Starting Kindergarten at CGGS

Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC Mr Peter McDonald shares his thoughts on starting Kindergarten at CGGS.

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for our students.

While the move to ‘big school’ can sometimes be unsettling, this transition marks the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning and growth. Students quickly adapt to the new routines and rhythms of school life and will develop wonderful skills and friendships as they embark on a path of learning and discovery.

At Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS) we know the best start possible begins with careful planning and when schools and families work in close partnership—our mission is to students and their parents find a smooth and successful transition into Kindergarten.

We have prepared the following guide on how our staff assist new families as they begin a Kindergarten journey at CGGS. The staff and I are always available to meet with families and are eager to support our student’s successful start in Kindergarten at CGGS.

Preparation is important

Preparation for starting school should begin well before the first day. Reading stories about school, trying on uniforms and practicing the school routine can help students feel more comfortable with the idea of school.

Kindergarten orientation days at CGGS allow students to become familiar with the environment, teachers, and their friends. Discussing these experiences at home can further alleviate anxieties and help them look forward to their first day.

Students at CGGS benefit from Physical Education, Library, French and Music lessons. Each student is assigned a House group, further strengthening their relationship with their peers and creating immediate support networks. Our explicit phonics and vocabulary programs form the foundation of our Kindergarten classroom and are a celebrated aspect of our curriculum.

Building routine

Establishing a regular morning routine is key to a smooth drop-off experience. We recommend a short, positive goodbye, which helps build confidence. Similarly, having a consistent pick-up plan and a relaxing after-school routine can help students decompress after a busy day. Each student at CGGS receives a diary which helps to create independence and communication between home and school and will support afternoon pick-up. Importantly, Kindergarten is a time of great excitement but can also be very tiring. A predictable routine helps manage this transition and allows students to rest after a day of learning.

Feelings

It’s natural for students to have mixed emotions about starting school. Some may be eager and excited, while others might feel anxious or unsure. Acknowledge and validate these feelings rather than dismissing them. Phrases like “It’s a big change to start school, but we’re here for you and so are your teachers and friends” can be comforting. Remember, it’s essential to listen and offer support as they navigate these new experiences.

At CGGS our expert Kindergarten teachers create a calm and caring classroom learning environment and they are always available to offer support and advice on managing emotions. Similarly, our Junior School psychologist is available to all CGGS students and families seeking additional support or guidance.

Stay connected

Engagement with the school community is an important way to ensure school is a place of connection and belonging. It is important to maintain open communication with the student’s teacher, as this involvement helps build a supportive network for both the student and their parents/carers. Regular updates from the school and our proactive approach to communication ensures families are informed and involved in their child’s educational journey. If you have any concerns or important information to share, don't hesitate to reach out to our teachers and support staff. CGGS students benefit from a team of specialist gifted and talented teachers, English and literacy support teachers, as well as learning intervention and enhancement staff who are always available to help.

CGGS also hosts many school events where parents have the opportunity to get to know other parents. We understand the importance of fostering relationships between families and ensuring that parents/carers also find their place within our School community.

Every stage of school counts

At CGGS, we place a strong emphasis on early literacy and numeracy skills. These foundational skills are crucial for a students future academic success and confidence. Encouraging a love for reading and exploring numbers at home can make a significant difference. Simple activities like reading bedtime stories, playing counting games, and discussing everyday math concepts can enhance a student’s readiness for school. At CGGS our curriculum is designed to foster these skills through engaging and interactive learning experiences. In addition, CGGS provides all Kindergarten children with resources to support reading, writing and mathematics at home and offers a suite of ‘How to’ videos for parents to reference via the school portal, Agora.

Readiness checklist

To assist families in determining their child's readiness, we've compiled a checklist of skills, signs, and competencies to help ensure their child gets the best start for Kindergarten.

• Separation: Can your child separate easily from you without crying or clinging? Being able to say goodbye without distress is a positive sign.
• Self-initiation: When in a familiar place, can they choose and initiate activities and stay engaged? It's important they can start and focus on tasks.
• Morning routine: Can they help get ready for the day, like dressing themselves and packing their bag? A bit of help is fine, but it’s important that they can participate in the routine.
• Persistence: When faced with challenges, can they keep trying or ask for help? It's essential they can work through difficulties and not give up easily.
• Expressing feelings: Can they communicate their feelings with someone other than you? It's important for them to express themselves and seek comfort from familiar adults during the school day.
• Managing belongings: Are they able to remember where they put their belongings and take care of them? Managing personal items is a good skill to develop from an early age.
• Self-help skills: Can they dress themselves, put on shoes, and open their lunch box? These are key independent skills for school.
• Focus and attention: Can they sit and listen to a teacher during group time? It's important they can focus on instructions, especially in a group setting.
• Following instructions: Can they follow a two or three step instruction without prompting? Practice this at home with simple tasks, ensuring you give instructions with eye contact.
• Tidy up: Can they tidy and pack away items after using them? Taking responsibility for their environment is an essential part of school readiness.

I hope you have found this guide useful! Together, we can make your child's experience a joyful and enriching one. If you have any questions, need further support or are interested in submitting an application for Kindegarten at CGGS, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

jsreception@cggs.act.edu.au

02 6202 6411

Peter McDonald
Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School and ELC