23 Aug 2016
Sometimes choosing a school for your child is as easy as geography – the one closest to home is the right one. But for some families, school selection can be a more complicated decision.
Decisions about where your child goes to school are very personal and can be difficult. It's common and normal for parents to feel anxious about getting this decision right.
If you're looking at the local public school, think about what will work best for your child's characteristics, personality, strengths, needs and interests. You should also consider how different schools' cultures and values sit with your family values and family life.
At Goonengerry Public School we believe that the transition to school process should be a personalised experience. We acknowledge that families have different work commitments, child care arrangements and the importance of the preschool programs their children are enrolled in; therefore we are inviting new families to make their own arrangements to visit our school during the coming months. Starting school can be a big change for your child – and a big change in your family life too. Although it's an exciting time, it's normal to feel a little worried or just sad about it. Keeping your worries to yourself and letting your child know that you think he'll go well at school helps your child feel positive too.
We ask that families decide if they would prefer to send their child for a half or whole day, phone our office and Mandi will book you in on the day of your choice. In this way, your child will get a realistic school experience and staff will be able to provide one on one support to your child during their time at school as well as getting to know your child's characteristics, personality, strengths, needs and interests. We recommend at least 3 or 4 visits between now and the end of the year. This helps your child become familiar with the grounds, the classroom, the toilets, the bubblers, the noise of the big kids and so on.
If you would prefer a small group arrangement we would be more than happy if parents organised groups of 2, 3 or 4 to visit on the same day.
We look forward to having the opportunity to meet prospective families and their children between now and the end of the year. We offer a small school experience with big school opportunities. Visit our school and see the impressive achievements of our students academically, creatively and socially. We guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Tracey Barnes, Principal