Pre Primary

WELCOME TO SAMSON PRE-PRIMARY

The Samson Pre-Primary is an integral part of Samson Primary School. It provides a secure, happy, educational learning environment for pre-primary children. Please keep us informed about any changes that may have some bearing on your child’s education. By working together, parents and teachers can ensure that children get off to a good start at Samson Primary School.

PROGRAM FOCUS

The full-time compulsory pre-primary program provides opportunities for the children to develop skills, habits, concepts, behaviours, attitudes and values that will form the foundation for their education in future years.

Research shows that quality pre-primary programs have significant benefits for children as they prepare for their school years.

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LEARNING

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

DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENCE & RISK TAKING

These are some ways independence can be developed in younger children.

• Give children TIME to do things for themselves (don’t do things for them because it’s easier or quicker).
• In the mornings, when accompanying the children to pre-primary, encourage them to carry own bag/belongings.
• Help them to remember what is expected of them (getting them to think) not telling them the answers.
• Find TIME to TALK with and LISTEN to your child.
• Be PATIENT, give your child time to think.
• Let your child write or draw about their experiences.
• Give your child RESPONSIBILITY by giving them a regular task to complete.
• Know (and be able to say) their first name, surname, telephone number and home address.
• Know where their lunch box, snack box, drink is and how to open these.
• Know if their lunch has been ordered from the canteen.
• Encourage them to put on their own socks, shoes and sandals.
• Perform own toileting needs, blow nose, wash hands.
• To inform teachers when they are unwell or in need of help.
• ENCOURAGE your child to have a go at new things and comment favourably on their attempts.
• HELP your child understand that it is normal to make mistakes when they try something new.
• Provide opportunities to follow directions (e.g. go and find your school bag, library bag).

PROGRESS

Please keep in contact with the teacher about your child’s progress and health. Please give notice of prolonged absence. Small concerns can be settled at arrival time. However, for a longer interview, please make an appointment agreeable to yourself and the teacher.

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:

1. 1. Building positive relationships with children and amongst children.
   2. Establishing mutual respect in teacher-child and child-child relationships.
   3. Listening effectively.
   4. Being an effective teacher.
   5. Responding in ways that enhance positive feelings of self-worth in the child.
   6. Establishing classroom responsibilities with children.
   7. Virtue Certificates.

B. Managing Student Behaviour

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

1. 1. Verbally warn the child (discussing the unacceptable behaviour).
   2. Separate the child from others within the classroom (time out).
   3. Contact the school administration/parent if necessary.

TRANSITION PROGRAM

The children begin the first part of their pre-primary to year one transition program by participating in library activities, school assemblies, in-term swimming, and other whole school activities at Samson Primary School. Parents will be notified when these activities and others are to begin.

COMMUNICATION

Class Dojo is an electronic communication platform that is used extensively in schools across Western Australia and our school has found this program a great tool to communicate with the Samson Community.

Class Dojo is a great way for the school and your teacher to communicate with you. It also allows instant translation for those families where English is a second language. Parents are able to send messages to teachers for those times where you are unable to speak with the teacher. Please note that we ask you to contact your teacher either directly or via email if you would like to discuss either behaviour or academic concerns rather than using the Class Dojo platform.

If you have not yet connected to Class Dojo, please see your class teacher for an invitation. This can be done via email or mobile. You will need to download the app on your smart phone.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL/COLLECTION OF CHILDREN

Arrival – (Doors open at 8.30am)

Children can feel unsettled if they arrive at pre-primary late. We ask that parents/caregivers endeavour to bring their child on time to minimise this disruption. On arrival, parents/caregivers and children are asked to wait at the gate until admitted by a staff member. Children are to be escorted into the classroom by their parents/guardians.

Dismissal (2.50pm) - Parents are to pick their children up from the classroom door at the end of the session. Prompt collection of your child at the end of each day would be appreciated.

OLDER SIBLINGS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DROP OFF OR COLLECT CHILDREN FROM PRE-PRIMARY

COLLECTION AUTHORITY

We remind parents that only an authorised adult can collect a pre-primary child. If the adult is not the child’s parent, we need written authority, and changes written on the ‘collection notice’ that is found near the door in both classrooms. Please see the staff if you are unsure about these procedures. NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE PRE-PRIMARY UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AN AUTHORISED PERSON.

CUSTODY & LEGAL DIRECTIVES

If only one parent has custody of children he/she must inform the Principal of access provisions for the other parents. Similarly, the School Administration must be advised in writing of any binding legal directives, which need to be applied.  Copies of the legal paperwork will need to be supplied. (Please keep this information updated as and when it changes).

SIGNING STUDENTS IN & OUT OF SCHOOL

Passtab is an electronic system we have in Administration for all children who arrive late or are collected throughout the day from school. Children who are collected for an appointment and then returned to the school must also be entered in Passtab to reflect their absence in and out of the school.

USE OF OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

A reminder to parents, guardians and care-givers, that children of any age are not to use the outdoor play areas and climbing equipment before school is open or after the children have been collected. Staff supervision cannot be provided at this time.

SMS COMMUNICATION FOR STUDENT ABSENCES & LATE ARRIVALS

Samson Primary School uses a mobile phone messaging system to communicate unexplained student absences to parents/guardians. This communication system uses Short Messaging Service (SMS) and will send text messages to parent/guardian mobile phones when your child is absent from school (in the instance that an explanation has not already been provided). 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.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES FOR PRE PRIMARY

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):

CURRENT ADDRESS & CONTACT INFORMATION - EMERGENCY CONTACT MEDICATION – ALLERGY – ILLNESS

Current address, telephone numbers and emergency contact are essential. Children are left in what can be a distressing situation if we cannot locate parents or emergency contacts. We ask parents to ensure that correct details are supplied to the pre-primary class and Administration. If your child is on medication or has allergies, please notify the teacher. Also, if your child has Asthma or Allergic reactions, please ensure that a documented Action Plan is completed by your child’s doctor, and that you update this information every year. A copy of these forms may be collected from Administration.

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. Often parking inspectors will visit the school to check that parents are adhering to the signs. The staff carpark 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 this carpark. We advise parents not to leave children unattended in cars, or handbags/mobile phones etc.

SPEED LIMIT

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

NO DOGS

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

CHILDREN’S BIKES AND TRICYCLES/SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS ETC.

You are asked not to allow children to bring their bikes or tricycles to school, 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 school bike rack. These bike racks are located outside Rooms 9 & 10 on the grass and it is the responsibility of the parents to secure the bike. 

TOILET TRAINING

It is assumed that your child is toilet trained. If there is a difficulty in regards to toilet training, please let the teacher know.

BELONGINGS

Bags/cases, library bags, hats, drink bottles, lunch boxes, clothing (including shoes) are to be clearly labelled with your child’s name.

VALUABLE ARTICLES/TOYS/BOOKS/JEWELLERY

We discourage the wearing of jewellery, or the bringing of money/toys/books to school by children. The teacher will let you know if the children are required to bring items for news sharing sessions. Loss of these causes distress to the child and unnecessary time loss for the staff.

SPARE CLOTHES

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

WEARING OF SHOES

Children’s safety is the factor which needs to guide our thinking on this issue. The chances of dangerous items, e.g. glass and syringes being found in the yards is increasing. The need for teachers to have supervision in place is a Duty of Care responsibility, which we must plan to cover.

1. Parents may send children in shoes of their choice, but we ask them to think of safety first. Teachers recommend covered, flexible shoes with a grip sole suitable for the range of outdoor activities children engage in at Pre-Primary. The wearing of slip-on shoes is discouraged for safety reasons.
2. Teachers will make a decision on what is safe to do in particular shoes or clothes.

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 veranda area. It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen to your child before they attend class.

UNIFORMS

The Uniform shop hours are 8.15am – 8.45am on a Friday to coincide with the School Assembly, held on Wednesdays. Uniforms can be ordered online through the Spriggy Schools app. Visit www.spriggyschools.com.au to create an account. Uniforms will be delivered to your child’s classroom should you order online.  Please check the Uniform Shop page on this website for any special opening times.

SNACK/MORNING TEA/RECESS

Snack

Children need to bring their own healthy snack every day to eat at snack time. Please do not send sweets, sweet biscuits or packets of salted chips, as we are promoting/encouraging healthy eating.

Lunch

Children need to bring a healthy lunch everyday. We suggest that you place food items (yoghurt, baked beans, fruit salad, etc.) into small plastic containers that children are able to open easily, with little or no help. To encourage INDEPENDENCE, we suggest that parents show children how to unwrap their lunches and open plastic containers.

Please send a clearly labelled water bottle each day

Canteen lunch orders

At the time of publication - there is no firm arrangement for the School Canteen.  This information will be updated, and the community informed, as soon as an agreement is made.

BIRTHDAYS

We encourage children to celebrate their special day. You are welcome to send along cupcakes for the class to share. Please do not send a whole cake as it often becomes very difficult to ensure everyone enjoys a sizable portion. This enhances social interactions and gives them a special day. Please do not send any cakes or other 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 does have a severe/life threatening allergy, we can store a replacement treat (suitable for your child, supplied by yourself), which we will give in place of the birthday cakes. This will allow your child to still be involved in the social interaction of the birthday celebration.  (Please discuss this with the classroom teacher further).

PARENT HELP ROSTER

Parents are welcome to help during the morning session 8.30am. – 10.30am. A roster will be displayed at the beginning of each term. We value parent involvement and hope that parents are able to participate in the fun and educational learning experiences along with the children. If the roster times do not suit you, please talk with the teacher for alternate arrangements. On arrival parents are required to sign in at the office before joining the class and sign out before leaving the school.

All parents, guardians or grandparents are encouraged to enjoy themselves whilst:

• learning more about what happens at Pre-Primary (and why it happens),
• establishing a positive relationship with the teacher and the education assistant,
• assisting the teacher by carrying out “domestic” tasks, e.g. tidying tables, and some preparation,
• 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 Pre-primary setting, it is best that babies and toddlers do not accompany their parents whilst they are on roster.

SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC

Samson Primary School students are attached to the Coolbellup Community School (Dental Unit) located at the Coolbellup Community School site. Students will receive an enrolment package from the dental unit in their pre-primary year. Parents/guardians are required to complete the paperwork if they wish their child to access the Dental unit.

The school dental number is 9337 7256

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.  Prescribed medication will only be accepted if it has the original label dispensed by the pharmacy.

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

ILLNESS

Children who are ill must not attend Pre-primary.  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.

VACCINATION RECORDS

If your child was born in Australia, their vaccinations will be registered on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You must provide the school with a copy of your child’s AIR history statement. You can ask for a statement at any time by:

• telephoning the AIR on 1800 653 809
• visiting your local Medicare Centre (Department of Human Services Centre)
• using your Medicare online account through myGov (https://my.gov.au).

HEALTH : INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Exclusion periods for infectious diseases are the same as for the primary school aged child. We would like to stress the importance of keeping your child at home at the first sign of any infection because:-

• children cannot cope in large group situations when they are not well;
• infection spreads quickly in the pre-primary environment. 

Please notify your child’s teacher of any serious infectious disease your child may contract.

Attending whilst suffering from the early symptoms of a disease or when convalescing, but still retaining infection, causes problems for others. 

USEFUL ITEMS LIST

We can “recycle” many items. The children will use many items to make junk creations/collage.

Please send any of these items, if you do not need them: paper; nuts and bolts; tissue; old jewellery; crepe paper; patty pans; gift wrapping; wood off-cuts (soft wood); computers; sheets; bedspreads; corks; greeting cards; feathers; corrugated card; lace; calendars; tupperwar/plastic containers; sheep wool; ice-cream containers; sequins; ribbon; buttons; cardboard boxes (no soap, nut or medical boxes); old kitchen utensils; egg cartons; cardboard cylinders (not toilet rolls).

Please ensure plastic containers are thoroughly cleaned