Starting Kindergarten
Starting school is an important milestone for both children and their families. To support a smooth and positive transition into Kindergarten, our school provides a range of orientation and transition activities designed to help children become familiar with the school environment, routines, and staff before they begin their learning journey.
These experiences aim to build your child’s confidence, encourage a sense of belonging, and help them feel comfortable and excited about starting school. We also recognise the important role parents and carers play during this transition period and are committed to providing guidance, information, and support to help families feel informed, connected, and prepared for this new stage of learning.
Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.
Before your child starts Kindergarten
School Tours
If you have a child who will be starting school at Bonnet Bay Public School next year, we warmly invite you to join us for a school tour and discover all that our school community has to offer. Visiting the school is a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff, explore our learning spaces, and gain an insight into the supportive and engaging environment we provide for our students.
Online enrolments are currently open, and we encourage families to complete the enrolment process as soon as possible. Early enrolment ensures your child can fully participate in our Kindergarten transition program throughout Term 4, which has been carefully designed to help children build confidence, develop familiarity with school routines, and establish positive connections before starting school.
If you have not yet enrolled your child, please contact the school office for further information and assistance with the enrolment process.
To book a school tour, please contact the school office or email the school. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our school community.
Enrolment Interviews
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 are designed to support children in making a confident and positive transition into school life. During these sessions, children will have the opportunity to:
- meet their teachers and future classmates in a welcoming environment
- become familiar with classrooms, playgrounds, and other key learning spaces
- practice simple daily routines such as lining up, unpacking bags, and participating in group activities
These experiences help children build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and feel more comfortable before starting school.
Parents and carers are also invited to attend dedicated information sessions. These sessions provide valuable guidance about school routines and expectations, including daily schedules, uniforms, lunch arrangements, wellbeing support, and communication processes between home and school. Families will also have the opportunity to ask questions and meet members of the school community.
In addition to our orientation program, we offer families further opportunities to connect with the school community through our weekly Storytime preschool sessions, held each Thursday morning in the school library. These engaging sessions include listening to a story read by our school librarian, followed by a creative art activity linked to the book. Storytime provides children with a fun and relaxed introduction to the school environment while also giving families the opportunity to build friendships and connect with other families in the community each week.
We are committed to ensuring all families feel informed and supported. If you require an interpreter or additional assistance to participate in the orientation program or Storytime sessions, please let us know and we will be happy to arrange support.
Getting Ready at home
You can help your child get ready by encouraging independence and routines. Try:
- packing and unpacking their school bag
- read lots of books about school (often preschool will have a collection parents can borrow)
- involve your child in choosing a lunch box, water bottle
- be excited when trying on uniforms and buying shoes
- dressing themselves and practicing hygiene
- following simple routines at home.
For more advice, see the Getting ready for primary school guide.
The following resources may be helpful in getting your child ready for school.
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 practicing 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.