At Nakara Preschool we engage the Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes of the “National Early Years Learning Framework”.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) focuses on creating a learning program that builds on children’s interests and abilities. It involves the process of identifying children’s interests, strengths and needs through observations, interactions and communication with families. This information is then used to design the learning environment and choose
appropriate teaching strategies.
The EYLF describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming:
• Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of relationships they form with their family, community, culture and place.
• Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and
children need time to just ‘be’ – time to play, try new things and have fun.
• Becoming is about the learning and development that young children
experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.
To support the EYLF vision for learning
there are five learning outcomes:
- Children have a strong sense of identity.
- Children are connected with and
contribute to their world. - Children have a strong sense of
wellbeing. - Children are confident involved learners.
- Children are effective communicators.
The learning environment is set up to encourage imaginative play, manipulative play and experimentation. Play is one of the most valuable learning experiences for young children. It is through play that children are guided to develop new skills and understanding. At Nakara
Preschool children are encouraged to make choices, are allowed to make mistakes and are given many opportunities to practice new skills and acquire knowledge.
If you are interested in seeking more information on the EYLF please speak with your child’s teacher.
Preschool Enrolment
Link to Nakara enrolment page for enrolment forms and information
Preschool Timetable 2024
It is important that children arrive at preschool on time so that they may participate fully in the daily routines at the start of each session. It is equally important that they be collected promptly at the end of each session so that staff may eat their lunch, plan and prepare for the next session or promptly attend staff and unit meetings.
Parents and children are to arrive and depart the preschool via the sliding glass doors at the rear of the building. It is mandatory that you sign your child in and out for every session.
Library
Children may borrow a book from the library twice each week. Library bags are necessary and are available from the Nakara Primary School office for $10.00 each. Alternatively, you may wish to provide your child with their own library bag. If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, then we
ask that you either replace the book or pay the cost of its replacement.
Voluntary Contributions
Preschool Parent contributions are accepted and greatly appreciated. These contributions are put towards meeting the costs of providing our high-quality preschool programme. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit the Nakara Primary School front office and let the staff know you are contributing to the preschool. The suggested contribution is $60 / term.
Progression to Nakara Primary School
Nakara Primary School has one intake into Transition at the beginning of the school year. Children eligible for this intake are those who are already 5 or who will turn 5 by June 30th. Children turning 5 after June 30th will complete the year in Preschool and enter Transition the following year. Nakara Primary School has had an increase in enrollment in recent years to the point that we are at capacity in Transition classroom space. As a result, we have a Priority Enrolment Area Policy. This means that parents who wish to enrol their child at Nakara Primary School must show proof of residency in our zoned catchment area or have a sibling already attending Nakara Primary School. Please contact the Nakara Primary School Administration Staff if you require further details.
Handwriting
At preschool, we use the font Victorian Cursive. It would be a great help to us and less confusing for your child if you could use this form of script when writing for or with your child.
Communication
In the interests of sustainability, we have moved to communicate via electronic means. All Nakara Primary School communication is via
our School Stream app. We also have a weekly e-newsletter which is emailed to you and shared on Schoolstream. Preschool specific communication is via the Seesaw app. You will be provided with links to each of these apps upon enrolment. We ask that you provide us with a current email address, phone number and home address to contact you in case of an emergency. We also ask that you communicate any preschool absences to the teaching staff. This may be due to sickness, family holiday or other family circumstances. It is a departmental requirement that we record all absences accurately on the daily role.
Parent Involvement
Parents are most welcome to join their child at preschool at any time. This provides an opportunity to observe your child with their peers and discuss with the teacher your child’s progress. We also love to have parents and families come and share their culture with us through stories, songs, dance, music, art, craft, or cooking. Siblings are also welcome. We do
ask that you stay with toddlers at all times.
We also welcome the sharing of celebrations that are significant to your child and family. We are happy to acknowledge and incorporate these in many different ways to make them meaningful to the children and reflect the diversity of our community’s many cultures.
Likewise, if there are celebrations you prefer your child not be involved in, please let us know.
Changes in Details
Please keep the staff informed of any changes to address, phone numbers,
child care arrangements, medical information and phone numbers for
emergency contacts.
Medical Conditions
When enrolling your child please advise the staff of any medical condition or dietary requirements they may have. You will be asked to complete a Health Care Plan, Risk Minimisation Document and Medical Communication Plan. A follow-up meeting with the class teacher will occur in the first week of school.
Birthdays
We enjoy celebrating birthdays, if you wish to bring in a cake or cupcakes to
preschool we need a list of ingredients as some children may have dietary
restrictions and/or allergies.
Looking after Health
Children who are unwell are unable to enjoy and benefit from a preschool
session and if they attend, run the risk of spreading illness. Please keep your child at home if they are unwell. Please make this decision for your child as they are not developmentally able to make these decisions for themselves. Should your child become unwell during the session, we will contact you and ask you to collect your child from preschool. Please advise us if your child contracts a contagious or infectious disease. The NT
Government Centre for Disease Control mandated exclusion times are displayed at the preschool.
Daily Requirements
• A small school bag
• A wide-brimmed sun-safe hat
• A water bottle
• A library bag
• A spare change of clothes (top, bottom and underpants) for messy
play or accidents
Food: A small healthy snack in a small container. Please note this is a snack, not lunch. An appropriate snack would be one of the following:
A piece of fruit (cut up).
A small sandwich.
A small quantity of sliced cheese with crackers.
A container of yoghurt.
A small quantity of vegetables (cut up).
A small portion of a pasta or rice dish.
Please do not send fruit juice or milk drinks. Food is stored in the preschool fridge.
Please ensure that your child brings a water bottle to school every day.
Footwear and Clothing
For safety reasons we require all children to wear closed in footwear to preschool. We recommend sneakers or runners. Please note thongs, shoes
with high heels and clogs are not acceptable.
Preschool activities can be very messy, to ensure the children enjoy
themselves without concern for their clothes, please send them in
suitable sun safe ‘working’ clothes. Preschool T-shirts are available from
the Nakara Primary School office for $15.00 each. They are 100% cotton
and come in red, blue, pink, purple and green.
Please ensure your child’s name is on all clothing, hats and footwear.
Sun Screen
We encourage you to apply sunscreen to your child before school.
Teachers are not permitted to apply ointments or creams at preschool.
We look forward to working with you this coming year to make preschool
a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for your child.
