FAQ's

Children who have a positive start to school are likely to engage and experience ongoing academic and social success. The Department of Education has some helpful resources and information to assist this smooth transition to Kindergarten.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/primary-schools/starting-school

Q: What day does my child start school?

A: Your Kindergarten child will have their first full day of school on Monday, 1st February, 2021.

Q: When are the Best Start Interviews?

A: You will be notified by mail of the date and time of your child's Best Start Literacy interview. The Best Start Numeracy interviews will take place in the first few weeks of school, during school hours.

Q: What are bell times in a school day?

A: Please see the bell times below in a school day at Glenbrook Public School:

9:10am Morning School Bell

Morning Session Begins

11:10am Recess Bell (Eating time 10 minutes, then 15 minutes play)

11:35am End of Recess

Middle Session Begins

1:05pm Lunch Time (Eating time 10 minutes, then 40 minutes play)

1:55pm End of Lunchtime

Afternoon Session Begins

3:10pm School finishes and students are walked to the gate to be picked up, to catch the bus or walked to FunKids After School Care.

Q. What does my child need to bring to school?

A. Students in Kindergarten do not need a pencil case or any stationary, as this is provided by the school. If your child receives one leading up to starting school we suggest you keep it at home to be used for Homework.

In addition all children will need to bring their own library bag and a paint shirt. A long sleeved, elastic neck shirt is preferred to protect uniforms from paint and glue.

Your child will need to bring their lunch in a lunchbox as well as a drink bottle filled with water for them to access during the day. Please include an additional piece of fruit or vegetable in your child's lunch box, so they can enjoy this during our morning Crunch and Sip time. Please make sure lunch box and containers are clearly labelled with your child’s name and that they know how to open and close it correctly.

Q. What do I do if my child is absent?

A. It is a legal requirement that any student absences are explained. This may be done via a phone call or email to the school, or a note upon returning to school. In Kindergarten, we do appreciate a phone call or email on the day, as we do worry about them.

Q What do I do if my child arrives late or needs to leave early?

A. Any student that arrives after the class has entered the classroom in the morning, is required to enter via the front office to be signed in electronically. The child will be given a late note slip to be given to the class teacher. If a child needs to leave prior to 3:10pm, parents are required to organise this with the Administration Staff at the front office. If you are aware of a late arrival or early leaving prior to the day, please write a note to the teacher informing them of this change. Parents will still need to go to the front office to have an early leaver slip completed.

Q. How can I help in the classroom?

A. Parent helpers are valued and encouraged in Kindergarten. Assisting with Literacy first thing in the morning is the primary way for parents to become involved. Due to current COVID visitor restrictions, we are unable to have parents in our classrooms but we do hope this will again be possible for Kindergarten 2021.

Before parents can begin they are required by the NSW Department of Education to complete a Working With Children's Check. This document can be easily completed at the front office, where you will be asked to show photo identification to the School Admin staff. Parents are required to sign in as a volunteer each time they help in the classroom.

Q. What can I do when it’s my child’s birthday?

A. Birthdays are a wonderful celebration and children love to share their special day with their classmates. It is not expected that students bring food in to share with other students, however, we realise that some parents wish to send a treat in for the class. We would request that if this is the case you would send cupcakes or a small treat for each student in your child’s class. Please speak to the classroom teacher prior to the day to organise a place for the cupcakes to be stored and to ensure there are no students with allergies who may be affected. Due to current COVID restrictions, we are unable to bring food in to share, however, as soon as these restrictions are lifted, we can go back to offering these birthday treats.

Q. What do I do if I am running late in the afternoon?

A. If you are running late please notify the Office by calling 4739 1288 or 47391274 before 3:10pm and they will let the teacher know. Please be aware that teachers have many commitments after school and are not able to stay with your child for very long. If you have not arrived within 10 minutes of your notified late arrival they will be taken down to the Office where they can be collected.

Q. How do I communicate with the class teacher?

A. Teachers are available to meet with parents in regards to any concerns or issues they may have with their child’s academic progress, social situations or changes in the family that may be affecting their learning. The best way to make an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher is to email the school, or to phone and make the appointment through the school office.

Your child's teacher will give you communication details early on in the Kindergarten year so you will have these details.

Q. What do I do if I have a concern about my child's learning?

A. Your child's class teacher is the first person to talk to if you have concerns about your child's progress in key learning areas or social and emotional development. At times, these concerns are elevated to the learning support team to discuss opportunities for extra support, learning adjustments or interventions. The learning support team consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, School counsellor, learning support teachers and school learning support officers. Learning and support meetings are held fortnightly to discuss new student referrals and monitor the progress of students receiving support.

Q. How do I make payments?

A. The preferred mode of payment for school events and excursions is online through the school's website. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the school office who will be more than happy to assist.

Q. What happens if my child needs to take medication at school?

A. If at any stage your child is required to take medication during school hours, please visit the school office to provide the medication and complete a form authorising staff to appropriately administer the medication.

Q. How do I change my details?

A. Please contact the school office with any changes to family circumstances, address, contact and emergency contact details.

Q. How do I find out what is happening in our school?

A. Our school website is a hub of information and should be your first port of call to find out what's happening in the school. Our fortnightly newsletter is located on the school website. When you sign up to ENews, you will be notified of any updates and changes that are happening within the school. Our school Facebook page is another mode of communication and provides school updates and links from the Department of Education.