Post on 11-Dec-2015
Age
In NSW students may begin school if they turn 5 by July 31st of the year they start
All children must attend school by the time they have turned 6
Social and emotional competence
1. Individual attributes: positive attitude, willingness to come to school, empathy, positive relationships with peers, humour and resilience
2. Social skills: positive interaction with peers, ability to explain actions, assertive behaviour, ability to enter a group, expression of frustration and anger in a mature way, turn taking, ability to compromise
3. Peer relationship attributes: acceptance from others, relationships with peers, being named by other children as a friend
Emotional adjustment may be indicated by students who have good social skills and are able to separate from their caregivers easily
Physical and motor development
Research indicates that being well coordinated and physically healthy contributes to school readiness
Language and cognitive skills
Research indicates that students who use language effectively to communicate and are “intellectually inquisitive” will find it easier to adapt to the school environment
Independence
Skills that reflect independence contribute towards school readiness
Examples
Going to the toilet Dressing Tying shoe laces Unwrapping lunch
Is my son ready to start school?
Research suggests boys are more likely to ‘not be ready for school’ than girls
In particular boys may have more difficulty with writing their names, recognising numbers and letters and tying their shoe laces, and may find it more difficult to express themselves clearly
Some researchers recommend delaying the entry of immature boys
Help your child be comfortable within the school surroundings:
Ensure your child attends the Kindergarten Orientation Sessions
Talk about the school, your child’s teacher and buddies with your child
Let your child become familiar with the uniform and equipment needed
Bridge the gap between home and school
If you can, be part of the arrival and departure at school
If you have time, come and help at school in the classroom
Become involved within the school community
Be positive about school and the teachers
Encourage your child to talk about school at home:
Give your child opportunities to discuss his/her day
Know your child’s classroom routine so you can ask about what has happened that day
Accept that there are more enjoyable times and less enjoyable times at school
It is unrealistic to expect your child to love every minute at school
Know what is happening in the classroom and at school
Read the school newsletter, visit the school website
Use the resources suggested
Talk to the classroom teacher
Check your child’s diary
Check the K-2 notice board
2015 Kindergarten students are invited to take part in our Kindergarten Transition Program
Students are encouraged to attend 5 sessions on Mondays from Week 3 – 20 October until Week 8 - 24 November .
Sessions will start at 10am and finish at 11 noon
The Transition sessions
allow new students to meet the teachers and other students
Allow teachers to observe new students and make any adjustments to class arrangements
New students take part in introductory activities
Students who attend Banyan Park Play Centre and Mini School will be brought to (and from) school by pre-school staff
If your child does not attend Banyan Park Play Centre or Mini School, please bring your child to the area outside the school canteen shortly before 10 am
Each new kinder will be introduced to their buddy who will escort them into the classroom
Pick up at 11 o’clock outside the school canteen – your child will be waiting with their buddy
This will be the routine on the first day of school. Familiarization with this routine will assist our new Kinders to have a smooth transition on their first day!
Children start Kindergarten with different skills and experiences
The Best Start Literacy and Numeracy initiative is a NSW state-wide assessment program designed to support teachers in meeting the individual learning needs of students at the beginning of kindergarten
Kindergarten teachers will sit with each child and observe and record student responses individually
In 2015, assessments will occur on Wednesday 28th January
The emphasis is on gathering information so that teachers can develop and implement teaching and learning programs that meet the individual needs of students
Please bring your child to the open area outside the Kindergarten classrooms at 11 am on Thursday 29th January.
Your child’s buddy will meet you. Please say a quick goodbye. A prolonged goodbye may make your child feel more nervous.
Your child’s buddy will take your child and lead them into the K/1/2 home classrooms to hang up bags and play with the toys. (Please don’t come in the classrooms or into the hallway.)
Meet the Principal for a cup of tea and piece of cake at the Kindy Parents’ Morning Tea outside the Library. (Tissues provided!)
At 2.30pm you are invited into the classroom so your child can show you what he/she has done that day. This is a good time to take photos.
On the following day (Friday 30 January) your child will start school at 9am and finish at 2.50 pm. We suggest a similar routine to the first day of school to ensure a successful transition - a quick goodbye in the morning and a longer welcome in the afternoon!
If your child is obviously upset, please leave him/her in the care of the teachers. We find that usually after a few minutes once parents have gone your child will settle down. We will contact you if your child continues to be upset for a prolonged period
Parents are welcome to collect new Kinders at 2:30 each day for week 1 and 2
The K-2 classes are housed in the historic block of the school
There are currently four multi age classes in the K-2 section called home classes
The current four home teachers in 20134 are Mrs Pedel (Assistant Principal), Mrs Hayes and Mr Hayes, Mrs Brown and Ms Delaney
Kindergarten students will be with Year One and Year Two students in their home classes for part of the day
Students currently move between all four classrooms for literacy and numeracy groups for part of the day so their individual needs can be met
K-2 students combine for music, sport programs and performing arts activities
NICS school uniform and sports uniform
school bag
hat - a broad brimmed sun safe hat is best
lunch box with a healthy packed lunch and recess
a drink bottle filled with water
raincoat (kept always at the bottom of the bag)
spare undies (kept always at the bottom of the bag)
painting smock - an adult’s old T-shirt is ideal
a zippered clear plastic bag for home reading
a large cloth bag for library
a small pencil bag with textas
2 large glue sticks
large box of tissues for classroom
iPod headphones for iPod and computer use
large sheet of cardboard for art folder
diary for recording home readers - available from School Uniform Shop
Please make sure everything is clearly named. Students need to take responsibility for their belongings. A lost property box is located near the Kindergarten classrooms.
The school will provide pencils and work books. At different times students may be asked to donate glue sticks, rubbers and extra tissues
Please do not encourage students to bring toys to school as they may get lost, broken or stolen.
“Everything I need to know... I learned in kindergarten.” ― Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
We look forward to sharing your child’s school journey!