Starting Kindergarten
Starting primary 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.
Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.
Before your child starts Kindergarten
Enrolment interview
Before your child begins, all families meet with our principal. This is a time to share:
- medical conditions or allergies
- learning support needs
- family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
We want every child to feel safe, supported and included in school life.
Kindergarten orientation and information sessions
Our orientation sessions help children:
- meet teachers and classmates
- explore classrooms and playgrounds
- practise simple routines
Parents and carers join information sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.
Summary of key dates for Kindergarten 2027
OEPS enrolment applications are now open and currently being assessed – we suggest lodging enrolments promptly as places will become limited
Notifications of Enrolment Acceptance are ongoing throughout Term 2
OEPS Supported Transition Playgroup – Commences Mid-Term 3 (Thursday, 27th August)
Kinder Parent Information Evening – Wednesday, 26th August
Kinder Transition Sessions – Commence Early Term 4 (Thursday, 22nd October)
Contact us for more information.
Getting ready for school
Getting ready for school is an exciting time for both parents and children. It is important not to forget that getting ready for school is not just about buying new shoes and a uniform. It is also checking they have the speech and language skills to cope in the school environment. If children don’t have these necessary skills, they may have difficulty learning new information (such as reading/writing) and talking with other children. This may make school more difficult for your child.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for primary school guide.
What a kindergarten student should understand
- Know common colours. Eg. Black, white, purple, orange.
- Understand word endings such as plurals (dogs) and tenses (today I will skip, yesterday I skipped)
- Understand ‘first’ and ‘last’ (eg. Point to the first duck in line)
- Can answer ‘when’ and ‘how’ questions. (eg When is your birthday?)
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.