Our Schoolbridge transition to school programme is designed to help your child feel secure about starting school.

Schoolbridge gives your child the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the school environment and experience some general class routines. It is also a good opportunity for them to meet other children who are starting school around the same time.

Schoolbridge sessions cover a variety of topics and activities, with opportunities for parents to ask questions and discuss anything important to them.

• Being prepared for school.
• Managing break times and food.
• Programmes for learning in our classrooms.
• Simple learning activities.
• A tour of the school.
• Time in a classroom with their prospective teacher.
• The particular strengths, needs and interests of your child.
• Building a positive home/school partnership.

Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 9.00 – 10.00am in a new entrant classroom at Hillcrest Normal School. Each child is welcome to attend three sessions just before they start school.

Once your child is enrolled at Hillcrest Normal School you will receive an email inviting you to attend Schoolbridge, with the session dates for your child. Parents stay with their child during each session.

Our classrooms are welcoming, caring and inclusive places. We have a skilled team of teachers who are committed to making the transition to school seamless and enjoyable.

There is an emphasis on learning through play in Year 1 at Hillcrest Normal School, providing a smooth transition that values the preschool learning and experiences your child brings with them. Your child’s preschool portfolio is a valuable resource for designing future learning pathways, please bring it to show your classroom teacher when they start school.

All curriculum areas are covered through play and with the introduction of more formal learning. There are many benefits to learning through play, supported by current research about brain development and how we learn.

• Oral language development
• Resilience
• Relationship skills
• Problem solving
• Creative thinking
• Negotiation
• Risk taking

At Hillcrest Normal School we value strong partnerships between home and school. Parents are invited to assist in the classroom in a number of ways, including listening to children read, gluing and preparing books, helping with cooking or class trips. It is a good idea to wait a term before volunteering as this gives your child the chance to gain independence.

Parents are also invited to learning celebrations throughout the year. These are fun, informal times where the children will share their learning with you.

Please contact the school office to find out more information about enrolment, or our Schoolbridge programme.