Ontario Report Card Opening and Closing Comments, Grades 1-8
The opening sentence sets the tone for the learning skills comment by summarizing how the student has settled in or progressed this term. The closing sentence ends on a forward-looking note: a goal for the next term or good wishes for the summer.
Here are 14 samples from the 220 openers and closers in the full pack: one of each for every overall level, then one pair written for each report period.
Fills in the name and pronouns on this page. Nothing is sent anywhere.
For any report period
Overall picture: Excellent E
Opener
- [Name] shows excellent learning habits through careful work, responsible choices and steady effort.
Closer
- I am excited to see where [Name]'s curiosity and hard work will lead.
Overall picture: Good G
Opener
- Good effort and a willingness to learn are qualities that [Name] brings to our class.
Closer
- The progress [Name] has made shows the value of steady effort.
Overall picture: Satisfactory S
Opener
- [Name] is making progress with [his/her/their] learning skills, and some habits need more practice.
Closer
- I look forward to celebrating [Name]'s progress with you.
Overall picture: Needs Improvement N
Opener
- [Name] has many strengths, and we are working together to help [him/her/them] develop more dependable work habits.
Closer
- We will continue to work closely with [Name] on these important skills.
For a specific report period
Fall Progress Report
Opener
- In the first months of the school year, [Name] has shown outstanding learning habits.
Closer
- [Name] should feel good about this start to the year.
Term 1 Report Card (winter)
Opener
- This term, [Name] has made good progress in developing [his/her/their] learning skills.
Closer
- Practising these habits at school and at home will help [Name] in the months ahead.
Term 2 Report Card (June)
Opener
- As the year comes to a close, [Name] has several learning habits that are becoming more dependable.
Closer
- With continued support at home and at school, [Name] can build on this year's progress.
Tips for openers and closers
- On the fall progress report, openers describe the start of the year and settling into routines, since the evidence is early. Closers can name what you will watch for before the winter report card.
- On the Term 1 report card, the opener can compare with the fall: growth since the progress report, or a routine now in place. The closer sets one focus for the rest of the year.
- In June, the opener can sum up the whole year, and the closer can look ahead to the next grade. Keep both short so most of the space goes to evidence and next steps.
Comments by skill
- Responsibility, Grades 1-3
- Responsibility, Grades 4-8
- Organization, Grades 1-3
- Organization, Grades 4-8
- Independent Work, Grades 1-3
- Independent Work, Grades 4-8
- Collaboration, Grades 1-3
- Collaboration, Grades 4-8
- Initiative, Grades 1-3
- Initiative, Grades 4-8
- Self-Regulation, Grades 1-3
- Self-Regulation, Grades 4-8
How these sentences were made, and what has been checked: About these comments.