North Beachside
Kinder/Prep Network

There are many things to consider before your child starts school. First of all, your child needs to be turning five by 30th April of the year they start school. If you and your kinder teacher decide that your child would benefit from another year in a kinder setting, then they must start school the following year. 

 

If you are planning to send your child to a government school the decision will be based on where you live. The Department of Education has identified zones around each government school and a website, called findmyschool.vic.gov.au, will determine your closest school. Experts all agree that children thrive when they can learn at school that is part of their local community. You may have philosophical or religious reasons and would prefer to send your children to a Catholic or independent school. Occasionally, it is possible to attend a different government school if they have places available. The decision you make, of course, will be the one that best suits you and your family. 

 

If your child has additional needs, you can choose a specialist school. These schools support children with an intellectual disability, autism, physical disability or a hearing impairment. It is also important to remember that your child has the right to attend their local school (also known as their designated neighbourhood school). If this is your choice, please contact your chosen school as early as possible in the year before your child starts school. This will allow the School Welfare Team to apply for funding and to make all the necessary adjustments needed to make sure your child has the best start to school possible. 

 

One of the most important things to do is to arrange a school tour at  your local schools. For your child to be able to learn, they need to feel safe and happy. This may seem an unusual thing to say, but your child will find learning easier if they feel comfortable at school. Our brains are wired to learn better when our amygdala lets our cortex know that we are OK. 

 

Every school in this network is amazing. We all work closely together and know each other very well and share the same values and passion for learning and teaching. So, when you visit a school, take the time to look carefully, not just at the facilities, but how the learning spaces look and feel. Is there a hum and a buzz of children and adults working together and enjoying each other’s company? Is there a warmth that makes you feel welcome, because if you feel it, then your children will feel it too!