Welcome Welcome to to Thornleigh West Thornleigh West Public SchoolPublic School

Kindergarten Orientation 2013 2014

Transition to Kinder ProgramTransition to Kinder ProgramParent Orientation ProgramParent Orientation Program

Welcome by PrincipalWelcome by P&C President School BankingCanteenAfter School Care Director Kindergarten Assistant Principal - Transition

program + Start to school February 2014 + Ensuring school success

Goodies folderUniforms + Fashion Parade

Transition to Kinder Transition to Kinder Program Program 11stst Visit Visit 25 25thth October October10:00 – 11:1510:00 – 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 ProgramTransition to Kinder Program22ndnd Visit – 1st November Visit – 1st November10:00 – 11:1510:00 – 11:15

Classroom involvement and build on friendships

Review last visitSing songsCraft activityMorning tea (small

healthy snack)

Transition to Kinder ProgramTransition to Kinder Program33rdrd Visit – 8th November Visit – 8th November 10:00 -11:1510:00 -11:15

Look at school routines and classroom expectations

Review last visitStoryCraft activityPlay a gameVisit the canteen and

get frozen fruit shapes

Please do not dress your child in school uniform for orientation

Targets for Kinder Children Targets for Kinder Children

Enjoy being at schoolWant to learnExperience successDevelop a positive self-imageFeel valuedBe willing to persevere & develop

resilienceDevelop effective social interactions with

other children and adults

BEST STARTBEST START What What is itis 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 What are the critical aspects of literacy to be assessed?literacy to be assessed?

Reading text WritingSpeaking ComprehensionConcepts about printPhonics Phonemic awareness

What are the critical aspects of What are the critical aspects of numeracy to be assessed?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 How will the assessment be implemented?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 What are students asked to do during the Best Start literacy assessment?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 atext 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 What are students asked to do during the Best Start Numeracy Assessment?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 First week in Kinder 20142014

Letter will be sent giving appointment time on one of following days:

Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30st, Friday 31st 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 3th 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 What will children do on the first day?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 What to expect in the first few weeksfew weeks

TirednessNot all food is eaten Help them at first in morningOlder students to help in first few

daysLeave ASAP

How can I help prepare my How can I help prepare my child?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 2Helping my child 2Learn 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 What will Kindergarten do at school?school?

In PE children will:

develop fitness and coordination

learn new skillsparticipate in

enjoyable and active programs

What will Kindergarten learn What will Kindergarten learn at school?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 What will Kindergarten learn at school?at school?

In English children will: learn letter sounds recognise wordsbegin reading simple

bookscomplete simple

homework, e.g. reading

practice writing and drawing

play literacy games

What will Kindergarten learn What will Kindergarten learn at school?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 What will Kindergarten learn at school?school?

In Creative Arts:Lots of songs and

dances; assembly performances

PaintingDrawingMaking lots of special

things, e.g. presents for mum/dad, puppets

Special assemblies for parents to attend

Dance & drama lessons

Social Skills – PALSSocial Skills – PALS(Playing and Learning to (Playing and Learning to Socialise)Socialise)Greeting each

otherTaking turnsTaking turns at

playSharingAsking for help

Identifying feelings

EmpathyOvercoming fear

and anxietyManaging

frustrationCalming down Speaking up

PBEL – Positive Behaviour PBEL – Positive Behaviour Engaging LearningEngaging Learning

At Thornleigh West we expect Respect,

Responsibility and Achievement

Reward System

Assembly awards

Free and FrequentBlueys, greenies, orangies or other classroom awards

Intermittent10 Blueys, greenies or orangies = bronze, silver or gold certificate

1st School Medal and bronze badge2nd School Medal and silver badge3rd School Medal and gold badge(medal is only handed out once)

Aussie of the Month (linked to values we teach)

““Buddies” at Thornleigh West Buddies” at Thornleigh West Public SchoolPublic 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 10 Tips for Children Starting Kindergarten (DET)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 2013 + 2014Dates for 2013 + 2014Orientation Dates – for children- Friday 25th October 10.00am – 11.15- Friday 1st November 10.00am – 11.15- Friday 8th November 10.00am – 11.152014- “Tea and Tissues” – Monday 3rd

February 9.00am, Staffroom (TBC)- Kindergarten Parent / Teacher night –

Week 3 Term 1 (TBC)

Fashion ShowFashion Show

White ‘Goodies’ FolderWhite ‘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.