Our Families

Orientation Program

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 2025 Orientation dates:

Date
Event
November 2024
Welcome Afternoon
28 January 2025
No Kindergarten (Child Free Day)
29 January 2025
Week 1: Child and Family Orientation (Children to attend on their enrolled session days only)
5 February 2025
Week 2: Transition – staggered start for children (half days)
12 February 2025
Week 3: Kindergarten commences – usual full day sessions commence
March 2025
Family Welcome Picnic
4 April 2025
CURRICULUM FREE DAY (NO CHILDREN ATTEND)

Welcome Afternoon Session

November 2024

In November 2024, 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 Wednesday 29 January 2025

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 
  • At these drop-in style sessions, families are welcome to attend anytime during 8:30am– 1:00pm 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 Wednesday 5 February 2025

  • 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 Wednesday 12 February 2025

  • 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 2025

During March 2025 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.