Ready for School - How Can You Tell?
Social Skills:
Ability to get along with other children, use basic manners, express themselves confidently, play independently and with peers, and communicate effectively with adults.
Language Skills:
Ability to listen and speak clearly with adults and other children, communicate needs, and show familiarity with books and stories.
Emotional Maturity:
Ability to manage emotions, cope with limited adult support in large groups, stay focused on tasks, follow teacher directions, adapt to the school environment, and understand and respect rules and expectations.
Cognitive Skills:
Basic understanding of numbers and thinking skills, along with the ability to wait patiently and take turns.
Physical Health and Coordination:
Basic self-care skills such as blowing their nose, toileting independently, and washing hands; fine motor skills including gripping a pencil and turning book pages; and physical abilities like running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball games.
Independence:
Skills to manage personal needs without adult help, including using the toilet, dressing, unwrapping lunch, managing belongings, and carrying their own school bag.
If you are not sure whether your child is ready to start primary school, talk to your child’s preschool teacher or early childhood educator – they will be able to help you with assessing your child’s development and readiness for school.
Getting to know the school
School tours are run for families interested in enrolling their child/ren at Smalls Road Public School. Tours are suitable for families of students who are starting kinder in 2027.
Term 3 2026
- Thursday 23 July 2026 9:30-10:30am
- Tuesday 11 August 2026 9:30-10:30am
- Wednesday 2 September 2026 9:30-10:30am
- Thursday 17 September 2026 9:30-10:30
Term 4 2026
- Thursday 22 October 2026 9:30-10:30am
- Wednesday 4 November 2026 9:30-10:30am
Starting School
Speaking positively about school
We encourage you to have positive conversations with your child about their new teachers and the exciting experiences ahead. It is normal for children to feel a little nervous. Acknowledging their feelings and offering reassurance can help make this transition easier. Celebrate the joy of starting school while being mindful of your child’s unique needs and emotions. Remember, every child adjusts in their own way and at their own pace, and we are here to support your child throughout this transition.
Unifroms and belongings
Please label all clothing and belongings clearly. Encourage your child to practice dressing independently, including tasks like zipping jackets and tying shoes (velcro fasteners are a great option for kindergarten students).
It is also important to teach your child to take care of their personal belongings.
School bags
Help your child learn to manage their school bag by practising how to open (zip) it, and how to pack and unpack their belongings. By the final term of preschool, your child should be able to carry their own bag and place it in their locker independently.
Using the bathroom
Students must be able to use the toilet independently, as toilets are located outside the classroom. They will need to ask permission before leaving the room to go to the toilet. Please teach your child good hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing.
It is helpful to provide a spare set of underwear, shorts or skort, and socks in your child’s school bag.
Students should also be able to use door locks independently. You can practice this skill with your child by using public toilets at shopping centres.
Using a lunchbox
Encourage your child to practice opening and closing their lunchbox and food packaging. Involve them in meal planning and preparation to help build their independence. Teach your child to pack their own lunchbox into their school bag.
After school activities
Recognise that adjusting to kindergaten can be tiring for students.
Try to limit extracurricular activities initially to allow your child time to adjust.
What makes us a great choice for your child?
Learn about why we are an exceptional choice for your child's education.
Orientation for Kinder 2027
Online information session:
Thursday 27 August 2026 7:00 - 7:45pm online meeting - General school information for enrolled families. An email with details is sent to all families the week prior to the meeting.
Enrolment interview:
September 2026 (last 4 weeks of Term 3) and October 2026 (first two weeks of Term 4) - all kinder 2027 students will have an enrolment interview to finalise the enrolment. This enables school staff to start getting to know you and your child.
Thursday 12 November 2026 - 9:30-10:45am
Tuesday 17 November 2026 - 9:30-10:45am
Wednesday 25 November 2026 - 9:30-10:45am
Ready to enrol?
We’re excited to welcome your family to our school community! To begin your journey, simply complete our online application form.
Like to attend a school tour?
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 several school tours each term, and an information session and orientation program for new families starting Kindergarten. These events help you and your child feel prepared for starting school.
Meet our friendly staff, explore our school facilities, and see what makes our school a great place to learn.