Little Joeys Play and Stay
A new initiative launched in 2025 that invites 3, 4 and 5-year-old children and their families to come into our school and engage in open ended play. Play and Stay takes place in Term 3 of every year and is a key part of our efforts to foster early relationships with future students and promote a sense of belonging for children and families, before the formal enrolment process begins.
Kindergarten Expo
Each year, we proudly host our Kindergarten Expo to showcase all that our school community has to offer. Held in our school hall, the Expo provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where parents and carers can discover the many aspects of our learning programs, facilities, and support services.
Families are invited to browse displays, meet our dedicated teachers and staff, and ask questions about our approach to learning, wellbeing, and faith education. The Expo is also a great chance to connect with other families and gain valuable insights into the exciting start to school that awaits our youngest learners. Members from our P&F, St Nicholas OOSH, Early Learning, Learning Support and Gifted Education team will be there to answer any specific enquiries you may have.
Whether you’re a new family considering enrolment or already part of our community, our Kindergarten Expo is the perfect way to experience the warmth, care, and excellence that make St Josephs Primary School Merewether such a special place to begin a child’s educational journey.
Orientation
We know that starting school is a big and exciting milestone for children and their families. To help our future Kindergarten students feel confident and comfortable, we offer three Orientation Mornings in Term 4 of the year prior to starting school.
These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for children to explore both our indoor and outdoor learning spaces, meet their teachers, and begin forming friendships with their peers. During the orientation program, students also meet their Year 6 buddies, who will help guide and support them through the transition to school.
On the first orientation day, families are warmly invited to stay in the school hall, where they will hear from our school leaders and Kindergarten teachers about school readiness and what to expect when starting school at St Joseph’s. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about how we support each child’s transition and to ask any questions in a relaxed setting. By the third orientation morning, families are invited to join their children for play and a special morning tea, organised by our current Kindergarten families.
Year 6 Buddy Program
Each Kindergarten child is paired with a Year 6 buddy who becomes a friendly face and supportive guide throughout their transition to school life. During the Kindergarten Orientation Days, our Year 6 buddies play a special role in helping our newest students feel safe, welcomed, and confident. They assist with classroom activities, guide them around the school, and offer gentle reassurance as they begin their learning journey.
This connection continues into the new school year, with buddies spending time together during playtimes, school events, and class activities. The program nurtures a sense of belonging for our Kindergarten students while giving our Year 6 leaders a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate kindness, responsibility, and leadership in action.
Picnic in the Park
Before the new school year begins, our Kindergarten families are invited to join us for a relaxed and joyful Teddy Bears Picnic and play in Centennial Park. This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity for children who are starting Kindergarten to meet and play with their soon-to-be classmates in a fun, outdoor setting.
The Picnic in the Park also provides a lovely chance for parents and carers to connect with other families, share experiences, and begin building friendships within our school community before the first day of school. Families are welcome to bring along a picnic blanket, morning tea, and of course, their favourite teddy bear!
While families are responsible for supervising their own children, several members of our school staff pop in throughout the morning to say hello and join in the fun. The event sets a warm and welcoming tone for the exciting year ahead, helping our new students feel comfortable, confident, and part of our Joeys family.
First Week Adjusted Hours
To support a smooth and positive start to big school, our Kindergarten students follow adjusted school hours during their first week. While our regular school hours are 8:50am to 2:55pm, Kindergarten will attend from 9:00am to 2:40pm for the first week only.
These slightly shorter hours help ease the transition for our youngest learners as they settle into new routines, meet their teachers, and build confidence in their new environment. The later start and earlier finish allow children to arrive and leave school in a calmer setting, reducing the busyness and potential overwhelm that can come as the rest of the school community transitions in and out for the day.
Class Allocations
We take great care to ensure our Kindergarten students begin their school journey in the most supportive and positive way possible. For this reason, final class allocations are not made until 2–3 weeks into the school year.
During this initial settling-in period, all Kindergarten children have the opportunity to spend time with each of our Kindergarten teachers and become familiar with different learning spaces and peers. This gentle approach allows students to feel comfortable, build friendships, and gain confidence in their new school environment before classes are finalised.
Our teachers take this time to observe each child closely, noting social connections, learning styles, and individual strengths. These insights guide us in creating balanced and nurturing class groups where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.