Kindergarten 2024 First Day of School Tuesday 6 February 2024 9:30am.
At this stage our Kindergarten 2024 students will commence school Tuesday 6 February at 9:30 am.
Students will be invited to attend their Best Start interview preceding their start date.
Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5, on or before 31 July that year. By law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.
When your child starts school is an individual decision. We advise you to speak with your child's early education setting about your child's school readiness.
More Information about school readiness can be found in the Preparing for School tab on our Gordon West Kindergarten google site.
Please forward this to our school office staff to pass along to our Kindergarten team.
Families are invited to visit our virtual school tour by accessing the Gordon West section of our website.
Please bring the following items clearly labelled with your child's name.
Hat
Drink bottle
Small snack
Students are asked to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for play, this includes safe shoes and a hat.
Students do not need to wear a school uniform but may choose to if they like.
No. Parents and carers will be advised of student classes when starting school in 2024.
To facilitate Best Start Interviews at Gordon West we ask that families complete a Best Start Preference Form indicating preferred times.
Students do not need any preparation prior to their interview.
Parents and carers can find out more by accessing the Best Start section of our website.
Best Start Interviews are held during the first three days of Term 1.
Students will only need to attend for their allocated time slot.
Parents and carers will be invited to nominate their preferred day and time using the Kindergarten Best Start Preference form.
Interview time slots will then be allocated and distributed via parents nominated email address in late December.
School starts at 9:10am and finishes at 3:10pm.
You can drop your child to school from 8.45am when a teacher is on playground duty.
Please be on time to collect your child. It can be very upsetting for children if their family member is late to collect them.
Please see the Gordon West Handbook for more information.
During first term, teachers meet with parents at an information evening. The purpose of this session is for parents to gain an understanding of the teachers’ expectations and class programs for the school year.
Parent-teacher interviews are usually held at the end of term 1. These are designed to discuss how your child has settled into Kindergarten at Gordon West.
Written reports are sent home twice each year, one towards the end of second term and another at the end of fourth term. The reports are designed to keep parents informed of their child’s progress across key learning areas as well as to provide information about children’s work habits.
Formal Reporting Timeline
End of Term 1: K-6 Interviews with class teachers
Mid Year: Semester 1 reports
End of Year: K-6 written reports with interviews where necessary
Teachers will contact families when and if required throughout the school year.
All parents should feel free to make appointments at any time with the class teacher if they have any concerns regarding their children.
While our staff are very happy to speak with you, for important matters we ask that appointments are made via the school office in order for us to give your concern our full attention.
Appointments can be made by contacting the school office.
At Gordon West we provide many internal and external extra curricular opportunities.
K - 2 students are encouraged to develop their playground and friendship skills before joining in extra curricular opportunities.
Lunch Clubs - K - 6, varies yearly according to teacher availability
PSSA - Summer and Winter opportunities for students in Years 3 - 6
Choir - Years 5 and 6
Dance - Year 6
Debating and Public Speaking - Year 6
Math Olympiad - Year 6
For external opportunities such as band, mandarin lessons and tennis please contact specific providers by contacting the school office.
Families will be advised of their child's class during their Best Start Interview session.
Please note on occasion this can be subject to unavoidable changes.
Students are allocated classes based on many factors including class make up, wellbeing and social emotional considerations.
Please be assured we work hard to ensure the best placement for each student.
At Gordon West our Early Stage 1 team work closely together to follow the same teaching and learning programs in all Kindergarten classrooms.
Starting primary school can be a daunting task for students and parents alike!
Talking about starting school is one of the best ways we can prepare our students for school, parents are encouraged to visit the Preparing for School section of our website for a range of videos, websites and resources to assist you in preparing your child for school.
At Gordon West we have developed a range of resources for you to use with your child when preparing for school, please visit the Student Portal to access.
At Gordon West we have a very active parent community and we welcome parents and carers throughout the year to assist with many special events and classroom activities.
Please monitor the school newsletter and notes home for more information, we will communicate clearly to parents when volunteers are required.
You are welcome to place a lunch or recess order for your child any day of the week through the Flexischools application. Recess and lunch orders will be collected by class helpers and delivered to the classroom, where the teacher will distribute the orders.
Please see the uniform and canteen section for more information.
Please ensure you contact the school office with all details.
It is important all staff are equipped to support your child as needed, should a medical emergency occur.
Incoming families are welcome to select any exisiting Kindergarten class or New Starter for their order.
Our uniform shop coordinator will contact you when your order is ready for collection.