Welcome to Thornleigh West Public School Kindergarten Orientation 2013  2014

Transition to Kinder Program Parent Orientation Program Welcome by Principal Welcome by P&C President School Banking Canteen After School Care Director Kindergarten Assistant Principal - Transition program + Start to school February Ensuring school success Goodies folder Uniforms + Fashion Parade

Transition to Kinder Program 1 st Visit 25 th October 10:00 – 11:15 To become familiar with the classroom setting & working with a teacher Colour groups – refer to class lists (NOT CLASS 2014) Introductions Classroom activities Visiting areas of the school – toilets, canteen, K-1 playground Story Craft Activity Morning tea (Please pack a small healthy snack)

Transition to Kinder Program 2 nd Visit – 1st November 10:00 – 11:15 Classroom involvement and build on friendships Review last visit Sing songs Craft activity Morning tea (small healthy snack)

Transition to Kinder Program 3 rd Visit – 8th November 10:00 -11:15 Look at school routines and classroom expectations Review last visit Story Craft activity Play a game Visit the canteen and get frozen fruit shapes  Please do not dress your child in school uniform for orientation

Targets for Kinder Children Enjoy being at school Want to learn Experience success Develop a positive self-image Feel valued Be willing to persevere & develop resilience Develop effective social interactions with other children and adults

BEST START What is it? Assessment strategy to identify students’ literacy and numeracy skills and understandings at school entry. It is assessing what students bring with them to school. The assessment will provide critical information for teaching and learning programs that meet the individual needs of students.

What are the critical aspects of literacy to be assessed? Reading text Writing Speaking Comprehension Concepts about print Phonics Phonemic awareness

What are the critical aspects of numeracy to be assessed? Counting (numeral recognition and forward number word sequences) Counting as a problem solving process Pattern recognition

How will the assessment be implemented? Initially during 45 min interview & in first few days. Classroom teachers will observe and record student responses Most tasks will be completed individually, though some may take place within small groups

What are students asked to do during the Best Start literacy assessment? Teachers ask a series of questions to gather information about children’s early literacy knowledge. For example: To assess a child’s understanding of a text read to them, the teacher may ask the student to retell what happened in the story in their own words.

What are students asked to do during the Best Start Numeracy Assessment? Teachers ask a series of questions to gather information about children’s initial mathematical knowledge. For example: To see how far a child can correctly count, the teacher may ask them to start counting. The child will be asked to stop when the teacher gets a sense of how well they can count.

First week in Kinder 2014 Letter will be sent giving appointment time on one of following days: Wednesday 29 th, Thursday 30 st, Friday 31 st January Arrive at school for 45 minute interview and final enrolment check Interview will be discussion of enrolment, welcome by class teacher, Best Start testing and any concerns Monday 3 th February Children and parents go straight to appointed classroom and begin the day by 9.00am School dismissal time will be at 2.40pm (20 mins early) for the first few weeks Kindergarten information night – early Term 1

What will children do on the first day? Unpack their bags. Be greeted by an older buddy and settle into a class activity, e.g. reading, drawing, playing. Farewell their parents who are invited to morning tea in the staffroom. School tour for familiarisation. Become familiar with recess and lunch procedures (with help from buddies). Listen to stories, play games, sing songs.

What to expect in the first few weeks Tiredness Not all food is eaten Help them at first in morning Older students to help in first few days Leave ASAP

How can I help prepare my child? Develop routines at home, e.g. bed times. Read together regularly (including dads). Play family games to develop turn taking and sharing. Talk positively about school (before attending). Help them to visualise themselves at school. Help them to feel positive and self confident. Practise using lunch boxes, caring for belongings. LABEL EVERYTHING!

Helping my child 2 Learn to recognise and write their name. Visit the school and be involved in transition program. Have immunisation certificate up-to-date. Help develop independence: - unpack – bags, shopping, - dress themselves - use toilet independently Talk about school – highlight the positives of the day.

What will Kindergarten do at school? In PE children will: develop fitness and coordination learn new skills participate in enjoyable and active programs

What will Kindergarten learn at school? Morning session- children will learn to: listen carefully take turns speak confidently to classmates speak confidently about a chosen subject learn how to be a happy member of the class what happens “today”

What will Kindergarten learn at school? In English children will: learn letter sounds recognise words begin reading simple books complete simple homework, e.g. reading practice writing and drawing play literacy games

What will Kindergarten learn at school? In Maths children will: learn through playing maths games use maths booklets read books incorporating maths concepts write numerals and count Use Mathletics

What will Kindergarten learn at school? In Creative Arts: Lots of songs and dances; assembly performances Painting Drawing Making lots of special things, e.g. presents for mum/dad, puppets Special assemblies for parents to attend Dance & drama lessons

Social Skills – PALS (Playing and Learning to Socialise) Greeting each other Taking turns Taking turns at play Sharing Asking for help Identifying feelings Empathy Overcoming fear and anxiety Managing frustration Calming down Speaking up

PBEL – Positive Behaviour Engaging Learning At Thornleigh West we expect Respect, Responsibility and Achievement

Reward System Assembly awards Free and Frequent Blueys, greenies, orangies or other classroom awards Intermittent 10 Blueys, greenies or orangies = bronze, silver or gold certificate 1st School Medal and bronze badge 2nd School Medal and silver badge 3rd School Medal and gold badge ( medal is only handed out once) Aussie of the Month (linked to values we teach)

“ Buddies” at Thornleigh West Public School Students from older grades are sensitive and reliable “buddies”. Buddies meet children during transition. Buddies greet children on their first day. Buddies support Kindergarten for first few weeks.

10 Tips for Children Starting Kindergarten (DET) 1. Provide information about child’s immunisation status 2. Learn the names of important people at school 3. Give all the necessary information to the school esp. medical and special needs 4. Complete Emergency Contact Cards with all numbers 5. Make the school aware of any special family circumstances 6. Establish routines with your children and stick to them 7. Make sure your child is road and travel safe 8. Become aware of school activities – develop a positive relationship with the school 9. Educate your child about stranger danger 10. Label all equipment and clothing

Dates for Orientation Dates – for children - Friday 25 th October 10.00am – Friday 1 st November 10.00am – Friday 8 th November 10.00am – “Tea and Tissues” – Monday 3rd February 9.00am, Staffroom (TBC) - Kindergarten Parent / Teacher night – Week 3 Term 1 (TBC)

Fashion Show

White ‘Goodies’ Folder School information booklet School Behaviour Management Plan (p8-15) Working with children check. P&C information booklet Infectious diseases leaflet Kindergarten requirements – chair bag – good quality products please. (glue and wind up crayons) Pencil grip + Foundation script Uniform Shop information Child safety handbook Getting ready for school booklet.