💡 At the school entrance there is usually a porter (vrátný) or a bell; it is best to learn the class (for example 3. B) and floor beforehand from the sekretariát (secretary's office).
💡 In Czech schools children change shoes: přezůvky (indoor shoes), penál (pencil case), sešity (exercise books), tělocvik - sports kit; the class teacher gives the list.
💡 School lunches (obědy) must be přihlásit (registered) at the školní jídelna (canteen); they are paid in advance, and a given day can be odhlásit (cancelled) up to the morning.
💡 In most Czech schools children change into přezůvky (indoor shoes) in the šatna (cloakroom); street shoes stay on a hook or in a locker; ask the class teacher which shoes are allowed.
💡 For tělocvik (PE) a cvičební úbor (sports kit) and sports shoes are needed; only a doctor or in some cases a parent's written note excuses a pupil; ask the teacher.
💡 The school gives a seznam pomůcek (list of supplies): penál (pencil case), sešity (exercise books), pracovní sešity (workbooks), pastelky (colouring pencils); textbooks are often lent by the school free.
💡 You report the child's absence on the first day of illness: by phone, email or via the school aplikace (app), and then submit an omluvenka (written excuse).
💡 An omluvenka (written excuse) is written in the žákovská knížka (pupil's record book) or in the electronic diary: the days, the reason, the parent's signature; if the child was ill for more than three days a doctor's note is often requested.
💡 Warn the class teacher in advance of planned absence, in writing or through the register; the parent excuses the absence (omluvit nepřítomnost); agree a longer absence with the headteacher.
💡 If a child feels unwell during a lesson the school phones the parents and asks them to pick the child up; keep your phone on and make sure the school has your current number.
💡 Třídní schůzky take place several times a year, usually in the evening; you can come in person or at a separate time by arrangement with the class teacher.
💡 The teacher usually talks about prospěch (achievement), chování (behaviour) and aktivita (activity) in lessons; the question Jak se jí daří? is common.
💡 Besides general meetings you can arrange konzultace (a separate talk) with the class teacher or a subject teacher; write in the register or by e-mail and suggest a time.
💡 In the Czech Republic grades go from jednička (1, best) to pětka (5, worst): 1 - výborný, 2 - chvalitebný, 3 - dobrý, 4 - dostatečný, 5 - nedostatečný.
💡 Children get the vysvědčení (report card) twice a year: at the end of January (for the half year) and at the end of June (for the year); before the holidays.
💡 Many schools have an electronic žákovská knížka (diary) in an app (Bakaláři, Škola OnLine, Edupage): you see grades, homework and messages; the login is issued by the school.
💡 The žákovská knížka (pupil's book) records a pochvala (praise), a poznámka (remark) or a důtka (reprimand); ask the teacher what happened and how to put it right.
💡 In the Czech Republic the best mark is jednička (one) and the worst is pětka (five): the opposite of Ukraine; a mark can be improved at an oprava (resit); ask the teacher when and in what form.
💡 The school year ends with the vysvědčení (report) at the end of June; half a year is the pololetní vysvědčení in January; a report s vyznamenáním (with distinction) is given for very good marks and behaviour.
💡 The školní družina is after-school care for younger grades; you need a přihláška (application) and a poplatek (fee), usually until four or five o'clock.
💡 A child may leave school alone only with a písemný souhlas rodičů (written parental consent) stating the time and means; without it the educator won't let her go.
💡 At school or kindergarten lunch has to be odhlásit (cancelled) in advance if the child is absent; otherwise you pay for it; usually this is done by morning in an app or by phone.
💡 Schools have kroužky (clubs) - sports, art, singing, language; you enrol in September and pay separately; ask the timetable and whether there are places.
💡 Škola v přírodě is a week-long class trip to nature with teachers: accommodation, meals and activities; parents pay (záloha - deposit) and sign a souhlas (consent).
💡 Plavecký výcvik is swimming instruction in the primary grades; you need plavky (swimsuit), ručník (towel), plavecká čepice (swim cap) and often souhlas rodičů.
💡 The třídní fond (class fund) or the SRPŠ (parents' association) collects voluntary contributions for the class and events; the parents decide the amount at a meeting; the money is accounted for.
💡 In the Czech Republic children often go with the class on a lyžařský výcvik (ski course) for several days; parental consent, a medical certificate and equipment are needed; ask what can be rented.
💡 Schools provide foreign children with jazyková příprava (language preparation) - extra Czech lessons free of charge; ask the ředitel (head teacher) or class teacher when it begins.
💡 The school may offer doučování (tutoring), an asistent pedagoga (teacher assistant) or consultation with the school psychologist; say that the child doesn't yet understand the language rather than that she is unable.
💡 The school usually asks for a record from the previous school (a report or certificate) and the child's ID; the class is chosen by age and knowledge; ask about adaptation lessons in Czech.