Smart Start is a programme offered to all future five year-olds and their parents, who are enrolled to start at Parkland School.  Smart Start will give you and your child an informative, hands-on, fun-filled introduction to Parkland School, to ensure a smooth transition for your child.                                                                                  

Smart Start will give you both an opportunity to:                                                    

• Become familiar with school routines
• Take part in educational activities and learning
• Become familiar with the school grounds and the classroom setting
• Meet other future five year-olds and their families 
• Build relationships with the teachers

 
The Smart Start Programme

The Smart Start Programme consists of a range of activities and experiences designed to give you and your child an idea of what to expect when they begin school and also prepare them for the learning that takes place in a New Entrant Classroom.

Smart Start Activities and Experiences:

• Finding and writing their own name
• Songs - action/movement
• Alphabet recognition, sounds and formation
• Letter and word of the week
• Alphabet activity e.g. Bb-blowing bubbles, Jj-Jiggling Jellyfish, Pp-Paper Plate Pirates
• Poems and rhymes
• Big Book or story for developing listening skills and book knowledge
• Reading - developing early reading skills
• Word cards - recognising basic words and making sentences e.g. I am ..., Look at Mum, Here is ...
• Counting, number recognition, number rhymes
• Boundary walk around the school
• Fitness Circuit, Foundation Skills

Each week you child will receive activities to take home to share and practise with you, such as:         

• A poem
• A reading book
• A word pack
• A Numeracy bag

What you need to know

Where? - One of the Junior Classrooms

When? - Wednesday afternoons 1:40 - 2:55

Teacher? -  Junior Team Leader or New Entrant Teacher

How long before children can start? - Children are able to be involved in the programme for up to a term (10 weeks) before they are to start school.  You will be sent a letter a few weeks before your child will be due to start Smart Start, please fill in the form at the bottom and return it to school to confirm your child's enrolment in the programme.

Adult Involvement? - All Children must be accompanied by an adult (preferably a parent) for insurance purposes.

Other pre-schoolers? - It is preferred that other pre-schoolers do not attend, unless prior arrangements are made.

Do I have to attend every session? - We feel that maximum benefits will be gained by regular attendance over the weeks (unless they are sick) though attendance is not compulsory.


If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the school.

                   We look forward to meeting you and your future five year-old!