OUR PROGRAM
What type of program does the kindergarten offer?
We offer a play-based curriculum, where educators provide a range of indoor and outdoor learning experiences. These are intentionally based upon the acquisition of skills through key learning areas. Please refer to ‘Our Statement of Values’ and philosophy for more information. We also offer a Bush Kinder program.
Are session times fixed or flexible?
Once your child is allocated to a group, the session times are fixed.
Will my child go on excursions?
Excursions and incursions provide effective and worthwhile opportunities to extend our curriculum. Sometimes adult support is needed, if we want to take children outside the kindergarten. No child will be taken outside the kindergarten without written permission from parents. Planned excursions/incursions are funded from the cost of education and are inclusive of term fees. Some typical excursions are: community walks, visits to aged care facilities, post office, public parks, fire station, NGV, etc. Some popular incursions include: musical activities, interactive animal displays, etc.
My child has special rights. How does the kindergarten manage this?
We respect and promote the inclusion of all children in the kindergarten (see our philosophy & values). We work with Yooralla and Early Intervention organisations to facilitate a smooth kindergarten experience for all families. Wilson Street Kindergarten is an inclusive kindergarten and has a long history of supporting children with a range of special rights.
What happens if my child is absent?
We appreciate knowing if your child is absent and the reasons why. The easiest way is to talk or email your child’s Teacher.
Can I pick up my child early?
Yes, we understand that families have other commitments. Please keep in mind that it can be disruptive if many children leave at different times during the day.
How do we celebrate birthdays at kindergarten?
We know that children love to share their birthdays with their friends and what better way to make every child feel that they are a special and valued member of the group than to celebrate with their peers.
Each group may choose to celebrate birthdays in different ways to reflect the children and potential needs of the cohort so your class teacher will inform you about how birthdays will be celebrated in your group at the beginning of the year.
What food should I give my child for the long day?
If your child attends on a full day they will need to bring a healthy snack for morning tea in a labelled container. They will also need lunch as well as a clearly labelled water bottle. There may be children in your child’s group who suffer from various allergies. A letter will be sent out to all families at the beginning of the year advising everyone of the specific foods or other allergens that are not to be brought into the kindergarten environment for the year. Please be aware that Wilson Street Kindergarten endeavors to minimise the risk and so tries to ensure no nuts enter the kindergarten. For further information, please see our policy page.
Should I bring any food for a half-day session?
At every half-day kindergarten session parents are asked to provide a healthy snack in a labelled snack box/container and a labelled water bottle. Please avoid sending kiwi fruit to kindergarten, as this fruit often appears on the list for allergies.
What sort of clothes should my child wear?
The children need comfortable clothing that is okay to get dirty. We will provide smocks for messy play. It is also important for children to be able to manage their own clothing for toileting. Appropriate footwear is essential for climbing, running, jumping and general play (no thongs or crocs). Sturdy shoes or runners are best. We ask that parents apply 50+ sunscreen on warm days. Children will have their sunhat kept at kindergarten. We strongly recommend your child has a complete change of clothing in their kindergarten bag. Please name all articles of clothing and footwear.
Will I have the opportunity to discuss my child with the teacher/educators throughout the year?
Yes. We communicate with families in a variety of ways both formally and informally throughout the year. Staff will also send regular emails and post information in the foyer about what experiences the children have been engaging in and what skills are being developed. If you would like more feedback, we encourage families to make a time with the teacher to catch up either by phone, email, or in person. Families are offered a time mid-year to meet formally and discuss where their child is at as well as ‘school readiness.