We provide a range of approaches to facilitate smooth transitioning for both Kinder/Prep and Year 6/7 students ensuring students are ready, comfortable and well-adjusted for their new school. We also have an internal Transition Program for current students moving up to their new year level and an Induction program for new students/families.
KINDERGARTEN TO SCHOOL TRANSITION
Thank you for your interest in Castlemaine Primary School. At Castlemaine Primary School, Kinder-Prep transition sessions aim to provide our incoming students with in-school experiences to help prepare them for their first year of primary school.
TRANSITION TO SCHOOL DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
In line with the current Covid-19 restrictions, we regret our usual Open Days and school tours cannot go ahead at this time. We invite you to view our virtual school tour below. If you would like to register your details with us or commence the enrolment process please go to the Contact Us page and send an email with your contact details and we will get in touch with you soon. You are welcome to call us anytime on 5472-1452 to discuss our programs, or any questions you may have.
VIRTUAL TOUR OF OUR SCHOOL
ORIENTATION FOR PARENTS & CARERS
Choosing a school can be a daunting task. We believe that it is important for parents to feel just as comfortable at school as the children do. To help parents and carers make a well informed choice, we offer:
- Guided tours during Education Week and throughout the year by appointment
- An Open Day each year during Education Week
- Parent/ carer information sessions for new parents in term 4
Make an appointment with our Leadership Team to discuss you child in more detail.
ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS
Providing students the opportunity to become familiar with their new education setting is an important part of the transition from kinder to school. Our orientation days consist of:
- A series of 4 interactive, play based activities in term 4
- Buddy activities with their selected senior student buddy
- Tours of the school
- An opportunity to meet teachers and office staff
Students with special needs are offered the option of additional orientation days. Please contact the office for more information.
KINDER TO SCHOOL ORIENTATION DAYS
Please be aware that COVID-19 restrictions may impact on the planned transition days for students. If these session times change or must be cancelled, we will contact families in advance.
- Tuesday, 17th November 9:30-11:45am
- Tuesday, 24th November 9:30-11:45am
- Tuesday, 1st December 9:30-11:45am
- Tuesday, 8th December 9:30-11:45am
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL
BEFORE STARTING SCHOOL
Some ways that you can assist your child before they come to school include:
- Provide opportunities for your child to play and socialise with other children
- Encourage them to complete a task – to finish one thing before starting on something new! (Eg: put away toys and books after use or prior to starting a new activity)
- Walk or drive to school with your child to make them familiar with the route between home and school.
- Encourage children to dress themselves and to feel more independent. Show them how to take off their own jumpers, coats, etc.
- Teach children how to recognise their name on their belongings. Show your child that their possessions are labelled so that they (and others) can identify them easily. Please label everything!
- Emphasise the importance of personal hygiene. Ensure your child always flushes the toilet and washes their hands with soap and water after going to the toilet.
- Read stories and picture books to your children on a daily basis. This is a great way to build language skills and pre-reading literacy skills.
- Provide opportunities at home for your child to draw, paint, use scissors, and build things from scrap materials.
- Check their eyesight, hearing, and general health. If at all unsure of some aspect of your child’s health, see a doctor for a check-up.
Taking turns and sharing with others during various activities is also an important skill to develop. Play games which require children to take turns or share equipment.
THE FIRST WEEKS
2021 STARTING DATE & TIMES TBA
Prep children will have their first day of school on Thursday 28th January. Prep children are not required to attend school on Wednesdays until March. Each Wednesday is allocated as a rest day for prep children. During this time the teachers will make individual appointments with each child to complete a range of initial assessment tasks aimed to determine your child’s needs for the coming year. Its also a time for your teacher to better get to know your child.
BUDDY PROGRAM
A buddy system is in place to assist the new Prep students to settle into the school routine in a caring and supportive way. The children are introduced to their senior buddies during Transition activities in Term 4. The buddies are available during the first few weeks of Term 1 to assist the Preps with finding friends to play with and generally providing support. They continue this friendship throughout the year and participate in a number of designated ‘buddy’ activities.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL BAG
The school day commences at 8.50am and we have two recess times at school. The first is at 10.50am and the second is at 1.30pm. Children have the option to eat a small healthy snack (no processed foods please) in class around 10am. This snack could consist of cut fresh fruit / vegetables for example.
By first recess many children are ready for a substantial snack. It may take a little time to work out the best combination and amount of food that suits your child. Try to keep your child’s lunchbox as healthy as you can. Please ensure food and containers are easily managed by little hands. The teacher is unable to manage peeling fruit or opening of containers for all students so it’s a good idea to pre-cut fruit such as apples or oranges. Practice with your child to see how well they independently manage their food and lunch containers.
Here are some ideas for packing your child’s school bag for the first few weeks of school:
- Drink – water is the only recommended drink for children at this age.
- Brain Break – @ 10am. This must be an easy to eat healthy snack of cut up fruit/vegetables.
- First Recess – @ 11.00am. A sandwich, fruit/vegetables, muslie bar, etc.
- Second Recess – @ 11.00am. A sandwich, fruit/vegetables, muslie bar, etc.
Please ensure that all clothing and belongings are clearly labelled.
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Upon arrival to school on the first day, walk your child to the classroom and help them place their bag in a bag locker (we encourage students to carry their own bags). Once you’ve said your goodbyes, we recommend leaving promptly. At the end of the first few days, parents are encouraged to wait on the asphalt area outside classrooms and the teacher will walk children out to meet you. This avoids too much congestion at classroom doors.
Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Arrangements: If your child is attending after school care, the teacher will bring these children to the front entrance to wait for the bus. A teacher is designated to supervise these children until their bus departs.
SETTLING INTO SCHOOL LIFE
The transition to school is a new and exciting adventure for children – and first time parents too. Your children will have full days, so it is important to ensure they have plenty of rest at night. Good bedtime routines and morning routines will help you and your child make the most of this exciting and busy time.
Your teacher will settle the children into school life in the first few weeks before making a time to meet with you and learn more about your child. This will be an opportunity to discuss how your child is adjusting to school life, and ways in which we can support your child at home and school.
As a parent you have already done so much to help your child through many developmental milestones. As your child commences their school life, your teacher will become a partner in this process and will be there to support your child at every step.
UNIFORM SHOP
All students are expected to wear the CPS school uniform when they start school. Our uniform provider is Beleza. Located at 207 Barker Street, Castlemaine. You can browse the uniform items via the following web address:
STATIONARY SUPPLIES
Parents are required to cover the cost of their child’s stationery items however to ensure consistency and quality, these will be bulk ordered by the school and ready for day 1 unless you advise us that you will be sourcing your own stationery (full list available upon request from the Office).
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
Each week the school publishes a newsletter to keep parents up to date with school events. Parents will also receive regular classroom communications and updates from your teacher via the school’s app. Of course if you would like to speak with your teacher about your child’s schooling, you are welcome to contact the school t make a time to talk.
TRANSITION - YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7
In year 6 we commence the transition to the next stage of learning. We focus on fostering the social, emotional and academic skills necessary for a successful transition to year 7. Leadership, independence and organisation / time management skills are also important skills for our children to acquire in their preparation for secondary education.
TRANSITION PACKAGE
A Transition Package is sent to all Year 6 parents in Term 2. The package contains important information for parents on the Year 6 – 7 Transition process and includes an ‘Application for Enrolment’ form.
The Secondary College holds Information Evenings and offer tours of their school – the dates of which are included in the Transition package. All ‘Application for Enrolment’ forms must be returned to the school by the advised due date.
ORIENTATION DAY
An Orientation Day for all students enrolled at a Government Secondary College is held in Term 4 where Year 6 students attend their new school for the day.
TRANSITION - BETWEEN YEAR LEVELS
Prep – Year 5 students participate in an internal school Transition program which operates in Term 4. The aim of this program is to provide a variety of transition activities to facilitate a positive transition experience for students moving up to their new year level. In Term 4 all students transition to their new classroom where they spend some time with their new teacher and classmates.
