Education in public schools throughout Canada is free and mandatory for children. They are required by law to attend school between the ages of six and fifteen or sixteen as designated by each province. Parents can choose to send their children to public schools or separate (private or parochial) schools, or even teach their children at home, provided they meet the academic standards set by their province.
      Public schools include elementary and secondary levels. Young children generally begin their education by attending elementary school (generally kindergarten through grade 6). Upon graduation from elementary school, they go on to junior high school (grades seven to eight or nine). This is then followed by senior high school (usually grades ten, eleven or twelve). Grade levels within elementary and secondary schools may vary from district to district and province to province.
      Post-secondary education in Canada is offered at community colleges, technical institutions, polytechnics and universities.

      Language Notes  語文註解：
      1. mandatory = required by law 強制的。Education is mandatory for children. = The law requires parents to send their children to school.
      2. attend school = go to school 上學，接受教育
      3. designate = specify 規定
      4. provided = if 如果
      5. academic standards = 學術標準
      6. elementary school = primary school 小學
      7. kindergarten = 幼稚園
      8. Upon graduation = When they graduate 當他們畢業的時候
      9. junior high school = 初中
      10. senior high school = 高中
      11. vary = differ; change 各有不同
      12. post-secondary education = education after or beyond secondary education 專上教育
      13. community college = 社區學院
      14. technical institutions = 工業教育學院
      15. polytechnics = 理工學院或理工大學
      16. university = 大學

      Match these columns.
      COLUMN A
      1.  To get information to enrol your child in school, you should call …
      2.  Before beginning school, you must take your child to see …
      3.  Before admitting a child to the school, the principal will have to see …
      4.  Daycare centres are a good place for young children to learn …
      5.  Parent-teacher conferences are useful for …
      6.  Adults can take ESL classes at …
      COLUMN B
      a. discussing your child's progress
      b. the school board
      c. the child's immigration paper
      d. the principal
      e. community colleges
      f. play and social activities

      ANSWERS
      1. B
      2. D
      3. C
      4. F
      5. A
      6. E

      本欄資料取材自《新移民英語》Survival English for New Canadians