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, we understand that starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for children and their families. Our Kindergarten Transition Program begins in Term 2 through Berala’s Little Buddies, providing opportunities for children to become familiar with our school, build confidence and develop a sense of belonging before starting Kindergarten.
Following enrolment, families will be contacted by the school to arrange an interview with a member of our staff. This is an opportunity to get to know your child, discuss their individual needs and experiences, and answer any questions you may have about starting school. Families will also be offered a school tour and information about Berala’s Little Buddies program.
We encourage all children preparing to start Kindergarten at Berala Public School to attend at least one Berala’s Little Buddies session to support a positive transition to school. These experiences help children become familiar with school routines, build connections with other children and staff, and feel more comfortable and confident as they prepare for their first year of school.
Our goal is for every child and family to feel welcomed, supported and ready to begin their learning journey at Berala Public School.
Berala’s Little Buddies is our school-based transition program, designed to help children develop the confidence, skills and connections needed for a positive start to Kindergarten.
The program begins in Term 2, with weekly sessions held on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. From Term 4, two session times are available to provide additional opportunities for children to participate.
During sessions, children engage in a range of purposeful and enjoyable activities that support fine and gross motor development, creative expression through craft, and early literacy through shared reading. Children also have opportunities to connect with our friendly Year 5 buddies, helping them build relationships and develop a sense of belonging within the Berala Public School community.
Through play, exploration and shared experiences, Berala’s Little Buddies helps children become familiar with the school environment and begin developing the confidence and skills that support their transition to Kindergarten.
We encourage all children enrolled to commence Kindergarten at Berala Public School to attend at least one session throughout the year.
For further information or to enrol your child in Berala’s Little Buddies, please contact 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.