Kindergarten

We are guided by: 'Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia'. 

The Early Years Learning Framework is Australia's first National Curriculum statement for educators working in early education. This statement provides broad direction for educators to facilitate young children's learning and comprises of three interrelated elements, which are fundamental to early childhood pedagogy and curriculum decision-making. The Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes assist us as kindergarten teachers at Orana to plan, implement and evaluate the activities, experiences, routines and settings operating in our kindergarten.

Principles

• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
• Partnership between educators and families
• High expectations and equity
• Respect for diversity
• Ongoing learning and reflective practice

Practices

• Holistic approaches
• Responsiveness to children
• Learning through play
• Intentional teaching
• Learning environments
• Cultural competence
• Continuity of learning and transitions
• Assessment for learning

Learning Outcomes

• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators

At the commencement of each day we ask you to help your child carry their hat, water bottle and fruit into the classroom and to place them in their special box which is near the front door and marked with their name. Their bag and lunch box will stay outside on the hook. We ask that parents/carers or accompanying adults complete an activity with their child such as a puzzle, playdough or reading book. We will allow approximately 10 minutes settling in time before music is played signalling the start of the mat session.

• All items must be labelled with your child's name (including hat, bag, lunch boxes, clothes etc)
• A backpack is required. If you prefer a school backpack, one can be purchased from One World Uniforms (open Thursdays 8.15am-10.30am in the hall. A change of clothes should be kept in the backpack.
• Morning tea should include a healthy snack stored in a small plastic container. Pre-cut fruit, sultanas, cheese, small sandwiches, carrots and celery are all suitable snacks.
• A water bottle for personal use. We encourage children to drink water when they are thirsty. It will be re-filled when needed. They also have access to the refrigerated water fountains.
• Lunch should be kept in a separate lunch box with an easy-to-remove lid
• A broad-brimmed hat is required for outdoor play

Your role as parents/carers is to help make your child's transition easier by:

• understanding that some children transition to Kindy more easily than others
• building your child's confidence when separated from you
• understanding that although some children take a bit longer, they all get there in the end
• encouraging play with others in many environments
• talking about Kindy in a non-threatening way
• reading to your child frequently
• being assured that we will take good care of your children so they always feel safe and secure
• talking about daily activities in general terms
• greeting them in a positive way at the end of their day
• signing up to our helper parent rosters
• maintaining confidentiality when on roster
• keeping negative feelings to yourself

Kindergarten is a four-year-old programme with the main emphasis being on social development. We will be using the App Seesaw Class to showcase your child at work and play. It will be like a little window into the various activities they experience at school and will act as a digital portfolio of their happy moments and learning tasks. As we add content, you will receive a notification on your device. SeesawClass is free and available for iOS devices (from the App Store) and Android devices (from Google Play).

Please follow the steps in the Kindergarten Parent Handbook.

If your child is tired or unwell please do not hesitate to keep them home to catch up on rest. Being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed certainly makes their day far more enjoyable.

If your child suffers with Asthma, please complete the Asthma Action Plan when it is distributed. At that time, please also supply the school with the necessary medication in the event that your child has symptoms of an asthma attack.

If your child suffers allergies and is likely to have an Anaphylactic episode, an EpiPen must be provided and an Action Plan supplied to the school. Action plans are required to be signed by your General Practitioner.

Medications for Kindergarten children will be kept in a safe location in the classroom. The Puffer or EpiPen will remain at the school and if you wish to take it home each day you must hand it to the teacher each morning. Please print a copy of all action plans and give it to your class teacher prior to your child's first day of school.

Your child will be attending Kindergarten on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.00am to 2.45pm.

Please let the school know either by text or email if your child is absent. If your child is to be absent for an extended period of time for any reason, please let us know. For more specific information, refer to the General Information Parent Handbook. To report your absence please email admin@orana.wa.edu.au.

The children must remain accompanied by a parent, carer or caregiver until Kindergarten begins. For safety reasons, please adhere to the following procedures when another adult other than the primary care-giver is picking up your child.

1. You must provide written permission and photo ID of each person. This can be emailed to your child's teacher.

Sometimes a child may seem distressed to leave either parent/carer, our experience shows that after a firm but gentle goodbye, your child is usually participating with the rest of the group within minutes. We do our best to ensure the children are relaxed and contented at Kindergarten. This is essential for a happy learning environment.

Commencement time for Kindergarten is 9.00am. It is important for your child to come to Kindy on time as this allows them time to settle into the routine and start the day in a positive manner.

At the end of the day we will dismiss the children individually when we see the adult picking them up. It is essential that children are collected promptly at the end of the day.

In order to facilitate safety for children and adults we ask that parents/carers do not arrive in the centre before 8.45am and leave the area by 3pm. This is to prevent any accidents/incidents before and after school when the area is not supervised by school staff.

Playground Policy: Children are not permitted to play in the early years playground before 9am or after 2.45pm. We appreciate your cooperation with this rule for the safety of your children.

Children who are in Years One to Six should be left at their classrooms before parents/carers come to the ECC as the centre is for Pre-Primary, Kindy and Pre-Kindy children only.

Please refer to our General Information Parent Handbook.

Birthdays are an important event and we would be very happy to celebrate and acknowledge your child's special day.

Birthday treats to share are discouraged as we promote healthy eating; however, if you would really like to send in a treat, it must be wrapped, individual and from a commercial kitchen/premises. You may wish to bring non-food items instead, such as; bubbles, a book to share with the class, etc.

We aim to keep you informed of what is happening in the classroom with your child. During the year, there will be many opportunities to discuss your child's progress and we would like to know if you have any queries or concerns.

Your child's learning and participation in our Kindy programme should not be gauged by the things carried home in his/her hand. Much of your child's learning will not be on paper but will be demonstrated through the use of concrete and sensory materials.

We are respectful that all children grow, learn and develop at different rates so it is not appropriate for parents/carers to comment on or compare student's progress.

You will receive notes via your child's blue note folder. Please return the following Kindy day. Our door is always open if you need to discuss anything concerning your child.

Our email addresses are:

KB: karen.forsyth@cewa.edu.au

KW: nadia.lovelle@cewa.edu.au