Getting ready for school
Starting school is a big step for children and families. Our school runs orientation and transition activities to help your child feel ready for Kindergarten and to support you as parents and carers.
Getting ready for Kindergarten
Starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for both children and families. To help your child have a smooth and happy start to school, here are some important steps you can take before their first day:
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Visit the school and attend orientation sessions to help your child become familiar with the environment.
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Encourage your child to practice daily routines like dressing, eating, and using the toilet independently.
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Talk positively about school and what they can expect, to build excitement and confidence.
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Read books and engage in activities that support early learning and social skills.
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Complete all enrolment forms and provide necessary health information on time.
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Connect with teachers and other families to become part of the school community during the information and transiton to school sessions.
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Access available support programs to assist your child’s learning and wellbeing.
Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.
Parent resources to support transition to Kindergarten
Daisy's First Day
The Department of Education has produced a special picture book for parents and carers to support their child's transition to primary school. Follow Daisy the koala as she embarks on her exciting first day. A video, a printable copy of the book and activities can be accessed on the departments website.
Calendars
Access calendars and term planners via the departments website.
Keep up to date with events happening at our school with our Earlwood Public School Calendar.
Handwriting in the early years
A booklet about handwriting in the early years.
Best Start kindergarten assessment
A guide for parents and carers about the Best Start Kindergarten assessment.
Crunch and sip
Our crunch and sip program encourages students to eat fresh fruit or vegetables and drink water daily in class. It promotes healthy eating, boosts concentration, and supports lifelong good habits. Parents are encouraged to pack fresh, healthy snacks to support this initiative.
Furhter details can be found within the parent cruch and sip information guide.
Ten Frame
A ten framehelps children build counting, addition, and subtraction skills by visually representing numbers up to ten. Using small objects like pebbles or blocks, children can explore number patterns and develop quick recall through hands-on games.
Helping Your Child with Literacy and Numeracy at Home
Supporting your child’s learning at home is key to their success in literacy and numeracy. Our parent information bookletoffers practical tips and activities to help you encourage reading, writing, and number skills in everyday situations. Visit our website to access the booklet and discover easy ways to make learning fun and effective at home.
Getting ready at home
You can help your child get ready by encouraging independence and routines. Try:
- packing and unpacking their school bag
- dressing themselves and practising hygiene
- following simple routines at home.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for primary school guide.
What to expect in Kindergarten
Learning and development
Kindergarten follows the NSW curriculum. Children build early skills in literacy, numeracy, creative arts, health and physical activity, science and technology. Learning through play also supports social, emotional and academic growth.
Daily routines
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.
Best Start Assessment
At the start of the year, all Kindergarten children take part in the Best Start Assessment. This is a friendly, one-on-one activity where teachers learn about your child’s literacy and numeracy skills. It is not a test and needs no preparation.