How do I enrol?

Enrolment Information is available here.

What information do I need to provide before my child begins kindergarten?

The Victorian Government is undertaking a range of strategies to boost vaccination rates. One of the strategies is the introduction of legislation, known as “No Jab. No Play”, which require children to be fully vaccinated before they can commence at Kindergarten or school or can provide a catch-up plan signed by medical practitioner. You are required to present your child’s immunisation records before enrolment can be confirmed.

Can I visit the Kindergarten?

If you wish to tour our lovely kindergarten, visitors are welcome throughout the year. Simply call the school on 9803 8311 to make a booking. 

When can my child start Three-Year-Old Kindergarten?

To attend the three-year-old program children must turn three before April 30th in the year they will attend. Children may commence once they have had their third birthday.

When can my child start Four-Year-Old Kindergarten?

Children attending the four-year-old program must turn four on or before April 30th in the year they will attend.

What are the timetable for the groups?

Group times are available here.

Is there an Orientation Program?

For some children commencing Kindergarten may be their first experience away from home and a “staggered intake” assists children to become acclimatized in their own time and allows educators to learn their needs.

This form of admission allows children time to settle into their new environment, learn the routines and gives staff and children time to get to know each other.  It is recognised that each child has individual needs and it is important that families and teachers consult during this settling in time.

Parent are advised via a separate notice of their interview times. The aim of the parent and child interview is to allow you and your child to meet their teachers and other children in a small group environment.

How does the kindergarten communicate with families?

It is important for families and our staff to maintain open lines of communication.  If parents have any questions about the program or their child’s progress, the teacher will be happy to discuss this with you. 

Other forms of communication are noticeboards, notice pockets, newsletters and your child’s portfolio. Please take the time to look through these regularly to see all the great things your child is achieving.
Our kindergarten teachers also communicate regularly with our families through ClassDojo.

What involvement can families have?

Parents are encouraged to give their time and expertise to enrich the Learning programmes – for example, parents who play an instrument or who would like to help with singing, dancing or cooking. Parents are encouraged to share their ideas, and to let the teacher know ahead of time so an activity can be incorporated into the day’s program.

There are many opportunities throughout the year to become involved in your child’s Kindergarten experience. 

What links does the Kindergarten have with the School?

Being part of the larger School community, the Kindergarten has access to many of its facilities. Under the supervision of their teacher, children utilise the Library, E. Wood Centre, Outdoor Learning classroom, Art room, Adventure and Prep playgrounds throughout the year.

The Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old groups visit the Prep classrooms to meet Prep teachers and school staff. This provides an opportunity for parents and children to become familiar with the school and others in the Burwood Heights community.

Teachers from Burwood Heights Primary School visit the kinder on a regular basis and spend time with the children. This makes for a seamless transition for those children moving through to Prep at Burwood Heights.

In collaboration with the Prep teachers, planned visits to the Prep classrooms are arranged for the four-year-old children in Term Four.

Once at school and in Prep, the children thoroughly enjoy knowing that their kindergarten teachers are so close and being able to say ‘hello’ to them before or after school or during break times is very reassuring for children.

What is a typical day like at Burwood Heights Primary School Kindergarten?

While the Kindergarten routine follows broadly the same timetable each day (as outlined below), staff are not bound to a schedule but work as a team to meet the needs of each group. The day’s timetable can change depending on the weather, incursions, events and group dynamics.

The Kindergarten program starts at 8.30/9.00am when children are welcomed. Throughout the day the children will take part in a range of activities designed to challenge and engage them, both indoors and out, and that may include working on an ongoing project.

At some point in the morning the children will pause for morning tea prepared at home. The four-year-old’s will enjoy lunch from home around 1.00pm. This is a social time and the children are encouraged to socially communicate with their peers.

The children will take part in several group learning sessions throughout the day. These sessions are part of the teachers’ intentional teaching. During this time, teachers will provoke discussion and thought. Children will share their understanding and ideas. Group learning sessions may include singing, dancing, and stories.

What clothing should my child wear to kindergarten?

Children come to kindergarten to learn through play so families are encouraged to send children in clothing that is casual, comfortable and easily self-managed. 

The children often work with ‘messy’ material such as sand, water, clay and paint. Although, they wear smocks it is best for the children if they do not need to be concerned about getting good clothes soiled. Stains usually wash out in cold water. Footwear should be easy to take on and off and suitable for running and climbing. Thongs and party shoes are not suitable.

It is important to consider if your child can manage toilet routines independently. Keep in mind buckles and belts are sometimes difficult to manage. During cooler weather, it is advisable to send a coat or extra layer of clothing for outdoor play as most days children will have some outdoor play time. All clothing should be clearly labelled, including shoes. 

Should my child be toilet trained?

Our staff will support all children with toilet training, regardless of where they are at in their learning. We kindly ask that if not yet toilet trained that parents/caregivers send their child to kindergarten wearing pull-ups and supply additional pull-ups for their child's use.