Catering for the transition to ‘big school’
November 26, 2008
Section: Opinion
As the principals of the Public Schools within our community we are delighted to read in your edition dated November 5 that the Anglican Church has taken the initiative to hold a meeting for parents of children starting school in 2009.
It is also a good idea that this is being held in the evening to cater for working parents.
We would also like to rectify some of the misconceptions that some readers may form after reading this article.
We are all very proud of the programs we have in our schools that already cater for all parents of students and students starting “big school”.
Our public schools have combined forces for the past four years and held a Public Community Information Evening for any parent of a preschool age child within our local area. This evening was well advertised in the Kiama Independent by paid ads and feature articles on the School’s Page as well as flyers distributed to all preschools within our community. This evening was specifically aimed at parents and includes performance by a combined choir from our four schools, practical tips for parents, a question and answer session and information from present students, parents and teachers.
Each of our schools holds its own Kindergarten Orientation Program, which also involves parent information sessions as well as practical sessions for anticipated new enrolments. These sessions are offered to all parents within each school’s local enrolment area and the dates are clearly communicated to all parents via our school newsletters. In addition to this, special letters are sent to any parents who have registered an interest in our schools.
At all of these free services provided by our public schools by our professionally trained staff members, parent members and present students, valuable information for parents is shared to help prepare parents and new enrolments for their start to “big school”.
Each of our schools has its own special way of conducting these Kindergarten Orientation Programs. There is a common thread of involving parents and new enrolments in a very “hands on” process.
We applaud this move by the Anglican Church and trust we have also informed readers of the important work our local public schools do in this area as part of our normal routine.
– Joy Fullagar (Principal Gerringong), Jennifer Maude (Principal Kiama), Pam Grosse (Principal Jamberoo), Ian Yabsley (Principal Minnamurra).
