KINDERGARTENHANDBOOK
KINDERGARTEN 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL ............................................................................................................. 2 SCHOOL ADDRESS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2 SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS..................................................................................................................................................... 2 ABSENCES ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 ACCIDENT/ILLNESS PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 3 BULLYING ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 BUSES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 CANTEEN ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 CODE OF CONDUCT .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 CURRICULUM ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5 EXTRA-CURRICULAR .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 FIRST YEARS OF SCHOOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 What do children learn in the first years of School? ........................................................................................................... 5 FROG................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 GRANDPARENTS DAY ................................................................................................................................................................. 6 HOMEWORK .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 HELP YOUR CHILD TO BE READY FOR SCHOOL ................................................................................................................ 7 JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 LOST PROPERTY ............................................................................................................................................................................ 8 LUNCHES & PACKED FOOD ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 NEWSLETTERS & CORRESPONDENCE ................................................................................................................................... 9 OFFICE & SCHOOL HOURS ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................................................ 9 PARENT HANDBOOK .................................................................................................................................................................. 9 REPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 SCHOOL HOUSES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 SCHOOL PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Road Safety ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10 SHOP ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 TIMETABLE.................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Items of clothing that should NOT be worn as uniform .................................................................................................. 11 Hats ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Uniform is compulsory ............................................................................................................................................................ 11 Sunscreen .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 VACATION CARE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 WELL-BEING AND DISCIPLINE ................................................................................................................................................ 11 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11 MAPS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Page 1
KINDERGARTEN 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Welcome to Kindergarten at Kinross Wolaroi School. This is a most exciting time as your child begins their challenging journey through the Junior School. The school prides itself on giving each student the best possible education across the academic, spiritual, cultural, sporting and social domains. Our School is about: • • •
Opportunities Challenges and Friendships.
We strive for excellence in every child and in every pursuit. Underpinning all we strive for at KWS are our values of: • • • • •
Respect Commitment Inclusiveness Resilience and Courage.
The purpose of this booklet is to ensure you are aware of all the ‘little things’ that you will be involved in throughout your child’s time at Kinross Wolaroi School. For your child to excel, the School and the parents need to work together. A partnership between the two offers so much more than a single entity. Thank you for enrolling your child at Kinross Wolaroi Junior School. I look forward to developing a strong and positive relationship with you all. Mr Rob McLean Head of Junior School
SCHOOL ADDRESS Kinross Wolaroi Junior School 59-67 Bathurst Road (Locked Bag No 4) Orange NSW 2800
SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS Main Office Phone: (02) 6392 0300 Junior School: (02) 6392 0316 Email: Website:
junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au www.kws.nsw.edu.au
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ABSENCES All children will be marked absent/present at 8.55am in their own class. A letter, phone call or email (junioroffice@kws.nsw.edu.au) should be given to the Junior School giving reason for absence. This is of high importance as the whereabouts of all children needs to be known. If your child arrives late (after 8.55am) or needs to leave early, please come to the Junior Office and follow procedures for Sign In/Sign Out on the iPad. Parents must comply with this duty as students cannot sign themselves in or out. The State Government has mandated new and much more stringent procedures for leave of more than 2 days from school, this does not apply for illness. All schools, state and independent, have to follow these procedures. These are in place now at KWS. The main implication for parents is that you must apply for such leave with much greater notice – it will require at least three weeks for all the required paperwork to be completed, and the longer period you have allowed us to do this is greatly appreciated. If a request comes in via email or letter, we will send to you an Application for Exemption from Attendance at School form to complete. This must be filled in and returned to the Junior Office. This is then reviewed by the Principal or his delegate and if it meets the guidelines, it will be signed and Certificate of Exemption will be issued with a copy of the original application. These two documents must be retained by you and a copy will also be kept at the School in your child’s file. If you are travelling overseas, the documents should be carried with you, as you could be requested to show them at Customs. Please remember to update all records at school – new phone numbers (mobile and landline), a change of address or change to email.
ACCIDENT/ILLNESS PROCEDURE A child who requires any form of medical attention will be given first aid treatment by the resident Nursing Staff who will, when necessary, make contact with parents. Please note, however, that the school does not have facilities for caring for children too ill to attend classes. It is important for our medical records to be completely up to date. Parents are asked to take care when supplying information on medical cards and to advise the school of any changes. An emergency contact number must always be available.
BULLYING Bullying is a serious issue. The school has a comprehensive procedure to follow for any matters of bullying. Parents are welcome to contact the class teacher, K-2 Co-ordinator or Head of Junior School should this issue be of concern.
BUSES Orange and district buses drop off and pickup KWS students from either Allenby Road or the south side of the gym. A teacher is on bus duty each afternoon. Rules of conduct and appropriate wearing of uniform apply to Junior children at all times while travelling by bus.
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CANTEEN The canteen is available for all Junior students. All ordering is completed via the FlexiSchools website: www.flexischools.com.au. FlexiSchools: • • • •
Replaces paper bag orders Allows for pre-paid online orders - no cash is required Allows you to order in the morning or a week in advance Registration is easy and free.
Directions for ordering: • • • • •
Using any PC, go to www.flexischools.com.au Click Register Now! And enter your email You are emailed a link to the online form Choose your own username and password and enter your contact details For each child, click “Add a student” and follow the prompts to place an order.
You will be required to top-up your pre-paid account. VISA or Mastercard are preferred. Transaction fees may apply – visit the website for more information. Children will be able to walk to the canteen to purchase extra items at lunch. It is recommended that a limit of two dollars is sufficient for Kindergarten children.
CODE OF CONDUCT At Kinross Wolaroi Junior School students have the right and responsibility to be safe, respectful learners demonstrating the school values of: • • • • •
Courage Respect Inclusiveness Resilience and Commitment.
SAFE – I am Safe at KWS It is my responsibility to act in a safe, positive manner. What does this look like? • • • • •
Respecting and following the rules of the school Respecting the rights of others Being a good friend to others Not standing quietly by when unacceptable behaviour is taking place Being in the right place at the right time.
RESPECTFUL– I am Respectful at KWS It is my responsibility to respect and live the school values, I must maintain respectful relationships with my peers and teachers.
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What does this look like? • • • •
Wearing my uniform proudly and correctly Caring for my school property and environment Maintaining a safe and clean playground and environment Speaking politely to my teachers and peers
LEARNER – I am a Learner first It is my responsibility to be the best learner I can be, who is engaged, motivated and seeks to keep improving. What does this look like? • • • • •
Being at school prepared to be a learner Having all equipment ready to be a learner Listening to my peers and teachers when they are speaking Seeking feedback and asking questions if unsure Completing all work to the best of my ability
CURRICULUM Kindergarten children work in a stimulating, thematic and ‘hands-on’ classroom. All children take part in the following subjects; English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, Personal Development and Health, PE and Creative Arts.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR There is no compulsory sport for Kindergaren students. From Year 3, Saturday sport is compulsory for all students. From time to time school plays, musicals, ensembles and choirs are required to practise or perform out of school hours. Parents will always be informed of the arrangements and it is the School’s expectation that children be in attendance at these times.
FIRST YEARS OF SCHOOL What do children learn in the first years of School? Generally, the first year of school is regarded as a transitional year from home to school. The school day will be structured but there are less demands than those on older children. Co-operation, rather than competition, will be emphasised. Children discover and learn through play and there will be many opportunities both in structured and informal activities for this to take place. There is a strong emphasis on language development. Teachers aim to instil in the children a love of speaking, reading and writing. The reading of stories, reciting of rhymes and singing of songs are important daily occurrences. Children are encouraged to create their own stories, verbally and in writing. Time should be taken to allow children to express themselves without pressure. The Junior School follows a literacy program titled Spalding: The Writing Road to Reading. This program enables each girl and boy to gain comprehensive skills and knowledge in spelling, reading and writing, handwriting and speaking. Since its inception, the program has been highly successful in developing literacy skills in the Junior School.
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There is considerable emphasis on social development. Co-operation, sharing and social responsibility are skills which are learned in the first year of school. Physical development is also crucial. Many hands-on experiences will be given to enhance large and small muscle development as well as activities to develop creativity. Music, dance, song, art and craft activities form an integral part of the school day. Although some children may initially find school a little daunting, they will find their feet and be part of our community very soon.
FROG Kinross Wolaroi School’s Learning Management System is known as FROG. FROG is one of the ways in which students, parents and caregivers can communicate and access information in a central location. On FROG, students’ parents, teachers and caregivers are able to view: • • • • • • •
A yearly overview of the student’s course Assessment notifications Syllabus documents, past paper and resources Links to videos and podcasts, websites, blogs and vlogs Information about sport and other co-curricular activities Advice about maintaining mental health, fitness and wellbeing Information about relevant events, competitions and excursions.
New school families are given their logins for FROG on the first day of School.
GRANDPARENTS DAY Most children go home with Grandparents on this special day. If no Grandparent is available, please organise a special older friend for your child. For 2020, our Grandparents Day will be held on Friday 30 October.
HOMEWORK For Kindergarten girls and boys appropriate revision and consolidation activities will be set for Wednesday through to Monday after school. The suggested length of time spent on activities is approximately 5 minutes per night. Parents are welcome to make homework a positive habit by helping and encouraging their child. Of course the teacher is available to discuss any matters relating to homework.
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HELP YOUR CHILD TO BE READY FOR SCHOOL Does your child: • • • • • • • • • • •
Know the colours? Know how to recognise and write his or her name? Know how to count to 10? Know how to say the alphabet? Know that hands should be washed after using the toilet? Know how to put on and take off clothing without assistance? Know how to tie up shoe laces? Put away play items and materials after using them? Know how to open and close the lunch box and drink bottle? Know that there are ‘choice’ and ‘no choice’ times in a school day? Know his or her name, address and telephone number?
What can parents do to help? • • • • • • • • • • •
Talk to your child about school where he/she will meet new friends, play games, sing and make things. Teach your child how to put on and do up shoes. Label clearly, with full name, all possessions your child will take to school E.g. all items of uniform, bag, lunch box, drink bottle, library bag, art shirt. Send and collect your child on time every day if possible. Give your child simple duties to do around the home. This will help foster confidence in the performance of small tasks. Allow your child to stay with relatives or friends for short periods so that he/she will accept the fact that it is not always possible to be with parents. Encourage your child by admiring work when it is brought home. Encourage the love of learning by reading and talking with your child about a variety of topics. Be supportive of the school and classroom teacher in matters of organisation, communication and behaviour expectations for the boys and girls. Read and respond to notes and information sent home as soon as possible. Read the Newsletter on-line each fortnight to stay informed of school activities and requirements.
How can I encourage my child to read? • • •
• •
Talk to your child – Speaking and listening provides your child with different ways to learn and think about the world. Provide a positive role model – Chat about what you are reading in books, newspapers and magazines, or viewing on screens. Read to your child every day – This is not always possible but it may be that you point out words when you are travelling, read something aloud from a newspaper, magazine or book, or point out something interesting on screen. Listen to your child read – All children like to receive positive feedback and listening to your child read is a great opportunity to congratulate him or her on their effort. Encourage your child to read from a wide range of sources – There is much to learn and enjoy from reading picture books, short stories, poetry, comics, magazines, instruction manuals and so on.
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JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF Principal:
Dr Andrew Parry
Head of Junior School:
Mr Rob McLean
K-2 Co-ordinator:
Mrs Carolyn Key
Stage 2 C-ordinator:
Mr Mark Pritchard
Stage 3 Co-ordinator:
Mrs Emma Charlton
Pre-Prep Director:
Ms Ann-Margaret Gunther
Sports Co-ordinator:
Mr Tim May
Music Co-ordinator:
Mrs Katie Sinclair
Enrichment Co-ordinator:
Mr Luke Bracks
Learning Support:
Mr Luke Bracks
Assistant to Head of Junior School:
Mrs Gail Kennewell
Junior School Teaching Staff: Ms Emily Burton, Mrs Louise Barrett, Mr Luke Bracks, Mrs Emma Charlton, Mrs Richelle Coote, Mrs Carolyn Donnelly, Mrs Rebecca Essex, Mrs Muriel Fatai, Mrs Alicia Holmes, Mrs Carolyn Key, Mr Romko Hordynsky, Mr Tim May, Mrs Annie McRae, Mrs Lisa Pengilly, Mr Mark Pritchard, Mrs Lisa Savage, Mrs Gemma Seedsman, Mrs Katie Sinclair, Mr Mark Whitehead, Mrs Rebecca Whiteley, Mrs Kate Bracks. Pre-Kinder Staff: Ms Ann-Margaret Gunther, Mrs Gemma Leahy, Miss Belinda Ferguson, Mrs Lindsay Punch, Mrs Charlotte Penny. Student Academic Services: Miss Melinda Ostini, Mrs Bernie Sharpe, Mrs Kristy Churchill, Miss Sarah Simkin, Mrs Carolyn Donnelly.
LIBRARY A cloth, drawstring bag clearly named is required for library borrowing. Classes have a lesson each week during which borrowing can take place.
LOST PROPERTY Please label clearly all items of uniform and property. A box outside Room 45 is used for any lost items. Enquire at the Junior Office for further help.
LUNCHES & PACKED FOOD In an effort to develop an awareness of more sustainable and healthy practices, we ask parents to send lunch boxes that promote a ‘nude food’ ethic. Please refrain from packing food that is wrapped in foil, plastic or commercial packaging. It would be appreciated if morning tea and ‘Crunch n Sip’ foods also adhered to this philosophy. We are focused on sustainability with many initiatives currently being explored. Your support would be appreciated. For lunch box ideas and more information go to www.nudefoodday.com.au.
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NEWSLETTERS & CORRESPONDENCE The School’s Family Newsletter is published fortnightly during school term and contains important information regarding the Junior School. The Family Newsletter is emailed directly to current school families and can also be accessed on the School’s website and on FROG (the School’s intranet). Other communications are sent home by email, mail or with your child. Please check the school bag and inbox each day for notes.
OFFICE & SCHOOL HOURS Junior School Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8.30am to 5.00pm (School Term) Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (School Term) Senior School Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm (including Term breaks) School Hours: 8.55am to 3.20pm The playground is unsupervised before 8:35am and after 3:30pm. Your child for his/her safety and welfare, should not be in the playground while it is unsupervised.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES All students must wear an approved school hat all year when involved in recess, lunch and other outdoor activities. Note that a ‘no hat, play in the shade’ rule applies and sun safe practice is encouraged in the winter months as well.
PARENT HANDBOOK A detailed Junior School Handbook is distributed to all Junior School parents prior to students starting at the School. Procedures, policies and other organisational matters are included.
REPORTS Comprehensive reports are sent home at the end of Terms 1, 2 & 4. Parent-teacher interviews are held at the end of Terms 1, 2 and 3 with information evenings, formal and informal interviews being held throughout the year.
SCHOOL HOUSES All children are assigned to a School House when they begin at Kinross Wolaroi School. The Houses in the Junior School are: Brown House (Red) Douglas House (Green) Gordon House (Yellow) McLachlan House (Blue) The House competition is an enjoyable and, at times, exciting part of life in the Junior School. House points are awarded at sports carnivals, for class work and for school activities.
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SCHOOL PROCEDURES Road Safety The safety and welfare of students, staff and family members is of high importance at Kinross Wolaroi School. Accidents are the highest cause of death and injury in primary aged children, with road accidents a significant factor. It is therefore in the best interests of all who are associated with the Junior School that: • •
Staff and School leadership maintain the appropriate duty of care for all students enrolled in the Junior (including Pre-Kinder). Parents and other community members cooperate with all requirements in road safety, collection and delivery, and traffic flow.
Allenby Road • •
Bus arrivals and departures only (Teacher supervised departure). No collection of students from Weymouth House gates at any time from 3.20pm to after sport. Please park and walk in to the Junior School. Collection point is in the Junior School Courtyard and Kiss and Go zone.
Cox Avenue (Junior School) Car Park • • • • • •
Observe traffic signs. Park in designated areas only. Park and walk to Junior School undercover collection area or courtyard for collection. Exercise great care when reversing etc. Always escort children by hand across any part of the road or car park. Exit from second Cox Ave gates only.
Cox Avenue (Junior School) Kiss and Go Zone • • • • • •
Drop off and pick up to be done immediately - no parking and leaving vehicles unattended. Pull away carefully. Display family surname on the sun visor to assist with prompt collection. Do not double park. Make arrangements for collection of child(ren) at the end of school to meet the teacher on duty (3.20pm - 3.40pm) at the end of the Kiss and Go zone. Do not leave vehicle unattended and walk into school. This zone is for smooth flowing arrival and departure. Use the Junior School car park spaces should you wish to leave your car. Please follow the directions of the teacher on duty. They are there to ensure the safety of all the children.
SHOP The school has its own uniform, stationery and textbook shop. Items specific to the School uniform can only be purchased at the KWS Shop or Clothing pool. All class stationery requirements for the year are set by the class teacher and available through the shop at the beginning of Term 1.
TIMETABLE The children will have specialist classes in PE, Religious Education and Music.
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UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS Please refer to the Uniform Requirements information provided in the new student supplementary information provided. All uniform items (other than shoes) can be purchased from the KWS School Shop. Information regarding the Shop opening hours and school holiday appointment times can be found on the School website. For any queries, please phone the School Shop on 02 6392 0385.
Items of clothing that should NOT be worn as uniform • • • • •
Coloured or striped football jumpers Incorrect tracksuit pants Anklet socks (socks must be above ankle) Coloured hats of any description Shoe laces in colours other than black (for black shoes) or white for white shoes.
Hats Hats must be worn at all times when the children are outside. Any child without a hat must remain in the shade during both break and sports times.
Uniform is compulsory When out in public before or after school, the children must be wearing full school uniform or PE uniform. This includes blazers for girls in winter and blazers all year round for boys. When in PE uniform, the children must wear their tracksuit tops in summer (weather dependent) and full tracksuit in winter.
Sunscreen It is important that children wear sunscreen during their outdoor sporting activities.
VACATION CARE There are provisions for Vacation Care during the School Holidays. Vacation Care is operated by Uniting Care Services. For further information, please call 0427 290 761.
WELL-BEING AND DISCIPLINE Kinross Wolaroi aims to provide an environment in which learning and the development of character and personality can occur without the disruption of poor behaviour. We also aim to teach students what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in various situations. The Junior School recognises the developmental changes children progress through from Kindergarten onwards. The class teacher plays a vital role in establishing the aims of the School. However, parents are the foundation for teaching discipline and are expected to support the School in this regard.
CONCLUSION Kinross Wolaroi Junior School is a busy and vibrant place. Please keep this book in a prominent place for referral. If you need assistance, the teaching and office staff are ever so willing to help. We look forward to a long and happy association.
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MAPS
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Kinross Wolaroi School Locked Bag 4 59-67 Bathurst Road Orange NSW 2800 T: 02 6392 0316 F: 02 6392 0410 www.kws.nsw.edu.au