2024 Early Learning Centre Handbook by Penrhos College

PENRHOS COLLEGE

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE HANDBOOK 2024

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

CONTENTS Welcome

Our philosophy

Our program

The importance of play

Wellbeing

The importance of educators

Daily schedule

Dragon X program

A - Z of Penrhos Early Learning Centre

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

Welcome Welcome to the Penrhos College Early Learning Centre – a place where warm and trusting relationships are at the very heart of our happy, secure environment; a place where, in the words of one of our youngest students, ‘love grows here’. We understand these early years in your daughter’s education are a most precious and important stage in her development, and together we will celebrate the joy of her learning and personal growth. By treasuring each moment, we ensure every day, and every experience, is fully appreciated. It is so important that time is invested in making sure each student feels she belongs, and knows she is loved; after all, childhood is not a race. At Penrhos, we follow the lead of each child, moving at her pace in nurturing a sense of wonder, curiosity, and exploration. Our purpose-built Early Learning Centre (ELC) is designed to engage the minds of our youngest students (our Penrhosies) in line with our commitment to quality Early Childhood Education. Ours is a fun and friendly environment, in which your daughter will learn through intentional play as she is stimulated and guided to create her own meaning in the world, to develop her early social skills, to solve her own problems, to grow confidence and develop a life-long positive attitude towards her learning. As parents, we are constantly reminded about the mental health challenges faced by our children. Recent research conducted by the Commissioner for Children and Young People in WA, found girls are significantly more stressed about their weight, mental health and safety than boys. We also know that by 2038 our PreKindergarten students will be graduating from Secondary School at a time when the World

Health Organisation anticipates depression will be the greatest burden of disease across the planet. Our response to these issues, for this next generation, is crucial. Both parents and teachers need to be aware of the complex issues our girls will face – we must find a way to provide them with the best possible start in life; to grow in them a resilient sense of self, and to equip them with the academic skills and emotional toolkit necessary to successfully navigate life’s challenges. To achieve our vision, we work in close partnership with families, to develop the same common language and shared goals. Together, we grow strong young women who are ready for the world – students who can find the fun in life and go on to be a force for good. If you would like to see this in action, come visit us; see our Penrhosies in their learning environment, speak to our students and find out more about what makes Penrhos so special. We are proud of our culture here, based on what has become our motto across the Junior School: ‘Love Grows Here’. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, via Tiffany Nalder, at our Junior School Administration, or through our Enrolments Team. The value of a Penrhos education is strengthened by beginning in the early years. Our mission is to make this wonderful opportunity possible for more students from 2024 onwards, with extra classes in the Early Learning Centre to meet demand. I look forward to meeting you very soon. Wayne Revitt Head of Junior School

OUR PHILOSOPHY We are committed to excellence in the education and care of all students at Penrhos College. Research clearly and consistently indicates that the first years of a child’s life are a critical period for her learning and development – the base on which to establish a strong foundation and build competence in all aspects of her development. High quality education and care set a positive trajectory for every child on their journey from early learning to graduation. At the core of our curriculum framework is the belief that having fun and enjoying school is a prerequisite for learning. In fact, one of our College commitments is to ‘find the fun’. Most importantly, we provide a safe and secure base for each child. We develop warm and trusting relationships with our students and their families from the outset. It is this sense of belonging that enables girls to engage fully in learning experiences and develop strong character traits. Our balanced curriculum incorporates play-based learning and intentional teaching to address the requirements of the Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework and the State Curriculum and Standards Authority. In the Junior School, we are also a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program. In 2024, we will become an authorised IB World School. This approach is aligned with, and will strengthen, our teaching and learning in the ELC and across the Junior School. We intend to provide each student with learning experiences that include deep thinking and focus on character and collaboration, as keys to success in all domains. One of the key differences you’ll discover at Penrhos is that we understand and respect each child’s sense of time, so their individual choices may be made in a calm and unhurried environment – at their own pace. We appreciate that knowledge is acquired gradually and consolidated through many learning opportunities and meaningful experiences. Our inquiry process is therefore facilitated through planning and research, hypothesis and experimentation; our investigations are extended by following the child’s lead. We listen, and then – we listen some more. We are committed to develop and deepen your daughter’s understanding of the world and her place in it; to empathise with and respect others, as she learns to build friendships and

express her ideas, as she becomes aware of her own – and others – emotions and feelings. At Penrhos, our girls are active collaborators in their own learning from day one. WHAT DO WE OFFER IN THE PENRHOS EARLY YEARS? Time – to just ‘be’ in the moment A genuine sense of love, community and belonging The Early Years Framework embedded into all practices and principles Evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs Class teachers who actively involve families in their daughter’s learning journey Annual tracking and reporting on each student’s progress in literacy and numeracy Dedicated Learning Enhancement teachers, who work in partnership with classroom teachers Comradery; girls who support each other A safe, secure and caring culture High expectations and firm belief in every girl’s ability to succeed A holistic approach to learning — focus on physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as the cognitive aspects of learning Our Penrhos College Commitments NO CEILINGS; MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE; FIND THE FUN; AND BE A FORCE FOR GOOD are honoured and celebrated in the ELC.

OUR PROGRAM Our pedagogy, or teaching practice, is balanced in the use of best-practice evidence-based programs. We understand our relationship with each family is so important, and frequent and effective communication is the key to a positive schooling experience for all. We will keep you informed of your daughter’s progress, every step of the way. We will celebrate success with you and ride out any bumps along her journey, together. Numeracy and Literacy competency underpins everything we do in the classroom. We place great emphasis on the explicit teaching of these fundamental skills, to underpin future growth. This is balanced with our inquiry-based units of learning and intentional play, through which our students are encouraged to explore, discover and learn with curiosity, wonder and social interaction. We understand that all children have different strengths, challenges and interests. At times, specific literacy and numeracy intervention may be required to boost developmental growth.

there might be a home corner, a theatre, painting area, mini construction site or collage space, for example. To promote thinking and inquiry, there might be artefact tables, water trays or a vegetable garden. The outdoor learning environment is very much an extension of our classrooms and is similarly planned to stimulate and promote creative thinking, investigation, and questions from the girls as we encourage the exploration of our nature playgrounds and outdoor space for positive cognitive and social development.

Our strong specialist, extension and support programs contribute to the provision of a balanced curriculum, designed to give each child the opportunity to develop to her full potential. We have extra teaching staff for Learning Enhancement and Gifted and Talented Education, as required. Other Specialist subjects in our ELC include the Fine Arts, Music, Drama, Sport, Library (including Digital Technology) and Languages (Japanese). Year 2 students benefit from our successful Strings Music Program; where each student will learn either violin, viola or cello. This takes place weekly, in small groups under the supervision of our specialist music teacher, with additional strings tutors provided by the College. The Penrhos classroom is inquiry-centred – our girls are encouraged to find their own voice so that they may express their points of view, and be stimulated to become independent, reflective thinkers. Each classroom features designated areas which are designed to promote specific outcomes and learning through intentional play. To promote self-expression,

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY According to the Early Years Learning Framework, play-based learning can be defined as ‘a context for learning through which children organise and make sense of their social worlds, as they engage actively with people, objects and representations’. Children learn best in play-based environments. Play processes and activities facilitate learning in all areas - physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Through play, children are able to discover new concepts, use new language and explore emotions in a safe way; they are actively engaged and intrinsically motivated to discover, solve problems and explore the world around them. It is our role to scaffold learning by stimulating and extending each play experience for the girls; our teachers seek out and identify areas of interest in the environment to initiate interest in specific play and develop those further learning opportunities which are so crucial for healthy and strong childhood development.

WELLBEING The Penrhos ethos extends far beyond academic credentials, to encompass what we refer to as the ‘whole person paradigm’. This educational philosophy is founded on the need to nurture the mind, heart, body and spirit of each student for a rounded and balanced education, in preparation for life. Personal wellbeing and effective relationships underpin every girl’s success and achievements, so each student’s ability to strive for her highest is supported by a strong pastoral care framework.

OUR ROLE AS EDUCATORS We acknowledge the importance of our role as educators in promoting the emotional development of all our students. Our proactive, preventative approach to student wellbeing is grounded in the core social and emotional learning competencies according to CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) and the central tenets of Positive Psychology. Each program and strategy is carefully matched to the developmental needs of our students. In the Early Years, the Kimochis program and the PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) programs complement our Keeping Safe Protective Behaviours lessons and other aspects of socio-emotional learning that are embedded in our curriculum. We understand how vital it is to nurture our young students with respect and kindness. These caring, positive relationships are so important to build healthy brain architecture; a strong foundation for future learning, behaviour and mental health.

DAILY SCHEDULE Classroom doors open at 8.15am and class begins at 8.30am (Please note the Pre-Kindergarten door is open at 8.20am and class begins at 8.40am). Please be aware there is no staff supervision in the Courtyard prior to 8am for Years 3 to 6, nor before 8.15am in the Early Learning Centre. However, the Dragon X program is available for Kindergarten to Year 6 from 7.15am, in the Library. Students who arrive prior to these times are not covered by the Duty of Care provided by the College. The same applies to those students who remain on campus after 3.40pm. COLLECTION POINT

YEAR GROUP

TIME

Pre-Kindergarten

3pm

Front entrance of the ELC building (Access from Gate B – Morrison Street)

Kindergarten

3.10pm

Front entrance of the ELC building (Access from Gate B – Morrison Street)

Pre-Primary Year 1 Year 2

3.15pm

Main Administration forecourt (Access from Gate A – Morrison Street)

Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

3.15pm

Kiss & Drive on the Access road (Access from Gate B – Morrison Street)

Year 6

3.15pm

Fandry Centre (Access from Murray Street)

Students must be collected by a parent/guardian following after-school co-curricular activities. Students who are picked up late (by more than 15 minutes) will be registered with the Dragon X Program – please note this will incur a fee. Should you not always be able to collect your daughter, you must submit hard-copy signed advice stating the names of other adults who are permitted to pick up on your behalf. This information is collected at the beginning of each school year and it is the responsibility of each parent to update their list of authorised adults, should changes occur throughout the year.

DRAGON X – EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY

The Dragon X Club provides an extended school day for students (Kindergarten to Year 6) that includes an opportunity to complete homework, play, socialise, read and engage in games. From Monday to Thursday students can be involved in different activities and experiences (e.g. craft, cooking etc.). Friday is traditionally a more relaxed play and movie afternoon. This service operates from the Junior School library and is managed by our Penrhos staff. It runs from 7.15am to the start of the school day, and until 5.30pm, each afternoon. There is a small fee for the afternoon session, the mornings are not charged. Please note a late fee applies if your child is collected past 5.30pm. Bookings can be made on the same day. To register, please contact Junior School reception: jsadmin@penrhos.wa.edu.au.

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

A – Z OF PENRHOS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE The following general information may be useful. Please contact our Admin team with any queries – we are always more than happy to help!

BIRTHDAYS

ABSENTEES

Children with allergies are asked to supply some small items at the beginning of each year, so they are not left out if they are unable to eat the birthday treat provided (these will be kept in a staff drawer or freezer). Lollipops on sticks are not suitable for safety reasons.

Our Education Management System, Compass, will enable you to record student absences. You will be provided with Compass login details on enrolment. Alternatively, please email jsadmin@penrhos.wa.edu.au prior to 8am on the day of a student’s absence, or phone the Junior School Reception on 08 9368 9555. If your daughter is absent for longer than one day, you must register her absence on each separate day. Please ensure that all late arrivals, sign in/outs, appointments and music lessons are recorded at the Junior School Reception. Any changes to address, phone number, medical conditions and emergency contacts should please be submitted via My Family Details, available through the Penrhos Portal. An extended leave of absence requires a written and personally signed request to the Head of Junior School, Wayne Revitt, via Junior School Administration.

ALLERGY AWARENESS

Penrhos College is allergy aware and a ‘nut free zone’, which means that NO NUTS or food items containing nuts can be brought for recess or lunch, or for the provision of any treats e.g. birthdays and class parties. Students are discouraged from sharing food items, recess snacks and lunches. We ask families to assist by not sending ‘food to share’ in school lunch boxes, so we are better able to provide a safer environment for students with food allergies.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies (for Pre-Primary to Year 6) are held on Friday mornings in the Rixon Theatre, as per the calendar. Awards are given at Assemblies, and you will be notified if your daughter is to be an award recipient. We also hold an End of Term Assembly, along with the Year 6 Graduation, on the last day of the school year. Our Assemblies are very much a time for gratitude and celebration - you and your immediate family members are warmly invited to join us.

We love to celebrate birthdays! You are welcome to bring in food items for the class on your daughter’s special day.

Please note that birthday party invitations are not to be given out at school. This is a strict Junior School policy, to avoid disappointment for those who do not receive one. Please contact your class Parent Representatives for parent email information if required. Birthday ribbons are presented at the Junior School Chapel Service, to students who have a birthday falling on the Monday of the Chapel Service through to the following Sunday. Students who are absent will be presented with their birthday ribbons in class by the Head of Junior School, at the first available opportunity.

BOOKLISTS

The College will source and provide all stationery and text-book items, as required for each year level. Parents do not need to order or source any stationery or other items. This reduces waste, makes life easier for our parents and encourages sharing among students.

CHILD SAFETY

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people – all staff, volunteers and visitors are expected to share this commitment. All children and young people who come to Penrhos College have a right to feel and be safe. We are committed to providing a child safe and child friendly environment, where children and young people feel they are able to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and other harm; we are committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm. Our environment is friendly and welcoming to all children and young people, and our child safety protocols are designed to reflect the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Junior School offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities throughout the year, from Kindergarten to Year 6. These co-curricular clubs operate before and after school; with most taking place from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Students are supervised by our staff after school, until the club begins. Parents can then collect their daughter(s) from the club; or students can be escorted to the library for our Dragon X program, which concludes at 5.30pm. Each Term you will be offered clubs such as Dance, Sport with Curtin University’s Carnaby Kids, Eng Quest for budding engineers, Mandarin, Lego Club and many more! Details of activities will be forwarded to parents via Compass, as applicable to your daughter’s year group.

We actively seek to include students in decisions that affect them. We ensure students know about their rights to safety, information and participation. We recognise the importance of friendships and support from peers. We actively seek to understand what makes students feel safe within the College environment and we regularly communicate with students about what they can do if they feel unsafe. In the Junior School, our Clinical Psychologist oversees our Keeping Safe (Protective Behaviours) and Wellbeing curriculum, in keeping with our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students as paramount. We believe in a proactive, preventative approach — we develop the skills required to identify, regulate and discuss emotions, so that each child may communicate about their personal safety, and safeguard the wellbeing of others. For more information, you are most welcome to arrange a time to meet with our psychologist, by emailing jsadmin@penrhos.wa.edu.au.

DIARIES

As it is not always possible to make personal contact with each individual parent, the diary provides an important medium for daily communication. Parents are encouraged to use the diary for this purpose. Your daughter will record all homework activities, important dates for events, reminders and a reading record in her diary. Classroom teachers review and sign student diaries regularly.

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

A – Z OF PENRHOS EARLY LEARNING DRESS CODE AND UNIFORM

Students wear the Penrhos uniform as outlined in the Student Diary and Uniform Guide. Please clearly label all belongings, as there are many items in lost and found, which are all of a similar size. The children wear their green bucket school hats for outdoor play all year round; formal white hats are worn to and from school for students in Years 4 to 6. The green bucket hat remains in your child’s locker.

HOUSE ACTIVITIES

All students and staff are allocated to a House. We have four Houses: Rome (red), Sparta (yellow), Athens (green) and Troy (blue). The House system is used for both sporting and cultural activities. Students whose family members are Penrhos alumni are usually placed in the same house as the related alumna. Regular opportunities will be provided for our students to interact with fellow House students of all ages, including Secondary students, on Pastoral Days.

KALEIDOSCOPE/ARTSFEST

Each year we alternate between an ELC (Kaleidoscope) and Year 3 to 6 (ArtsFest) Performing Arts production. This will involve a night-time performance in the Rixon Theatre, and a matinee performance as a highlight on our Grandparents and Special Friends Day. All students take part and share in a wonderful celebration of the arts. Our Drama Specialist and Music Coordinator work together to create this special Penrhos experience.

LOCKERS

All Year 1 to 6 students are assigned a locker for storage of bags during the school day. For security reasons, they are not to be used for storage of student possessions overnight. The lockers are not to be decorated inside. Notebooks cannot be stored in the students’ locker. All musical instruments are to be stored in the music lockers at the bottom of the internal stairs.

MEDICAL

If your daughter is unwell, please do not send her to school. Illnesses such as gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, coughs and colds are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through a group of young children. We closely follow protocols set by the Health Department for the management of COVID-19 and will keep you informed of any action required. Anti-bacterial hand gel is

available in all classrooms and further information about contagious diseases can be obtained from the Health Centre. The College Nurse will contact parents, should any student fall ill at school or present when she is not well enough to attend. For all students in the Junior School with medical conditions such as Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Epilepsy etc, an updated Allergy Action Plan (signed by a GP/ Specialist) is required. Copies will be provided to relevant Administration offices, the class teacher and the Health Centre. Relevant medication must also be provided. Should a student need to take medication during the day, please arrange this with the Health Centre. Junior School staff are not permitted to administer medications. The Health Centre can be contacted on 08 9368 9505 or email health@penrhos.wa.edu.au

MOBILE PHONES

Individual students may choose to carry a mobile phone to and from school for medical, pastoral, safety, or emergency reasons. As soon as a student enters College grounds, her mobile phone must be switched off, put away and then stored and locked in her locker for the duration of the school day. An individual student may be given permission to carry her mobile phone on her during the day for wellbeing and/or medical reasons at the discretion of the Head of Junior School, Dean of Students or Head of Secondary School. Parents are asked to support this policy by not contacting their daughter on her mobile phone during the school day. All communications are to go through Junior School or Secondary School Reception or a member of staff. If a student needs to contact a family member, she may use the phone in Junior School Reception. If a student uses her phone to contact her parent directly, we ask parents to remind her of the correct procedure to follow.

Other Devices Other devices include smart watches, AirPods, headsets, earbuds, earphones, or any other device that can connect to a mobile phone. Smart watches may be worn but students are expected to have their watch turned to aeroplane mode as soon as they enter College grounds. For all school-based assessments students are required to remove their smart watch and place it on the teacher/supervisor’s desk when entering the room. Headphones connected to a student’s school provided computer may be used in class under teacher direction. Students are not to wear headphones (including AirPods and earbuds) when walking around campus or between classes. Individual students may be given permission to wear headphones for medical and/or pastoral reasons at the discretion of the Head of Junior School. Co-Curricular For all co-curricular activities, mobile phones and devices must be switched off, stored safely and not used without the express permission of the teacher in charge. Library – after hours Phones are to be kept on silent and remain in school bags. If a student wishes to make a call, she must request to use the library phone. School socials, camps, and other events No mobile phones are to be taken on camps, socials or other school events.

MUSIC LESSONS (PERIPATETIC)

Many of our students enjoy learning a musical instrument or engaging in vocal lessons. We have excellent tutors, who will collect and return your daughter to her classroom, if lessons are during the school day. All information regarding Music lessons will be available via Compass and/or our website. If you have any queries, please contact the Music Administration Coordinator on 08 9368 9671 or email musicadmin@penrhos.wa.edu.au. Please note students and parent/guardians must notify peripatetic music teachers of any potential diary conflicts with music lessons, at least 48 hours in advance, to allow adequate time for lesson re-scheduling.

MUSIC – YEAR 2 STRINGS

As an integral part of the Junior School classroom music program, every Year 2 student will receive free tuition on a violin, viola or miniature cello. This includes free use of a College instrument along with the required tutor book for the entire year. Students will be tested for musical aptitude, checked for physical suitability and asked to rank their instrument preferences. Weekly lessons and ensemble rehearsals are conducted in small groups during class music time and tutored by the relevant peripatetic specialists (please note this program does not therefore impact on any academic programs).

NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS CONCERT

In the last week of the year, the ELC Nativity and Junior School Christmas Concert are combined for a special afternoon celebration in the Rixon Theatre for all families. Our community comes together to enjoy this special time.

Misuse of mobile phones or devices Any student who contravenes the above, will have her mobile phone or device confiscated and held at Junior School Reception. A parent/caregiver will be required to collect it. Repeated breaches will result in consequences consistent with those detailed in our Behaviour Management Policy.

Early Learning Centre Handbook 2024 | Penrhos College

A – Z OF PENRHOS EARLY LEARNING PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS

You are welcome to contact your class teacher to arrange a meeting at the start of the year, should you have any specific information you wish to share. Your daughter’s teacher will additionally arrange to meet with you towards the end of Term 1, to discuss the results of formal and informal assessments, to review progress and set goals. If you require a further meeting with a member of our learning enhancement staff, please contact the Deputy Head of Junior School. At the end of Semester 1, you will receive a written report (with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and, at the end of Term 3, you will be invited to share in a Learning Journey in your daughter’s classroom. You will be kept informed of your daughter’s progress through our Learning Management System, Compass. Early Learning Centre parents will receive regular updates via the Seesaw App (login detail will be sent early in the year). All students will receive a written report at the end of the school year. The ongoing relationship between our families and staff is very important. You are welcome to arrange to meet with your class teacher at any time of the year; the same applies to specialist teachers and any other teacher who works with your daughter. Please arrange to meet with the Head or Deputy Head of Junior School, should you have any further queries. Often a ‘face to face’ meeting is more effective in establishing supportive and productive relations. Our aim is ultimately to work with you, in partnership, for the benefit of your daughter.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Please avoid bringing personal toys or items to school, as far as is possible, since any loss or accidental damage can be very distressing. If your daughter brings a toy or object to school as part of their news telling, this will be kept safe by the class teacher until news time and returned at the end of the school day.

SUNSMART

Please send a labelled water bottle with your child each day, to keep in the classroom, particularly during the hot weather. Having an easily accessible bottle allows the girls to drink plenty of water throughout the day, without having to leave the classroom. The girls can refill their bottles during their break times. Please note your daughter must wear a hat, whenever outside. Green bucket hats are to be kept at school in your daughter’s locker during the week. Please also ensure sunscreen application prior to school each morning. Sunscreen is additionally located in each classroom for additional applications throughout the day, as required. Penrhos College encourages all staff, students and their families to be aware of the dangers of skin cancer and to take preventative measures — whether at school, travelling to and from school, or in situations away from school.

Any questions? This Handbook is designed to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions – we appreciate it is by no means a definitive reference point. Compass, our College website, the Seesaw App (for Early Learning), Penrhos social media platforms and periodical publications (including The Penrhosian and SAGA) will provide you with a wealth of information throughout the year. The majority of our communication with you, including events, carnivals, excursions and camp details, with be through Compass. This is a digital school management system, available through all devices including laptops, PCs, smart phones and tablets – it connects the school community with valuable resources via a single platform. If you require assistance with Compass, please call IT Support on 08 9368 9567 or email itsupport@penrhos.wa.edu.au. Please contact our friendly and helpful Admin team with any further queries. And a very warm welcome, once again, to our wonderful Penrhos College community!

penrhos.wa.edu.au 6 Morrison Street, Como WA 6152 Locked Bag 690, Como WA 6952 08 9368 9500 A SCHOOL OF THE UNITING CHURCH ABN 33 834 165 805 | CRICOS CODE 00444E

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