In preparation for transition to Glen Education, our Orientation Program provides children with an environment where they develop a sense of connectedness and belonging prior to commencing kindergarten.
Key 2024 Orientation dates:
Welcome Afternoon Session
November 2023
In November 2023, families will have the opportunity to visit the kindergarten, meet the educational team, learn about the kindergarten program, ask questions, and meet other families. RSVP is not required.
Week 1: Child & Family Orientation
Child and Family Orientation sessions commence from 30 January 2024
Children to attend on their enrolled session days only
- All children (and parent/guardian) attend our Child and Family Orientation sessions from 8:30 – 1.00pm (Glen North Cheltenham sessions conclude at 10.30am).
- At these drop-in style sessions, families are welcome to attend anytime during 8:30am– 1:00pm (Glen North Cheltenham 8:30am – 10:30am) and stay for as little or as long as you like.
- Children attend on their enrolled session days only and should attend a minimum of one session.
- Families will have time to ask questions and explain individual needs to our educators. Children will have an opportunity to engage with educators through play, and to begin familiarising themselves with the kindergarten environment.
- A Parent/Guardian must remain with their child for the duration these sessions, which allows our educational teams time to get to know families on an individual basis and cultivates a positive start to kindergarten for children.
Week 2: Transition – Staggered Start For Children
Transition sessions commence from Monday 5 February 2024
Children attend for half day sessions on their enrolled days only.
Families do not remain for these sessions (drop off/pick up).
Children with SURNAME A-K attend the MORNING SESSIONS
Children with SURNAME L-Z attend the AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Week 3: Kindergarten Commences
Usual full day sessions commence from week beginning Monday 12 February 2024
Children who may benefit from a more gradual approach to the kindergarten year, will have an individual orientation and transition plan developed by their teacher during orientation.
A 1:1 interview will be available to families in term 1, if requested. Teachers will organise this directly with families during the orientation program weeks. The purpose of a 1:1 interview is to facilitate a learning discussion and raise any important information you would like to share with your child’s teacher.
Family Welcome Picnics
March 2024
During March 2024 we will hold a Family Welcome Picnic held at your child’s kindergarten. These are a great opportunity to meet other families in the community and begin to build a sense of belonging.
- Please come with a picnic rug and snacks (remember not to bring anything that contains nuts or alcohol).
What to bring to your First Orientation Session:
Gaining an insight into the interests, expectations and needs of you and your child is an important part of building relationships between families and educators. This enables our educators to get to know your child and to better plan for individual interests and needs.
At your first orientation session, please remember to bring:
Completed Getting to Know You Form
1 individual photo of your child
1 family photo (any size)
My Health, Learning and Development Record (green book) or similar.
Snacks and drink for your child
Where to find useful information in preparation for the kindergarten year
In preparation for your child’s start at kindergarten next year, there are several places you can visit to find useful information.
