Frequently asked questions
Please find below answers to some frequently asked questions. Please don't hesitate to contact the school on 4751 1333 for further information.
What day does my child start school?
Your Kindergarten child will have their first day of school on:
Wednesday, 7 February, 2024 from 9.45am - 3pm.
Thursday (8th Feb) and Friday (9th Feb) this week will be from 9.25am - 3pm.
Full days will commence on Monday the 13th - 9.25am - 3.25pm.
When are the Best Start Interviews?
You will be notified of the date and time of your child's Best Start interview, details will be communicated to you during orientation 4 (Friday 10th Nov). The Best Start interviews will take place between Thursday 1st Feb - Tuesday 6 February, during school hours and will be 30 minutes in duration.
What are the bell times in a school day?
8:55 am Morning school bell (please note that there is no supervision before 8:55 am)
9:25 Lessons Commence
11:25 am Recess starts (kindergarten start eating a little early to ensure they have enough time to eat & play)
11:45 am End of recess
1:15 pm Lunch time eating bell
1:25 pm Lunch Play time
2:05 pm End of lunch
3:25 pm School finishes
What does my child need to bring to school?
Students in Kindergarten do not need a pencil case or any stationary, as this is provided by the school. If your child receives one leading up to starting school we suggest you keep it at home to be used at home.
Your child will need to bring their lunch in a lunchbox, as well as a drink bottle filled with water.
Please include an additional piece of fruit or vegetable in a separate container, so they can enjoy this during our Crunch & Sip time.
Please make sure lunch box and containers are clearly labelled with your child’s name and that they know how to open and close it correctly.
Please send your child with a sun hat and a warm jumper every day, as the weather can change quickly.
2024 Kindergarten Class Requirements List
What do I do if my child is absent?
It is a legal requirement that any student absences are explained. This may be done using the School Bytes Parent Portal or via a phone call or email to the school, or a note upon returning to school.
If circumstances arise where your child is going to miss more than a week of school, please contact the school in advance on 4751 1333 so we can help you with this.
What do I do if my child arrives late or needs to leave early?
Any student that arrives after the 9:25am bell, is required to enter via the front office to be signed in electronically. The child will be given a late note slip to be given to the class teacher. If a child needs to leave prior to 3:25pm, parents are required to organise this with the staff at the front office. If you are aware of a late arrival or early leaving prior to the day, please write a note to the teacher informing them of this change. Parents will still need to go to the front office to have an early leaver slip completed.
What do I do if I am running late in the afternoon?
If you are running late to pick up your child, please notify the Office by calling 4751 1333 as early as possible, and they will let the teacher know. Please be aware that teachers have many commitments after school and are not able to stay with your child for very long. If you have not arrived within 10 minutes of your notified late arrival your child will be taken to the Office to wait for you.
What can I do when it’s my child’s birthday?
Birthdays are a wonderful celebration and children love to share their special day with their classmates. It is not expected that students share food with other students, however, we realise that some parents wish to share a treat for the class. Please check with the classroom teacher first if you would like to bring food to share. Small, individual items such as fruit, cupcakes or biscuits are easiest for the teacher to manage.
If you need to inform your child's teacher of something or have a question, again you can contact the front office by telephone, send an email to the school (springwood-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au), use the School Bytes Parent Portal or give a letter to the teacher.
What do I do if I have a concern about my child's learning?
Your child's teacher is the first person to talk to if you have concerns about your child's progress in key learning areas or social and emotional development. At times, these concerns are elevated to the learning support team to discuss opportunities for extra support, learning adjustments or interventions. The learning support team consists of the Principal, Assistant Principal, School counsellor and learning support teachers. Learning and support meetings are held regularly to discuss new student referrals and monitor the progress of students receiving support.
How do I make payments?
The preferred mode of payment for school events and excursions is online through the school's website or via School Bytes Parent Portal. You can also pay cash to the Front Office. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact the school office who will be more than happy to assist.
What happens if my child needs to take medication at school?
If at any stage your child is required to take medication during school hours, please visit the school office to provide the medication and complete a form authorising staff to appropriately administer the medication.
How do I change my details?
Please contact the school office with any changes to family circumstances, address, contact and emergency contact details.
How do I find out what is happening in our school?
Our school website is a hub of information and should be your first port of call to find out what's happening in the school. Springwood Public School uses School Bytes Parent Portal and the Audiri App to effectively communicate and keep you informed of all school activities. Thew Newsletter is produced fortnightly, and is full of information about what's been happening and what's coming up.
What can I do in the Schoolbytes parent portal?
Schoolbytes is our parent/school portal that allows you the ability to look at absences, lodge sick notes, pay for excursions and events and download notes. All parents are encouraged to sign up for this valuable tool.