What to expect at KPS
Our New Entrant Learning programme is designed to make the transition from Early Childhood Education streamlined, by providing Learning Through Play opportunities to continue to develop children’s social and emotional skills as well as introducing the more formal aspects and routines of school. We aim to ensure that children’s first day of Primary School is as close to their last day of ECE as possible.
The Little Explorers
(formerly Pre school Buddies)
At Kawaha Point School, we run a ‘Transition to School’ Programme called The Little Explorers. This programme gives the opportunity for you and your child to have at least 4 visits in the 10 weeks prior to your child turning 5 or starting school.
The opportunity to visit will be in what suits your diary. We have Little Explorers every Wednesday morning at 9.30am-11.00am to come and join in. Afterwards see Sheree Jansen our transition teacher to book in dates and times that suit you. During this time your child will be with their teacher and the children in their class
While your child is with their teacher, parents are invited to take part in information sessions with our Principal Maria Gillard or Deputy Principal Jenny Hermansson that will help you get to know our school.
If you are unable to come to a regular transitioning session, the other option is that you contact the school office and we can organise visits to suit the needs of you and your child.
Little Explorers Pack
We have prepared a resource pack to support your child’s transition to school. It includes some of the things children will be doing once they start school, such as writing letters, counting, and reading sight words. We know that all children are different and some children may be interested in trying out some of the activities, while other children are not yet ready. Please use this pack at your discretion as you know your child best.
This pack will be given to you approximately 10 weeks before your child starts.
How can I best prepare my child for school?
Our new entrant teacher is warm & friendly and our school is a supportive and welcoming environment. Although it can feel daunting sending your child off to school, there are some things you can do to help with the transition.
There is no set list of what a child should be able to do when they start school, but supporting your child to develop social/emotional and self-management skills is one of the best things you can do to help:
Social and Emotional Skills
Treating themselves and others with care – using good manners – taking turns/sharing/waiting – listening to others, speaking respectfully – confidence to have a go/try something new.
Self-Management/Personal Independence
Tidying up after themselves – taking responsibility for their belongings – carrying their own school bag (start when they are at pre-school) – opening lunch-boxes/food packets by themselves – using the toilet properly, blowing own nose – dressing themselves, putting shoes on/taking shoes off.
School Bag
A larger school bag is required as sometimes children have quite a lot of bits to fit in, such as jerseys, shoes, lunch, drink bottle, spare change of clothes and their book bag. Some children can get a little stressed about packing their bag. The Taumata 3 team are always there to help them but it is also helpful to start practising how to pack their bag and zip it up, before they start school.
Will my child start as a Year 1 or Year 0?
Children enrolling during Term 1 (at start of term or midterm) are considered Year 1 students for the year.
Children enrolling from the start of Term 2 onwards are Year 0 for the remainder of the year and become Year 1 students the following year.