Kindergarten

SCHOOL DAYS/HOURS OF ATTENDANCE - All students attend a five-day fortnight

Kindy Kangaroo 

Kindy Emu

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LEARNING

The Department of Education has some terrific booklets and factsheets for families ot use to support learning efforts

CLOTHES/SHOES - what to wear to kindergarten

As some activities are messy, we like children to be dressed in comfortable and easy to wash clothes.   It cannot be stressed enough that children need to come to kindergarten in their “work” or “casual” clothes.  Children will feel more comfortable and this will allow them to join in activities.  All in one jump-suits, clothes with lots of buttons, difficult press studs and belts also tend to be more of a hindrance if the child has to go to the toilet in a hurry.   Dresses are unsuitable for climbing, sliding, mat work, etc.  We like children to wear shoes as taking them off and putting them back on is a skill they learn.  Slip on shoes or sand shoes with velcro straps are preferable.  Thongs are not considered appropriate.  Teachers will make a decision as to what is safe to do in particular shoes or clothes. 

Hair & Jewellery

Hair should be neat and secured away from the face.  Hair that is shoulder length, or longer, is to be tied back regardless of gender, for health and safety reasons.  Jewellery should be restricted to earrings, either sleepers or studs.

Uniform ordering

Although it is not policy for Kindergarten students to wear a school uniform, should you wish your child to wear the uniform, the uniform shop is only open on a Friday morning during the week of an assembly.  Assemblies are held on Wednesdays.  Opening hours 8.10am until 8.20am or last customer.   Uniforms can also be ordered online via the Spriggy Schools at https://www.spriggyschools.com.au

Spare Clothes

We ask parents to include a change of clothes in their child’s bag.  In the case of an accident occurring your child will feel more comfortable changing into familiar clothes (t-shirt, shorts and underclothes), all labelled please.

No hat—play in the shade policy ~ be sun smart

In the interests of the children’s health and safety, hats that cover ears and the back of neck, must be worn during all outside activities in the sun.  This is enforced throughout the school year. If your child does not bring a hat, he/she will be directed to play under the shaded verandah area.  It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen to your child before they attend each session.  Please ensure a school hat is always in your child’s bag.

SEPARATION

Children will sense your nervousness or anxiety when dropping them off.  The best advice we can give you is to talk about school in a positive way.  When you say goodbye, make it the rule to kiss and hug – then leave.  Never leave your child without saying goodbye or trick your child into staying.  If your child is very upset, speak to the teacher about the best way to handle the situation.  Some children benefit from the parent staying a bit longer in the classroom, and some children are better if the parent leaves.  Don’t say to your child “you won’t cry or be sad”, because that will make your child think there is something to be worried about.

TOILET TRAINING

It is assumed that your child is toilet trained.  If there is any difficulty in regards to toilet training, please let the teacher know.  While staff can deal with accidents of this nature, parents will be contacted when repeated mishaps (requiring children to be cleaned and changed) occur.

DELIVERING AND COLLECTING CHILDREN

Arrival - children can feel unsettled if they arrive to Kindergarten late.  We ask that parents endeavour to bring their child on time to minimize this disruption.   Please wait outside the gates/door with your child until a staff member admits you to the centre.  Unruly and boisterous chasing games are not permitted as this excites the children even before the session begins. 

Children must be left in the care of a staff member and under no circumstances be left to enter the Kindergarten classroom alone.  Parents are requested to wait at the gate at the rear of the centre until it is opened by a staff member.  If the weather is raining or hot, parents can wait on the seat under the verandah, located at the rear door of the Kindy class.    Children will not be released at pick up time until an authorized adult comes to the classroom door.  Please notify us in writing of any authorized adults who will be picking up your child throughout the school year.  In the event of an emergency and someone unknown to the staff, who is not listed on your emergency contacts, is sent to pick your child up, please phone the school on 9487 9000 to let us have their details. Please use the collection authority form located near the main door in the centre for planned contacts picking up your child on the day other than a parent.  Please talk to a staff member if you are unsure about the procedure.

Collection— prompt collection of your child at the end of each session, at 2.40pm, would be appreciated, as no child likes to be the last to leave.  Please Note: older  siblings are not permitted to collect children from kindergarten under any circumstances.

CURRENT ADDRESS AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS

If a child becomes ill during a session, the parent/guardian/emergency contact will be telephoned to collect the child.  Therefore, it is essential that the school has your current address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts. (Several emergency contacts can be listed on the school’s database per child).  Please give details to office staff.   Children are left in what can be a distressing situation if we cannot locate parents or an emergency contact

SIGNING STUDENTS IN & OUT OF SCHOOL

If your child arrives after 8.30am you are required to report to reception to sign your child in.  The school uses an electronic visitors system, known as Passtab, which is accessed via an iPad in the front office.  The staff will give you a pass to show that you have signed in.  Alternatively, if you need to collect your child before 2.40pm, please report to reception first and sign them out and get a slip from the staff in the office.

IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT

At Samson Primary School we use a mobile phone messaging system to communicate unexplained students absences to parents/guardians. This communication system uses Short Messaging Service (SMS) and will send text messages to your mobile phone when your child is absent from school (in the instance that an explanation has not already been provided) at 9.30am and 11.00am.   If this happens, please reply to the text message giving a reason for your child's absence.  You are able to send a message to the system, using the mobile number: 0418 948 875, before 9.30am to let the staff know that your child will not attend school.  Please always give a reason for your child's absence.

Parents need to be aware that this system is an additional absence follow up service only.  There will be times when parents may not receive a text message due to technical issues.  In cases where you are concerned about your child’s attendance, please contact the school directly on 9487 9000.  Please keep the office updated of any mobile phone number changes.

CHILDREN'S FRUIT TIME AND LUNCHES

Morning Tea

Children will need to bring their own healthy snack for morning tea, i.e. a piece of fruit, vegetable snack, dried fruits or cheese every day they attend Kindergarten.  Please do not send sweets, or sweet biscuits, as we begin to prepare our children for the “Sip & Crunch” program our children follow in Year 1.  We request that the children’s water bottles are only filled with water, as this is what they will continue to drink from throughout the day whenever they need or are thirsty.

Please do not send in NUTS of any kind, including spreads which are commonly used on celery sticks, e.g. peanut butter/paste, peanut oil and Nutella. 

Lunch

Children will need a packed lunch.   Parents are requested to send in healthy lunches that sustain the children for the remainder of the day.

• Names on lunch box lids, as well as lunch boxes, are necessary,
• Consider placing your child’s lunch directly into the lunchbox without using plastic cling wrap. There are several lunchboxes on the market that are designed for paperless lunches, in keeping with our Waste Wise Policy here at Samson Primary School,
• Insulated lunch boxes or ice bricks are necessary to keep children’s lunches cold and fresh, especially in summer,
• Check that the lids on your child’s containers are able to be easily removed,
• Remember to add spoons/forks if necessary,
• No lollies/chocolates are allowed to be eaten at lunchtime. Please limit packaged food.

Canteen lunch orders

The Canteen is open for recess and lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  During these times the canteen will be open for counter service as well as recess and lunch orders. Ordering is available on the Spriggy Schools App and website (https://www.spriggyschools.com.au/)

CLASS DOJO

Samson Primary School uses a communication platform called Class Dojo.  This can be downloaded to your smartphone as an app.  Your teacher will send you an invitation to connect with the school and you will be added to "Whole School" and your relevant class.  The app is used by your teacher to send you messages and updates about what is happening for your child in their classroom.  We also use the app to communicate whole school messages and events.  Please make sure you accept the invitation and stay informed.  Class Dojo is often used for short-notice messages.

BIRTHDAYS

We encourage children to celebrate their special day. You are welcome to send along mini cupcakes for the class to share.  Please do not send along a whole cake as it often becomes very difficult to ensure everyone enjoys a sizeable portion.  This enhances social interactions and acknowledges their special day.  Please do not send any cakes or treats with any types of nuts in them. 

Please notify your child’s teacher should you not wish birthdays to be acknowledged or celebrated.

If your child has an allergy, we can store a replacement treat (suitable for your child, provided by yourself).  We will give this in place of the birthday cakes. This will allow your child to be involved in the social interaction of the celebration.   (Please discuss this with the classroom teacher further if you have any questions).  Each Kindergarten class has 20 children.

CHILDREN’S POSESSIONS

The Kindergarten has a variety of equipment, toys, books and games for the children to use each day.  Children should not bring any of their own personal, precious items to school unless they have been requested to for a particular reason. The teacher will let you know if the children are required to bring items for “show-and- tell” or news-sharing sessions.  Loss of these items causes distress to the child and unnecessary time loss for staff. 

Childrens bikes & scooters

You are asked not to allow children to bring their bikes, tricycles or scooters into the centre as storage is difficult.  Security of bikes cannot be guaranteed.  They can be a source of danger and a distraction to other children who want to use them during outdoor play.  Bikes brought to school must be secured at the bike rack (located outside the Senior block on the grass).  They remain the responsibility of the parents.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES FOR KINDERGARTEN

School voluntary contributions for 2023 are $60.00 per child and the P & C voluntary contributions are $50.00 per family.  Please check with Administration if you haven’t already paid these on your booklist.

These can be paid directly to the office (either by EFTPOS, cash, cheque) or direct debit into the school’s bank account:

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We value parent involvement and hope that parents are able to participate in the fun and educational learning experiences along with the children. A roster will be displayed at the beginning of each term where parents can add their names at a time that suits them best. All parents, guardians or grandparents are encouraged to enjoy themselves whilst:

• learning more about what happens at Kindergarten (and why it happens);
• establishing a positive relationship with the teacher and education assistant;
• helping the children to get the most from their learning experiences by listening, talking, questioning and encouraging;
• modelling, speaking, listening, reading and writing for children;
• supervising children whilst they play to learn.

As the purpose of the helper roster is to provide an opportunity for parents and children to work together in the Kindergarten setting, it is best that babies and toddlers do not accompany their parents whilst they are on roster.  Parents can be involved between 8.30am – 10.25am on the days your child attends.  Please sign yourself in using Passtab located in reception.

ILLNESS

Children who are ill must not attend Kindergarten.   A child who is not well can become very distressed when in a group situation.  It will also help curb the spread of infection to other children and staff.  Please keep your child at home if he/she is showing symptoms of the following:

• head lice - until treated;
• nose/ear/eye discharge;
• weeping sores;
• diarrhea;
• fever;
• vomiting, or has vomited within the last 24 hours;
• any signs of infectious diseases, i.e. chicken pox, influenza, mumps, rubella, trachoma, measles, ringworm, school sores, or whooping cough.

MEDICATION POLICY

The Department of Education has specific guidelines controlling the administration of medication to students.  If your child requires regular medication or in an emergency, please ensure that you talk to the Administration staff to receive the appropriate paperwork that will need to be completed.  Please inform your child’s classroom teacher also.

Short term Medication

Short term medication is prescribed medication that a student is required to take during school hours in response to a short-term medical condition, e.g. a course of antibiotics. The Administration of Medication – Form 3 - needs to be completed, in every instance.  Forms can be obtained from the office.

Long term Medication

Long term medication is prescribed medication that a student is required to take during school hours in response to a long-term or ongoing medical condition.  A Health Care Management Plan needs to be completed along with written instructions from a medical practitioner. Forms are available for common conditions.  For other conditions the generic health care form or a plan provided by a medical practitioner can be used.  The following plans are available:

• Generic Health Care Management & Emergency Response Plan;
• Severe Allergy/Anaphylaxis Management & Emergency Response Plan;
• Mild to Moderate Allergies Management & Emergency Response Plan;
• Diabetes Action & Management Plans;
• Seizure Management & Emergency Response Plan;
• Asthma Management & Emergency Response Plan;
• Activity of Daily Living

Prescribed Medication

Prescribed medication will only be accepted if it has the original label dispensed by the pharmacy.  School staff will only administer medication in accordance with instructions given or advice of a medical authority.

HELP FOR YOUR CHILD

We are always here to help you with problems concerning your child.  We have access to a community nurse, a school psychologist and our chaplain who may be able to help you if you have a concern.  Your child’s teacher may suggest you access the services of outside agencies for additional support and/or information.  You don’t have to cope alone.  Early notification and intervention is best for all.

Please let us know of anything that is happening at home which may affect your child.  If we know things are unsettled at home, we can better understand your child’s change of behaviour at school.

SCHOOL NURSE

A school entry Health Assessment will be completed by the school Nurse during your child’s Kindergarten year.  A permission form will be sent home to be completed by parents/guardians closer to the date of the nurse’s expected visit. The assessment is on hearing and vision, and parents will receive a copy of the results.

PROGRESS

Please keep in contact with the teacher about your child’s progress and health.  Small concerns can be settled at arrival time.  For a longer interview, please make an appointment agreeable to yourself and the teacher.  Wednesday is D.O.T.T. (non-teaching) day for the Kindergarten teacher; therefore, interviews are better suited for this day.

CUSTODY AND LEGAL DIRECTIVES

Unless there is a Restraining Order or a Sole Custody Order from the Family Court or other legal requirements, we are unable to refuse a legal parent or guardian the right to access their child.  The school must be shown the original document so a copy can be made and kept with the child’s personal details.

EXPECTATIONS

In the interests of creating and maintaining a harmonious environment, the following expectations apply to all children:

• play safely;
• keep their hands off other people and their property;
• be a co-operative, responsible group member.

BEFORE I CAN LEARN MATHEMATICS...I NEED TO

• be able to identify and know the names of numbers;
• be able to say numbers in the right order;
• match each number with the correct amount of things;
• know the names of shapes and colours and be able to match them;
• put things that are alike into groups;
• learn that things can be put into order, e.g. from smallest to biggest;
• learn about size – more, less, big, small;
• learn about weight, heavy, light;
• learn about space – in, on, behind, under, through;
• learn that some things are constant.

BEFORE I CAN LEARN TO READ….. I NEED TO KNOW:

• what a book is;
• that it contains words and pictures;
• that words can be read;
• that a book has a beginning a middle and an end, a back and a front;
• I may begin to understand that reading (and writing) is done from left to right, top to bottom, and that each printed word represents one spoken word;
• I need to learn to love and care for books in order to want to read;
• I may not learn all of these things before I am five, but I will learn some;
• I need to know what a letter is and a letter makes a sound.

BEFORE I CAN LEARN TO WRITE……I NEED TO KNOW:

• what happens when I put pencils or paint to paper?
• be able to hold a pencil comfortably;
• have time to scribble and draw shapes before I am able to draw things or write letters, this may take a long time;
• enjoy drawing or painting in order to learn to write;
• learn about letters and words – how they are formed and what order they go in;
• I need lots of praise and encouragement, even if you cannot make out what I have created;
• I’ll need lots of practice, plenty of paper, paints and pens.

PUPIL MANAGEMENT PROCESS

 A Positive Classroom Environment:

The teacher will foster a positive class environment which will encourage children’s learning in the following ways:

• building positive relationships with children and amongst children;
• establishing mutual respect in teacher-child and child-child relationships;
• listening effectively;
• being an effective teacher;
• responding in ways that enhance positive feelings of self-worth in the child;
• establishing classroom responsibilities with children.

Managing Pupil Behaviour

In the event that a child’s behaviour is disruptive and needs correcting, the following steps will be taken by the teacher:

1. verbally warning the child (discussing the unacceptable behaviour);
2. separate the child from others within the classroom (thinking mat after 3rd warning);
3. contact the school administration/parent if necessary.

NO DOGS

Parents and visitors are to not bring dogs onto school grounds.  

SPEED LIMIT

Please follow the 40km speed limit during school times around the school streets. 

PARKING

All cars should be parked in Lawrence Way or on the angle parking on the school side of Philmore Crescent. Cars that park opposite the angle parking on Philmore are illegally parked and have occasionally been reversed into by unsuspecting parents.  The staff car-park should never be used by parents for dropping off or collecting students, even in winter when it is raining.  Only the day care centres are allowed to access the car park.  We advise parents not to leave children unattended in cars, or handbags/mobile phones etc.

USEFUL ITEMS WE RECYCLE

We can “recycle” many items from your homes.  The children often use several items to make junk creations and collages.  Below is a list of resources suitable for collection to use at school.  Please send any items that you do not need ~ if unsure please ask the staff.

Buttons, calendars, corks, corrugated card, cotton reels, dough cutters, egg cartons, envelopes, greeting cards, ice cream containers, lace, materials scraps, nuts & bolts, costume jewellery & costumes (for home corner), patty pans, pop sticks, sandpaper, sequins, stickers, wood off cuts (soft wood/pine).

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS

OSHClub are our Before School, After School and School Holiday Care provider.  More information can be found on the Community page of our website or please visit their website at: https://www.oshclub.com.au/ for further information.