Starting Kindergarten

Welcome to Kindergarten at Canley Heights Primary School

Starting kindergarten is the beginning of an exciting learning journey for your child, and at Canley Heights PS, we are here to support every step of the way. Our warm and nurturing environment helps children to feel safe, confident, and eager to explore new ideas and friendships. We aim to make your child’s first year of school a positive and joyful experience, and are committed to helping families prepare for this important milestone.

Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.

Kindergarten Orientation for students starting in 2027

Our orientation program begins in October for students and parents who plan to join our school in 2027

Week 1: 9.00-11.00 Wednesday 21 October

Week 2: 9.00-11.00 Wednesday 28 October

Week 3: 9.00-11.00 Wednesday 4 November

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What is Kindergarten Orientation?

Kindergarten orientation is a special program designed to help children and their families become familiar with our school before starting their first year. It gives new students the chance to visit classrooms, meet teachers and classmates, and learn about school routines in a supportive and welcoming environment. Parents can also get important information, ask questions, and connect with staff and other families. Our aim is to make the transition to school as smooth and positive as possible for every child and their family. Families receive a "Welcome to Kindergarten" pack and school information booklet.

Student orientation experiences

Engaging in developmental play

Children participate in a variety of hands-on, play-based activities designed to help them adjust to the school setting. Developmental play is important because it encourages social interaction, confidence, and fine motor skills in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Story time and follow-up activities

Each session includes the reading of well-loved picture books, followed by a related activity. For example:

After reading The Green Sheep, children create a green sheep collage, reinforcing story comprehension and creativity.
After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children assemble and decorate their own caterpillar, building fine motor skills and connecting the story to hands-on learning.

Early maths activities

Children will engage in practical maths games and activities, such as:

Cut and paste to match numerals with dot patterns, helping develop number recognition and early counting skills.
Creating colour patterns with stickers, which supports understanding of sequences and patterning in a fun, interactive way.

Getting to know each child

Throughout the orientation sessions, school staff take time to observe and interact with each child. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for staff to begin learning about every student’s interests, strengths, and individual needs. By engaging with children through play, conversation, and group activities, our educators start building relationships and developing an understanding of how best to support each child as they settle into their new school environment.

Parent orientation experiences

Getting to know our school

Introduction to key staff
Overview of school routines and structures
Kindergarten in the first few weeks of school
School tour offered by School Captains to interested parents
Visit to our Kindergarten classrooms.
Overview of school apps: School Bytes, Seesaw, Flexischools
Before and after school care (BASC)

Student presentations and performances

Dance performance (Chinese)
Dance performance (Vietnamese)
Media Club
Student Representative Council (SRC)
Playground Activity Leaders (PALS)

Community and support services expo

Core Community Services
Smith Family
High Potential and Gifted Education presentation
MUE school uniform pop-up

Practical tips for school readiness

Getting excited!
Packing own bag
Fruit break, recess and lunch
Toileting routines
Looking after own belongings

Working with friends to match uppercase and lower case letters.

First visit to the Library

Finding shapes and making patterns

Best Start Assessment

The Best Start Assessment takes place early in the school year. It is an activity where teachers sit with each Kindergarten child and ask simple questions about letters, words, numbers, and counting. The assessment is not a test—it’s a friendly way for teachers to see what your child knows when they first start school.

The answers your child gives help teachers understand what your child can do and where they might need more help. This information gives teachers a clear starting point and helps them plan lessons that match your child’s needs. By knowing each child’s strengths and areas to grow, teachers can make sure every student gets the best possible start to their learning journey in Kindergarten.

After the assessment, parents will receive a report outlining what their child is able to do and what they will be working towards. This helps families understand their child’s learning and how they can support them as they begin school.

Example pages from the parent report

Supporting a Smooth Transition to School

At Canley Heights Public School, we understand that starting school is a big step for young children. To support a smooth and positive transition, we have put in place several helpful structures during the first weeks of school:

Flexible Class Groups

Instead of fixed classes, children rotate between different teachers in flexible groupings. This allows all teachers to get to know every child well and understand their strengths and needs. Permanent class groups are formed later, once children have settled into routines and staff feel confident about placing them in the most appropriate learning environment. here 1

Focus on Observation

Our teachers closely observe each child to understand their strengths, interests, and areas where extra support or extension of learning might be needed. This helps us tailor teaching and care to each student, ensuring every child is challenged and supported at their own level.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills Play

We include many play activities that develop children’s coordination, strength, and control. These skills are important for everyday tasks like writing, running, and playing confidently.

Promoting Positive Social Skills

Through structured activities and guidance, children learn to play cooperatively, share, and communicate respectfully, building the foundations for strong friendships.

Additional Staff Support

Extra staff members are available in classrooms and on the playground to provide assistance, ensure safety, and support children as they adjust to school routines. These staff will continue working with Kindergarten throughout the year, so these first weeks are an important opportunity for them to get to know each child well.

Buddy Program

Older students from upper primary visit Kindergarten classes to spend time with younger children. This helps new students feel welcomed, builds connections, and encourages positive role modelling.

Playground Activity Leaders (PALS)

These PALS are trained students who organise games and activities during recess and lunch to engage younger students in fun and inclusive play.

Separate Playground Times

In the first few weeks, Kindergarten children have their own play times for recess and lunch. This creates a calmer, less crowded playground that helps them feel safe and confident as they settle in. Once children are settled and more confident, these play times are aligned with the rest of the school. Students are then supported to engage and play with a wider range of peers from other year groups.

These strategies work together to create a nurturing, supportive start to school life, helping every child feel happy, secure, and ready to learn.

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Creating stories with felt boards.

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Counting and writing numbers.

Developing fine motor skills while using colours to create pictures and patterns.

Learning and Development in Kindergarten

At Canley Heights PS, Kindergarten learning is personalised to celebrate each child’s unique interests and individual needs. Our experienced teachers create engaging programs that adapt to the strengths and curiosities of every student, ensuring a positive and meaningful start to school.

In the first few weeks, children take part in hands-on and play-based activities designed to help them settle in and build essential skills. These activities encourage social skills like sharing and talking with others, as well as developing fine motor skills (such as using scissors and pencils) and gross motor skills (like running and jumping). Through play, children also practice problem-solving and begin to build resilience, helping them feel confident and capable in new situations.

Children explore new concepts through various hands-on materials that encourage creativity and discovery, alongside interactive technology that supports modern learning experiences. This combination helps make learning fun and accessible for all students.

We also focus on developing important skills such as listening carefully, following instructions, and managing their own behaviour. These foundational abilities help children become confident, independent learners ready to engage fully with their education and social environment.

Looking for insects

Celebrating the beginning of school

Using technology to learn

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Getting ready at home

You can help your child get ready by encouraging independence and routines. Try:

packing and unpacking their school bag
dressing themselves and practising hygiene
following simple routines at home.

For more advice, see the Getting ready for primary school guide.

Have a question for us?

Our friendly office team can help.

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Enrol

Ready to enrol? Find out how to apply online or in person.