Kindergarten - a great start
Important Dates
Parent Information Evening: Wednesday 16th September 6.00 - 7.30pm
Parent and Children Sessions: Thursday 29th October 10.00 - 11.30am Thursday 5th November 10.00 - 11.30am
Thursday 12th November 10.00 - 11.30am
Starting KindergartenBefore school starts you can begin to build in your child the confidence needed, so that school will be a rich and rewarding experience and the first few days happy ones. Going to school is a special occasion for the whole family. If you are positive and relaxed about school, your child will be too.Many thoughts and emotions will be going through your minds and everyone will have different feelings about this special time in your lives. It is most important that your child feels at home in our school and that is why orientation days are planned.The most important ingredient for each child is to come to school feeling curious, interested and willing to try new activities.Each year in Term 4 we invite our incoming Kindergarten students and their families to our school for Kindergarten Orientation. An information session for the parents is held in the school hall with a number of guest speakers providing information which may include:- Principal and School Captains - Introduction to the school.
- Student representatives - Buddy programs and Public Speaking finalists.
- Kindergarten teacher - Preparing for school.
- School nurse - Health and immunization.
- P&C President - Parent involvement.
- Before & After School Care Coordinator - BAASC program.
- School Counsellor services for students.
- School uniform shop Committee
The incoming students will be meeting future fellow students and teachers in a classroom situation during their orientation time.This session allows the future Kindergarten students to explore the learning environment while participating in planned activities.The teachers are also taking this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the students and their needs.Your Child's First DayYour child will be given a special date and time to start school. Please come to the entrance door outside the Kindergarten room at the specified time so that each child can be greeted individually by the teacher and taken into the classroom.Discuss with your child before coming to school that, on the first day, you will come to school with them and then leave.If this is the ‘expected’ thing, then you probably won't have any tears at all. But, as everyone realises, every child is different, and it could happen that your child is upset. (You could be too). If this happens, just give your child an extra cuddle for reassurance, stay for a few moments, then leave. If you are concerned, you may telephone the school later in the day. It is more likely that on this first day your child will be happy to stay and perhaps on subsequent days is not quite so happy and will need you to stay for a few moments. Your child's teacher will let you know what they feel about the situation and your child's needs.On the first day, enrolment forms will be checked and updated if necessary. The following need to be produced before your child commences school:- Birth Certificate
- Immunisation History Statement (from your doctor or health provider).
Your First Day
Parents react differently about their children beginning school and, for this reason, you should accept whatever you feel as being part of you, and not be critical of yourself about your emotions on that day. Most parents need to be re-assured that their child is being well cared for, supervised properly, and made to feel secure at school.If you think that you will be concerned during the day, plan to do something really special, which will totally occupy your mind. Remember, while you are worrying, your child will be at school active and participating in all that is planned.Hometime
In Term One only, the Kindergarten children finish school at 3.00 Monday to Thursday, 2.30 on Fridays. This early finish allows time for teachers and parents to exchange information and discuss any concerns that may arise before the rest of the school finishes for the day.The First Weeks of SchoolLet your child see that you have faith in their teacher. Try to get up early enough to give your child a calm and ordered start to the day. A good breakfast is essential to their staying power and concentration. Don't worry if your child eats little at school, as children take some time getting used to eating in a group situation.Most children settle into school very quickly, but don't worry if there is some initial difficulty in the first few weeks of school. Sometimes they expect to learn instantaneously - and are quite disappointed when they go home on the first day and can't read straight away!! Sometimes too, enthusiasm dwindles after the first few days because suddenly school has become just ‘ordinary’ in the child's view. After a while too, it may be difficult for your child to come to school every day and you may find that tiredness becomes a problem. A few extra early nights usually helps them cope with this problem.You will be anxious to know what is happening at school, but will probably find that your child may not want to discuss it. It is wise not to continuously question your child about school - as this can be very tiring for both of you. You will find out many of the things you want to know by listening when they chat with their friends or other members of the family. Try asking them, “What was the best thing you did at school today?” You could tell them that you are looking forward to hearing about their day when you pick them up. This will help them feel positive about their day and secure in the knowledge that you will be meeting them.It is most important in the first few weeks of school that you communicate with the teacher and let your child see that you have confidence and trust in the teacher - this will help your child gain confidence too. Remember the teacher is always ready to chat with you - it helps us to understand your child far more quickly.Your Child's NeedsOur aim as parents and teachers is to encourage independence. The first few days and weeks of school are very exciting and demanding. We should do all that is possible for them to feel confident, secure and happy in their new environment. Your child will have a senior “buddy” in the first few weeks of school to help them settle, eat and learn to play in their new environment.The following is a list of requirements your child needs to start school.
- A school bag - light, durable with their name on the inside.It is helpful to hang a small object on the outside of their bag to help them recognise it amongst similar bags. (Good quality Como West bags are available from the Uniform Shop.)
- Wet weather gear - a raincoat and hat with your child's name on both to be kept in school bag. (No umbrellas please).
- Lunch box and drink bottle with your child’s name on each part - lid, box, and cap.
- A hat - The school has a policy of NO HAT – PLAY IN THE SHADE, i.e. students without hats remain in the shade. A school hat or school cap should be worn. This is compulsory for all students.
- A spare pair of underpants.
All possessions must be clearly marked with child's name, especially jackets, sweaters, shoes and wet weather gear.Please assist us in enabling your child to:- Say and recognise their name on all belongings e.g. clothes, lunch boxes, bag, hats.
- Recognise and write their name in lower case letters e.g. Lisa.
- Manage to visit the toilet by themselves, including washing hands.
- Dress themselves e.g. do up buttons and zippers, put on sweaters, jackets, raincoats and paint shirts. ( paint shirts are supplied by the school )
- Take off and put on shoes and socks – tie laces if possible.
- Use a handkerchief or tissue properly.
- Unwrap and eat their own recess and lunch.
- Use scissors and pencils properly – correct finger grip.
- Know who is going to pick them up. (The school must be notified of any variation to usual routine).
- Deliver homework or notes from their school bag. (You may need to check).
- Know how to ask for help if feeling sick or worried.
- Memorise their address and phone number. Children who have these skills feel independent and confident in their new environment. (Teachers appreciate it too!)
