Overview
New students beginning in Prep are invited to attend several transition days in Term 4 of the preceding year in preparation for starting at Mernda Park Primary School. We believe a seamless transition from Kindergarten to Foundation is important to establish a positive start to school life.
The focus is to prepare children and families for the next stage of learning. Early Years staff have designed sessions of an hour duration to provide children with a glimpse of the school environment. Children become acquainted with staff, peers and students who already attend Mernda Park Primary School.
Our school liaises closely with local kindergartens, providing us with Prep transition statements and dialogue to assist us in understanding our new students. This ensures a strong foundation for developing appropriate learning programs and develop connections with our future students.
During our transition program your child/children will participate in a number of exciting activities led by our current Foundation teachers. Children are encouraged to participate in the transition program in order to familiarise themselves with the school and better prepare themselves for the year ahead.
Families will be invited to an information session that will cover topics of interest such as, the organisation and attendance of Preps in the first weeks of the new school year, the use of Compass (communication tool), details of ordering school uniforms and other important information about our school.
For more information, please see our Handbook for Families.
The focus is to prepare children and families for the next stage of learning. Early Years staff have designed sessions of an hour duration to provide children with a glimpse of the school environment. Children become acquainted with staff, peers and students who already attend Mernda Park Primary School.
Our school liaises closely with local kindergartens, providing us with Prep transition statements and dialogue to assist us in understanding our new students. This ensures a strong foundation for developing appropriate learning programs and develop connections with our future students.
During our transition program your child/children will participate in a number of exciting activities led by our current Foundation teachers. Children are encouraged to participate in the transition program in order to familiarise themselves with the school and better prepare themselves for the year ahead.
Families will be invited to an information session that will cover topics of interest such as, the organisation and attendance of Preps in the first weeks of the new school year, the use of Compass (communication tool), details of ordering school uniforms and other important information about our school.
For more information, please see our Handbook for Families.
Information About our Transition Program - Pathway to Prep
Other helpful tips for preparing your child for school:
Count down to your child's first day of Prep at Mernda Park Primary School ... We can't wait to meet and welcome our new prep students and families!!
- Families of enrolled prep students are invited to attend a Prep Information Evening Wednesday 9th October 6pm.
- Please use the link provided for more information about your child's Transition Program.
- Students are invited to attend 3 transition sessions in Term 4 to prepare for school.
- Session 1 - Friday 18th October 9:30-10:30am (students only)
- Session 2 - Friday 25th October 9:30-10:30am (students only)
- Session 3 Teddy Bears' Picnic - Friday 8th November 3:30-4:15pm (must be accompanied by an adult)
Other helpful tips for preparing your child for school:
- Tips for Starting Prep
- Getting Ready for School | I Can Pack My School Bag Student Checklist
- Compass guide for parents & families
Count down to your child's first day of Prep at Mernda Park Primary School ... We can't wait to meet and welcome our new prep students and families!!
FAQs
What time does school operate?
The yard will be supervised by staff in the morning from 8:30am until 8:45am and in the afternoon from 3:15pm until 3:30pm and during all break times. Students need to be in attendance and ready for learning by 8:45am.
What do I do if my child is absent from school?
Parents/carers can log onto their Compass profile to add an attendance note if their child is absent for any reason.
Is there a canteen?
Yes, and our canteen is open on various days for lunch orders and over the counter sales Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Lunch orders can be ordered online via QuickCliQ
Will my child be using computers and technology to learn?
MPPS give students access to digital technologies and exciting and educational e-learning opportunities. To keep all students safe, students are expected to follow an acceptable use policy and to complete programs to develop an understanding of cyber safety.
What happens if my child cries or is upset on day one?
This can be a very normal response for some children. Teachers will support you to leave and will ensure your child gets extra attention to try to alleviate their apprehensions. We always have extra staff assigned to prep at the start of the year to ensure all children feel safe and comfortable.
Do I need to purchase a device for my child to use at school?
No, MPPS provide access to devices for students to use collaboratively during school times.
My child has a medical condition which requires a medical action plan, and/or requires medication while at school. Medical Action Plans can be provided to the office upon enrolment. All medication to be taken at school can be handed in to the office prior to your child commencing school.
Does my child have to leave the building to go to the toilet?
No, all toilets can be accessed by students directly from their Learning Community building. This saves time away from learning and is an added safety measure for your child at MPPS.
Is there any Outside School Hours Care?
Mernda Park YMCA Out of School Hours Care program offer a before and after school care for families requiring extended care from the Community Hub. A School Holiday Program is also available for families.
Is the school bag compulsory?
Yes, all students must use a MPPS school bag available for purchase from PSW.
What kind of shoes can my child wear to school?
Shoes must be all black (with no coloured logos) and closed toe e.g. runners or school shoes.
The yard will be supervised by staff in the morning from 8:30am until 8:45am and in the afternoon from 3:15pm until 3:30pm and during all break times. Students need to be in attendance and ready for learning by 8:45am.
What do I do if my child is absent from school?
Parents/carers can log onto their Compass profile to add an attendance note if their child is absent for any reason.
Is there a canteen?
Yes, and our canteen is open on various days for lunch orders and over the counter sales Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays.
Lunch orders can be ordered online via QuickCliQ
Will my child be using computers and technology to learn?
MPPS give students access to digital technologies and exciting and educational e-learning opportunities. To keep all students safe, students are expected to follow an acceptable use policy and to complete programs to develop an understanding of cyber safety.
What happens if my child cries or is upset on day one?
This can be a very normal response for some children. Teachers will support you to leave and will ensure your child gets extra attention to try to alleviate their apprehensions. We always have extra staff assigned to prep at the start of the year to ensure all children feel safe and comfortable.
Do I need to purchase a device for my child to use at school?
No, MPPS provide access to devices for students to use collaboratively during school times.
My child has a medical condition which requires a medical action plan, and/or requires medication while at school. Medical Action Plans can be provided to the office upon enrolment. All medication to be taken at school can be handed in to the office prior to your child commencing school.
Does my child have to leave the building to go to the toilet?
No, all toilets can be accessed by students directly from their Learning Community building. This saves time away from learning and is an added safety measure for your child at MPPS.
Is there any Outside School Hours Care?
Mernda Park YMCA Out of School Hours Care program offer a before and after school care for families requiring extended care from the Community Hub. A School Holiday Program is also available for families.
Is the school bag compulsory?
Yes, all students must use a MPPS school bag available for purchase from PSW.
What kind of shoes can my child wear to school?
Shoes must be all black (with no coloured logos) and closed toe e.g. runners or school shoes.