elc new parent handbook 2018 - fintona girls' school handbook... · elc new parent handbook...

ELC NEW PARENTHANDBOOK2018

For children who want to know why...

E a r l y L e a r n i n g C e n t r e

2 Fintona Girls’ School

ELC PARENT HANDBOOK 2018 3

4 WELCOME

5 FINTONA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

6 OUR PHILOSOPHY

8 EARLY LEARNING CENTRE STAFF

9 TERM DATES 2018

9 EARLY LEARNING CENTRE TIMES

10 COMMENCEMENT OF GROUPS IN 2018

11 CURRICULUM

14 GENERAL INFORMATION


DEAR PARENT

At Fintona, we understand how important the early years are for every child. They are the foundation on which children build the rest of their lives - a unique stage where young minds learn more than at any other time. In the ELC, our goal is to promote innovative, creative thinking in every child, preparing them for the next important phase in their educational journey.

It is our priority to provide our children and their families with a quality early childhood experience and a high level of education and care at all times. In 2013, the Fintona Early Leaning Centre was assessed under the Australian Children’s Education and Care National Quality Standard. Our ELC received the highest rating of ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standard’ in recognition of our work.

At Fintona, we recognise that when a child first joins a centre there can be an overwhelming number of details to absorb and we hope this booklet helps you to navigate these details as smoothly as possible. If, at any time, you have additional queries, please do not hesitate to speak to me or any one of the ELC teachers. We are always happy to provide you with help and guidance.

We hope that both you and your child enjoy a smooth transition into the Fintona ELC and that the experience is a very happy one.

Cara Mearns HEAD OF EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

WELCOME TO THE FINTONA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE


FINTONA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

The Fintona Early Learning Centre is situated on the Junior School Campus, opposite the Senior School. The Early Learning Centre is self sufficient, with a separately equipped building and playgrounds, although its location creates the opportunity for the ELC children to access the Junior School facilities.

Our Early Learning Centre is coeducational and operates several programs for three year old and four year old children with full and part time options available. We also offer a five day Young Thinkers Pre-Prep program for four and five year old children.

Three Year Old program

• 2 day program operating on Thursday and Friday.

• 3 day program operating on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

• 5 day program.

Four Year Old program

• 3 day program operating on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Young Thinkers Pre-Prep program for four and five year old children

• 5 day program.

PROGRAM HOURS

All programs begin at 8:45 am and conclude at 3:00 pm.Please note, in order to attend any of the three year old programs, children MUST turn three by 1 February and should be toilet trained. The staffing regulatory requirements for children under three years is different from children over three years and our ELC does not comply with current Department of Education and Training regulations for children under the age of three.

CONTACT DETAILS

Ms Cara Mearns, Head of Early Learning Centre Ph: 9880 4444


OUR PHILOSOPHY

Fintona’s philosophy of early education is based on the ReggioEmilia Approach and we see valuein teaching children through theuse of an inquiry model. We arealso influenced in our beliefs by thePrimary Years Program (PYP) andthe Early Years Learning Framework:Belonging, Being and Becoming.

The following statement by Carla Rinaldi, a leading educator from Reggio Emilia, reflects our philosophy:

If we believe that children possess their own theories, interpretations and questions and that they are co-protagonists in the knowledge building process, then the most important verb in educational practice is no longer ‘to talk’, ‘to explain’, or ‘to transmit’, but ‘ to listen’.

As educators, the things that we believe about young children and their learning shape our teaching philosophy and are central to the work that we do at Fintona.

• We believe that children are active citizens and are born with individual rights and responsibilities. Children deserve to feel welcome, respected, valued and safe, and above all, they deserve to feel that they belong.

• We acknowledge that every child is a unique individual who learns and develops at their own pace and has their own interests and strengths. Children are naturally curious and are active seekers of knowledge about their surroundings, their world and themselves. We endeavour to foster in each child a sense of wonder and curiosity, and a belief that perception, exploration, investigation and research lead to knowledge and understanding.

• We are committed to our image of the child as being strong, capable and competent. We are dedicated to seeing the potential of every child and to providing opportunities for growth in all areas of social, emotional, intellectual, artistic and physical development.

• We believe that children are born with many ‘languages’ that they use to make sense of their world: expressive, communicative, symbolic, cognitive, ethical, metaphorical, logical, imaginative and relational. The importance of exposing children to all of these is intrinsic to the program.

• We believe in the value of creating positive and strong partnerships with parents and families. We value parental involvement and we acknowledge that every child is part of a family, which extends from home to the school, to the local community and to the global community.

• We value ‘play’ and see it as a key vehicle for children’s learning. We will provide opportunities for children to learn important life skills through a play-based inquiry program and by providing a flexible environment, rich in possibility and open-ended experiences.

• We believe in the importance of the physical environment. Children deserve to be surrounded by beautiful, engaging and meaningful spaces and materials. Our environment and its organisation and aesthetics reflect the approach, values, traditions and culture of the Early Learning Centre and our community.


• We understand the importance of listening to children; listening to their questions and valuing the uniqueness of their ideas and their individual ways of knowing. Listening is an act of empowerment which can fill children with a sense of what is possible.

• We value Australia’s diverse society and believe in ensuring that our centre supports and is respectful of that diversity. Through the provision of both an inclusive program and environment, we aim to teach children to be aware and respectful and participate in the diverse nature of the country they live in.

• We believe in the importance of encouraging children to be self-expressive and to communicate their feelings through appropriate outlets. Children are capable of finding their own solutions in a co-operative, supportive environment and can develop independence and responsibility for their actions. We understand that children look to the adults in their life for cues on how to treat others and we therefore endeavour to practice and model tolerance and respect.

• We value and apply team-building practices amongst staff and believe in the importance of ongoing professional development. It is important for all staff to be up to date with relevant research and practices. Both quality education and care is achieved through ongoing evaluation and an emphasis on improvement.

AS EDUCATORS, THE THINGSTHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT YOUNGCHILDREN AND THEIR LEARNINGSHAPE OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHYAND ARE CENTRAL TO THE WORKTHAT WE DO AT FINTONA.


CLASS ROOM TEACHERS YEAR LEVEL

Banksia Room Mrs Jackie Dimattina Pre-Prep

Wattle Room Miss Ebony Recchia Pre-Prep

Ginkgo RoomMs Fran HydeMrs Debbie Nicholas

K4 - 3 daysK3 - 2 days

Jacaranda Room Mrs Katie Bowen K3

CO-TEACHERS

Banksia Room Mrs Anne McKenzie Pre-Prep

Wattle RoomMrs Helen DarrerMrs Lisa Lavery

Pre-Prep

Ginkgo RoomMrs Charmian HarrisMs Julie Attard


Jacaranda RoomMrs Anna CrozierMrs Sue Sedy


HEAD OF EARLY LEARNING CENTRE: MS CARA MEARNS

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE STAFF


TERM DATES 2018 EARLY LEARNING CENTRE TIMES

WATTLE ROOM

Pre-Prep 5 days: Monday – Friday 8:45am – 3:00pm

BANKSIA ROOM

Pre-Prep 5 days: Monday – Friday 8:45am – 3:00pm

GINKGO ROOM

K4 3 days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:45am – 3:00pm

K3 2 days: Thursday, Friday 8:45am – 3:00pm

JACARANDA ROOM

K3 3 days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:45am – 3:00pm

K3 2 days: Thursday, Friday 8:45am – 3:00pm

K3 5 days: Monday – Friday 8:45am – 3:00pm

TERM 1 (9 WEEKS)

Thursday 25 January Start Term 1 - Staff Day

Friday 26 January Australia Day

Monday 29 January Staff Day

Tuesday 30 January Students back

Monday 12 March Labour Day

Thursday 29 March End of Term 1

Friday 30 March Good Friday

TERM 3 (9 WEEKS)

Monday 16 July Start Term 3 - Staff Day

Tuesday 17 July Students back

Friday 14 September End of Term 3

TERM 4 (10 WEEKS)

Monday 8 October Students back

Mon 5 Nov & Tues 6 NovMid-term break /Melbourne Cup

Wednesday 12 December Students finish

Friday 14 December End of Term 4 - Staff finish

The school office closes Wednesday 20 December 2017 and will reopen Wednesday 10 January 2018.

TERM 2 (11 WEEKS)

Monday 16 April Start Term 2 - Staff Day

Tuesday 17 April Students back

Wednesday 25 April ANZAC Day

Monday 11 June Queen’s Birthday

Friday 29 June End of Term 2


Each year, we start all our new groups with half days. This is done to ensure the transition is as happy and manageable as possible for the children as they make new friends and establish relationships with their teachers. In our experience, this gentle introduction to the ELC program results in happy, secure and confident children and makes for a positive start to the year.

Please note the attendance times for the Three Year Old groups below:

K3 JACARANDA FIVE DAY PROGRAM

Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February 8:45am – 12:00pm (bring snack)

Monday 5 February onwards 8:45am – 3:00pm (bring snack, lunch & bedding)

K3 JACARANDA THREE DAY PROGRAM

Tuesday 30 January to Wednesday 31 January 8:45am – 12:00pm (bring snack)


K3 JACARANDA TWO DAY PROGRAM AND K3 GINKGO TWO DAY PROGRAM

Thursday 1 February to Friday 2 February 8:45am – 12:00pm (bring snack)

Thursday 8 February onwards 8:45am – 3:00pm (bring snack, lunch & bedding)

Please note the attendance times for the Four Year Old and Pre-Prep groups below:

WATTLE AND BANKSIA YOUNG THINKERS PRE-PREP PROGRAM

Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February 8:45am – 12:15pm (bring snack)


K4 GINKGO THREE DAY PROGRAM

Tuesday 30 January to Wednesday 31 January 8:45am – 12:15pm (bring snack)


COMMENCEMENT OF GROUPS IN 2018


CURRICULUM

At Fintona, our programs draw on the best of theory and practice from a variety of approaches including Reggio Emilia and the Primary Years Program (PYP) providing an international foundation and focus.

REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH

Educators at our ELC are influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education. An important aspect of this approach is the image of the child as being strong, curious and capable of co-constructing the curriculum. Both the teachers and the students are responsible for launching projects to broaden and deepen children’s understanding of the world around them.

A central idea of Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach, is that children have a Hundred Languages with which to express themselves. The languages he refers to include: play, drawing, sculpture, gesture, dance, music, drama, negotiation, imagination, logic and many, many more.

The environment in the ELC is arranged and equipped so that children have access to many graphic, visual and tactile experiences. Small group work promotes collaborative learning. Unique projects develop and unfold around both individual and shared insights, achievements and understandings.

The ELC staff purposefully document children’s conversations, learning experiences and insights. The documentation is used to make the children’s learning visible to themselves and to others, especially parents. The documentation is used to generate new learning experiences, which serve as a base of knowledge to expand and build on. Children’s ideas are shared, re-visited, developed and refined. The learning journey is seen metaphorically as a spiral reaching higher in ever expanding circles.

An important aspect of the Reggio Emilia schools is the close relationships between staff, parents and children. At our ELC, parent participation in the children’s learning is strongly supported and encouraged. Parents are often asked to contribute to the program in a variety of ways.

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM

The ELC adheres to the International Baccalaureate Organisation’s (IBO) Primary Years Program (PYP). This international program is inquiry-based and for this reason it complements the Reggio Emilia Approach. The PYP has, at the base of its structure, a Learner Profile and an Inquiry Based Curricular Framework. It also emphasises values and skills.

INQUIRY-BASED CURRICULUM

The PYP curriculum is based upon six transdisciplinary themes of global significance and provides the framework for exploration and study:

• Who we are

• Where we are in place and time

• How we express ourselves

• How the world works

• How we organise ourselves

• Sharing the planet

LEARNER PROFILE

IBO programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasising intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. The PYP learner profile is a profile of the whole person as a lifelong learner.


CURRICULUM

LEARNER PROFILE - FINTONIANS ASPIRE TO BE:

Inquirers We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Thinkers We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Courageous We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Knowledgeable We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

Principled We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect to the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Caring We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Open-minded We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Balanced We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives - intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual- to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.


SPECIALIST EDUCATION

All ELC classes spend time with Fintona specialist teachers during the week.

MUSIC

All ELC groups have time with the Music specialist each week. Music is not limited to these times, but is integrated into many aspects of the program: using songs, rhymes, chants and providing opportunities for composing, improvising, playing instruments, dancing, choreographing and performing. Music is not seen as an isolated discipline but as an integral part of the child’s overall development. Throughout each week, the children enjoy a variety of musical experiences during which we introduce the concepts of pitch, beat, rhythm, tone and volume.

LIBRARY

All children visit the library each week to develop a respect for books, to listen to stories and to borrow books. They are introduced to a range of literature and are encouraged to respond to texts they have shared.

DRAMA

The four year old and Pre-Prep groups enjoy weekly drama lessons with the Drama specialist. Drama allows the children to express themselves spontaneously and creatively through movement, mime and voice. The children develop their communication skills through listening and speaking. They build their self-esteem, but above all, the children have fun.

PERCEPTUAL MOTOR PROGRAM (PMP)

The four year old and Pre-Prep children also participate in the Perceptual Motor Program (PMP). This program is run by the Physical Education (PE) specialist and the exercise program aims to develop the child’s perception of themselves and their world through movement motor experience. The objectives of the program are not limited to just the acquisition of physical skills and fitness. The program also encourages each child to think and then respond with purposeful controlled movement.

EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK (EYLF) : BELONGING, BEING AND BECOMING

Educators in the ELC are also guided in their practice by the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The EYLF describes the Principles, Practice and Outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. The EYLF has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play provides the most appropriate stimulus for young children’s brain development. The EYLF also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.

The EYLF describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming:

Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.

Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just ‘be’—time to play, try new things and have fun.

Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the adult they will become.

The EYLF conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:

• Children have a strong sense of identity.

• Children are connected with and contribute to their world.

• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.

• Children are confident and involved learners.

• Children are effective communicators.

The EYLF documentation provides broad direction for our ELC educators to facilitate children’s learning.


GENERAL INFORMATION

ALLERGY AWARE ENVIRONMENT

At Fintona’s ELC, we take all allergies very seriously. We are aware of the prevalence of nut and other allergies among children and the dangers surrounding these. Our staff are fully trained in anaphylaxis awareness, including the use of adrenalin and auto-injection devices and in addition participate in refresher courses frequently. In order to minimise the allergens students are exposed to, we ask families to avoid sending their child to school with food items that contain peanut butter, Nutella and all other nut products.

Parents with children who have allergies must inform the ELC and send instructions on their child’s care.

Children who are diagnosed as anaphylactic MAY NOT attend the ELC without a doctor approved Action Plan and an EpiPen. The EpiPen and any other medication for anaphylaxis must be in date and supplied to the classroom teacher in an insulated container. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that medication is in date at all times.

ASTHMA

Children who suffer from asthma are required to have an Asthma Management Plan outlining the child’s symptoms, how much medication to administer and when. This form is to be completed by the child’s doctor. Appropriate medication must also be supplied.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are very special events and are celebrated in the ELC. There are certain guidelines we ask parents to take into account.

If parents are inviting the entire class to a birthday celebration outside school hours, you may place invitations in the classroom pigeon holes. If only some of the children are being invited, we request you post invitations to these children at home. At the beginning of the year, a class list of parents in the group, with contact details, is made available to all families. This is understandably to avoid children’s feelings being hurt if they not included.

Any presents need to be exchanged privately, outside ELC hours.

CALENDAR DATES

The Early Learning Centre celebrates special days and events during the year. These include Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations. You will be informed of these arrangements well in advance. Please ensure that you read the fortnightly News Bulletin emailed to you to keep abreast of all the ELC events.

COMMUNICATION

Parent/School communication is very important and we encourage parents to contact the School if there is a query or problem. Parents cannot contact classroom teachers directly during the day though they are able to leave a message with Mrs Sue Peat at Junior School reception, so that the teacher can contact them at a convenient time.

During the year, interviews are arranged with parents to share information about the children. However, if you have any concerns, you are invited to arrange a meeting at a time convenient for you and your child’s teacher. Student Led Conferences are also held as an opportunity for the children to share their learning with their parents.

Parents of children in the three year old program will also receive a written reflection at the end of the year. Parents of children in the four year old and Pre-Prep programs will receive the mandatory Transition Learning and Development Statement as regulated by the Department of Education and Training.

From time to time, the School sends out letters regarding important school events such as excursions. It is most important that parents read these letters carefully and, where necessary, return attached attendance slips promptly.

Parents and guardians may also be sent emails from time to time about issues or events.

We urge parents to provide accurate and regularly updated addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. No student should be at school without accurate contact details.


DRESS

There is no prescribed uniform for the ELC. Clothing should be kept informal as we provide several messy activities not normally offered at home, and children participate more freely if dressed in casual play clothes. Fintona windcheaters, polo shirts, hats and school bags may be purchased through the school supplier, Bob Stewart in High Street, Kew. Please write your child’s name on all removable items of clothing.

We know that many of your children love to select their own outfits in the morning, but we do ask that parents ensure that their child is adequately equipped for the weather of the season. In winter months, the children should have warm clothes, a jacket as an extra layer, and suitable shoes for outdoor play. In summer months, we ask that you do not send your child in thongs or ‘Crocs’, as it can be difficult to run and climb when wearing these types of shoes.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CHILDCARE BENEFIT (CCB)

Fintona’s ELC has received notice of our approval to be listed as a Registered Carer for the Child Care Benefit. The process for families who are eligible to claim this benefit is as follows:

• At the end of each term, the School will issue a government prescribed tuition fee payment receipt upon request. Please call Mrs Sue Peat on 9880 4444 to obtain a receipt.

• Eligible families then can claim the Child Care Benefit for Registered Care through Centrelink. It is the responsibility of each family to identify their eligibility status and make claim.

Please note that Fintona’s ELC still does not meet the eligibility requirements to be listed as an Approved Carer for the Child Care Benefit. The reasons for this are that we do not operate long day care and we are closed in the school holidays. We are categorised as a Kindergarten and are therefore not eligible to be approved in this way.

For more information on eligibility and claiming the Child Care Benefit for Registered Care, please refer to: www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-benefit

IMMUNISATION LAW ‘NO JAB, NO PLAY’

The ‘No Jab, No Play’, legislation came into effect on 1 January 2016. As a result of this, all children enrolling in early childhood education and care services after this date need to be up to date with their vaccinations or have an approved exemption.

To finalise enrolment for a child in the ELC, parents/carers have to provide Fintona with an immunisation status certificate that shows their child:

• Is up to date with vaccinations for their age OR

• Is on a vaccine catch-up schedule OR

• Has a medical condition preventing them from being fully vaccinated.

‘Conscientious objection’ is not an exemption under the ‘No Jab, No Play’ legislation.

An immunisation status certificate is a statement showing the vaccines a child has received. The most common type of immunisation status certificate is an Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). This certificate can be requested at any time by contacting Medicare:

• Phone: 1800 653 809.

• Email: [email protected]

• Visit the Medicare website.

• Visit your local Medicare office.

Families whose children were vaccinated overseas should consult their doctor or immunisation nurse. Overseas vaccination schedules may differ from the Australian schedule and need to be checked by a doctor/nurse who will transfer the information to the ACIR. If, or once, the child is up-to-date with the Australian schedule, the ACIR can issue the parent with an Immunisation History Statement that shows they are up-to-date.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding immunisation or vaccines, please consult your doctor or an immunisation nurse.


GENERAL INFORMATION

KINDERGARTEN FEE SUBSIDY (4 YEAR OLD AND PRE-PREP GROUPS ONLY)

If you or your child holds any of the following you are eligible for a Kindergarten Fee Subsidy:

• Commonwealth Health Care Card

• Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card

• Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or White Card

• Refugee or Asylum Seeker visa (200-204, 786 or 866)

• Bridging visas for any of the above Refugee or Asylum Seeker visas

The Kindergarten Fee Subsidy is also available for children who meet the following criteria:

• Is identified on their Birth Certificate as being a multiple birth child (triplets or more)

• Identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

If you qualify for any of the above, there is a space on the Confidential Enrolment Form submitted to the ELC for administration purposes for you to record this information.

MEDICATION

Medication can only be administered to a child if the correct details are written in pen in the Accident/ Illness/Medication book.

Medication is to be given to a staff member at the commencement of a session to be stored in the First Aid cabinet or refrigerator.

Medication must be in the original container bearing the original label, with the child’s name clearly marked on it. All medication must be in date.

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE PROGRAMS

Fintona works in partnership with Camp Australia to provide the Out of School Hours Care Program (OSHC) program at the School. Camp Australia is the leading provider of quality, safe, fun and professional Out of Hours Care. The OSHC program at Fintona adheres to the strict standards and regulations set out by the National Quality Framework. Families who wish to use these programs must be registered with Camp Australia.

Out of Hours Care is available for students from ELC to Year 6 and is located in the Early Learning Centre. The Before School Care Program operates each morning during term from 7:30am until 8:45am and the After School Care program operates five afternoons per week from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. These programs cater for the child care needs of working parents, or those who have commitments extending beyond the normal school hours.

Breakfast can be provided during Before School Care and afternoon tea is provided for children attending After School Care. All information regarding Before and After School Care, including fees and registration forms can be found online at www.campaustralia.com.au. All Out of Hours Care bookings must be done through Camp Australia either by phone 1300 105 343 or through their website. If an emergency arises and parents need to use After School Care, arrangements can be made with Mrs Sue Peat.


PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS

Please provide the following items when your child commences Kindergarten:

• Washable small blanket and a small pillow for rest-time

• Morning tea and lunch in separate containers

• A drink bottle

• A sun hat

• A library bag

• A bag of spare clothes (all items from home MUST be named)

PRE-SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Parents must sign the register book when they arrive with their child and sign again when collecting their child. The full name of the person collecting your child must be written in the register book (do not write ‘mum’ or ‘grandpa’ etc.). Please note that anyone collecting your child must be identified on the enrolment form and may be asked for photo identification, if unknown to staff.

ELC Enrolment forms should be completed and returned to us for our school records. These forms MUST be returned to school before Wednesday 13 December 2017. They can be posted to:

Mrs Sue Peat, Administration, Fintona Early Learning Centre, 80 Balwyn Road, Balwyn 3103

Fintona is not permitted by Department of Education and Training Regulations to accept children without the relevant and necessary information.

Any matter causing you or your child concern should be brought to the attention of the appropriate staff member or a Department of Education and Training officer (please refer to the ELC notice board for the number and contact details). Fintona and the Department of Education and Training are here to support you and to discuss any issues that may arise.

PARENT REPRESENTATIVES

Our ELC values the involvement of Parent Representatives in the learning community. The role of the Parent Representative encompasses the following:

• To meet with new parents in the group at an early stage of the year and ensure they are introduced to other parents in the school community.

• To arrange activities to encourage social interaction within the group.

• To assist with school activities and projects as they emerge through the year within each group. Where possible, the role should be shared by two or even three parents.

Dates for social functions should always be checked with the class teacher and Mrs Sue Peat to ensure that there are no clashes with the school calendar.

The ELC is grateful for the work Parent Representatives put into making the community a friendly and harmonious one.

PORTFOLIOS

Throughout their time at our ELC, sample’s of each child’s work are collected in a portfolio. The portfolio is a tool for documenting your child’s process of learning: how they think, question, analyse, synthesise, produce, and create; and how they interact intellectually, emotionally and socially with others. Documenting the children’s learning journey is an essential part of our curriculum; it allows the staff to make the children’s developmental progress visible and provides an important learning tool which allows the children to reflect back on their own work and reminds them of their thoughts and experiences.

At the end of each year your child’s portfolio will be presented to them to take home. The portfolio is a wonderful record of your child’s learning journey.


GENERAL INFORMATION

SHARING OUR ENVIRONMENT

The entrance to our ELC is our light filled Piazza. At ALL times our Piazza is regarded as an extension of our learning area. As part of our ‘culture of respect’, please do not permit children to run or behave in a rowdy manner in this area. Please return all materials neatly to the shelves once children have finished using them. Your co-operation in this regard will be greatly appreciated.

SNACK AND LUNCH BOXES

Please provide a healthy snack and lunch for your child each day. The two meals should be placed in separate named containers and marked accordingly so the children know what to retrieve from their locker. In the past, we have noticed that some children have eaten their lunch at snack time or, if the meals have been combined in one container, the children have eaten all their food at one sitting! The children eat as much as one third of their daily food allowance at kindergarten, so please regard this as a priority. Pre-packaged bars and fruit meals often contain more sugar, sodium and fat than we would like our children to eat. Parents are asked to read food labels carefully and select the best for the children’s health and wellbeing. Lollies are best kept for a treat at home after kindergarten. Water is the best drink for growing children. Each child will need to bring their own water bottle.

STARTING TIMES

In the ELC, the morning starts at 8:45 am. The children arrive at this time and settle in for the day. At approximately 9:00 am, the teacher calls the children to a morning meeting. We do ask that all children are here by this time. It is unsettling for everyone if there is a constant stream of arrivals after this time. Children’s concentration is easily distracted by extraneous activity. Teachers find it difficult to greet the late children properly if the meeting is already underway when they arrive because they are giving their attention to what is occurring within the group. A period of fifteen minutes is set aside for arriving and settling into the room.

Please respect the teachers’ preparation time in the morning.Our teachers arrive at 8:15 am and have half an hour to set up the room. Doors will open promptly at 8:45 am. It is unfair to interrupt this preparation. If you need to leave your child at school early, there is a Before School Care Program in the ELC Multi-Purpose Room.

STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR FOUR YEAR OLD PROGRAMS

Children in the Four Year Old and Pre-Prep ELC programs at Fintona are subsidised by the State of Victoria with a grant of $571.00 for their pre-school year. This subsidy is paid directly to the School.

In the event of a child repeating K4 and a second year of funding being required, an eligibility statement needs to be submitted to the Department of Education and Training by the child’s teacher.

SUN SMART POLICY

Fintona is a ‘Sun Smart’ school and care is taken to protect the children’s skin during the hot summer months. Each child MUST have a hat in Terms 1 and 4. Please apply sunscreen before your child arrives at Kindergarten. Teachers will reapply during the day, if necessary.


TRAFFIC RULES

We are concerned with the safety of children being left at and collected from the School and, with the parking facilities available, we ask for your continued co-operation and care.

• Please note the City of Booroondara parking signs.

• Parents are not to park or turn in the grounds of Balwyn Anglican Church (formerly St Barnabas) as this is private property.

• Do not use the bus bay in Millah Road, private driveways or the Junior School driveway to park or turn.

• Please note that there is a Council Crossing attendant on duty morning and afternoon to control the School crossing.

TUCKSHOP

ELC and Junior School lunches are provided by My Canteen. Lunch orders are available via an online ordering process. The lunches are delivered to the Junior School at lunch time. You will receive a notice detailing this process at the beginning of the year.

For further details, go to www.fintona.mycanteen.co Parents are warmly invited to visit the tuckshop for a coffee or a baked treat.

My Canteen and Food Allergies

Fintona seeks to minimise the impact of food allergies on students and we have a brochure to cover this matter called ‘An Allergy Aware School‘ which is available on request from Mrs Peat in the Junior School Office. We encourage parents to read the brochure and contact the School should they have any queries.

To ensure children with food allergies are catered for by My Canteen staff, parents will be provided with food options upon online registration.

ELC & JUNIOR SCHOOL 80 Balwyn Road Balwyn VIC 3103

P. (03) 9880 4444 F. (03) 9888 5682 E. [email protected]

www.fintona.vic.edu.auA CONSISTENTLY HIGH ACHIEVING INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ SCHOOL

elc new parent handbook 2018 - fintona girls' school handbook... · elc new parent handbook...

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