Early Years Starting Points
Westminster School remains committed to the individual learning, social and pastoral care needs of each of our youngest students. Please see the following from our Principal Steve Bousfield recently published in our fortnightly electronic bulletin:
"School Intake Enrolment Policy
In recent weeks there has been considerable media coverage and public discussion about a change in the South Australian DECD (Department of Education and Child Development) policy which from 2013 will see a single annual intake to pre-school which will then flow on from 2014 to primary schools. As from 2013, only children who turn 4 before 1 May in a year will be able to commence pre-school in that year otherwise they will not be able to commence pre-school until the beginning of the following year. This change flows on to affect when students can commence their Reception year. Once fully implemented, each student will have a set four terms of pre-school followed by four terms of Reception, each commencing at the start of a school year. Subsequently, the Catholic Education sector and schools in the Independent sector have embarked on a review of their policies. Some schools in the Independent sector already offer only one annual intake; some have announced they will now be implementing an annual intake policy.
Despite this change in public policy and the ensuing discussions within the various education sectors, Westminster School’s policy will not change. At Westminster, we will continue to offer Early Learning for children who qualify from age of three. Reception is available for students, based on when they turn five years of age, through a start of school year class or mid-year Transition class. As each student has individual learning requirements, we believe this flexibility in when children start Early Learning and make the transition to Reception is in the best interests of our students and community. This allows us to work with families to assess the readiness of our youngest students to commence their journey through school."
WESTMINSTER EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Early Learning is an important first stepping stone in your child’s education. The aim at the Westminster Early Learning Centre (ELC) is that every child develops a lively and enquiring mind, feels happy, safe and secure, and fulfils his or her potential in every aspect of progress and growth. To achieve this we provide a well-resourced, stimulating environment that incorporates a range of philosophies and current best practice educational methodologies.
The curriculum spans a full range of planned and spontaneous learning experiences that seek to develop children’s social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive development.
Ages of Students
We cater for children aged three years and over who are ready from a social and independent toilet training perspective to spend time at pre-school.
Session Times / Days
Westminster ELC operates Monday to Friday each day during the School term except for the first Monday of each term and public holidays. Two sessions are available to families each day. The first is from 9.00 am -12 noon and the second from 12.30 - 3.30 pm. Children are able to attend either full or half day sessions. Children starting at three years of age should attend a minimum of two sessions, preferably on consecutive days. By the age of four, children should attend a minimum of four sessions and in the final semester a minimum of six sessions is expected. Depending on availability, children can attend more frequently than these recommendations.
Please note: session request forms are required each semester. Sessions availablility changes as older children leave to enter Reception.
Facilities
As the ELC is an important part of Westminster School, students have access to a wide range of appropriate facilities.
Meals
Students attending the Westminster ELC for a morning or afternoon session are provided with a nutritious snack. Students staying for a full day also have lunch provided as a part of their daily routine.
Staff
Westminster ELC has three qualified staff working per session to care for a maximum of 30 children. Other Westminster specialist staff, such as our Music, Library and PE teachers, also support the learning program in various ways. This integration assists in making a smooth transition for children leaving the ELC and entering their first year of schooling.
Location
The Westminster Early Learning Centre is located securely within the grounds of Westminster School at Alison Avenue, Marion. It is a part of the Junior Primary area of our School, and parking within the School grounds is available for parents.
Uniform
The ELC uniform is the same as the Westminster Preparatory School sports uniform - a combination of shorts, shirt, tracksuit and rugby jacket all designed for children to be active, warm and comfortable. Children can continue to wear this uniform for sport once they start their schooling.
Reception 2012
We are excited to announce that this year in 2012 there is a third Reception class at Westminster. Creating this third class means that the children in Reception in 2012 are enjoying classes of about 17 or 18.
