Thank you for choosing The Caves State School for your child's education. Prep is recognised as the first year of schooling and lays the foundation for a child's learning and ongoing success at school.
When transition to school is well managed through collaborative relationships, children have a much greater chance of better social and emotional and academic outcomes. Transition activities which provide opportunities for conversations with families are the most direct and effective ways to build knowledge of the child, minimise disruption or stress and be well-prepared for the start of the school year.
It is important to us that parents, carers and families are included in your student's transition program. We know, and research indicates that parents' aspirations for their children are an important driver for their children's educational success, and children's experiences at school can depend on their family's perceptions of, and relationships with, the school community. With this in mind, not only do we provide regular Playgroup opportunities, but we also prepare support for students to transition into our Prep classroom.
Our Step Into Prep! transition program offers the following activities to provide the important support for your student entering school for the first time. We recommend that you and your child attend as many of these sessions as possible.
Our Classroom Visits will be conducted throughout Term 4. With the increased expectations of the Australian Curriculum, children will be learning literacy and numeracy skills from Day 1. To give your children a flying start, we would like to introduce some of these concepts during the visits and provide them with resources that they may like to work with over the summer break. We will also be conducting some assessment to identify those children that may require extra support or extension.
Children will need to wear a shirt with sleeves, and have closed-in shoes, hat, water bottle and a piece of fruit. They can wear their uniforms, or school dress, if you have already contacted our Uniform Coordinator and have your first tri colour polo shirts and dresses for Prep! We encourage you and your student to attend as many of these classroom visits as possible. Parents need to remain onsite during these visits.
Our experienced Early Childhood teachers provide Information Sessions to parents. These sessions are scheduled across the Step into Prep! program to provide information, documentation and support to you and your transitioning student. Enrolment paperwork, housekeeping and organisation of the Prep day and classroom; as well as an insight into some of our successful programs, including Speech Sound Pics and our reading program are some of the topics and information covered by these sessions.
The Enrolment Meeting is a key opportunity for you and your student. These meetings allow the Principal and you to discuss your student and their learning needs. It is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions or discuss any concerns regarding your child's first days in Prep and their future schooling. Remember
to bring your child’s birth certificate with you, as sighting it at this meeting is part of the enrolment procedures!
Education
is the key to a bright future for our children and the Prep Year gives all
students the very best start to school by helping them make a smooth transition
and setting them on the path to lifelong learning. Thank you once again for
choosing The Caves State School for your child’s education. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact Administration.