Edmonton Primary School

Courtesy

The following information should help to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get relating to the transition from Kindergarten /Pre-school to Edmonton Primary School:

 

Question:

When is the best time to enrol my child?

Answer:

Phone the school to check the enrolment policy because it can change if you are out of zone.  However, generally enrolling 3 – 4 months before your child begins school is fine.  This gives us an indication of expected numbers and enables us to organise classes and plan ahead with more accuracy.

 

Question:

Aside from school fees and the school uniform, what other costs are involved?

Answer:

· Stationary – can be purchased from the School office.

· Fundraising – this can come in a variety of forms e.g. mufti days, raffles, items to buy.

· Swimming – children are bused to Freyberg School once a day for 2 weeks in Term 4.  The Board of Trustees subsidise this.

There are other optional items for example, class photos, family photos, lucky book club, calendars.

 

Question:

How do I know my child is safe when schools aren’t completely fenced like pre-schools / kindergartens?

Answer:

Teachers regularly discuss expectations and show the children boundaries where it is safe for them to play.  Duty teachers keep a careful eye on where children are playing during breaks.  In my time at Edmonton School, we haven’t had any New Entrants leave the school grounds.  At 5 years old, your child may be more responsible than you give them credit for.

 

Question:

Can my 5 year old play with their older brother/sister?

Answer:

Year 1 – 3 children have a separate playground to Year 4 – 6 children.  The main reason for this, is that for safety reasons we don’t want young children caught up in the older children’s more boisterous games.  For Year 1 children the playground isn’t so daunting if numbers are limited.  Also, our playground equipment is geared for Junior or Senior children.

 

Question:

What are the main differences between pre-School and school?

Answer:

Children attend for longer hours and initially New Entrant children can find the day quite long so it is helpful if you have explained this to them.

School is also more structured.  Although children learn through play and there is opportunity for this, there are also set times when writing, reading, maths etc are taught.  Therefore, not all of the activities in the classroom are offered throughout the day to your child.

 

Question:

If I have a question/concern relating to my child who do I see?

Answer:

Your child’s teacher is always the first person you talk to.  If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, you may need to contact the Junior or Senior Associate Principal.

 

Question:

What sized school bag should I purchase?

Answer:

School bags need to be of a reasonable size especially during the summer months when is may hold the following: lunch, drink, sweatshirt, footwear, bookbag, etc.  If everything is able to fit into you child’s school bag, then they are less likely to misplace items!

 

Question:

How many children will be in the class?

Answer:

This depends on numbers of children at each year level and what time of the year your child starts school.  We endeavour to keep our Year 1 classes at approx. 24 children.

 

Question:

What else can I do to prepare my child for school?

Answer:

· Explain to your child what food in their lunch box they should eat at morning tea and lunch time.

· Teach your child to tie their shoe laces.

· Name all you child’s clothing.

· Ensure your child has learnt to tidy up and put items away when they have finished with them.

· Read to your child everyday.

· Teach them to write their name if they can’t already.

· Explain to your child how important it is to tell their teacher of the duty teacher is they a problem.

· Teach your child to be responsible for their own belongings.

· Encourage your child to be independent and do as much as possible themselves.

Have a meeting point in the playground after school so your child knows where to find you.

 

Question:

Can I visit the school before/after enrolling my child?

Answer:

You are most welcome to visit Edmonton Primary School.  Just contact the office to organise a suitable time.