Ecole Jules Verne

Ratakatu 6 A
FIN – 00120 Helsinki
Tel : +358 9 565 1926 Fax : +358 9 340 4727
Mel : direction@ecolejulesverne.fi

Welcome to the Jules Verne School

Dear Parents,

You have just registered your child at our school or your child is enrolled with us. Now, you must have
questions about how it works.
We designed this guide to provide as many answers as possible to the questions usually asked by parents.

You will also find information:

- on the school website at http://ecolejulesverne.fi/
- from Véronique Kauraniemi, school secretary
- from Karine Bourgeix, school Headmistress
- from the parent delegates whose contact information is posted on the Board in the entrance of the
school.
Do not hesitate to contact us!

School presentation

The Jules Verne School is a French school managed by a non-profit association of parents of
students, subject to Finnish law.
The Jules Verne School is managed by a Headmistress assigned by the AEFE (Agency for French Teaching
Abroad). In his capacity as Head, he or she is responsible for the educational program and its compliance
with the French National Education program.
On their side, the association of parents of students is responsible for managing the property in
accordance with the agreement signed in 2015 with the AEFE.
The members of the Management Committee are elected by the parents of students in the Fall, for a
period of 2 years.
The Management Committee meets regularly to ensure the administrative and financial management of
the school, to include tuition, hiring assistants, canteen organization and extracurricular activities.
The building
The school facility is leased from the University of Helsinki.
Some areas are specific to the French school: the reception area, 6 classrooms spread over 3 floors, the
library, the dining area for small children and the daycare center.
Others are shared with Norssi, such as the gym and the canteen area.
The school does not have a playground so kindergarten students must spend their recess time in a small
park at the end of the street, while students from CP to CM2 use the field located in front of the school.
Sometimes, the space right in front of the school is used as a playground if the other two areas are not
available.

Who takes care of my child at school?

During school hours, students are under the responsibility of the classroom teachers. Each kindergarten
teacher is assisted by an assistant (ASEM) qualified for these tasks. Classroom assistants (ASEM) must
have the French diploma CAP petite enfance, which, in France, enables to work in daycare centers and
maternelle schools. ASEMs help children to acquire autonomy (clothing, eating, motor skills) and
participate to their emotional and intellectual development.

A team of educative assistants comes to complete the ASEM’s team during lunch time, after school care
and clubs.

PEDAGOGY
LEARNING PROCESS
What will my child learn at the French school?

Schooling in French schools is organized into three sections.

 Cycle 1 - Early learning: petite, moyenne and grande sections of kindergarten.
To start kindergarten, children must be prepared for community living. It means they have to be
ready to be away from their parents and they have to be "clean" (bottles and diapers are not
allowed in school).
Kindergarten is a caring school. Its main mission is to inspire children to go to school to learn, to grow and to assert
their personality. It is based on the fundamental principle that all children can learn and grow. By demonstrating
confidence with every child, kindergarten helps the child to trust their own power to act and to think and his ability to
learn and succeed in school and beyond.

 Cycle 2 - Basic skills: CP, CE1 and CE2.

Learning at school is questioning the world. It is also acquiring specific languages. In Section 2, all the teaching
methods question the world. The learning of languages, specifically French, is a priority.

 Cycle 3 - Consolidation: CM1, CM2 and 6ème.

This section’s first intention is to stabilize and strengthen for all students the basic skills learned in
Section 2, and first with languages.
More generally, the students go on to a more abstract thinking that helps reasoning with more complex tasks. They
are encouraged to act responsibly and cooperate through the completion of projects, to create and produce a significant
number of writings and to carry out various projects.

How do I know that my child is progressing?

Throughout the year, teachers evaluate the work of the students, what they can do and the difficulties they
face in learning.
The class teacher regularly reports to the parents the progress of their child by communicating through
report cards, as well as regular meetings.
You can also request an appointment through the “cahier de liaison” if you have a concern or just wish to
find out how your child progress in the classroom.

How can I help my child?

Parents’ involvement in schooling is a key element for its success.
In general, children do better when they are encouraged by their parents, receive compliments, are helped
with their homework and discuss school with their parents.
The involvement of parents in the school life of their children influences them positively on all levels: the
child perseveres when facing a task, has a more positive attitude towards the school and behaves better in
class.
You can help:
 - by attending school events
- by participating in meetings organized by each class at the beginning of the year
- by communicating with the teachers when receiving report cards, but also whenever necessary
- by reading the “cahier de liaison” or the school website on a regular basis
- by supervising evening homework
- by reading stories to your child and talking with him about what he did in school.

APPOINTMENT S I wish to meet my child’s teacher. How do I proceed?

Throughout the school year, the teacher and, if necessary, the principal, are at your disposal to analyze the
school performance of your child, to discuss the beginning of the school year preparation, work
organization, life at school... but also in case of personal difficulties that could have consequences on your
child’s schooling.

You can meet the teacher:

1 - during the class meeting usually organized in the beginning of the year: the teacher explains
there his work, his expectations, the classroom organization, projects and activities ...
In the interest of your child, your presence at these classroom meetings is essential

2 - during individual meetings, by appointment, as required.

You can meet the principal regarding any administrative problem or if you need to know about special
conditions available in case of specific family situations. She will meet you by appointment.

LIBRARY (BCD)
The students go to the library about once a week. They may borrow books to read them at home.

IMAGE RIGHTS

The school has a website. Periodically, the teachers post articles, photos, short videos on it to show what is
accomplished in class. This allows parents to stay in touch with what is done in class.
You need to sign an authorization for the use of your child’s image in the beginning of the year. The
school is obviously prohibiting the use of any photo that could harm the child or his family.

DAILY LIFE AT SCHOOL

SC H O O L H OUR S .
 At what time should I arrive with my child?
In the morning, classes start at 8:45. Every morning of all levels start with a welcoming time.
It is the time when the child goes from the family world to the school world. From that point of view it is
a moment when the child becomes a pupil.
It enables a quiet and soft transition. This is why we insist on the children being on time.
School doors open at 8:35, children have time to undress and put their things away. Each child has a locker
with his name on it.
Pre-school pupils are taken to the classroom and entrusted to the teacher.
Pupils from Elementary school go upstairs to their classes alone.
In the afternoon, classes finish at 15:30 except on Fridays (15:15). Pre-school children parents go to get
their child from the classrooms. Elementary school pupils come downstairs with their teachers and meet
their parents at the school entrance.

 And after class, can my child stay in the afternoon care?

From 15:30 (15:15 on Fridays) children can go to the afternoon care. It ends at 17:30 (17:15 on Fridays)
and tardiness is invoiced 50 euros per 15 minutes of tardiness.
Regular enrolment or from time to time (in that case, enrolment at least 48 hours before).
1) Each child need to have a snack for the afternoon. It cannot be put in the fridge.
2) According to the safety regulations concerning the number of children, only enrolled pupils can be
accepted. If there is some space available more children can be enrolled the day before. Enrolling
can be refused if the care is full.

 What about clubs?

Clubs are proposed after school from 15:30 until 16:45 (they eat their snack between 15.30and 15:45).
The clubs list is sent to the parents at the beginning of the school year. Enrolment is valid for a period
during two holidays and can be renewed for the next period.
Information from the administration.

SC H O O L H OL I DAYS
The holiday calendar is transmitted at the beginning of the school year. Each family has to follow it.

TA R D I NE SS
 My child is late in the morning, what happens?
Children have to arrive in class between 8:35 and 8:45, after that time they are late.
Regular attendance is a guaranty of success.
A longer tardiness can be only an exception and one has to contact the administration to explain.

 I am late to pick up my child in the afternoon, what happens?

I should phone the school to inform. The children will be entrusted to the afternoon care.

A B SE NC E My child is absent. Who should I call?

Regular attendance is compulsory.
Any absence must be justify by a written note from the parents to the teacher as soon as possible.

I L LN ES S
 My child is ill at home. What shall I do?
You should inform the school by e-mail ( info@ecolejulesverne.fi ) or by phone (09-565 19 26).Please note
that some infectious diseases necessitate to stay home (measles, streptococcus…) to prevent contagion.
In some cases, your child will need to present a good health certificate to be able to come back to school.
You can have information from the administration.
If necessary, the school will inform all the families.

 My child is ill at school. What happens?

The school does not have a sickbay or a nurse in the building. If the child is really ill and he cannot stay at
school (vomiting, bad stomach ache, fever…) we contact the family and ask the parents to come and get
the child.
We understand that it can be difficult sometimes, so inform us if another person can come and get
your child (grandparents, family members, babysitter…)
M ED I C I N E
My child has a medical treatment. Can the teacher give him medication?
Teachers are not allowed to give medication. A sick child must stay home.

Some children have chronicle health problems (allergies, asthma,…) and need special care. In that case a
special plan can be put in place to enable to follow normal school life and define emergency measures.
This document applies also for lunchtime and after school activities.
If you child needs to follow a special medical treatment, please contact the school headmistress.

AC C ID E N TS
My child falls or hurts himself. How is he taken care of?
If the wound is not severe, an adult cares for him: disinfectant, icepack, dressing.
If it is a severe wound: we may call 112 then the parents to take their child to the hospital or join him
there.
PLEASE INFORM US ABOUT ANY CHANGE IN YOUR PHONE NUMBERS.

I NS UR A NC ES F IE LD TR IP S A ND S HOW D UR I N G TH E
School has insured all the children for physical Y EA R
risks. The liability insurance is the responsibility A calendar of the main events will be posted on
of the parents. the school website.

SC H O O L SU PP L I ES SC H O O L LUNC H
The school supplies list is on the school website. Canteen is not compulsory.
In case of a schedule absence, a delay of one
week is needed to cancel the lunches.

C LOT HI N G How do I need to dress my child so that he will be at ease ?

For snowy and very cold days :

 A ski overall with a hood or ski pants with

jackets
 Waterproof snow boots
 A hat or woolen hat
 Gloves/mittens and under gloves
 A scarf or neck warmer
 Woolen socks
 Woolen underwear

For rainy days :

www.nordicbirthbasket.com

 A waterproof overall with a hood, or rain coat

and trousers
 Waterproof shoes or rubber boots
 Waterproof gloves.
SC H O O L RU L ES
Each school has its own school rules. It is the school “law”because it definesthe rights and obligations in
the school. Each one must respect it.
The School rules are given to the parents at the beginning of the school year through the liaison notebook.
It must be signed.
To live better at school is to respect the rules. This is why it is important to explain it to your
child.

PA R KI N G
We share the parking lot with Norssi school. It is meant for pick up and drop off, not to park for a long
time. Thank you for driving slowly in the parking lot and not endanger any of the students.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE

SCHOOL
Board of the
parents’association
General meetings
Participants: 8 to 12 parents
Participants: all parents elected during the general
Assembly.
Frequency: twice a year Frequency: once a month
The school is managed by
Each family has the right to
an association of parents of
vote.
students, in agreement
Fall: election of the
with the Agency for French
management committee
Teaching Abroad (AEFE).
Spring: validation of
accounts and budget.
School council
Participants: the parent
delegates

Frequency: once per trimester

It consists of the parent

delegates and the teachers
and is presided by the
school principal.

Invest yourself in school life by participating in general meetings, by volunteering

to become a member of the Board or a parent delegate!
C ERC L E J U LE S V E R NE
The Cercle Jules Verne association is meant to support the school activities. It is composed of students’
parents and other members.
Its mean goals are:
- Make new acquaintances;
- Participate to activities meant for parents (cultural visits, cooking workshops, reading club, craft,
sport outings, lunches…);
- Promote school families meetings during week-ends (Halloween, Carnival, picnics, flea markets…);
- Bring logistic and financial support for school activities (Father Christmas visit, Christmas gifts for
the classes, pancakes for Carnival, monthly bake sale, organization of the school fair, financing of
supplies for the classes).
Check the website for more information.

PARENTS, HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD

FOR PRE-SCHOOL?

First day: Parents and children are a bit stresses, for some it is the first time they will be apart. This
moment should be prepared as best as possible. During the weeks before school starts talk positively about
the school to your child. Present it as a lively environment where he will discover many things, where he
will meet new children, where he will sing, play, draw, etc… Show him you are happy to provide him this
new experience in his life.
On the first school day, before leaving home, explain how the day will go. That you will accompany him to
school, leave him with the teacher, you will kiss him and leave him to let him play with his new friends.
Remember to tell him you will come to pick him up and that everything will be fine.
This way you will avoid long good byes that end up with the child crying because he cannot stand to be
apart.
Give him a soft toy for naptime, but do not allow any other toy. Pacifiers have to be avoided.
Please write his name on all his clothes and shoes.