The following video 'A day in the life of Kindy' is all about our school and what a typical day in Kindergarten might look like. Please take the time to watch and share with your children. Buildings connections between home and school is a great way to help your child get ready for school. We can't wait to have you start school with us at Oakhill Drive PS.
Best Start
The Best Start Kindergarten Assessment is a state-wide assessment that helps teachers identify the English literacy and numeracy skills of each student at the beginning of Kindergarten.
The webpage below provides information about the Best Start assessment.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/literacy-and-numeracy/assessment-resources/best-start-kindergarten
What is the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment?
Children come to school with different levels of literacy and numeracy. Some are familiar with books, can recognise some letters, even write their name or count to ten, while others have not yet learned these skills. Our Kindergarten teachers have always observed their new students and used different methods to find out what each child knows so that they can plan and teach what their students need to learn next. All government schools take part in Best Start, which has been developed by early learning experts in the Department of Education and Training. Best Start gives our teachers, and those teaching Kindergarten across New South Wales, a common set of high-quality assessment tools and professional training. We believe that Best Start will build on the strengths of our teachers and give your child an even better start to school.
Your child and the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment
It is very important to emphasise that Best Start Kindergarten Assessment is not a test. Its purpose is to help the teacher gather information to guide the teaching of your child. The teacher will observe each child and use tasks, such as talking about a book that has been read, and record what their students know and can do. The teaching of your child will be based on the information gathered in these ways. You'll be given feedback about what your child's teacher has learned about your child, which you are welcome to discuss, if you wish, in keeping with our usual practice.
What are we looking for?
The teacher will look at your child's early reading and writing, their ability to communicate with others, and how they recognise and work with numbers, groups and patterns.
Buddy program
To promote a smooth transition to school, the Kindergarten/Year 6 Buddy Program successfully develops a very special relationship between the eldest and youngest members of Oakhill Drive. The students meet up weekly for an organised activity that may include doing art, reading, learning how to play a sport or just simply chatting.
