Prospective Parents - FAQ General

Does Bialik stream students?

Bialik does not group students by criteria, such as academic achievement level. Bialik teachers try to create balanced classes (see below).

How does Bialik decide in which class a student is placed?

Classes are changed each year. Teachers place their students in classes to create evenly balanced new groupings based on social, emotional, academic and behavioral criteria. Every effort is made to place the child with teachers who would best suit that child's learning style.

Is there a dress code in effect at the school?

Bialik does not require a school uniform. While there is no formal dress code, students are required to dress in a manner that is in accordance with the atmosphere of a school and that shows respect for others.

How can I, as a parent, become active in the school?

Bialik encourages parents become involved in school life. For example, parents can

become active in the PTA
volunteer to help in a classroom (other than that of their child), library, computer lab, etc.
arrange to come and help their child celebrate a birthday in the classroom
share a special talent or interest with the class or grade
accompany students on field trips
attend their child's class performances

Does food brought into the school have to be kosher?

While Bialik does not require that students' lunches be kosher, any food brought in for common consumption (holidays, class celebrations, birthday parties, etc.) must be strictly kosher and peanut/nut free.

Is Bialik a peanut/nut free school?

Bialik aims to provide a safe environment for all its students. As such, Bialik is a "peanut/nut aware" school. Parents are asked not to send any products containing peanuts or nuts in their children's lunches; food brought in for common consumption must not contain peanuts or nuts. Bialik does not use the terminology "peanut/nut free" because we cannot guarantee that there will never be traces of peanuts/nuts in the school.

Is there enough supervision in the schoolyard to ensure the safety of all students?

Bialik has a higher teacher-to-student ratio in the schoolyard than most schools. Additionally, all teachers on duty wear bright green sashes, identifying them as staff. There are several teachers monitoring the school halls and the lunchroom. In addition to staff, peacemakers from grade 5, trained in conflict resolution by the school counselor, are on duty during recess to help peers resolve any problems or conflicts that may arise.

How does the school deal with bullying?

Bialik expects all members of our community to treat one another with respect. When disrespectful and problematic student behaviours do occur, however, it is important to process them and provide appropriate consequences. Our approach to discipline sets expectations and consequences, and makes appropriate behaviour an integral part of the educational process. This is done in the context of Bialik’s pillar of Jewish Values & Menschlichkeit. For more information regarding our policy on bullying, please view our page on Behaviour and Discipline.

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