Our Philosophy Statement
The St Spyridon College Kinder Minus One“Leading Edge Centre” prepares young children to enter formal schooling with confidence and success.
The St Spyridon College “Leading Edge Centre” is a place where children relate to adults who know them well and who work together to develop best responses to their interests, needs, hopes and potentials.
In all children there is a “treasure within”. Every child is capable and powerful; every child is driven to explore their world with curiosity and a formidable sense of wonder.
Our Kinder Minus One staff, will work together with other staff of the College, to create an environment for children-and with children, that develops their natural attributes and builds their sense of identity, belonging and self-worth.
Enrolling Now for Kinder Minus One 2023
This class is for children who will be commencing Kindergarten at St Spyridon College in 2024.
Below is some information about the program. If you would like your child to attend the Kinder Minus One Class in 2022, please complete the following
Should you require further information on any aspect of this program, please contact the Principal Junior School, Mrs A. Synesios on juniorschool@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au
or call 02 9663 5363.
Mrs Amelia Katsogiannis Head of College
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the conditions for enrolment?
Enrolments will only be accepted for children who are applying for entry to St Spyridon College the following year, on the clear understanding that the child will complete their education at St Spyridon College.
The St Spyridon College Kinder Minus One program will be offered to children who are 4 years old on or before the 31st May, in preparation for entry into the St Spyridon College Kindergarten Class.
What classes will you offer?
Our Centre will offer two types of classes:
- 3-days
- 5-days
How long is the K Minus 1 day? What are the start and finishing times?
From 8.30am – 2.30pm. Parents may pick up their child at 2.30pm
From 2.30pm – 3.45pm the children will be supervised for free activity.
The program will run during term time only, as for the rest of the school.
How many staff per child?
In line with government guidelines, there will be two adults – a fully qualified classroom teacher and a teacher’s aide to approximately 25 children.
Is there Out of Hours Care/Vacation Care?
Yes.
From 3.15pm – 6.30pm the children may be enrolled in the Greek Welfare Centre (GWC) After School Care program, which is on site. For bookings visit the GWC website at https://gwccservices.org/before-and-after-school-care/.
From 8.00am – 6.00pm the children may be enrolled in the GWC Vacation Care program. For bookings visit the GWC website at https://gwccservices.org/vacation-care/.
Where will the classes be held?
According to Loris Malaguzzi, after the parents and the teachers, the space in which children learn, is the third teacher.
Doran House was originally designed for the Infants classes of our College. It presents an ideal setting for our Centre which resonates completely with the Reggio approach:
- A one storey building with its own entrance-homely and conducive
- A broad front veranda for outdoor activity under shelter (Reggio “porch”)
- A garden area with large trees and veggie patch
- A kitchen and large common space
- Flexible learning areas via operable walls
- Shared design space (“Atelier” in Reggio terms)-can be used both for teachers and children’
- Age-appropriate toilets
- Storage areas
- Wet areas
In Loris Malaguzzi’s words:
“we value space because of its power to organize, promote pleasant relationships among people of different ages, create a handsome environment, provide changes, promote choices and activity, and its potential for sparking all kinds of social, affective, and cognitive learning” (Malaguzzi 1998).
How will the Kinder Minus One Class help my child to start school?
Our Centre will work with the children to develop those skills necessary for a successful start to formal schooling. The learning activities will be guided by the Early Stage One outcomes of the New South Wales Curriculum. They will develop:
- Early reading and Early writing
- Listening and Speaking skills
- Comprehension skills
- Scientific and mathematical understanding through reasoning and critical thinking.
In addition to the academics, the physical, emotional and social skills of the child will be developed.
As a Greek Orthodox College, the children will be introduced to Jesus and His Church and will learn simple prayers, hymns and traditions.
Early Intervention and School Readiness (EISR)
Importantly, our Centre will provide a coherent Early Intervention and School Readiness (EISR) program for Children. Our teachers will work closely with allied professionals (e.g. speech therapist), to diagnose and address children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, sensory needs. These professionals will work with individual children at the school, with the consent of the parents who would pay them directly for their services.
The information gained will be used by the Junior School teachers to adapt programs for the range of needs, in preparation for entry to Kindergarten class.
Other aspects of the EISR program will include:
- Working with specialists (ateliers) in areas such as Greek language, Dance, Music, Art, Sport, Technology.
- Visits and activities in the new Infants school.
- Lessons with the Kindergarten teachers.
- A buddy system between Kinder Minus One children and Year 5 students.
- Going to Church as part of the school’s ethos.
What does my child wear? Is there a uniform?
Yes, the children will wear the Summer and Winter sports uniform of the Junior School.
Summer: St Spyridon College Junior School summer sports uniform: short sleeved T-shirt, shorts and floppy hat, white socks and sports shoes.
Winter: St Spyridon College Junior School winter sports uniform: tracksuit-pants and jacket, long-sleeved polo shirt and floppy hat, white socks and sports shoes.
Where do I buy it from?
Once the child is enrolled the uniform may be purchased from the College Uniform shop or ordered online.