PARENT GUIDE 2021 Bilgola Plateau Public School - For Kindergarten Parents and Carers
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Bilgola Plateau Public School
PARENT GUIDE 2021
For Kindergarten Parents and Carers
Bilgola Plateau Public School 1
The Sculptors
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there,
The clay they used was a young child's mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher - the tools they used
Were books and music and art,
The other, a parent - working with a guiding hand
And a gentle loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled
With a touch that was deft and sure,
While the parent laboured by their side
And polished to smooth it o’er.
And when at last their task was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought,
For the things they had moulded into the child
Could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone,
For behind the parent stood the school,
And behind the teacher, the home.
Anon
Bilgola Plateau Public School 2
Contents
General Information
Item Page
Transition to Kindergarten Program Overview 4
Kindergarten 2021 Teaching Staff 6
Kindergarten 2021 Student Requirements 6
Query Flowchart 7
Kindergarten 2021 School Fees Estimate 8
Uniform Information 9
Frequently Asked Questions – A to Z 12
Transition to Kindergarten 2021
Item Page
The Needs of Kindergarten Children 29
Key Foundation – Self-regulation 30
Social and Emotional Skills Checklist 31
Functional Skills Checklist for Starting Kindergarten 34
NSW Foundational Handwriting and Pencil Grip 38
Ten Tips for Making the Transition to Kindergarten Easier 39
Bilgola Plateau Public School 3
Transition to Kindergarten Program Overview
November
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9 November 10 November 11 November 12 November 13 November
Kindergarten Kindergarten
2021 Zoom 2021 Orientation
Parent Session 1
Information
Session 1
16 November 17 November 18 November 19 November 20 November
Kindergarten
2021 Orientation
Session 2
23 November 24 November 25 November 26 November 27 November
Kindergarten
2021 Orientation
Session 3
30 November 1 December 2 December 3 December 4 December
Kindergarten
2021 Zoom
Parent
Information
Session 2
Term 1 2021
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
25 January 26 January 27 January 28 January 29 January
Australia Day School School Years 1 to 6 return
Holiday Development Development to school
Day 1 Day 2 Kinder 2021 Best
Start Assessment
Day 1
1 February 2 February 3 February 4 February 5 February
Kindergarten Kindergarten Kindergarten’s
2021 Best Start 2021 Best Start first day of
Assessment Assessment school
Day 2 Day 3
8 February 9 February 10 February 11 February 12 February
Kindergarten
Parent
Information
Session
Bilgola Plateau Public School 4
Virtual Parent Information Session via Zoom
Tuesday 10 November and Tuesday 1 December 6:00pm
Everything you need to know to ensure a successful transition to school for your pre-schooler.
Zoom details will be emailed the day prior to the sessions
Orientation Visits,
Thursday 12, 19 and 26 November 9:30am to 11:00am, arrival times vary
Pre-schoolers will enjoy three orientation visits with our 2021 Kindergarten teachers in our
Kindergarten classrooms. Unfortunately, parents are unable to enter our school grounds due
to NSW Health COVID-19 restrictions. Your child will be welcomed at our front gate by school
staff and walked up the hill to their activities. They will need a small backpack containing
morning tea (no nuts or egg please) and a water bottle.
Pre-schoolers with school age siblings are asked to arrive with their older brother or sister from
8:50am. Pre-schoolers without siblings are asked to arrive at 9:10am to 9:30am. Children may
be collected from our front gate from 11:05am to 11:20am. Please observe the 1.5m social
distancing protocol during drop off and pick up.
Kindergarten Best Start Assessments
Friday 29 January to Tuesday 2 February 2021
The Best Start Assessment is a tool to help teachers assess your child’s skills as they enter school
to tailor their teaching to students’ individual needs. Your child’s Kindergarten teacher will
work with your child for approximately 30 minutes prior to them starting school to assess their
literacy and numeracy skills. The Best Start assessment period at Bilgola Plateau Public School
is from Friday 29 January to Tuesday 2 February. Your child’s Best Start appointment time will
be communicated before the end of the year.
First Day of Kindergarten
Wednesday 3 February
COVID-19 restrictions will dictate logistics for your child’s first day of school. Details will be
provided as the time draws nearer.
Kindergarten Parent Information Session
Wednesday 10 February 6:00pm
Kindergarten teachers will provide an overview of 2021 Kindergarten routines and
expectations.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 5
Kindergarten 2021 Teaching Staff
Mrs Alison Lawrenson Annette Donald David Addley
Assistant Principal Classroom Teacher Classroom Teacher
Teachers’ Certificate Bachelor of Teaching Bachelor of Education
Graduate Diploma Bachelor with Honours
Education Inernational Business Studies
Masters of Applied Science and French
Kindergarten Student Requirements 2021
Consumable stationery items for K-2 will be invoiced through school fees. Additional items
they require include:
1 paint smock
1 library bag
1 set of headphones
Bilgola Plateau Public School 6
Query Flowchart
Your child’s classroom teacher is always your first port of call with classroom questions but if
they are unable to assist please consult the relevant Assistant Principal. Our
communications flowchart and our staff directory follows. Please be mindful that drop off
time is not the optimal time to communicate with your child’s teacher.
Office staff or relevant teacher
Assistant Assistant Assistant Grade Assistant
Principal Principal Principal Supervisor Principal
Kindergarten Stage 1 Stage 2 Year 3 Year 5 and
Years 1 & 2 Years 3 & 4 Year 6
Alison Luke Amy Emma Julia
Lawrenson Perrin Kenny Butcher Priest
Julie Whatham
Deputy Principal
Cindy Gardiner
Principal
Bilgola Plateau Public School 7
Kindergarten 2021 School Fees Estimate
The following items are included in the BPPS 2021 Kindergarten Fee Schedule.
Grade Requirements
Kindergarten grade requirements include stationery items, workbooks, home reading
requirements and subscriptions and levies.
School Contribution
This fee enables the school to continue extending our current range of programs and
resources.
Library Fund
The Library Fund allows for the updating of resources and equipment. This fee is tax
deductible.
Excursion and Activity Fees
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Enrichment Art Athletics Carnival Environmental
Farm Excursion K- 2 Dance Education Excursion
Green Day Life Education
Hatch and Grow K-2 Dance
Ducklings K-2 Fun Day
Classroom requirements, school contribution and the library fund are collected in Term 1.
Excursion and activity fees for each term are collected at the commencement of each
term. Term 1 Fee Statements will be emailed to your family email address in February.
2021 Kindergarten Fee Estimate
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4
Grade Requirements $190
Excursions and Activities $100 $70 $95
School Contribution $95
Library Fund $50
Total $335 $100 $70 $95
P&C Fees
P&C Membership and Fundraising Fee
The P&C Membership and Fundraising Fee is raised to support educational programs,
grounds enhancements and other P&C initiated projects. This fee is $100 per child. This fee is
collected by the P&C. A number of family friendly payment options are offered by our
P&C.
P&C Building Fund
The P&C Building fund was established to supplement funds to refurnish and develop school
facilities. This fee is tax deductible. This fee is $50 per child and is collected by the P&C.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 8
Uniform Information
At a meeting of the Bilgola Plateau Public School Parents & Citizens Association, the body
resolved that the school uniform, as specified, below be worn during school hours.
Female Male
Blue and white dress with navy Navy shorts.
buttons and white collar. School Short sleeve, butter yellow polo
badge to be worn on left collar. shirt with school crest, white collar
Navy shorts with BPPS butter with navy trim. School badge to
SUMMER
yellow polo shirt be worn on left collar. Navy
UNIFORM
Navy cardigan or jumper, or zip school hat with crest.
(Terms 1
jacket with school crest. Navy zip jacket or jumper with
and 4)
Navy school hat with school crest. school crest.
Black leather shoes with navy Black leather shoes with navy
ankle socks. socks.
Hair ribbons, if worn, must be navy Sports hat for PSSA competitors
only.
Navy tartan pinafore or navy Navy long pants.
tartan pants. Long sleeve, butter yellow polo
Long sleeve, butter yellow polo shirt with school crest, white collar
shirt, white collar with navy trim. with navy trim. School badge to
WINTER
School badge to be worn on left be worn on left collar.
UNIFORM
collar. Navy school hat with crest.
(Terms 2
Black leather shoes to be worn Navy zip jacket or jumper with
and 3)
with navy tights or socks. school crest.
Navy zip jacket, cardigan or Navy socks to be worn with black
jumper with school crest. leather shoes.
Navy school hat with school crest.
Navy hair ribbons, if worn.
Navy culottes or navy Taslon Navy Taslon sports shorts.
shorts. BPPS sport shirt.
BPPS sport shirt. White sports socks and white
Navy school hat with crest. sports shoes.
White sports socks and white Navy school hat with crest.
SPORTS
sports shoes. Navy track pants only to be worn
UNIFORM
Navy track pants can only be on sports days.
worn on sports days. Navy zip jacket or jumper with
Navy zip jacket or jumper with school crest.
school crest. Sports hat for PSSA competitors
Sports hat for PSSA competitors only.
only.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 9
Sizing Guide
Girls’ Daily Summer Uniform Option 1 Girls’ Daily Summer Uniform Option 2
172cm tall
Size 8
Size 6
Size 4
1 metre ruler
Girls’ Summer Sports Uniform
Imagine joggers and white sports socks
Bilgola Plateau Public School 10Sizing Guide
Boys’ Daily Summer Uniform Boys’ Summer Sports Uniform
172cm tall
Size 8
Size 4 Size 6
1 metre ruler
Imagine joggers and white sports socks
Ordering
Uniform orders are made online via flexischools.com.au
For second hand options please contact Carol Todman our Uniform Shop Coordinator via
the school email address.
bilgolapla-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Bilgola Plateau Public School 11Frequently Asked Questions – A to Z
ALLERGIES/ANAPHYLAXIS
Our school has a number of students with severe allergies that can trigger what is known as
an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening condition that requires schools
to put strategies in place to minimize the risk to students with anaphylaxis. At Bilgola Plateau
Public School we have a number of strategies:
1. Awareness raising of common allergens
2. No food sharing
3. Reduced exposure
Common allergens in our school are:
Nuts, egg, cow’s milk, sesame, shellfish, seafood and latex.
Minimisation strategies include:
Our school canteen does not stock most common allergens. We ask the community to
refrain from packing easily spreadable/spilt common allergens (eg nuts/nut spreads,
sesame products/hommus, eggs)
We do not ‘ban’ products nor do we claim to be allergen free. Students should be aware
and alert to the presence of allergens in the school.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Children should arrive at school in the mornings between 8.30 and 8.55am unless they are
booked into Out of School Hours Care (OOSH).
NSW Department of Education (DoE) Legal Services advises that parents who drop students
before the official start to school do so at their own risk. A letter will be sent home to parents
who consistently send children to school prior to supervision commencing. Should work
times require an early start to your day, students should be registered for OOSH which
operates from 7:00am.
Please note that this school does not allow children to wait unsupervised in the playground
for parents. All children are expected to leave the playground promptly after school.
Children are not allowed to play on the fixed equipment after school even if parents are
present.
ARRIVING LATE AND LEAVING EARLY
If a child arrives late to school they should report to the office. The arrival time and reason
for lateness is recorded on our attendance tracking software.
There are occasions when parents require children to leave school before 3:00pm for a
particular reason. For reasons of safety, children are not allowed to leave the school
grounds during school hours unless a note of request from the parent/guardian, stating the
reason and specified time of leaving is written to the class teacher. The child must be
collected from school and be signed out by the office.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 12ASSEMBLIES
Formal assemblies are held to recognise and celebrate student achievements. They are
also an opportunity for classes and performing arts groups to showcase their work. K-6
assemblies are held fortnightly. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place assemblies are
held via Zoom.
ATTENDANCE
Electronic rolls are marked every morning at 9:00am. We attempt to send absence
notifications via your main family email address daily. Please note that this is a courtesy
service. We cannot guarantee that this will occur daily. Please email the school to provide
an explanation of your child/rens absence. The absence explanation should be provided
within 7 days of the absence. If an explanation is not provided within 7 days of the absence
the absence is marked unjustified.
If students arrive after 9:00am they are to sign in at the office and they are marked late on
the electronic roll.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 13AWARD LADDER
Our Award Ladder was introduced in 2014. Each time students earn 3 merit cards they
climb the ladder. Awards acquired from 2014 are eligible. Students earn merit cards for
following the three school expectations of being respectful, responsible and successful.
Badge
&
Level
Award
Principal’s
Award
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
Principal’s
Award
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
Principal’s
Award
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
Merit
Card
The Bronze Star is earned for the first ladder climb. The Silver Star is earned for the second ladder climb etc.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 14BAND
Students from Year 3 are eligible to join our School Band. The band caters for beginners
through to experienced students. We have four bands, a training band, a concert band, a
performance band and a jazz ensemble. Being a member of the school band requires a
commitment to attend rehearsals before and/or after school each week and instrument
tutorials.
BELL TIMES
Staff in attendance and playground supervision commences 8:30am
Class 9:00am
Recess 11:05am
Class 11:25am
Eating Time 12:45am
First half lunch 1:00pm
Second half lunch 1:20pm
Class 1:30pm
Home time 3:00pm
Bilgola Plateau Public School 15BEST START
Like all NSW schools, our school participates in the NSW Department of Education Best Start
Program. This is an individual assessment program for children upon entry to Kindergarten. It
provides information for teachers on each student’s current knowledge and experiences in
literacy and numeracy. This information will be used to develop quality teaching and
learning programs that support Kindergarten students in achieving expected outcomes.
Our Best Start assessment period is spread over a three day period from Friday 29 January
2021 to Tuesday 2 February 2021. Each Kindergarten student is allocated a 30 minute
appointment with their Kindergarten teacher. Your Best Start appointment will be
communicated over the holiday break.
BOOK CLUB
Book Club operates several times a year and offers a convenient way for your child to
select and purchase books that have been expertly selected to span a wide range of
interests and reading levels. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted order forms will be sent
home with your child. If you wish to make a purchase, simply select any books your child
would like and order and pay online. Orders are usually delivered within two weeks. In
addition to receiving useful teaching posters, our school receives complimentary books
and teaching resources from Book Club based on student orders.
BUS TRAVEL
To be eligible for a School Opal card, students need to be NSW residents and may need to
live a minimum distance from the school:
Years K-2 there is no minimum distance.
Years 3-6 1.6km straight line distance or 2.3km walking or further.
A new application is required if:
The student is just starting school or has not had a pass for travel before.
The student is progressing from Year 2 to 3.
The student is changing schools.
The student’s personal details have changed (e.g. address).
Applications must be made by a parent or guardian for children aged 15 years and under.
How to apply
Step 1 – Complete the application at:
www.opal.com.au/en/about-opal/opal-for-school-students/
Step 2 – Click on Apply for a School Opal Card.
Step 3 – Click on Apply Now and fill in online form.
Our school will then be sent an email to approve your application . Once approved,
Transport for NSW sends the School Opal card to the home address given in the
application.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 16CANTEEN
Our canteen is NSW’s first waste free canteen. All menu items are prepared onsite Monday
to Friday.
The canteen is managed by our Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) and is coordinated
by a paid supervisor with the assistance of canteen staff. Parent volunteers are welcome
when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Canteen crunch and sip, recess and lunch orders are made online via flexischools.com.au.
A COVID-19 menu is in place until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Visit flexischools.com.au
to register
The canteen is a member of the Canteen Federation of NSW and has been awarded with
gold accreditation and offers a wide variety of nutritious foods. It complies with the
guidelines established by the DoE. During the term, special lunch days are organised to
add variety to the menu.
CAMPS AND OVERNIGHT STAYS – YEARS 3 to 6
Each year we hold school camps or excursions that involve overnight stays. Camps are an
educational experience focused heavily on students developing enhanced social skills,
cooperation, teamwork and some independence in a setting away from home and
school. Camps are a valuable part of our school’s learning programs. Camps cost on
average between $200 and $550.
CAR ACCESS TO SCHOOL
Parents are asked to pick-up and drop-off children in Plateau Road with caution. Cars
(staff and delivery vehicles exempted) are not to be driven into the school grounds.
CARNIVALS
We hold 3 sporting carnivals each year. A Swimming Carnival for Years 3 to 6 students is
held early in Term 1 at the Warringah Aquatic Centre. A Cross Country Carnival is held for
students in Years 3-6 towards the end of Term 1. A School Athletics Carnival is held in Term 3
at the Sydney Academy of Sport.
Please note: To be eligible for Zone and Regional Carnivals a student must turn 8 in the year
of the event. Only Year 2 students who turn 8 and can swim 50 metres are eligible to attend
the school swimming carnival.
Successful students go onto our local Zone Carnival and may progress to Regional and
State Carnivals.
COMMUNICATION
Regular communication about school events occurs via our newsletter The Gumtree
Gazette, email and the Skoolbag App. The Skoolbag App is free and can be obtained
wherever you purchase apps on your phone. Don’t forget to enable push notifications
in’Groups’.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 17COUNSELLOR
School counsellors work with students, parents or carers and teachers in a variety of ways.
Their work includes:
counselling students
assessing students' learning and behaviour
assisting schools to identify and address disabilities that affect students' learning
liaising with other agencies concerned with the well-being of students.
School counsellors are members of schools' student welfare and learning support teams.
With the agreement of parents or carers, school counsellors will pass on to teachers,
information that will assist them to better meet the needs of their students. Parents or carers
may seek advice from school counsellors about their child's school progress, educational
options, including access to special education services, behaviour and for information
about help available from other agencies. Our school counsellor allocation is 2 days per
week.
CRUNCH AND SIP
All classes have a set time during the morning when students enjoy their 5 minute ‘Crunch
and Sip’ break to eat fruit and salad vegetables. The idea of ‘Crunch and Sip’ is to help
our students to re-fuel and boost their physical and mental performance and
concentration in the classroom. Each day students are asked to bring small pieces of fruit
or salad vegetables in a recyclable container to eat in the classroom. We also encourage
students to bring a recyclable drink container for water. Our ‘Crunch and Sip’ program has
had a positive impact on our students through:
Creating an enjoyable daily routine that increases fruit and vegetable intake.
Incorporating nutrition education into key learning areas of the curriculum.
Directly linking good eating habits with our school vegetable and fruit gardens.
CURRICULUM
The primary purpose of schooling is to provide wholistic education across the seven NSW
Board of Studies Learning Areas. The Learning Areas are:
English Physical Education / Personal Creative Arts (Art, Music,
Mathematics Development / Health Drama, Dance)
History Science and Technology Geography
Both the NSW Department of Education and NSW Board of Studies have detailed
information about the NSW Curriculum. A minimum of 50% of our school week is spent on
literacy and numeracy with the balance spent on a mix of other learning areas and some
extra curricular programs.
CUSTODY MATTERS
It is a requirement of enrolment that the school be notified of any legal/custody orders that
pertain to students. This includes any Family Law Court Orders or Apprehended Violence
Orders (AVOs). Schools have a prime responsibility to care for the welfare of students whilst
attending school and can refuse access to non-custodial parents if it is not in the best
interests of the child or in breach of Court Orders or Apprehended Violence Orders. It is
essential that the school is kept fully informed of all changes. You should contact the
Principal directly to discuss any legal matters.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 18DANCE
Junior (Years 3 & 4) and senior (Years 5 & 6) primary dance group lessons are held weekly
at times designated by our dance teachers, Mrs Turansky and Mrs Butcher. Our Dance
Groups perform at school concerts and festivals. Dance lessons are also incorporated into
K-2 PDHPE on a weekly basis in Terms 3 and 4 and are conducted by a visiting dance
teacher.
EMAIL CONTACT
Our school email address is bilgolapla-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Emails are checked daily but should not be relied upon for the delivery of messages that
are of an urgent nature or require a quick response. Please contact the school via
telephone in these circumstances. The school is unable to forward messages to students
that are not of an urgent nature. Arranging play dates etc. is the responsibility of parents
outside of school hours.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Having access to updated personal details for parents is critical in the event of
emergencies and illness of children. Please update Operoo when you change home or
work addresses, phone numbers or your emergency contacts change.
EXCURSIONS
Excursions are an integral part of the school’s educational program. All excursions relate
directly to the class teaching & learning program. Parental permission and payment is
necessary before a child can participate. Permission is collected via the Operoo App.
Students attending excursions should wear full school uniform unless otherwise directed. For
local walking excursions permission is sort in Term 1 to cover the whole year.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Family information is collected via enrolment and cross referenced via the Operoo App.
Operoo enables staff to contact parents or somebody nominated by them in the case of
illness / accident to the child. Operoo covers a range of medical conditions including
asthma, anaphylaxis etc. Additional information regarding Operoo can be found in the
Operoo section and also at the back of this Toolkit.
FEES
Fee schedules are distributed for each term detailing fees for excursions and school related
activities. Prompt settlement of these fees is appreciated. At the commencement of the
school year School Contribution and Library Fund fees are requested. The School
Contribution enables the school to continue extending our current range of programs and
resources. Library Fund is tax deductible and purchases books, equipment for the Library
and technology devices.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 19Also at the beginning of Term 1 each year, the P&C request payment of the P&C
Membership Fee and Building Fund. Your payment of the P&C Membership fee means the
P&C can help the school to buy more resources in subject areas. It will also help to pay for
band instruments and give the school flexibility to offer an even more diverse range of
services and activities. The P&C Building Fund is tax deductible and enables the P&C to
improve the school’s facilities.
FIRST DAY
Kindergarten 2021 will commence their schooling on Wednesday 3 February 2021. Each
child will be given a starting time. We intend to stagger arrival times by five minute intervals
to allow for a comfortable start. All Kindies will be in their new classes by 11:00am. You will
be notified of your child’s starting time before the end of the year. Your child will meet their
Year 6 buddy upon their arrival. Please refer to the Year 6 Buddies information.
HIGH POTENTIAL AND GIFTED EDUCATION POLICY
The school has a comprehensive policy to develop the talent of high potential and gifted
students. Identification processes occur throughout the year and we operate a range of
approaches to address the learning needs of high potential and gifted students, including:
clustering of students in classes; accelerated progression; curriculum differentiation and
enrichment activities.
Mrs Alison Lawrenson is our High Potential and Gifted Education contact.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 20HOMEWORK
Our Homework policy was updated in 2018. It is included at the back of this toolkit.
Homework is treated as an opportunity for students to take some responsibility for their
learning and complete tasks independently at home. Details about homework
expectations across the school are usually provided at the class information sessions at the
beginning of each year.
ILLNESSES
As part of our attendance and leave monitoring procedures it is expected that you notify
the school of any absence, regardless of its duration.
Please be aware that teachers are responsible carers for your child. You will be contacted
if they are concerned for your child’s health. We also advise you of any accident involving
an injury to the eye or a bump to the head. If your child has a serious illness please contact
us immediately.
LIBRARY
All students attend the library each week and the school library is open for lunchtime visits.
We encourage all our students to borrow weekly. Students are responsible for the safe
return of their library books from the time that they are issued at the Library. When a library
book goes missing, parents are asked to replace the book before a student can resume
borrowing.
Please ensure that your child has a labelled cloth library bag. You could make one or buy a
school library bag from the uniform shop. Borrowing is not permitted without a bag.
LOST PROPERTY
Parents are asked to label all items clearly, particularly lunchboxes, drink bottles and
garments that are occasionally removed such as hats, jackets, cardigans and jumpers.
Items are not lost if they are labelled clearly. Unidentifiable items are sent to the office.
MEDICATION
As a general rule medications are not administered at school for student illnesses.
Medications should be administered before and after school wherever possible. However,
should your child require medicine during the day, please complete the permission to
administer medication form. Children are only allowed to self-medicate Ventolin but
require an asthma plan to be completed. These are available on the school website.
Students requiring long term medication or the administration of asthma medication
require an Individual Health Care Plan / asthma plan to be developed and updated
annually.
If your child has a health condition requiring an Individual Health Care Plan you are
required to notify the school.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 21MEETING WITH TEACHERS
If you are puzzled or concerned about anything related to your child’s education please
consult their teacher. If you wish to speak at length with your child’s teacher, please make
arrangements to speak with them at a convenient time. This can be organised through the
office staff or via an email to the school. If you wish to seek further advice or the matter
cannot be resolved by the classroom teacher, please make an appointment with Mrs
Lawrenson our Kindergarten, Assistant Principal.
MOBILE PHONES & DEVICES (including smartwatches)
We understand that some students may have mobile phones or devices in their bags for
use after school. However, students are not permitted to use their mobile phones or devices
(including smartwatches) for any reason while they are on our school grounds. Mobile
phones and devices (including smartwatches) are to remain in their schoolbag. The school
takes no responsibility for the security of the mobile phone or device.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 22NEWSLETTER - THE GUMTREE GAZETTE
Our weekly newsletter is called The Gumtree Gazette. The Gumtree Gazette is the primary
point of communication with parents and is issued via the BPPS Skoolbag APP and emailed
at the end of each week. This informative bulletin keeps you up to date with events at the
school, excursion reminders and key issues affecting our school.
NO NUTS OR EGGS PLEASE
There are a few students at our school who are allergic to nuts and eggs. We ask that
parents are mindful of this and do not include any products containing nuts or eggs in
lunches or recess.
OPEROO
As a parent we will send you an email from the Operoo system inviting you to enter the
details for your child in an electronic medical form. From the school’s perspective, this
information will only be accessible by the relevant teacher(s) for your child. However, if you
choose, you will also be able to share this information with anyone else you trust with your
child's care - their grandparents, their child-minder, their sports club etc. Importantly, you
choose who accesses this information. You don’t need to do anything until you receive the
email requesting the information. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any
questions. You can also visit the Operoo website for more information: www.operoo.com
Parents can use a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone to enter the details including:
emergency contacts
medical contacts
medical checklist including asthma, allergies, seizures, diabetes
health and ambulance insurance details
notes and other care instructions from parents
and more…
Operoo is an electronic version of the paper-based forms we used to fill in for excursions,
camps, enrolments…and the like. It provides parents with the opportunity to update
medical information promptly and accurately while providing the school with instant
access to the emergency information provided by you. We utilise the Operoo app in the
best interests of the children whilst also reducing the burden on parents to fill out the same
information on multiple forms throughout the year. Additional information about Operoo is
provided within this guide.
You will be asked to join Operoo via email once your enrolment is activated in 2021.
PARENTS & CITIZENS (P&C) ASSOCIATION
P&C meeting times are advertised in The Gumtree Gazette. All parents are welcome to
attend to hear information about the operation of the school and to discuss ways in which
you can help. Visit the P&C Association page on our website for up-to-date information
about the activities of the P&C.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 23PENINSULA COMMUNITY OF SCHOOLS
Bilgola Plateau Public School belongs to the Peninsula Community of Schools (PCS) which is
a collaborative community consisting of three high schools, ten primary schools, TAFE and
Macquarie University. The PCS is a community of learners where students, staff, parents and
the wider community learn with and from each other. It optimizes the curriculum offering
opportunities for our students K to 12 and beyond. The PCS promotes quality teaching and
learning environments and supports innovative practice and thought.
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION
Our playground is directly supervised by a teacher from 8.30am each day. Children should
not arrive at school prior to 8.30am unless they are attending OOSH. Teachers are also on
duty at recess and at lunch time.
If a child does, on occasion, need to arrive a few minutes before 8.30am, then they are to
remain seated until the bell is rung by the duty teacher. On very wet mornings, children can
proceed to their classrooms at 8.30am. There is no playground supervision after school. All
students should leave the school grounds and go directly home. No child is to play on the
fixed equipment either before or after school.
POLICIES
Our school is a NSW Government School and is required to follow the policies and
procedures of the NSW Department of Education (DoE). In most circumstances the policies
of the NSW DoE are the policies of the school, these can be accessed on the NSW
Department of Education website.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 24RECESS AND LUNCH
Recess occurs at 11:05am daily. Recess provides the opportunity for a quick snack, toilet
break and a play in the playground with friends. Lunch occurs at 12:45pm daily. Students
eat with their classmates for 10 minutes then venture to the playground to play.
Tips:
Drink flasks, particularly when frozen, expand and leak. Wrap the flask in a towel. Please
label the flask.
Lunchboxes can be hard to open and close. If you chose to use a lunchbox please
label both the lid and the container.
Pack small lunches at first.
Please put recess in a small labelled snack box separate from lunch items so the
container can be easily taken out for recess.
Encourage your child to participate in the packing of their bags so they know what they
are bringing to school.
Cut a nick into packets to enable your child to open them independently.
Please be considerate of our environment and try to minimise excess packaging.
No cans or glass bottles please.
It is important for your child to have plenty to drink during the day, especially during the
warmer months. It is advisable to include a bottle of water that may be refilled
throughout the day.
All lunches should be provided in a secure lunchbox with minimal packaging as part of our
school sustainability efforts. Please ensure your child is able to independently open all parts
of their lunch. Please note we are unable to heat or cool any lunches for students.
Children will be asked to take uneaten lunch home. This gives you some idea of how much
food your child is eating.
Lunches may be purchased from the canteen by placing an order before 8.55am. Our
canteen encourages families to order online through the Flexischools website
www.flexischools.com.
Remember that we have students with life-threatening allergies to nuts, sesame, fish and
eggs. Parents are asked to be allergy aware and to avoid sending lunches which contain
common allergens.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 25RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION & ETHICS CLASSES
Scripture classes which occur once each week for a period of 30 minutes, begining in
Week 4, Term 1 for all children. Ethics classes are offered to some grades based on the
availability of volunteer ethics teachers. If you no longer wish your child to attend the
scripture class to which they have been allocated, you are required to put your request for
change in writing.
RFF – RELEASE FROM FACE TO FACE
All teachers are entitled to two hours RFF (Release from Face to Face) to plan for their
classes. While teachers are planning during their RFF time students participate in activities
such as, Library with Mrs Farrugia and PE with Mrs Taurins. You will be informed of your child’s
PE and Library days at the commencement of 2021.
SCHOOL BAGS
School bags can be purchased from the Uniform Shop. Please label your child’s bag with
their name and class on the inside and a distinctive picture, transfer, or tag on the outside.
SCHOOL DEVLOPMENT DAYS
The first two days of Term 1 and the first day of Terms 2 and 3 are school development or
pupil free days. These days provide an opportunity for staff to discuss and implement
curriculum initiatives as outlined by the Department of Education. We ask that parents
organise to have their children supervised on these days.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
At Bilgola Plateau Public School we have three expectations we ask our students to follow.
These are:
1. Be Responsible
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Successful
We call them expectations rather than rules as we are encouraging our students to think
about their actions and take responsibility for the choices they make.
Students who behave in ways that are unsafe, disrespectful or disrupt learning follow a
series of steps focused on ensuring students understand the expectations, why we have
them and how to better manage problems.
Consequences for breaching expectations can vary depending on a range of
circumstances but can include time out, restoration, counselling or more formal steps
including loss of privileges, formal ‘time-out’ and parent interviews.
Our wellbeing approach is underpinned by positive behavioural philosophy. This approach
focuses on recognising students who are meeting our expectations – a focus on the
positive! Students are acknowledged for following the expectations in a number of ways.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 26SCHOOL PHOTOS
School photographs are taken annually in Term1.
SKOOLBAG APP
The Skoolbag App was introduced in 2016. It provides an instant messaging service to all
families who have downloaded it on their smart phones. It is a free service provided by the
school to allow us to communicate with you quickly about daily happenings, events,
changes in routine and emergencies. The app can be downloaded by searching for
Bilgola wherever you download your apps. Please don’t forget to enable push notifications
in’Groups’.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The school holds a series of special events each year. These may include Seniors’ Day, Book
Week, Open Day during Education Week, Literacy and Numeracy Week, NAIDOC Week
and Science Week. We also celebrate Easter, Christmas and various charity days. All
school events are advertised on the online school calendar and updates are provided in
The Gumtree Gazette. While COVID-19 restrictions have been in play we have involved
parents virtually we look forward to welcoming parents, relatives and friends to these
events when restrictions are lifted.
SPORT
It is a NSW Board of Studies requirement that all students participate in a minimum of 2
hours of sport and physical activity each week. Bilgola Plateau Public School runs a
comprehensive and varied sporting program which includes:
Stage & grade based sport activities
Weekly PE lessons
Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics)
Friday Sport Years 3-6
Sport PSSA Years 4-6
In summer Years 4 to 6 girls and boys can choose to try out for t-ball, tag, softball and
cricket. In winter Years 4 to 6 girls and boys may choose to try out for netball, football AFL
or rugby league.
SUN SAFETY
Our school uniform policy requires all children to wear our broad brimmed school hat
during outside play and sport periods. Children who do not wear their school hat are
required to sit in the shade. Please make certain your child’s name is clearly marked in
laundry marker under the brim or inside the crown to help reduce loss.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 27UNIFORMS
Our school and community have a Uniform Policy which requires all students to wear the
correct school uniform. The uniform includes our mandatory school hat and polishable
black shoes. A copy of our uniform code is included at the back of this toolkit. We have a
"No School Hat Sit in the Shade" policy in force.
WET WEATHER
On wet days all children should bring a rain coat. Please note that umbrellas are not to be
brought to school as they can be dangerous if used inappropriately. On very wet mornings,
children can proceed to their classrooms at 8.30am.
YEAR 6 BUDDIES
In the early weeks of school, Year 6 students will assist your child with morning tea and lunch
routines, shoelaces, guide them around the school and help them adapt to school routines.
Please be mindful that these buddies are also children and are not meant to take your
place, but to be a friendly face for the children at school. As Kindergarten become more
familiar and confident at our school regular intervention from the Year 6 buddies is phased
out. Kindergarten will continue to interact with their buddies throughout the year with
activities such as buddy reading and Easter hat construction. Your child will meet their
buddy when they arrive at school on Wednesday 3 February 2021.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 28Transition to Kindergarten 2021
The Needs of Kindergarten Children
The needs of Kindergarten children fall into four categories:
1. Social
2. Emotional
3. Physical
4. Intellectual
The social needs are opportunities to:
Feel part of the social group
Use initiative and be self-directed
Work, play and interact with different groups in various settings
Be involved in activities free from stereotyping
Develop social skills and relationships
The emotional needs are:
Positive self-image, self-esteem and self confidence
Strong feelings of trust and security
Love, understanding and acceptance
Positive attitudes towards school and learning
Support in transition from home or preschool to school
Support and guidance in dealing appropriately with feelings
The physical needs are:
Adequate nutrition
Adequate sleep
Activity and rest
A safe and healthy environment
Guidance in developing and maintaining a healthy body
Opportunities for gross motor developments, e.g. climbing, jumping, balancing
Opportunities for fine motor development, e.g. drawing, cutting, pasting, threading…
The intellectual needs are opportunities for kindergarten children to communicate,
investigate and express themselves through:
Play
Exploring the environment
Sensory experiences
Informal interaction with others (parents, peers, teachers and the community)
Role play
Participation in activities that involve first hand experiences
Interaction in a variety of situations for a variety of purposes
The reactions and responses of others
Motivation, stimulation and the opportunity to try new things
Having the confidence to persevere
Bilgola Plateau Public School 29Key Foundation – Self-regulation
The key foundational ability before entering school is self-regulation as it feeds into so
many other higher level skills needed for school. Self-regulation is the ability to understand
and manage your behaviour and your reactions to feelings and things happening
around you. Self-regulation includes being able to:
regulate reactions to emotions like frustration or excitement,
calm down after something exciting or upsetting,
focus on a task,
refocus attention on a new task,
control impulses, and
learn behaviour that helps you get along with other people.
Self-regulation helps your child:
learn at school – because self-regulation gives your child the ability to sit and listen in
the classroom,
behave in socially acceptable ways – because self-regulation gives your child the
ability to control impulses,
make friends – because self-regulation gives your child the ability to take turns in games,
share toys and express emotions in appropriate ways,
become more independent – because self-regulation gives your child the ability to
make good decisions about their behaviour and learn how to behave in new situations
with less guidance from adults, and
manage stress – because self-regulation helps your child learn that they can cope with
strong feelings and gives them the ability to calm themselves down after getting angry
or upset.
How to facilitate the development of self-regulation:
co-regulation, co-regulation is defined as warm and responsive interactions that
provide the support, coaching, and modeling children need to understand, express,
and modulate their thoughts, feelings and behaviours,
helping your child move through emotions and situations,
talking about the change in their body when they feel upset and then helping them
through it with having a calm space at home and options for calming activities.
facilitate physical activity,.
avoid technology unless meaning parent interaction is incorporated
Bilgola Plateau Public School 30Social / Emotional Skills Checklist
Name: _________________________ Date of Birth: _______________
Circle the number that is most representative of your child’s behaviour. The blue skills are related
specifically to self-regulation.
Not descriptive or true Moderately descriptive or true Very descriptive or true
1…………………….2……………………….3………………………4…………………………5
INTERACTION SKILLS
Pays attention when spoken to_______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Responds / answers when spoken to__________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Maintains eye contact_______________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Speaks in an acceptable tone of voice_______________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Initiates conversation________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Asks others to play in an appropriate manner_________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Accepts consequences of own behaviour without becoming upset/angry_____ 1 2 3 4 5
Expresses / shows pleasure when experiencing success________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
CLASSROOM SKILLS
Sits quietly___________________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Pays attention to teacher____________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Follows directions____________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Understands simple instructions_______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Follows established routines__________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Requests help in an appropriate manner______________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Fine motor skills level (low 1…..high 5)_________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Continues to try when something is difficult____________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Bilgola Plateau Public School 31Can work independently_____________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Can work in a group setting__________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
GETTING ALONG SKILLS
Uses polite words such as please and thank you______________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Allows others to use or borrow something that belongs to them________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Accepts not being chosen first_______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Deals with being left out of an activity without becoming upset________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Takes the initiative to assist others when they need help________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Uses physical contact with others in an acceptable manner___________________ 1 2 3 4 5
FRIENDSHIP SKILLS
Can introduce themselves___________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Initiates conversation with peers______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Takes turns talking and listening_______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Seeks out others to interact with______________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Gives compliments__________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Tolerates contact with others________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
COPING SKILLS
Accepts making mistakes without becoming upset____________________________1 2 3 4 5
Can find another activity when not allowed to join a group’s play______________1 2 3 4 5
Expresses anger by telling someone they are angry, not hurting them___________1 2 3 4 5
Walks away when someone tries to hurt them or fight__________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Bilgola Plateau Public School 32PLAYING GAMES / ACTIVITES
Is able to ask appropriately to join in__________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Participates without hurting others____________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Follows rules when playing games____________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Can take turns_______________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Is able to share______________________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Accepts winning in an acceptable manner___________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Is able to accept losing without getting too upset or angry____________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Can select a game or activity________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Packs away all equipment used for an activity________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Accepts that time is up______________________________________________________ 1 2 3 4 5
Bilgola Plateau Public School 33Functional Skills Checklist for Starting Kindergarten
This checklist, although not exhaustive, can help to guide you in preparing your child for
school. It is best to look at the items included as goals towards which to aim. This sample of
skills is suitable for most children starting Kindergarten. Starting school may just be a little
easier if your child has acquired these skills. Encourage your child to attempt the things
mentioned below, but don't worry if your child can't do all of them. Remember that all
children are unique. They grow and develop at different rates - and no one thing
guarantees that a child is ready for school.
Independence Skills
My child: Yes No
Uses the toilet independently
Can put on and take off jumpers, shoes and socks independently
Unfastens zippers, buttons and velcro tabs
Packs own bag without assistance
Can wipe their nose
Can sit and listen to a story
Can say own name, address and telephone number
Is curious about the world
Adapts to unfamiliar settings and new experiences
Plays cooperatively with other children
Can finish a task and tidies up afterwards
Can be responsible for own belongings
Asks for help when needed
You can help by:
Encouraging your child to be confident and curious enough to explore and try new
things
Helping them to become more independent
Giving your child many opportunities to be with other children and encourage
cooperation
Helping your child to complete tasks (for example, picking up own toys)
Allowing your child to assist with daily household chores
Giving your child some responsibilities within your home
Encouraging your child to listen, then follow simple instructions
Bilgola Plateau Public School 34Physical skills
My child: Yes No
Can jump with two feet together
Can manipulate small objects
Enjoys a variety of indoor and outdoor play
Uses a variety of objects (thick pens, thick pencils, thick textas…) to
draw, scribble or write
Uses the correct pencil grip
Makes attempts at writing own name
Uses scissors
Shows a hand preference
Can run and skip
Makes and designs things using a variety of materials
You can help by:
Ensuring your child has good hearing and vision. If in doubt get them tested.
Providing a balanced diet
Ensuring your child gets plenty of rest
Providing opportunities for your child to run, jump, play outdoors and do other activities
that help develop large muscles and provide exercise
Encourage your child to draw pictures, colour, paint and play with jigsaw puzzles and
do other activities that help develop small muscles.
To strengthen your child’s fine motor co-ordination (hands) encourage them to play
with play dough. This is a very important pre-writing activity.
Helping your child to write their name with a capital letter at the beginning
Bilgola Plateau Public School 35Language Skills
My child: Yes No
Talks to other people about familiar objects
Speaks confidently and clearly
Makes needs known
Joins in singing familiar songs
Follows simple instructions
Can solve simple problems
Answers and asks simple questions
Identifies pictures in books, magazines and an event on television
Listens to stories
Recognises their name
Speaks clearly and demonstrates age appropriate language skills
You can help by:
Reading to your child every day!
Giving your child access to books and other reading materials
Giving opportunities for drawing and 'writing'
Encouraging your child to hold pencils with the correct grip
Encouraging your child to ask questions
Encouraging your child to solve simple problems independently
Talking about similarities and differences
Providing experiences such as, shopping trips and excursions so that children will have a
background for reading to relate to.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 36Thinking Skills
My child: Yes No
Approaches tasks in a logical way
Knows basic geometric shapes and colours
Has some understanding of time and motion
Identifies things in a group that are different (different colours, shapes etc)
Can follow at least 3 verbal directions in correct sequence
Can complete puzzles
Recognises that numbers are used to count
Knows directional and positional concepts
Concentrates and listens to a story
Can answer simple questions and recall events of a story
Can arrange events in sequence from first to last
Differentiates between opposites
Counts objects to 10
You can help by:
Encouraging your child to sort and classify things
Encouraging counting in your child's everyday life (e.g. counting as you walk up steps)
Playing counting games
Playing games that involve matching pieces and doing jigsaws together
Helping your child to identify common shapes in everyday things
Helping your child learn basic directions such as on top of, in front of etc.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 37NSW Foundation Handwriting and Pencil Grip
Foundation handwriting is used in New South Wales schools.
Pencil Grip
Please encourage children to use the correct grip.
Bilgola Plateau Public School 38Ten Tips for Making the Transition to Kindergarten a Little
Easier
1. Be enthusiastic about the upcoming change. If you are excited and confident, your
child will be too.
2. Arrange a play date with another child from the program, preferably one on one, so
that your child will see a familiar face when they walk in.
3. Start daily routines that will add to continuity. Let your child become involved with
packing lunch or laying out clothes. Also, begin an earlier bedtime several weeks
before.
4. Practise eating lunch.
Have lunch outside in your garden every now and again so your Kindy child can
get used to eating outdoors.
Practise eating from a lunchbox. Little fingers will need plenty of practice in
opening and closing lunchboxes, drink bottles and also those tricky lunch
wrappers.
If possible try to get your child into a routine of a morning tea break at 11:00 am
(recess) and a lunch break at 12:40 pm (lunch). It may be helpful to encourage
toileting around these times as well.
5. Have your Kindy child practice dressing and undressing.
Little fingers will need lots of practise and confidence with manipulating the
buttons, zippers, buckles and laces on their uniforms.
Wear in new school shoes around the house.
6. Give your Kindy child practice with recognising their name.
7. Ensure everything is labelled.
8. Ensure children are confident with going to the toilet on their own.
9. Put aside extra time, particularly on the first day, for chatting and communicating
together. But remember not to prolong the goodbye. If the child whines or clings,
staying will only make it harder.
10. Prepare your child for learning by reading to them everyday. Modelling is an
important part of learning
Bilgola Plateau Public School 39You can also read
