If you’re on this page, your child is probably starting school – congratulations! Starting school is a big step, for both the child and the parents / guardians. That’s why we’ve carefully packed this page with resources, tips, interactive tools, videos, podcasts and more to help with this new transition. We’re so excited to be on this journey with you and watch your child grow at St. Patrick’s. If you have any questions along the way be sure to know that your child’s teacher, our school principal and office staff are always ready to help!
1. Transition Sessions
| Transition
You are required to attend all four sessions. All sessions will run from 9 – 10:30am. The fifth session is optional (play based). |
Transition 1 – Thursday, 31st October 2024 Transition 2 – Thursday, 7th November 2024 Transition 3 – Thursday, 14th November 2024 Transition 4 – Thursday, 21st November 2024 Transition 5 – Thursday 28th November 2024 |
2. Best Start
Our school takes part in the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment developed by early learning experts in the NSW Department of Education.
Best Start Kindergarten Assessment identifies student’s literacy and numeracy skills on entry to Kindergarten. Each Kindergarten child will come to school for an individual session (approximately 40 minutes duration) in the week school starts. This will be with the Kindergarten teachers.
| Best Start
You are required to book one 40 minute session. |
Monday, 3rd February 2025 OR Tuesday, 4th February 2025. |
Daisy’s First Day
As children around NSW begin preparing for their transition to school, the NSW Government has developed new resources to support early childhood educators as they guide children in care services through this critical phase of their learning.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Government is committed to ensuring that all children across the state get the best start they can. A storybook featuring native Australian animal characters, ‘Daisy’s First Day,’ has been developed to help children learn about what they might experience in a typical school day.
To access this resource, please click on the book cover below.
We’re Getting Ready!
Starting kindergarten is a new adventure for you and your child. It is important that they are excited and proud to walk through the classroom door, ready to take their place in the ‘big kids’ school. The Catholic Schools Office of Broken Bay has developed a booklet featuring some helpful tips to assist you in preparing your child at home for kindergarten. These tips aim to assist in developing the necessary skills in your child to ensure a successful start to their schooling. You can find a link to the booklet below.
Packing a Healthy Lunchbox
Packing a healthy lunch box provides children with the energy and nutrients they need to grow, learn and play throughout the day. It’s also a great opportunity to teach them lifelong healthy eating habits. You and your child can build a healthy lunchbox together with Cancer Councils Lunchbox Builder.
Useful Activities to Try With Your Child Before Starting School
- ٚPutting on their school shoes and walking in them.
- Dressing in their school uniform.
- Organise a picnic and allow them to practice eating from their lunchbox and drinking from their drink bottle.
- Cutting and pasting pictures from a magazine.
- Writing alphabet letters.
- Practice holding a book correctly and turning the pages.
- Going to the toilet by themselves and making sure to wash their hands.
- Practice counting to 10.
- Do some free drawing while holding a pencil correctly.
- If you live close to our school, go for a walk together and practise crossing roads safely.
Podcasts
Foundations for Learning – Partnerships
Angela Cain conducts an insightful interview with Mary Ryan (CSNSW Head of Professional Learning & Accreditation), focusing on the importance of building a positive family-school partnership.
They discuss the emotional and logistical aspects of entrusting your child to the school system and navigating the transition into Kindergarten. The conversation highlights the crucial responsibilities teachers have in caring for and educating young children. The interview also explores the collaborative relationship between professionals and parents required to support children’s development and success in school.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
In the Foundations for Learning podcast series, we discuss the critical role of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in supporting children during their early educational journey. Jenni Coen, CSNSW State Manager for Wellbeing, explains how SEL helps children reach their potential by teaching them to identify and manage their emotions, set goals, and empathise with others. We explore practical ways to integrate SEL into learning, such as through storytelling. Emphasising that literacy extends beyond just reading and writing, the podcast delves into how these narratives can foster emotional and social growth in young learners.
Uniform
It’s important that all your child’s items of clothing are correctly and clearly labelled with their name. This allows us to return any lost items to their rightful owner. There are some fantastic websites you can order name labels from (if you do not wish to write your child’s name directly with a permanent marker). Some websites include: Bright Star Kids, Stuck On You and Tiny Me. Be sure to review our uniform policy below to ensure your child is wearing the correct school uniform on their first day.
Useful Tips
The Night Before
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On The Day
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