Prep information nights

Hi - Caits school for next year have just finished thier transition sessions and last night had a meeting for new prep parents.

We found out who her teacher is and the other kids in her grade. Cait is not in the same grade as her best friend from kinda but she's fine with that. I was a bit sad for while But I'll get over it !

I think I need some advice on relaxing a bit when it comes to school. Having been home with just her for four years before Alex was born and now she can read and write little sentences, I just want her teacher to know how bright she is and for her not to get lost with the 21 other children.

Help !

LOL Barb thats soooo cute :)

We had our Info night a few weeks ago and it really was beautiful :)

They tend to split up groups and friends so I've found, I think so they can find their own way in the first year. If your school is anything like Paris' they believe in in-class extension so the teachers are well trained in seeking out children that are more advanced and offering them more challenging activities (not sure if this is how your school does it but its how Paris' does). By that I mean with every activity there is different stages of the activity to suit every level of every child. We have a few advanced kids at our school and rather than give them out of class extension they do it in class so that they can still fit in with the others iykwim.

If you have any concerns I'd suggest having a sit down with the teacher and having a chat. At our school they have an open door policy meaning that you can walk in anytime and ask to speak to the principal and providing she's not in a meeting she'll chat to you. And same goes for the teachers, we have parent teacher meetings in the first term so that you can help the teachers to get a more personal view of your child as well as to see as a parent how they are settling in. Does your school have this?

I have to say I am SOOOOOO excited about school. I'm sad at the fact she'll be away from home more and when she is home most of the time will be sleeping but I'm excited at this next stage in our lives, especially hers. I can't wait to watch her blossom into an educated little school girl :) I can't wait to see what becomes her favourite subject, her favourite sport, her group of friends, whether she likes learning italian, how well she reads etc etc.

Just ask to have a chat to the teacher, they'll do their best to alleviate any concerns you have and it will just feel good to get it off your chest. And don't worry about the teacher thinking you're a worry wort as I'm sure there are 21 other parents with the same concerns ;)

*hugs*
Cailin

PITA PP <--- pain in the a r s e prep parent - that will be me !

Cailin - does your school 'specialise' in anything ? I keep getting asked what Cait's school specialises in and apart from sport in the higher grades, I don't know what !

When school starts they go four days a week for the first month and have Wednesdays off. On the wednesdays each child has an assessment to see where they're at with numbers and literacy and stuff. And later in the term there are parent interviews. They also do this great portfolio of assessments throughout the year - there is a piece of work and a sheet on what they're looking for and how well your child has gone. I guess most schools would have something like that.

I'm doing a teaching degree at the moment part time and have done one placement in a primary school in a prep grade and they had different groups for literacy activities, so they did similar things, but a bit harder. There were two girls who were always at me for more work so I would have to have something extra extra for them and when I left after three weeks one gave me a card which said that she loved me because I gave her extra work !!

14 more sleeps :D

oh barb

she will be fine, my ds is going into grade 1 this year and i remember thinking the same thoughts same time last year about him starting preps. i was terrified he would just walk out the gate and come strolling home pmsl. i was worried when it was cold and raining and lunchtime i would sit here thinking oh gosh i hope he has his jacket on.

i believe the prep year to be just so exciting for the kiddies, omg my ds had a ball going to school and he made some really great friends, i am anxious this year cause he is in a class with only a couple of kids from his prep class and none of his regular friends but he was fine with it.

i remember the first day last year i came home and said to dh i am lost i don't know what to do, so he told me to go shopping, i did with my dd, went to a cafe ordered a coffee sat down and burst into tears pmsl.

good luck to all the preppies starting this year

At our school we give all the kindy (prep to you) parents a sheet where they can list their child's strengths and weaknesses and anything important. I would strongly advise NOT rushing in to tell the teacher how bright your child is in the first week. Trust me, as teachers we soon work out the different ability levels in our class and it gets a bit wearing having 22 new mums telling you how bright their kid is!! (Not saying your DD isn't- she sounds advanced to be doing those things, but unfortunately many parents also think their child is too with no basis !)