Kindergarten 2016Parent Workshop

#2Role of the EAL/D teacher, the School

Counsellor and a typical day in Kindergarten

Role of EAL/D TeacherAt Sherwood Ridge we have the expertise of a specialist teacher to support our English as an Additional Language/Dialect students. Their role is to:• to identify EAL/D students• to assess their language competence• to determine the modes of delivery of the EAL/D programs• to plan and teach the EAL/D programs to meet the needs

of the EAL/D students• to assess, monitor and report on the students in the EAL/D

programs• to provide professional support to teachers

• use home language with your child if you are not confident in English

• Complete the same activities as English speaking students

• use both languages to explain concepts

Ho help your childStarting School

• Complete assessment for students that may be finding learning or class work difficult, or who may be finding it difficult to control their behaviours or emotions

• Provide recommendations to parents and/or teachers based on these assessments

• Can provide families with details of local services, programs or specialists if requested

• At times will assist students with counselling support for school based issues

• Assist in reviewing the support needs of students with a disability in mainstream or Support Classes

Role of the School Counsellor

If your child is having difficulty adjusting to school the class teacher may talk to you about a “Referral” to the LEARNING AND SUPPORT TEAM. This team is comprised of the Principal, Deputy Principals, Teachers, Support Teachers and the Counsellor.Together this group looks at the issues your child may be facing and considers solutions to assist your child, with the possibility of a counsellor referral if warranted.

• Your signed permission will always be required for the School Counsellor to work with your child, for counselling or assessment.

• Please discuss any concerns about your child with their classroom teacher as a first step.

• Your input is always welcomed and highly valued, and you will be kept in the loop at all times.

Referrals

Remember• Every child will settle into school at different rates, and will have good

days and bad days – that is OK• Every child has strengths and weaknesses. As well as practising the

things they find challenging, make sure you encourage them to do the things they’re good at and enjoy. Praise their EFFORTS

• Where possible, give them opportunities to develop and practise their social skills and friendships – family games, sporting teams and community groups are a great tool for laughter, fun and physical activity!

• Make time to really talk to and engage in conversation with your child each day - share in their excitements, sadness, fears and pride

A Typical Day in KindergartenEnglish

Phonics

Sight Words

Reading

Writing

Talking & Listening

Mathematics

Hands on learning – practical activities

PDHPE

Creative ArtsMusicDramaDance

Visual Arts

Developmental Play

HSIE/HistoryScience

Other School Activities• Library• Sport• Assemblies• Excursions• Incursions• Scripture• Volunteering• Fundraisers

Preparation for SchoolThis Year • Ensure immunisations are up to date.• If your child has an allergy or medical

condition inform the school.• Fill in an application for a bus pass if

applicable. Contact 1800 227 774• Organise out of school hours care if

applicable.• Practice walking or travelling to school.

Some things you might need to buy• School uniform• Hat• School shoes, socks and sports shoes• Backpack• Lunch box• Drink bottle• Raincoat• Paint shirt• Library bag

Preparation for School

Next Year• Getting organised at home• Write your child’s name on everything.• Make sure you have the school phone number.• Ensure children are used to using public toilets.• Read stories to your child about school

Preparation for School

The night before the first day• Lay out your child’s clothes, shoes and

socks.• Make your child’s recess and lunch and

pop it into the fridge.• Help your child to pack their school bag.• Pack a spare pair of underpants, socks

and a change of clothes in a plastic bag. Let your child know these are in their backpack in case they have any toilet accidents at school.

Preparation for School

The first day• Be confident about the first day with

your child.• Let your child dress themselves as

much as possible.• Tie back long hair or plait hair.• Apply sunscreen and ensure that they

have their school hat.• Take photos!

Preparation for School