Pakenham Springs Primary School Step Into Prep at… Pakenham Springs Primary School

What are your kids doing right now? Making a t-shirt to take home Participating in PMP activities (Perceptual Motor Program) Parachute games WHY? **Insert PMP photo in here**

CONNECTEDNESS Sense of Belonging – Linking School and Learning – Feeling Comfortable and Secure “ Fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness to the school community for children and families not only supports children’s adjustments during transition, but helps to promote long-term mental health and wellbeing.1 Part of the EYLF – Belonging, Being and Becoming which is followed by childcare and kinder educators, highlighs that beloing is “knowing where and with whom you belong” it is central to human existence and children’s development ”

CONNECTEDNESS Sense of Belonging – Linking School and Learning – Feeling Comfortable and Secure A successful transition is facilitated by layers of support from FAMILIES, KINDER and SCHOOLS. There are three important aspects to this support: Reciprocal communication Inclusion Responsiveness & Flexibility

Key Aspects for a Successful Transition Reciprocal Communication Inclusion Responsiveness & Flexibility Key Aspects for a Successful Transition Together these aspects form the basis for establishing positive relationships between children, families, early childhood educators, school staff and the local community. Addressing one may affect practices in other areas and have positive effects or outcomes there too.

Key Aspects for a Successful Transition ~Reciprocal Communication … is a two-way, shared process. Requires mutual respect and empathy Driven by the interests and welfare of the child Requires strong teacher collaboration Pathways for communication at Pakenham Springs: Visiting your child’s classroom School Website Compass Portal/Email Communicate to make our ideas, needs and desires known Communication between the child, parents and educators

“ ” Key Aspects for a Successful Transition ~Inclusion The contexts in which children live are influenced by issues such as socioeconomic status, geographical isolation, cultural diversity, parent work patterns, language backgrounds, disability and other special needs... it is imperative that the differences amongst individuals and individual families within each community are recognised and valued for the richness that they bring.2 Can you see the link here to communication? Having an insight into your family and a deep understanding of your children will help us, as educators, to provide a learning space that supports your child's transition and tailor a targeted learning program that will enhance their sense of belonging. ”

Key Aspects for a Successful Transition ~Responsiveness and Flexibility Our responsive practice at Pakenham Springs Primary School promotes an integration into school well-before they are enrolled to begin – with today being (for some) their first contact. We: Begin to develop relationships with your children Promote school as being a safe and fun setting Maintain a focus on wellbeing Begin to talk about when we will see them again, model how we are feeling and discuss how they might be feeling Some students may be familiar with the school due to having siblings here or being connected by the kinder here. Others may not have been here at all – having only seen it from the outside.

Pakenham Springs Primary School VALUES RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY RESILIENCE

RESPECT Manners Helping each other Kind words LEARNING Polite Acknowledging Care Friendly Inclusion

RESPONSIBILITY Ownership Organisation LEARNING Honesty Safety Packing up Consideration

RESILIENCE Understanding Patience Empathy “Bounce Back” Mindfulness Sympathy LEARNING Confidence

Early Years Evaluations Assesses FIVE key areas of learning: Awareness of Self and Environment Cognitive Skills Language and Communication Fine Motor Gross Motor Approximately 45 minutes spent between the child and one of our current Prep teachers - allowing approximately 15 minutes for the teacher to discuss the results with the parents afterwards, giving immediate feedback. Provides information to: Write and evaluate school policies Inform the classroom teachers Inform parents The value for us: Opens the door for communication by providing an early opportunity to speak with parents about their child Provides one of the facets of information for 2019 classroom arrangements Assesses school readiness and early interventions Provides a baseline for assessing learning growth Crucial in supporting a successful transition, requiring a commitment from parents and the school community

What can YOU do to support your child? Starting School – Understanding behaviour = hyperlink to a video https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/primary/resources-your-journey/mental-health-information/starting-school/3-understanding-behaviour <video link here 7min 14sec

Coming Up Session 2: Literacy What will Literacy look like in Prep and the journey through Junior School Session 3: Maths What will Maths look like in Prep and the journey through Junior School Session 4: Specialists What is it like to be the parent of a Preppie? What to expect. Networking. Meeting some of our current Prep parents. Session 5: State-wide Transition Day Getting ready for 2019. Things you need to know. Early Years Evaluation – Direct Assessment Dates to be advised – 1 hour appointments Highlight that dates will be different depending on which group they have been assigned to. Highlight the importance of ensuring that their email details are up to date as this will be our main form of communication

Questions?

References KidsMatter https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/mental-health-matters Developed in collaboration with beyondblue, the Australian Psychological Society, the Principals Australia Insitute, Early Childhood Australia and with funding from, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and beyondblue. ©Commonwealth of Australia 2012-13 Osterman KF. Students’ need for belonging in the school community. Review of Educational Research. 2000; 70(3): 497-529 Dockett S, Perry B. Starting school: Effective transitions. Early Childhood Research & Practice. 2001;3(2) http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v3n2/docket.html. Accessed Nov 18, 2008.