What to Expect when going to Kindergarten

PARENT & CARER INFORMATION

Clothing

We encourage children to wear comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement.

Closed toe shoes that will allow children to jump, climb, run and play.

You can find our school uniform range here > St Mary's Eduthreads Shop

Children are encouraged to be independent and manage their own clothing. Lace up shoes, buttons and tight fitting clothing can be difficult for some to manage.

Clothing needs to be weather appropriate.

Please provide a designated hat for wear between 1st September and 30th April.

We encourage active messy play, so please don’t send your child in their best clothes.

Always pack spare clothes, accidents can happen and children always prefer their own clothes to change into. If you could also pack a plastic or waterproof bag for any soiled clothes to be returned home in.

Please remember to name ALL your child’s belongings.

Sunscreen

We are a Sun Smart Preschool, and parents are asked to apply sunscreen to their children prior to arriving between the months of 1st Sept to 30th April.

Food

St. Mary’s Preschool is committed to promoting healthy foods and eating habits that ensure healthy growth and development of children. We encourage families to pack a healthy nutritious lunch box, keeping in mind that we are a nut free preschool.

To support your children’s learning about the world in which they live, we ask you to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in your child’s lunchbox. We have a worm farm for any left over fruit/ vegetables.

Show and tell

Each program runs a show and tell session, where special items may be shared with their friends. These items are placed safely away, and children are not encouraged to play with them during the session.

We ask that children DO NOT bring their toys or special items from home at any other time. Broken or lost toys can be quite upsetting for children whilst at kinder.

Starting pre-school is a big step, both for a child and for their parents and carers.

Children need a lot of energy to get the most out of the kindergarten program. Try to avoid a busy morning before pre-school.

Most children are happy to come to St Mary’s and stay on their own, but for some this is not easy. Children enter a new environment, with unfamiliar adults, routines and other children. Naturally, children can be hesitant and your presence is important. Your positive and confident attitude will assist your child.

Separation

If you feel your child will be upset, please discuss with the teacher to determine the best method of separation
Make drop off a clear routine. After saying good-bye it is best to go straight outside where your child cannot see or hear you
Always say goodbye! Don’t sneak away.
Staff will always ring you, and keep you informed as to how your child has settled.

Aim To Be On Time

A child who frequently arrives late may have difficulty feeling a sense of belonging
At the end of a session a child may feel anxious or become upset if their parent is late. Please let us know if you are going to be late.

Encourage Independence

Children should be encouraged to become more independent. Encourage your child to carry their own bag, put their drink bottle in the allocated place, wash their hands and join their friends.

Parent & Carer involvement is integral to the successful operation of St Mary’s preschool as we are a community pre-school. As such we actively encourage parents to involve themselves in kinder life.

Parent & Carer help

Children enjoy having a parent/family member/special friend to assist in their program. This can be a rewarding experience for both visitor and the child.

Rosters are placed in the foyer each term, and we encourage you to join us regularly. Having an extra set of hands creates new learning opportunities within the program, which is always greatly appreciated.

Toddlers are welcome, but please remember they are your full responsibility.

Sharing a special skill

If you have a special skill or knowledge, you are welcome to come to a session to demonstrate, talk or conduct an activity. In the past we have had parents play instruments, talk about their workplaces, run sports coaching sessions, or simply talk about their recent holiday destinations.

Committee of Management

A great way to be involved in your child’s preschool experience is to join our Committee of Management. There are a variety of roles, and all are vital to the successful running of our Pre-school.

The committee is elected each year, and if you are interested in being involved we would love to hear from you.

Others ways to participate:

Helping with excursions
Collecting boxes, packets and magazines for pasting and collage
Participating in Fundraising and Social activities
Attending working bees – held once per term

We value open communication between St Mary’s and our families:

Communication files are located in the foyer, labelled with each child’s name. These files are used for notices from staff, fundraising notices and other publications. You are also welcome to use these for placing party invitations and notes to other parents as required.

We utilise the Kinderloop App as our communication tool. Information about your group and other important information such as social events, raffles etc will be distributed via this method.

Each group has a notice board in the foyer. The weekly program is displayed on these noticeboards for parents to view. Along with a calendar of events and any other current information. Current information about each program is also emailed out to families weekly.

Individual feedback about your child’s learning and progress will be given through informal discussion with staff, parent teacher interviews, and a portfolio documenting your child’s progress.

Parents are welcome to discuss any issue relating to your child’s preschool experience with your child’s teacher. This can be done after the session or by booking a time that suits.

If you wish to contact your child's teacher, you can contact them via the following group emails:

koalas@stmaryspreschool.com.au

penguins@stmaryspreschool.com.au

St Mary's Pre-School's Child Safe Statement

St Mary’s Pre-School is committed to the care, safety and wellbeing of all children. We support and respect all children and uphold their rights to feel and be safe at all times.

Working and Volunteering at St Mary’s Pre-School

We ask, were possible, all adults (such as parents) coming into the Kinder to volunteer, hold and provide to us a copy of their Working with Children Check.

You can apply for your free WWCC

https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1