The Kindergarten Day
Starting school is a big step for children and families. Children learn routines such as morning arrival, snack and lunch breaks, lining up, using bubblers and moving safely around the school. Teachers guide children as they settle in, but practising at home helps.
Below are some commonly asked questions about the Kindergarten day.
Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.
What time does my child need to be at school?
- School starts at 9:00am, so your child should arrive in the playground between 8:30 and 8:55am, ready for the bell.
- For your child's safety, please do not arrive before 8:30am, as teachers do not start playground duty until then.
- All students should be in the Morning playground; the Back Grass area is off-limits before 9:00 am.
- When the music plays, children can make their way to their class lines.
What time does school finish and do I pick them up from the classroom?
- School finishes at 3:00pm.
- For the first few weeks, Kindergarten children will be dismissed from the classroom at 2:45pm.
- Children attending after-school care will be walked to the pickup area.
- All other students will stay with their class teacher until a parent or designated carer arrives to collect them.
- Students are not allowed to leave on their own.
- If you are running late, please notify the office so we can inform your child and their teacher.
What should my child bring to school?
Equipment
- Students are encouraged to bring a school bag, labelled with their name and class.
- Most resources for kindergarten students are supplied by the school, but you may be asked to bring in some items that will be used by your child. Your teacher will let you know next year.
Food and Drink
- Students should pack a lunch box containing enough food and drink for the 3 breaks throughout the day.
- Bring a water bottle to school each day. Water refill stations are available to students.
Clothing
- Make sure your child has a pair of pants or a complete change of school clothes in a plastic bag in their school bag.
- In case of an accident, students will be able to change, and if no spare clothes are provided, parents or carers will be contacted.
What times are the breaks and when can my child eat?
- Before school, students are welcome to attend Breakfast Club in the Community Room.
- Students should pack a lunch box containing enough food and drink for the 3 breaks throughout the day.
- Bring a water bottle to school each day. Water refill stations are available to student
| table | ||
| Time | Session | Food Suggestions |
| 10:00 - 10:15am | Crunch and Sip |
|
| 11.05am – 11.45am | Lunch |
|
| 1:15 - 1:45 | Recess |
|
Will my child be able to go to the canteen?
- The school canteen is open each Monday Wednesday and Friday.
- Students can buy food and order their lunch from the canteen, but we encourage parents/carers to pack lunch and snacks until routines are taught during Term 1.
- Once students have learned how to make purchases from the canteen, we request that you send no more than $2 or $3 in coins.
- More information about our canteen, including the canteen menu, can be found on this website under 'School Life'.
What happens on the first few days?
- All Kindergarten students will commence school on Monday 2 February 2026 at 9.00am.
- Students and parents/carers should go to the kindergarten rooms and wait there until the teachers are ready to take them into the classrooms.
- We ask that you get your child ready for a quick kiss and hug at the lines. After that, the teacher will take your child into the classroom, where there will be activities for them to enjoy. We encourage all parents/carers to leave the playground and classroom area as soon as possible to help with a smooth settling-in process.
- Starting Tuesday February 3, 2025, all Kindergarten students will begin school at 9:00 AM and should be picked up from their classroom at 2:45 PM.
- We kindly ask that you pick up students early for the first few weeks of school to help avoid the end-of-day rush and allow them to adjust to their new routine. If you have any concerns about this, please talk to your child's teacher as soon as possible.
- Kindergarten students will be dismissed from their classroom. Since many families and students are new to the school, this process may take some time. We ask for your patience and encourage you to follow the requested routines. The normal dismissal time will be 3:00 PM, and we will let you know when this time starts.
What activities will my child participate in?
During each week your child may participate in the following activities:
- Library - Class visits will begin in Term One. Each student will receive a library bag on their first visit.
- Sport - Kindergarten participate in sporting activities each week. You will be notified if students are required to wear sports clothes and joggers on a particular day.
- Assembly – We have a whole school assembly on selected Fridays throughout the term. Parents/Carers and friends are welcome to attend.
- Home Reading - Our school has a home reading program where students receive a reader to take home as part of their learning. The decodable book will be at an appropriate level for easy reading at home. It will include a recording page and come in a plastic folder. Please ensure your child takes care of the book and returns it to school each week in the provided folder. If the book is lost or damaged, please inform the class teacher.
- Home Learning – Home Learning looks different in kindergarten compared to Years 1 -6. It will be explained in greater detail at the beginning of Term Onne.