Triq San Dwardu Birgu, Citta Vittoriosa BRG 9039 www.stedwards.edu.mt
ST EDWARD'S COLLEGE ORIENTATION PACK EARLY YEARS - YEAR 1 AND 2
04 05 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23
Orientation Morning School times and Extra Hours Becoming Independent Academic Program Snacks Birthdays and School Bags Keeping in contact and News Sickness and accidents Assesments and Parents' mornings Uniforms Change of Clothes Sporting Houses Lists of items needed and forms for filling Important numbers
Table of
CONTENTS
Welcome Message Dear Parents, Guardians and Students, We will be fast approaching the
start
of
the
new
scholastic year and the Early Years staff is eager to meet you
together
with
your
children at Orientation Day. I am taking this opportunity to
send
you
some
information which I hope will be useful and answer some questions about the
Stephanie Grech
coming scholastic year in
Head of the Early Years
the Early Years Year 1 and 2 classes. We are looking forward to a successful
and
rewarding
year which will enhance the learning experience of our students throughout their journey at College.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s first years in the ‘big school’ and look forward to welcoming you and your little one in September. In the meantime, I wish you a pleasant, relaxing summer!
Orientation Morning Orientation Morning/First day of school for students and their parent/s for all the College will be held on Wednesday 28th September. The Year 1 and 2 Orientation
will
start
at
08:30am sharp in the back playground behind the Junior School. You are to enter via the Kalkara gate and make your way
(turning
right
once
through the gate) around the Junior block. We will start with an introductory meeting and then each teacher will call out their students. You are then asked to join the teacher in her classroom
where
she
will
address you all and inform you of
everything
important
regarding the year. You will be
.
digital portal) and how you will have access to it also. Following this, students will be asked to remain at school for their first day. Pick up will be at 14.00. Students are to attend in their full summer uniform.
given the daily routine, school diary/
communication
book
and so on at this point. As well, you will be shown how the College uses ‘myschool’ (our
This is a transition opportunity to meet your child’s new teacher and to look around the classroom and building. We encourage you to speak to your
class teacher and inform her
programme
of anything you feel is of
08:30am – 14:00pm
importance child.
This
regarding
your
includes
any
allergies/intolerances,
food
runs
from
School day: Kindly be advised that the
choices, etc. Such information
drop-off
will be noted and placed in
who do not use transport is no
your child’s school file. If you
later than 08:30. Gates will
would prefer you can ask for a
then re-open for collection at
meeting
class
14:00. Year 1 and 2 students
teacher to discuss anything
are to enter using the Kalkara
with
your
02 on another day. you wish
gate
time
for
for
students
drop-off
and
collection. Please have your child wear a name badge for Orientation
In the morning, students are
Morning. This is to be worn
to be dropped off and enter
throughout the first term.
via the Kalkara gate and make
School 03 Times and Extra Hours Services
their way to their playground (infant playground). There will be
supervisors
waiting
to
greet them at the gate and Our Year 1 and 2 level
show them the way for the first term. At the end of the day (14.00) the teaching teams
will escort the students back
Afternoon
to Kalkara gate for collection.
Service:
Parents are to wait outside the gate. Students
making
use
of
their playground area in the morning and then taken to awaiting
van
shortly
before 14.00. Please advise your son’s teacher if he will be making use of transport. It is important
that
this
information is shared during Orientation. Of course, on heavy rainy days the boys will be taken directly to their classrooms in the morning.
For all Early Years students (finishing at 14:00) we offer an
transport will be walked to
their
Supervision
afternoon supervision service from Monday to Friday. These sessions will run from 14:00 – 15:00 where the children will be engaged in free play and outdoor
activities.
children
will
be
from
their
The
collected respective
classrooms at 14:00 by our team
and
taken
for
the
afternoon session which is held in the Early Years block. We will be having Early Years staff members covering these sessions.
Parents
are
welcomed to register their children and make use of
these services whenever they
will be reported to the Head of
need to. You may opt for a 2-day
Section and not be tolerated.
week, 3-day week or 5-day week
The College gates will be closed
on the registration form. You will
shortly after 08:30. During these
be invoiced the corresponding
times the children will be with
cost at the start of each term.
their
Parents may opt in at a later
teams. The day will start with a
stage or termly, however, we will
school assembly and/or circle
not
time which is very important to
accept
students.
Please
unregistered find
the
application form attached.
designated
teaching
us at College as it unites the students and encourages social and personal skills. We also ask
An extracurricular programme
that you are on time for the
will be sent out at a later stage.
afternoon pick up. Repeated late commers will again be
We believe that children learn
reported to the Head of Section.
from example, thus we ask you to drop off your child on time to
If you need to collect your child
avoid disruption to the morning
earlier for any reason, please let
routine. Frequent late comers
us know by the evening prior at
the latest. You can do this ideally by informing your class teacher or the Head of Early Years. In case
Becoming Independent
of emergencies please message the Head of Section on 77771704. This
will
disruption.
help Only
minimise authorised
adults may collect your child as indicated
through
our
Child
Collection form attached. Please note that we will not hand over our students to other older
students
(brothers,
cousins, neighbours, etc).
All students are continuously encouraged to become independent and self-sufficient at SEC. You can help your son become so by encouraging him to do the following himself; Pull up and down the zip on his shorts and rain jacket. Change shoes himself Clean himself after using the bathroom Look after his school things/ all belongings Pack and unpack his school bag Carry his own school bag
Academic Program During their
day
the
boys
will
be
engaging in a
number
of learning opportuniti es.
These
are presented through projects, subjects and/or cross-curricular activities. SEC has adopted a blended approach to the Emergent Curriculum and modifications to the timetable will allow time for project developments and student-led learning. The Emergent Curriculum allows learning to take place within a context – an area of interest for our students. The teaching teams continuously observe to keep track of the student’s accomplishments and challenges, as well as their interests. Our extensive grounds are frequently used for outdoor learning, scavenger hunts, observational walks as well as gardening sessions. We strongly believe that outdoor learning plays an important part in our student’s holistic development.
Snacks The Year 1 and 2 classes will have two breaks during their normal daily routine. Kindly send healthy snacks, and a bottle of water (or 2). No
sweets,
chocolates,
crisps,
burgers, pizza, nuggets, chocolate muffins, cookies, packet juices or fizzy drinks are permitted. Nuts are not allowed within our Early Years classrooms
due
to
possible
known/emergent allergies, while popcorn is also banned as it is viewed as a choking hazard for young
children.
We
strongly
believe in setting an example for our
children
and
encouraging
them to become healthy eaters, so we ask you to comply with our ‘Healthy label
Eating’
your
Policy.
child’s
Please
lunch
box
(including lids) and bottles clearly. Lunch is encouraged to be split into two lunch boxes to make it easier for your children to spread their snacks between the two breaks.
Students’
independent
eating will be encouraged and practised throughout the year. While students will not be allowed to share their lunches.
Birthdays Children enjoy celebrating their birthdays with their class friends and we do make an emphasis on the child on his/her special day. Birthday cakes are welcome but not too sticky and creamy, please. Often parents want a list of class names for party invitations, and you are welcome to ask your child’s teacher in advance but please note that due to the General Data Protection Regulation we can only give names if you give us the consent to do so. (Consent Form attached). Also, the teacher will give out all the names of children in class once names are asked for and consent is given. We would be happy to hand out invitations to all the class. Please keep in mind the no nuts policy when preparing/ordering cakes to bring in.
They can be of any brand/colours you wish. Keep in mind that children are encouraged to carry their bags to increase their independence, so please avoid wheeled bags as these tend to trip over young children walking in together as well as drawstring bags (as these can be very tricky for your young ones). During outings, we encourage you to send a small backpack containing only the child’s lunch and water to make transport processes easier and safer. It is very important that School Bags are always labelled, checked daily, and kept clean.
Bonus Tip
School Bags Please provide your child with a rucksack which is able to hold an A4 size folder (which can be folded over) and his/her lunch.
Keeping in contact and News
collective information such as policies, reminders, etc. Please inform us if you change your email address and/or your home
All parents will receive their address at any point. child’s
teacher
SEC
address on orientation morning.
The Early Years email address
We encourage you to reach out
is ;
should you wish to. 'The class
earlyyears@stedwards.edu.mt
teacher will be sending you
The Head of Early Year’s
correspondence
number is: 77771704
via
throughout the scholastic year.' This will help you keep updated The
calendar
for
the
whole
with what is going on. We college is available on the website encourage you to send any and is regularly updated. feedback you might have and ask you to regularly check your Ensure you read the fortnightly emails (including spam) to keep newsletter
Dwardu's
Scoops
updated. In addition, we send which will be sent to you and is out
notes
via
your
child’s also available on the website for
communication folder (button write-ups
and
photos
of
the
folder). Please check your child’s activities going on throughout folder on a daily basis as we will the entire college. The Early Years send flyers, invitations, notes, feature regularly in the newsletter crafts and circulars using your as well as constant news uploads, child’s folder.
videos and photos on the College Facebook
page.
Social
media
The Head of Early Years will also consent is to be given (form be keeping in touch with you, attached) before a child’s photos mostly by email, with individual are included in our newsletter or communication as well as
social media accounts.
Sickness Keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell! There is no need
to
telephone/email
the
during College hours. We ask that you are prompt when being called in to collect your child.
college if your child is unwell, unless
he
contagious
or
she
infection.
has
a
Please
note that whether you have informed us or not, the College will automatically send an SMS once the teacher has completed the daily online registration. If your child is away from College for 1 day, we will then need a medical certificate stating that your child is fit to return to school. For the sake of other children and staff, please do not send sick children to school, this includes
a
constant
running
nose or a cough. If your child is suffering from seasonal allergies, you will be requested to send in a doctor’s certificate indicating so prior. You will be asked to collect your child immediately should the class teacher suspect illness or he/she becomes unwell
Address
Accidents
All minor accidents requiring treatment are entered in our ‘Accident/Incident Book’, you will be informed, and an incident slip will be sent home. We ask that you sign the incident slip and pass it back to your class teacher the morning after. If in our opinion
your
child
medical
treatment,
requires we
contact you immediately.
shall
Assessment and Parents’ Mornings The children work towards several developmentally appropriate goals throughout their year. They are continually informally assessed by their teachers as they participate in activities which work towards these goals. Assessments within the Early Years are based on teacher observations and note-taking throughout the day. The student’s written work then solidifies the observation outcomes. Children are all individuals and will work at a different pace, achieving these goals in their own time, with the necessary support and encouragement from the team according to their individual needs. You will be invited to two Parents’ Mornings during the year when you will have the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with his teacher in an informal atmosphere. In addition, we will be documenting the student’s progress through : 1.
November reports will provide an overview of how the
student has settled in the routine and adapting to the daily tasks. It will shed light on the student’s observed abilities and areas to be tackled as well as mention the boy’s characteristic attributes. This well then be followed by the yearly parent’s consultation meeting mentioned above.
2. Second-term progress reports will be sectioned by learning outcomes. This time the teachers will target each area of learning and remark upon their observations. This too is followed by the yearly parent’s consultation meeting. 3. The June progress reports will identify the student’s development throughout the year. These will also be sectioned by learning areas. 4. The Student Portfolio will hold photos and samples of the work of the student throughout his year at College. This will highlight tasks and abilities he acquired as well as special moments to be cherished. There will be no marks given out at any point for assessment reasons. We do not believe that, at their age, this notes a child’s development and progress. If at any time, if you feel the need to speak to your child’s teacher or the Head of Early Years, please do not hesitate to arrange an appointment. We will contact you for an appointment any time the need arises.
Uniforms The Uniform lists (Summer and Winter) can be found on the College Website. You will be informed accordingly of seasonal changes in uniform. We will start the year with the Summer Uniform. Please ensure that the school rain jacket is kept in your child’s school bag throughout the Winter months.
Please ensure every piece of uniform is clearly labeled and shoes have a ‘velcro’ fastening. Please note that the full school uniform is to be worn neatly and cleanly at all times
running shoes once they arrive to be more comfortable during their day. Students will change back to their uniform shoes before collection. You will be informed more about this during Orientation Morning.
Hair: The student’s hair is to always be neatly done and kept short.
Change of Clothes Junior school students are asked to keep their white running shoes at school and attend in their uniform school shoes. They will then change into their white
Please keep a change of underwear and a pair of socks in a labelled clear sealed plastic bag in your child’s school bag daily. Attached please find the ‘changing permission slip’ to be filled in and handed over to your son’s teacher on Orientation Morning. All clothing items must be clearly labelled.
Sporting Houses Each boy is assigned to one of our three College houses; Campbell, Congreve or Ducane, which they will remain in throughout their school years. These will be used for sporting events and is to encourage friendly sportsmanship and loyalty. New and Year 1 boys will be assigned a house by the sports department shortly after the start of the scholastic year. The colour allocated appropriate t-shirt is then to be worn for sports and sporting events. Should you have old Edwardian family members and wish your son to join their Sports House, please inform your class teacher at the start of the year.
Finally, Please, ... Book Lists: These
can
be
found
on
the
College
Website
(http://www.stedwards.edu.mt/) NB: The Year 2 English learning books are not listed on the current booklist. This is because the Year 2 groups continue to use the Read, Write, Inc. approach to literacy learning developed by Ruth Miskin. This is already being practised within all our Early Years levels and the boys will be able to carry on with the program throughout. The Year 2 boys will start off the year as a class and then, following reading and literacy assessments/observations, they will be divided into reading clubs. We will be informing parents which level to purchase once the assessment is done and then again when a new level is reached. We ask that you do not delay purchasing the books your son will need once we inform you via announcement in October/November. We encourage you to look online for some insight on the RWI scheme. Results abroad have been extremely positive and our students thrived using this approach. Year 1 & Year 2 Items Required: Each child will require: Year 1 & Year 2 (everything is to be labelled). A school bag large enough to hold the folder, pencil case (not tins and instead display pencil cases are recommended) and a lunch bag
Lunch bag containing 2 lunch boxes (one for small break, one for big break) and a bottle of water Clipped name badge holding the child’s name, class, contact number and van colour (if using transport) An A4 ‘box-file’ (*see example below) 2 Whiteboard markers (black/blue & green/red) Writing tools: 3 Hb2 pencils (only HB2), a sharpener with container, ruler and an eraser 1 Large Box of Tissues and 2 large packets of wipes (ideally eco friendly wipes) 1 Large and 1 small Glue Stick An extra pair of socks and underpants (labelled and to be kept in the school bag at all times) Painting aprons (labelled) Safety metal scissors (rounded at the top) A set/packet of interlocking cubes. (* see photo below) A4 Display folder - 20 folders (*see example below) 1 small hand sanitizer bottle – to be used by your son and kept in class Year 1 only: A full packet of thick colouring pencils and their sharpener,
a
set
of
bright
coloured
glitter
glue
(ex.
Gold/silver/blue/red/green/purple etc.) and 1 Chubby triangular pencil (*see picture below) Year 2 only: 3 plastic A4 button envelope folders to store completed worksheets and reading books – English and Maltese (*see an example below).
Art – Years 1 & 2 (everything is to be labelled). 1 set of paper plates 1 bag of cotton wool balls 1 small container of cotton buds 1 pack of lolly sticks 1 Small P.V.A glue 1 big UHO glue stick Washable watercolour paint set for children (including small paintbrush) 1 large paintbrush (*see below) 1 small packet of wipes 1 small packet of tissues 1 paint cup (*see photo below) 1 A4 envelope folder (as above) 1 packet of crayon oil pastel colours (*see photo below) Plastic art box (approx. 31cm length x 16cm width x 13cm height) (*see photo below)
All the above are to be labeled. The boys should bring these to school on the first day.
Forms to be filled Attached please find; -The Child Collection Form -Photo Printing Permission Slip -Media sending slip -Changing Permission Form -After School Supervision Service Slip -Consent Form for Invitations
Please fill these in and hand to your class teacher during Orientation morning.
Student Services Student
Services
–
College Security Ms
College
Security
–
Mr
Mario
Amanda Grech has a partial
Busuttil, former member of the The
teaching
teaching
Malta Police Force, is our security
Psychology IB, and will act as
officer. His main duties are to man
our Student support. Students
the gates, log in visitors that enter
and staff can visit her office
the
during lunch breaks.
College and help with the day to
load,
College,
regulate
traffic
in
day running of the College.
Important Numbers Head of Early Years – Ms. Stephanie Grech; 77771404 – earlyyears@stedwards.edu.mt Headmaster – Mr Nollaig Mac an Bhaird – hm@stedwards.edu.mt School Secretary – Ms Annalise Domenici – schoolsec@stedwards.edu.mt Bursar & Finance Department – Mrs Analise Cioffi & Mrs Trisha Caruana – bursar@stedwards.edu.mt / accounts@stedwards.edu.mt Admissions Office – Ms Vivian Borg– admissions@stedwards.edu.mt IT Support – Mr Darren Bonnici – ictdept@stedwards.edu.mt