it's a big day for all of us
Parents and carers will want it to be the first of many productive, rewarding and worthwhile school days. Every child is unique and the school will do everything they can to see that your child gets the type of education that is right for her or him. You can help the first day go smoothly by doing a few things to prepare your child and yourself.
Help your child get off to a good start and be prepared to settle your child in at school on the first day.

Your child should:

• get plenty of sleep. Ten to twelve hours is recommended for children this age so do set a regular bedtime
• have a good healthy diet, including a good breakfast
• get up in plenty of time for school so s/he does not have to hurry and is wide awake when school starts
• wear neat clean comfortable clothes
• get to school at least 15 minutes before school starts - not too early (before there is adequate supervision), and not too late.

Prepare your child to take care of personal needs
Your child will feel more comfortable in school if s/he can take care of basic personal needs. For example:

• tying shoe laces
• putting on and taking off outer garments
• being able to remember their name, their parents'/carers' names and their address and telephone number
• using the toilet properly, washing hands
• keeping track of personal property (please label all of your child's belongings).

Remember, if your child can master these before starting school, s/he can concentrate fully on the most important thing - getting the best education. That first day will be a happy cheerful experience!

• a dress rehearsal can make a big difference. Your child will feel more comfortable if s/he knows what to expect
• practice the best route to the school or bus stop
• find out the teacher's name and be sure your child knows it too
• if possible, visit the school building with your child before the first day
• show your child the school grounds so s/he is familiar with them when s/he starts
• help your child look forward to school. Talk about it in a friendly way so your child will think of it as a happy place. Discuss school activities, school friends, new experiences and new things to learn.
• if your child expresses doubts or fears don't pass them off. Try to answer all the questions in a positive reassuring way and let your child know that there will be friendly people to help on those first uncertain days

Remember:
your own reactions and attitudes will go a long way towards determining how you child feels about school. You can prepare yourself too.
Here are some suggestions

• learn the names of all teachers who will be working with your child
• learn the school policy about clothing, money,
• supplies etc
• know the school calendar, which days your child will be in or out of school
• learn the school and bus schedule (if appropriate) in advance so that everything goes smoothly on that first day.

We are looking forward to working with your child and with you. We can all contribute to this most important endeavour.

We'll do our part to give your child the best education possible

Your child will be learning to:

• work along-side and with others
• share and take turns
• explore and expand abilities and interests
• express thoughts and ideas
• listen to others.

There will be activities designed to:

• build self-confidence
• develop vocabulary
• show differences in sound, size, shape and colour
• increase interest in books, numbers, people
• improve coordination
• introduce new ideas and much more.

We're committed to safety
Your child should know these basic safety rules:

• cross streets only at zebra and pelican crossings
• walk on pavements wherever possible; walk facing
• traffic where there are no pavements
• don't accept rides with or even talk to strangers
• go directly home after school
• behave appropriately on the school bus. Learn the rules for the school bus rides.

We're committed to the health of your child

• If your child is ill, keep the child from school
• be alert to such symptoms as upset stomach, runny nose, fever or sore throat
• check with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment and the proper time for returning to school. Please send a note to the school on the first day of your child's absence explaining the reason
• if your child becomes ill at school, your child should tell the teacher who may send the child home. We'll call you if there is an illness or injury that requires treatment or if we feel your child should go home.