Kindergarten
Starting a new school is a big step. We're here to help make the transition a smooth and positive experience for every student and their family.
We offer comprehensive transition programs for new children and their families enrolling at our school. These events and activities are designed to help you feel part of our community and connect with our staff and other families. The program will also build your familiarity with how our school operates, our very special school culture, learning programs and our amazing facilities.
Read the Getting ready for primary school guide for detailed tips and checklists.
Before your child starts Kindergarten
At Berala Public School, our Kindergarten Transition Days are an important part of helping children and families feel confident and excited about starting school. These sessions are designed to introduce our future students to the school environment, their teachers, and new classmates in a supportive and engaging way. During transition days, children take part in fun learning activities, explore the classrooms and playgrounds, and begin to learn the routines that will help them settle smoothly into school life.
The purpose of our transition program is to ensure every child feels a strong sense of belonging and readiness for the start of Kindergarten. It also provides families with valuable information about school life at Berala Public School and an opportunity to connect with our staff and community. By the time the school year begins, our aim is for every child to feel comfortable, confident, and excited to begin their learning journey with us.
After completing enrolment for your child at Berala Public School, set them up for a successful transition to school by participating in a 3-day Kindergarten Transition program. Over the course of three weeks, your child will have the opportunity to attend three fun and engaging sessions in our Kindergarten classrooms. Children will be able to meet the teachers and play with other children starting school the following year.
Session 1 - 9:15-10:45am
Children will spend time in the Kindergarten classrooms participating in fine motor skill activities and creating a small project to take home. At the same time, parents are invited to attend our Parent Expo in the school hall, where we will showcase some of the wonderful programs and learning opportunities available at Berala Public School.
Session 2 - 9:15am -10:45am
Children will spend time in the Kindergarten classrooms completing a fun literacy activity to take home, while parents enjoy a morning tea and collect their Transition to School information packs.
Session 3 - 9:15am -10:45am
Students will participate in a numeracy activity within the Kindergarten classrooms and take their work home to share with their families.
Berala’s Little Buddies is our new Transition to School program, running every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15–10:45am. This program is designed to help children build confidence and feel prepared for starting school.
Students take part in a range of engaging activities that support fine and gross motor development, creative craft, and early literacy through shared reading. They are also supported by our friendly Year 5 buddies, helping to foster a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
For further information or to enrol, please enquire at the school office.
Getting ready at home
- Initiate and sustain a conversation with adults and other children.
- Speak clearly and audibly and maintain eye contact.
- Speak without shouting or whispering.
- Understand requests and seek clarification.
- Carry out three directions in sequence.
- Talk reciprocally with peers and take part in conversation.
- Listen attentively and answer questions in a group situation.
- Recognise own first name.
- Hold a pencil in an appropriate grip.
- Draw recognisable pictures of people.
- Complete puzzles.
- Use scissors.
- Name primary and secondary colours.
- Attempt to solve problems independently.
- Describe concepts e.g big/small, more/less, same/different.
- Concentrate on a story being told in a group setting.
- Move about confidently at preschool.
- Manage changes in the environment independently, e.g stairs,
- obstacles, uneven ground.
- Understand spatial concepts, e.g up/down, left/right.
- Catch and throw a ball with a partner.
- Kick a ball.
- Play actively with friends.
- Understand the need for safety, e.g roads, heights.
What to expect in Kindergarten
Learning and development
Kindergarten follows the NSW curriculum. Children build early skills in literacy, numeracy, creative arts, health and physical activity, science and technology. Learning through play also supports social, emotional and academic growth.
Daily routines
Children learn routines such as morning arrival, snack and lunch breaks, lining up, using bubblers and moving safely around the school. Teachers guide children as they settle in, but practising at home helps.
Best Start Assessment
At the start of the year, all Kindergarten children take part in the Best Start Assessment. This is a friendly, one-on-one activity where teachers learn about your child’s literacy and numeracy skills. It is not a test and needs no preparation.