Kindergarten transition
We are committed to making the Kindergarten transition as smooth, supportive, and exciting for your child as possible. We work in partnership with you to ensure each student is set up for success right from the start of their educational journey.
Children can begin Kindergarten at the start of the school year if they turn 5 on or before July 31 of that year. All children must be enrolled in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
Starting Kindergarten
We understand that starting school is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a few nerves, for both children and their families. At Wattle Grove Public School, we recognise that every child arrives with their own unique experiences, strengths and abilities.
That’s why we take pride in building strong connections with our students and their families from the very beginning. By getting to know each child as an individual, we create a welcoming, supportive and engaging environment that helps ensure a positive and confident start to school life.
We do this by:
- ongoing collaborative relationships
- the sharing of information about children
- planning informed by data
- embedding evidence-informed teaching strategies that are developmentally appropriate for the age, development and abilities of the child.
Open Day
Our Transition to School program begins with an Open Day held early in the year, designed for prospective families considering enrolment at Wattle Grove Public School.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to:
- learn more about our school values, programs, and learning environment
- tour the school grounds and visit classrooms
- meet the Principal and Enrolment Officer, who will be available to answer any questions you may have.
We warmly invite you to attend our Open Day and discover what makes Wattle Grove Public School a great place to start your child’s learning journey.
Follow our Facebook page Wattle Grove Public School to stay up to date with Open Day dates and details.
Orientation Sessions
Our engaging Kindergarten orientation program is thoughtfully designed to provide our youngest learners with a positive and confident start to their school journey. Through a series of carefully planned sessions, children are introduced to their new learning environment in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. They have the opportunity to explore classrooms and participate in some early learning activities. The program also focuses on building early connections, allowing students to form meaningful bonds with their future classmates. These early relationships foster a strong sense of belonging and security, making the transition to ‘big school’ both exciting and comfortable. By the time their first official day arrives, our new Kindergarten students are well-prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to thrive at Wattle Grove Public School.
We are happy to organise additional orientation sessions for some children based on individual needs.
Parents and carers will attend information sessions during the time their children are in the classrooms. You will be provided with valuable information about school life at Wattle Grove Public School and will have an opportunity to speak directly with our Principal and staff.
Kindergarten BBQ
To strengthen our transition to school program, we host a barbeque for our incoming Kindergarten students and their families. This special event provides the perfect opportunity for children to interact with their peers and for parents to connect with one another, helping to build a strong sense of community from the very beginning. Building these relationships from the start supports a strong and welcoming school community for everyone.
Kindergarten 2027 orientation dates
Orientation Session # 1: Tuesday 20 October 9:45am - 10:45am
Orientation Session # 2: Tuesday 27 October 9:45am - 10:45am
Orientation Session # 3: Tuesday 3 November 9:45am - 10:45am
Getting ready for primary school
The 'Getting ready for primary school guide' is a useful tool to assist you in preparing your child for their transition into kindergarten. If you have any questions after reading this guide, please contact our friendly office staff.
Best Start assessment
Best Start Kindergarten Assessment identifies student’s literacy and numeracy skills on entry to Kindergarten. All Kindergarten students complete the literacy and numeracy assessment in the first full 5 weeks of school.
The assessment does not require students to prepare or study, so don’t be concerned if your child can’t answer all the questions. The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment provides teachers with information so they can plan effective teaching and learning programs.
Daisy's first day
Daisy's first day is a wonderful short story you can read with your child in the lead up to starting Kindergarten.
Join Daisy on her first day of school. Will you love school like Daisy does?
How you can help at home
Learn how to dress independently
Get your child to practise putting on and taking off school shoes, socks, jumpers and raincoats independently.
Using lunchboxes
Encourage your child to practise opening and closing their lunch boxes independently.
Packing and carrying the school bag
Familiarise your child with their school bag and practise packing and unpacking essential items.
Practising social skills
Give your child plenty of opportunities to have cooperative play with other children. Practise sharing and taking turns and discuss how their own behaviour can affect others.
Fine motor and gross motor skills
Practise using scissors safely and holding them correctly. Practise holding a pencil with control and encourage your child to hold it with the correct grip. Encourage your child to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor play and activities that foster balance and coordination.
Practise writing their first name
Children entering Kindergarten can practise writing their first name with a beginning capital letter and lowercase letters for the remainder.
Read with your child
We strongly encourage parents to read with their children every day for 15 minutes. This helps children practise sitting still and listening. When you finish reading, ask your child questions about the stories, like ‘What happened in the story?’ ‘What was your favourite part?’, 'Who was your favourite character and why?'