Transition to Kindergarten Events

Throughout the year, beginning in Term 2, we offer a range of events for families with children preparing to start Kindergarten at Cudgegong Valley Public School.

These events are designed to provide you with the information you need to enrol and prepare your child for school. Just as importantly, they give you and your child opportunities to become familiar with our school, meet our staff and begin building connections so that starting Kindergarten feels exciting, comfortable and familiar.

For dates and times for this year's events, visit our main Transition to Kindergarten page.

Transition to Kindergarten

CVPS Expo

Our Kindergarten transition journey begins with the CVPS Expo.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to discover everything Cudgegong Valley Public School has to offer. Families can explore the learning experiences, programs and opportunities available to students across our school and get a sense of what school life at CVPS is all about.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to meet and chat with our teachers, ask questions and begin getting to know the people who will support your child throughout their time at our school.

School Tours and Open Classrooms

Our School Tours and Open Classrooms provide a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to explore our school together.

You will be shown around the school, including our Kindergarten classrooms and key areas your child will use each day. Becoming familiar with the school environment before Kindergarten begins can help children feel more confident and comfortable when their first day arrives.

During Open Classrooms, families can visit learning spaces, see our classrooms in action and gain an insight into teaching and learning at CVPS.

Parent Information Evening

Our Parent Information Evening is designed to help families feel informed, prepared and confident about the transition to Kindergarten.

We will talk about what to expect when your child starts school, how we help children settle in, what a typical Kindergarten day looks like and practical ways you can support your child at home.

Our staff will also explain our transition program, share important information about starting school and answer any questions you may have.

"Kindy Connections" Sessions

Kindy Connections is an additional four-week transition program for children who may benefit from some extra opportunities to become familiar with school before starting the formal Kindergarten orientation Program. This may include children from families who are new to CVPS, children who may feel anxious or unsure about starting school, or children who would benefit from additional transition experiences.

These sessions allow children to explore the school, meet staff and other children, practise school routines and build confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment. A parent or carer remains with their child during each Kindy Connections session.

Operation Big School

Operation Big School is our formal Kindergarten transition program and an important part of preparing children for their first year at CVPS. We strongly encourage all children enrolling in Kindergarten to attend, as these sessions are designed to support a smooth, confident and positive start to school.

During Operation Big School, children participate independently while parents and carers leave them in the care of our Kindergarten team. This gives children an important opportunity to practise saying goodbye, become familiar with school routines and build confidence in the school environment.

Throughout the sessions, children experience a range of engaging, age-appropriate activities, including sounds in their name, numbers, Visual Arts and physical activity. These experiences provide a fun introduction to learning at school while allowing children to become familiar with classroom spaces, routines and expectations.

Children also spend time with our Kindergarten teachers and other children who will be starting school alongside them, helping them develop relationships, familiarity and a sense of belonging before their first day of Kindergarten.

During the first two Operation Big School sessions, parents and carers are invited to stay for a warm cuppa and a bite to eat while their child participates in the transition session. We also offer two parent presentations designed to provide helpful information, practical strategies and an opportunity to ask questions as families prepare for the exciting transition to Kindergarten.

'Teddy Bears' Picnic

Children are invited to bring their favourite teddy bear and enjoy a relaxed and fun morning with their family and future classmates.

The Teddy Bears' Picnic provides another opportunity for children to feel comfortable in the school environment, reconnect with familiar faces and continue building friendships before starting Kindergarten.

It is also a wonderful opportunity for families to meet one another, make connections and exchange contact details. We encourage families to arrange playdates during the school holidays so children can continue developing friendships before their first day of school.

Meet your Teacher and Class Afternoon

This is an exciting milestone in your child's transition to Kindergarten!

Children will find out who their teacher is, which classroom will be theirs and who will be in their class. They will visit their new classroom, spend time with their Kindergarten teacher and meet their new classmates.

Knowing exactly where they will go and who will be waiting for them helps take away some of the uncertainty surrounding the first day and allows children to begin Kindergarten feeling familiar, confident and ready.

Have a question for our Kindergarten Transition Team?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us