Information for New ParentsJunior SchoolEarly Learning

Term dates 2015

Term 1 Monday 2 February Students commenceMonday 9 March Labour Day HolidayFriday 27 March Term ends Term 2Monday 6 April Easter MondayTuesday 14 April Students commenceSaturday 25 April ANZAC DayMonday 8 June Queen’s Birthday holidayFriday 19 June Term ends Term 3Tuesday 14 July Students commenceFriday 18 September Term ends Term 4Tuesday 6 October Students commenceMonday 2 November Mid-term breakWednesday 9 December Term ends

Our visionThe Geelong College is an innovative and caring community of learners committed to making a positive difference to an ever changing world. Our Reggio Emilia inspired Early Learning program has been developed as a key part of this vision in which we recognise that to make a difference, children must understand and believe in their own capability. At Early Learning they explore this through deep learning experiences based on their own experiences, questions and knowledge, and that of their peers. It marks the beginning of a learning journey for the child and their family, and of a life-long association with our innovative and caring learning community.

About Reggio EmiliaReggio Emilia is a city in northern Italy internationally renowned for its educational approaches in the early years. Reggio Emilia learning aims to develop children as individuals within the group through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment, and based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum.Principles of the Reggio Emilia approach:• Childrenarerecognisedashavingrichpotential• Childrenarelistenedtoandrespected• Children’sworkisauthenticandmeaningfultothem• Children’sdeeperlevelthinkingisencouragedandcelebrated• Childrenandteachersarebothlearners• Childreninspireandrespecteachotherandworkcollaborativelyonprojects• Childrenusemanyformsofexpressiontocommunicatetheirideaswhicharedocumented forongoingreflectionandplanning• Children,parentsandteachersformourcommunityoflearnersGeelong College children are spontaneous, playful, energetic, loving, expressive, inquisitive, sensorial, sensitive, honest, engaging, compassionate, generous, tenacious, free-spirited, curious, observant, clever, joyous, aware, spiritual, trusting, creative, and competent, and they are unique.

Welcome to The Geelong College and to our Junior School community. Early Learning holds a special place in the context of the Collegeasthefirststepintheirchild’slearning journey for many families. The Early Learning environment is purpose-built to meet the needs of very young children and their families, and is situated within the Junior School in close proximity to other sections of the school. Children can see and experience their future learning at school and easily access outstanding Music, Library and Physical Education facilities.Early Learning is caring, stimulating and exciting, and provides a secure base from where children can investigate their world. The beautiful displays, featuring children’s words, drawings and photographs, create a sense of belonging and help to make their learning visible and to stimulate discussion andreflectionwithfamilies,staffandotherchildren.

WelcomeAt Early Learning we see young children as competent and able to construct their own learning, and through our Reggio Emilia-inspired program, we encourage children to explore, investigate and create using the “one hundred languages”.Family involvement and community is an important part of Early Learning. Parents and grandparents are welcome to come in and work alongside staff on projects and excursions, and for regular family celebrations such as birthdays. Socialisation with other families is encouraged through a range of social events hosted by the parent association and Early Learning staff, and through regular interaction at drop off and pick up times. During their time at Early Learning, children begin to form friendships which often last right through their school years and beyond. We look forward to sharing this year in the life of your child with you.

Ros MolyneuxDirector of Early Learning

Beginning at Early LearningEach Early Learning group will consist of children who are beginning their educational experiences outside the home, and other children who have attended day care or have already been at Early Learning with us for one or two years. The group will become acquainted with the room and environs, the staff and each other. This “settling in” period will focus on the prior experiences that each child brings, recognising that children need unhurried time to settle together. The program will facilitate the establishment of routines, limits and behaviours that will encourage and enhance positive learning for each child, individually and as a valued part of the group.

For children who have had prior Early Learning experience, the new environment, different staff, routines and other children still take time to adjust to. Please be aware that as children settle in, they may become tired and inappropriate behaviours may arise both at home and at school. Great care and consideration in planning for your child is taken to minimise any problems and staff are always available to discuss any concerns you may have. It is helpful for staff to be aware of any additional information about your child so that they can better understand them and plan well for their needs.

Groups and StaffingChildren are grouped into four classes – two Early Learning 3 classes (for children aged 3 - 4 years) and two Early Learning 4 classes (for children aged 4 - 5 years). Children usually attend Early Learning for two or three years prior to moving into Prep.

Staff-to-child ratios are very generous at Early Learning, with all staff holding Early Childhood qualifications.Eachclassisledbyateacherandanassistantteacherandatdifferenttimesthroughout the week a third staff member assists each class.

Early Learning Direct Phone NumbersThese are the phone numbers for reporting absences or contacting teaching staff should you be running late for pick up or need to let staff know that an authorised person will be collecting your child. Please save the appropriate number into your phone.

Early Learning 3A: (03) 5226 8437Early Learning 3B: (03) 5226 8472Early Learning 4A: (03) 5226 8438Early Learning 4B: (03) 5226 8454

Session timesMonday – Friday: All day: 9am – 3pmMornings: 9am – 12noon (Early Learning 3 only)

ArrivalsEarly Learning opens at 9am and children are welcomed in by staff at this time. Please accompanyyourchildintotheroomtosettlethemwiththegroup.Duringthefirstfewweeks,some children may need time to settle, but once they are used to the environment and have developed relationships with the staff we encourage prompt arrivals and parent departures so the children can begin their day.

DeparturesPlease be punctual when collecting your child, children often become anxious when waiting for collection.

If you are delayed or are unable to collect your child on time please telephone the school or arrange for a named authorised person to collect your child on time.

Sign in/outAsyouenterandleaveEarlyLearning,theattendancebookmustbefilledinandsigned.Pleasefillineachcolumnasapplicable.

Outside School Hours CareOutside School Hours Care is available at Early Learning from 8am to 9am and from 3.15pm until 6pm each day.

Please contact Mrs Mandy Weeks on (03) 5226 8444 to book your child into the OSHC program.

CommunicationCollege to Families

Student Planner:

All children have a Student Planner. This book assists staff and parents in clear two-way communication. We encourage you to leave us any messages via the planner, which is checked daily. Notes may also be sent home in these books.

Class information:

Staff prepare documents on learning programs for each child. These can be found in our “Group Reflection”bookinthesigning-inarea,inyourchild’sLearningJournalandindisplaysontheclassroom walls. We also encourage you to be a regular visitor to the classroom to see, learn and understand what and how your child is learning and to be a part of that journey.

Learning journals and Portfolios:

Children have their own Learning Journal where samples of their learning are recorded through drawing, photos and learning stories. Children and parents enjoy reading through these regularly. Staff collect special samples of children’s work throughout the year and build a portfolio for them to take home at the end of the year. Portfolios contain special memories of the year documented in photos, words, drawings and other artwork, and is a beautifully presented keepsake.

College Information

Parent Portal: Specificinformationforcurrentfamiliessuchasnews,events,uniformshopdetailsand much more can be found on the Parent Portal (https://gnet.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au). The portalhasapassword-protectedareathatcontainsspecificinformationforyourchild.

Class portal page: Each class also has their own portal page where learning is documented in an interactive manner.

Friendship lists: Each class has a friendship list that is found on the Parent Portal. This is an important place to arrange social activities for your child so it is important that you register on the list by visiting the Parent Portal, selecting the friendship list icon and logging in.

Bulletin: Each week in term time you will be emailed a link to the weekly bulletin which provides a wrapupofCollege-widenewsandeventsaswellasclassspecificinformation;itisimportantthatparents take time to read the bulletin each week.

College website: the College website (www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au) features general College information, news, photos and videos.

Social media: Like Geelong College on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and events. Follow us on Twitter to learn more about educational opinions and insights.

Families to CollegeWe encourage parents to contact the school with any areas of concern or for advice. The primary contact is the child’s class teacher.

For matters of urgency, reception can relay a message to the teacher.

The Director of Early Learning is available for immediate or urgent matters.

If you wish to have a longer discussion, we ask that you make an appointment with the teacher concerned.

Daily RoutineEach morning begins with group time (morning meeting) which gives us time to greet each other, listen to each other and plan our time. Typically we then move to indoor play, followed by morning tea together and outdoor play. Children are encouraged to continue with investigations and projectsforsustainedperiodsoftime,andourtimetableisflexibletoallowforthis.Abalanceofactivity and rest, a variety of experiences and positive reinforcement are planned to ensure that all children are given a safe, happy and educational experience.

Following outdoor play, the children eat lunch and take a break during rest time. Once they have recharged, a group experience, such as games, a walk or run on the oval, music, stories, or a discussion conclude the day.

Snack and LunchIn the interests of health and dental hygiene, we encourage children to eat healthy, nutritious food.

Families provide their child’s snack and lunch in named lunchboxes. For younger children, you may wish to separate snack and lunch into different containers. Please send along spoons (named) if your child has fruit or yoghurt.

Food such as fruit, dry biscuits, cheese, yoghurt (not tubes), raw vegetables, dried fruit, sandwiches, wraps, rolls or sushi are encouraged. If you send items in wrappers, please cut the end off to enable children to open them.

A canteen menu with prices will be given to each family. To order lunch from the canteen, write your child’s name, class and selected items on a paper bag with the money enclosed and leave it inthecanteenboxinthefoyerfirstthinginthemorning.

Water is available at all times. We ask that children bring their own water bottle from home to encourage them to drink plenty of water.

Please let teaching staff know if your child has food allergies. We prepare, cook and taste a variety of foods within our program.

• NUTS ARE FORBIDDEN AT EARLY LEARNING FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN

As part of our commitment to sustainability and the environment, we encourage “nude food”. We discourage pre-packaged foods and encourage the use of reusable containers. Any food packaging will remain in the children’s lunchboxes to be emptied at home. Food scraps are recycled as a part of the Early Learning program.

BirthdaysWe enjoy celebrating birthdays at Early Learning. Your child is welcome to bring in small cakes to share with the group. Parents are very welcome to come and share morning tea on this special day too. Please see staff about suitable birthday food as some children have food allergies.

Rest Time and RelaxationEach child staying for the full day will have a rest time. This is a quiet time when experiences such as stories and relaxation are planned. Some children may fall asleep, but they are not expected to sleep. Young children may like to bring a small soft toy to keep with their sleeping bag for rest time.

MindfulnessChildren also participate in regular mindfulness experiences as part of our whole school socialandemotionallearningprogram,TripleR.TripleRstandsforresilience,reflectionandrelationships.

Walks/VisitsWe often walk around the school grounds as a group to look at the many areas of interest, enjoy the large open spaces, observe nature and take in some fresh air.

Please complete the Local Excursion Form in your information package and return it to your child’s teacher, together with your Early Learning Enrolment Form. This allows us to take the children around the school grounds, to the billabong, the Arts Centre, the Gym, the “woods”, the cubby building area and the ovals.

From time to time, we invite special artists/performers to enhance our program. Parents will be notifiedofdetailspriortoeachpresentationandchildrennotattendingsessionsthatdayareinvitedtojoinin.Parentswillbesimilarlynotifiedshouldanexcursionoutsidetheschoolbeplanned.

Specialist ClassesEarly Learning children attend Music, Library and Fundamental Motor Skills classes, which are provided by specialist teachers. These classes may be alternated between the different terms and classes. In addition, Early Learning teachers provide these experiences in the classroom daily as part of our group times together.

Fundamental Motor Skills

The Early Learning Fundamental Motor Skills program aims to give children experience in seeing, hearing, touching, processing, making perceptual judgements and reacting. This is achieved through carefully sequenced activities, using a variety of common and specially designed equipment. Activities include running, hopping, skipping, jumping, balancing, crawling, climbing, throwing and catching, all of which children really enjoy.

Library

Early Learning 4 children participate in Library sessions twice a week. They are encouraged to selectfrompictureandnon-fictionbookstoborrowandenjoywithparentsandfamilymembers.They learn how to borrow and return and to navigate the library. They are read stories and invited toparticipateinthereading.Theylearnthedifferencebetweenfictionandnon-fiction,developpre-reading strategies such as prediction of what the story will be about or anticipating rhyming words, and discover how enjoyable books and reading can be.

Early Learning 3 children participate in Library in Terms 2, 3 and 4.

Music

Children enjoy hands-on music experiences including singing, moving, dancing, playing instruments, games, listening activities and pre-literacy activities. The program integrates the benefitsofboththeKodalyandOrffapproachestomusiceducation.

Through our music program we aim to lay the foundation for future musical development, and a loveandappreciationofmusic.Specificallyweaimforthechildrentodevelopasenseofrhythmand pitch, to explore their own singing voice and to experience and actively participate in a wide range of musical experiences.

What to bring to Early LearningUniformTheCollegeUniformShopistheonlyofficialauthorisedsupplieroftheschooluniform.Formoreinformation please refer to the Uniform Guidelines 2015 or the Parent Portal.

Spare ClothesEach child will need to bring a complete change of uniform, named, which will be kept in their locker. Please provide two changes of clothes for Early Learning 3 children.

Bags for Early LearningAll children require the College school bag, available at the Uniform Shop. Early Learning 4 children also require a large Library bag.

SunSmartA College broad-brimmed hat must be provided for your child during Terms 1 and 4. Sunscreen must be applied at home and each child needs to bring their own named, roll-on combined sunscreen/insect repellent to be kept in their locker. Children will be supervised and encouraged to re-apply their own sun protection during the day.

Sleeping BagsEach child needs to bring the prescribed sleeping bag for rest time. These must be clearly named on the outside of the Velcro tab and are kept in your child’s locker. If you wish to have a sleeping bag made please telephone Andie Anderson on 0409 428 066.

Name TagsName tags must be attached to all of your child’s items, including shoes, clothing, sleeping bag, snack/lunch containers, hats, drink bottles and bags.

TissuesEach child is to bring a box of 250 tissues to their teacher at the start of Term 1. These are used by the children throughout the year.

What not to bring to Early LearningToys from homeWe discourage bringing toys from home, however during Term 1, your child may feel more comfortable with one familiar toy for rest time. Please make sure they are clearly named and not a precious toy as loss or breakage can be extremely distressing. Please keep weapon replicas, super-hero toys, dress-ups and war toys at home.

Policies and ProceduresA copy of the Early Learning Handbook is available at the entrance to each classroom. This contains all relevant information about our policies and procedures.

HealthThere may be some aspects of your child’s health which should be discussed with the Director and the teacher. Diagnosed disorders or illnesses, medications, allergies or recurring problems need tobediscussedanddocumented.Thisinformationisconfidentialandisinvaluabletostaffwhenplanning a program for your child. Medication must be handed to staff on arrival and details of dosage and time to be administered must be recorded in the Regulation Medication Book. Verbal authorisation from the parent for the administration of medication may be given in an emergency withwrittenconfirmationintheMedicalBookfollowingassoonaspossible.

SicknessPlease do not send a sick child to Early Learning. Children who are unwell are often contagious and unable to enjoy their time at Early Learning. Please keep them at home until they are well again.

Accidents or Sudden IllnessIn cases of accident or sudden illness affecting children, your child’s teacher will decide what action is to be taken. Parents will be contacted as soon as is practicable. Emergency and medical attention and the school nurse will be called. Any and all costs incurred will be the responsibility of the parents. A child may not attend Early Learning unless the child’s parent/guardian has authorised the school to arrange emergency medical, hospital or ambulance attention should this be deemed necessary by school staff. Authorisation is recorded on the Early Learning Enrolment Form.When a child becomes ill after arriving at school, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian. If unable to make contact with either, the teacher will contact the designated emergency contact. Arrangements will be made for the child to be taken from Early Learning as soon as practicable and until then, the child will be made comfortable and remain under close observation.

AbsencesPlease telephone Early Learning on the classroom direct line between 8am and 8.45am if your child will be absent. Also please notify your child’s teacher of any infectious diseases that occur in your family. We are bound by strict Health Regulations on the exclusion from Early Learning of children who have or have been in contact with infectious diseases, this includes the incidence of head lice.

Telephone 03 5226 3111PO Box 5 Geelong Victoria 3220info@geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

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