What Children Do at the Pre-Primary Centre

Maida Vale Primary School

310 Kalamunda Road MAIDA VALE WA 6057

Telephone: 9454 5260 Facsimile: 9454 5206 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.maidavaleps.wa.edu.au What children do at the Pre-Primary Centre

Various phases of the programme aim to assist children in the following specific areas: development of congenial relationships with others in a group. development of effective speaking and listening skills. consolidation of both independent and co-operative work habits. ability to receive and carry out instructions. acceptance of personal responsibilities. development of desirable work habits. development of skills and understanding in literacy and numeracy. development of an appreciation and awareness with respect to care, concern, courtesy and co-operation.

Your Child at Pre-Primary School

Requirements for Student Personal Use: Children will need the following: A library bag to hold and protect books borrowed from the school stock whilst in transit between the Pre-Primary and home One carry bag – the bag needs to be of a larger size to hold belongings and work taken home – plus a spare set of clothes in case of “wet” play and accidents. School Sun hat. This is particularly important as children may spend some time outdoors and UV protection is always needed. The School has a policy of ‘no hat, no play in the sun’. 2 x large box of tissues. 1 x drink bottle (water only)

Attendance: The Department of Education and Training requires a record of attendance. It would be appreciated if the teacher could be informed of absences. Please forward a note when your child returns to school, or use the link on the school website. Fruit: While promoting healthy eating habits at school, children are required to bring their own portion of fruit or vegetables every day to be eaten at morning tea time.

The Pre-Primary Teacher The teacher is responsible for planning and administering a challenging, interesting program focussed on the child’s developmental needs. Other duties include: responsibility for the indoor and outdoor learning environments; organisation of rosters and duties; maintaining liaison with the Principal and parents; recording attendance; monitoring children’s progress in terms of the aims of the program.

The Pre-Primary Teacher Assistant The Teacher Assistant’s role is an important function in organising and supporting the Centre and the effective implementation of the program. Specifically this person assists with the supervision and care of the children; discusses and organises the implementation of the program with the teacher; assists in the preparation of materials and teaching aids; assists with maintenance and upkeep of the Centre and assists with the control of the Centre’s consumable and non-consumable stock.

Parent Responsibilities

Punctuality: Pre-Primary doors open at 8.40am; with the mat session beginning at 9.00am. On arrival, your child needs to be under your supervision or that of a nominated adult until they have been released to pre-primary staff. Prompt collection of children at the conclusion of the day will also help minimise distress for children.

Collection of Children: At the conclusion of the pre-primary session, the children will be released to parents or nominated persons. We would prefer that you do not send primary school aged siblings to collect your child. If for some reason this situation is necessary the teacher and Principal must have written confirmation prior to the day. The teacher will require current information in writing with regard to who will collect the child from pre-primary. Please keep contact phone numbers up to date and advise the teacher and Registrar of any changes, particularly who to contact in case of unavoidable delay or emergency. Also advise the Principal or Registrar of any relevant custodial requirements if applicable.

Footwear: Children must wear shoes while at Pre-Primary. Some outdoor activities may necessitate taking off shoes, so please ensure that shoes are easy to put on and remove.

Uniforms: Maida Vale Primary School has an expectation that all children will be in school uniform. Further information on the dress code or purchase of uniforms may be obtained from the Pre-Primary teacher or the Registrar.

Participation in the Pre Primary Programme develops the ‘whole child’ across the developmental areas – social/emotional, cognitive and physically, as well as a focus on literacy and numeracy. It is important to remember the children will be at different levels and learn at their own pace. Children learn through play so not all Pre Primary experiences result in a piece of work that can be taken home.

Primary School Term Dates 2015:

1st Term – Monday 2 February - Thursday 2 April 2nd Term – Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July 3rd Term – Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September 4th Term – Monday 12 October - Thursday 17 December School Development days to be ratified by School Council and updated in the Term Planner.

Further Information Checklist

Voluntary Contributions: The contribution will be $60 per child with a 25% discount for health care card holders.

Lunch: Please send lunch in a container with your child’s name clearly labelled and a drink.

Name Labels: It is most important that everything has a means of identifying the owner. Please label bags, drink bottles, jumpers and hats.

Toys: Please do not encourage children to bring personal toys to the Centre, unless for a special occasion.

Boundaries: Children are not permitted outside the boundaries of the school unless in the charge of the teacher or in the company of an authorised person who has come to collect them.

Illness: Children who are ill do not work well at a Pre-Primary centre. In the event that a student is sick, parents/carers will be contacted by phone to collect their children. Children suffering from communicable diseases must not attend until the recommended non-contact time has been reached and/or a doctor’s certificate is available (contact school office for information on these, if in doubt).

Liaison: Please feel free to contact the teacher on any matter (Please arrange an interview time). Matters of urgency can be discussed immediately when necessary. Parent Involvement The Maida Vale Pre-Primary Centre is for your children – We strongly value parent involvement in their children’s education. Therefore, the more people we have involved, the better the quality of learning experience for your child.

Rosters: Parents are asked to contribute to a roster system for parent help. This will change each school term. (Roster duty is an ideal opportunity for communication) and ALL are welcome.

Funding: Again it is hoped that families will support the various fundraising activities we have each year.