complete the WAIVER FORM section of the Parent Guide and return to your child's English teacher by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 in order for your child to participate. Your child will be expected to be in school on November 3 if we have not received his/her waiver by the divisional deadline of October 29. This is due to workers compensation coverage. Additional waiver forms can be downloaded by visiting www.takeourkidstowork.ca.

7. If Wednesday, November 3rd isn't going to work for our family, can my child participate on a different day?

No, because Workers Compensation coverage is provided by Manitoba Education Citizenship & Youth for November 3 only and we must have all students registered for this coverage by the October 29 deadline.

8. Is there more to this event than the one-day job shadow?

Absolutely! Take Our Kids To Work day in the Brandon School Division is an initiative that is part of your child's English course. The Grade 9's will be doing assignments and activities related to employability and essential skills, world of work and careers in the days leading up to November 3. Workplace Health and Safety is also an important topic and all students will be participating in a presentation delivered by the Safe Workers of tomorrow staff. As well, there will be post-day sharing and activities following their job shadow day so being in class the next day is equally important.

The following sites hosted 4 or more students last year;

Brandon School Division (45), Brandon Regional Health Authority (45) , Maple Leaf Pork (44) CFB Shilo (19), Maple Leaf Pork (19), Provincial Court House (18), City of Brandon (11), Brandon Correction Centre (11), Assiniboine Community College (10), Manitoba Hydro (7), Koch Fertilizer (6), Kelleher Ford (6), Brandon Friendship Centre (5), MTS (5), MPI (5), Brandon University (5), Superstore (4)

In all over 175 sites hosted 559 grade 9 students in 11 Manitoba communities for this one day event. A complete list of the 2009 worksites is available upon request.

If you have any questions please contact:

Janie McNish, Work Placement Coordinator

Phone: 729-3925 E-mail: mcnish.janie@brandonsd.mb.ca