At St Maroun’s Preschool, we do not permit the children to bring their own toys, such as cars, games, jewellery or any other item. We do not want the responsibility of any lost, broken or stolen items. Please make sure your child is fully toilet trained. This involves the child in: Your child’s clothes should be comfortable and washable – please do not send them in their best clothes as this inhibits their play by being constantly being worried about getting dirty. Your child will get dirty at pre- school because they are actively involved. We encourage children to wear appropriate closed shoes and aprons in messy activities i.e. painting, clay, slime etc. Please do not bring your children to preschool in open toe or slip on shoes and dress your child to suit the weather conditions and always pack a jumper or Tshirt in case of a change in weather conditions. Your child’s clothes must allow for independence (self dressing) i.e. elasticized shorts, T shirts, track-suits etc and must be clearly labeled with their name. Toileting is particularly difficult if the child cannot manipulate their own clothes and will affect developing their self help skills. We do not use abusive, neglectful, corporal, humiliating or frightening punishment under any circumstances. Children must be signed in and out of the preschool using the Kiosk program available at the centre. In case of an emergency evacuation, we need to know who is in the preschool. This is the parent’s All of your child’s belongings must be clearly labelled with your child’s name – including underwear, spare clothes, hat and eating utensils. All meal times are set tables with 6 children per table or less. At meal times children say a brief grace before eating. All children are encouraged to rest during this time; however children are not forced to sleep. We feel that relaxation is an important skill to learn and is easiest established in early childhood.Toy Policy
Toilet Training
– Being aware of when they need to visit the toilet;
– Being able to pull down or take off the necessary clothing;
– Being able to wipe their own bottom in appropriate manner, place used paper in the toilet and pressing
the button to flush the toilet;
– Washing their hands correctly, i.e. between fingers, palm and back of hands. Children are taken to the
toilet before and after morning tea, lunch time and afternoon tea.
– If your child should either wet their pants or soil themselves, spare clothes need to be available to change them. The wet or soiled clothes will be placed in a plastic bag and sealed.Clothing
Please Note:
– We have a very limited supply of spare clothes. Pre-school spare clothes must be returned fully laundered promptly.
– A spare set of clothing must be included in your child’s school bag including underwear at all times.Discipline
We do have specific rules for indoor and outdoor and the general treatment of peers and equipment. These are thought of and constantly discussed with the children.
If we need to remove a child from the group for disciplinary action it is to a location where the staff are able to maintain visual supervision such as on a chair in the classroom. If a rule is broken children are taken aside and spoken to about their behaviour and what is expected ofn them. They are given two warnings and on the third occurrence they are either asked to choose another activity for a while to reduce aggression, disruption or misuse of materials, or removed from the situation. If
negative behaviour continues it may be necessary to discuss the matter with the parent.Sign In and Out
responsibility, please ensure this is done.
Please inform staff when:
– Someone other than you (parent/guardian) is picking up your child (children will not be sent home with that person unless the person’s name is on the original enrolment form, or parents have notified staff
with a signed letter and contacted the Director).
– Your child is sick or going on holiday.
Custody/access arrangements change.
– Your address or contact phone numbers change;
– The emergency contact numbers change or need to be updated;
– You’re withdrawing your child from the preschool (four weeks written notice is required).What to Bring
Parents, kindly equip your child with the following items when commencing Pre-school:
– Your child needs food for morning tea and lunch – to be placed in a lunch box. We recommend food to
be healthy including a sandwich and healthy snacks.
– A bottle filled with water.
– One piece of fruit or vegetable (e.g. cucumber, carrot, celery etc) which is to be shared during afternoon tea.
– A hat
– A pillow, one fitted sheet and a blanket or sheet depending on the weather
– One tissue box (at the start of every term unless stated otherwise).
– Spare change of clothes and underwear.
– A jumper in case of a change in weather.
– Any documents required to complete enrolment.
Please ensure that food brought to Preschool does not include any egg or nuts due to allergies.Meal Times
Children are not forced to eat all their lunch and self-help skills are encouraged. Children can only leave the table when dismissed by a staff member.
Please note that all medical research proves that too much sugar in children’s diet leads to tooth decay and behavioral problems. We would like to encourage healthy eating and therefore do not allow chocolate, lollies, chips, soft drinks, chocolate biscuits, or roll ups etc to be consumed at preschool.
Parents are required to label all sandwiches, snacks and drinks with the child’s name and ‘MT’ for morning tea and ‘L’ for lunch. Water is preferable and recommended for your child’s health and body intake.Rest Time
This time of day is planned so that each child is comfortable and relaxed as they listen to soft music.
Through this we are able to connect children with our centre through belonging, being and becoming.
