What is it like to have your little one starting Prep at Samford State School?
Here are some thoughts from one of our Prep parents in her first year at school:
Hi my name is Stella & I’m a first time Prep Parent as our son Patrick started Prep this year. I wanted to share with you all some of my experiences and tips on what it’s like being a Prep Parent.
I remember Patrick saying to me one day in the first week of school. It was after he unpacked his schoolbag and we went in to do a puzzle together but instead – Patrick said to me “Mum, you can go now and talk with all your new friends. I’ll be fine!”And he was. It really surprised me how easily Patrick settled into his class &school routine.
When Patrick first went to school, the one thing he was looking forward to themost was “meeting new friends”. Since starting school we now both have a widenetwork of amazing new friends from across the community.
From the eyes of a 5 year old, I asked Patrick “if you could tell a new Prep student,something exciting about being in Prep, what would it be? “Hmmm”. Patrickthought. “I would tell them all about Revving Readers because I think they willreally like it”. He also told me “the thing I love the most about school – is I lovelearning lots of new things every day – its sooo cool”.
It surprised and amazed me (and still does) just how much he does learn each & every day.
As mentioned earlier, I wanted to share some tips on being a Prep Parent. Hereare 6 thoughts for you:
1: THE DAY GOES SO FAST.
So enjoy it! You won’t believe how little time there actually is between 8:50am – 3:00pm
2: MAKE THEIR ROUTINE FUN...
and involve them. I found laying out the clothes the night before helped to be organized. Also letting Patrick choose what he wanted in his lunchbox meant he was more likely to eat it.
3: ENCOURAGE THEIR INDEPENDENCE.
Let them dress themselves. Let them unpack their bag at school and let them be responsible and carry their own bag. I use the “You Can Do It” program at home to help with this i.e. being an Oscar Organised, Connie Confidence, Pete Persistence, Ricky Resilience, Gabby Getalong.
4: MAKE THE MOST OF THE SCHOOL RESOURCES.
Such as our school website, Samford State School Uniform Shop, class parent reps, QKR, QSchools and QParents
Each class has a parent rep who is your main contact between teacher and parents, as well as a connected communication source with the school.
QKR is an online ordering system that makes payments so much easier.
Uniforms can be ordered online through the Uniform Shop and QKR.
QKR also allows you to order tuckshop up until 8:30 am on the day. Great for those moments when you run out of bread or lunchbox inspiration – which let’s face it happens to us all at some stage.
QSchools is an App which includes all school information and updates such as the school newsletter and key dates.
QParents is a secure online portal which provides individual details about your child. School reports and Naplan reports can be found here. QParents is also the easiest way to notify the school of your childs absence and make school payments.
5: BE INVOLVED AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU LIKE.
But do try & be involved as much as you can so that you can understand & encourage your child along the way. For example Supergroups are a fun weekly activity where as a parent you get to assist the kids with various learning activities. This is so much fun as a parent to be a part of.
6: EXPECT YOUR CHILD TO BE REALLY TIRED.
A sleep on the weekend to catch up is not uncommon. They will sleep pretty soundly through the week too. In terms of the school itself, I find it’s really community based & although there are over 800 students, I still feel like it is a small group. The standard of teaching is really high & the Prep teachers are all passionate about the children. And there’s always an opportunity to talk to the teacher.
So buckle up! Hold on! One thing’s for sure you will be busier than ever. You willhave a lot of fun along the way & will have so many new friends. Embrace it and go with the flow.
If you are interested in finding out more on enrolling at the Samford State School, contact our administration team for more information.