Starting school checklist

• The year before your child starts school
• A few months before your child starts
• In the days before starting school (mid-February)

The year before your child starts school

• Identify the school(s) in your home area. Your Learning Service can assist or you can look at the List of primary schools and associated neighbourhood access and secondary schools.
• Visit the school and talk to the principal or senior staff members about policies, programs and features.
• Talk to parents of children already attending the school.
• If there is a choice of more than one school in your home area, decide on your preferred school.
• Contact the school to find out the enrolment date.

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A few months before your child starts

Enrol your child. (Many schools advertise in local newspapers when they are ready to receive enrolments.)

• Enrol your child.
• Familiarise your child with the school’s location.
• Take your child on an orientation visit to the school if possible.
• Build a positive feeling about going to this new place by talking with your child about the interesting experiences school will offer – new friends, games, painting, new equipment to play on.
• Ask about arrangements for the first day such as the arrival time, where to go, what your child needs on the day.

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In the days before starting school

• Familiarise your child with the journey to and from school.
• Get your child’s uniform ready, and any equipment that you have been told they will need.
• Ensure that your child can manage their belongings.
• Have a ‘trial run’ at getting your child ready by a certain time in the morning.

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