Hours
The Pre-School is open Monday to Friday each week. 8.45am to 3.00pm during NSW Public School Terms. Pre-School is closed on all NSW Public Holidays and PreSchool designated Pupil Free Days.
Pupil Free Days
The first day of the year and the last day of the year, are Pupil Free days at St. Stephen's Pre-School.
Going to be Away?
If your child is going to be away please let us know before 9.30am on the day, or in advance if you know beforehand. We worry if the children don't arrive safely at Preschool.
How old does my child have to be for Pre-school?
We are licensed for children aged between 3 and 5 years. All children attending St. Stephen's must have turned 3 by the beginning of the Preschool year.
Pre-school Communication
There a number of ways that communication between families and staff can occur.
Everyday there are opportunities for brief discussion with the staff. These are good times to relate special events in the life of your family eg. birthdays, new babies, pets, holidays, special visitors, outings etc.
- Website - our aim is to work towards most of our paper communication being put on the website. This is to help reduce the cost of paper notes. So please check the website regularly.
- Noticeboards
- Communication Pockets - Every child has a pocket that notes, newsletters, accounts etc are put in as the need arises.
- Photo Boards - Most days we try to photgraph the story of our day.
- Busy Boxes - Each child has a Busy Box. This is where you willfind your childs art, craft and other work. Please check daily
- Portfolios
- An appointment can be made with your child's teacher if longer discussions are needed.
How can I be involved?
Community based organisations such as ours rely on the help and support of its families to function. At St. Stephens there are a number of ways you can help and become involved.
- Management Committee
- Garden Roster
- Laundry Roster
- Toy Hospital - washing and mending
- Extra Jobs from time to time
- Social Events and Fundraising
Withdrawal of a child from Preschool
A terms notice is required in writing if you wish to withdraw your child from pre-school during the course of the year. If notice is not given full fees will be charged so as to help maintain the financial viability of the Pre-school.
Drop Offs and Pick Ups
To ensure the safety and well-being of all children please make sure you do the following,
Drop Offs
- Always sign your child in when you arrive, noting any changes eg. Who is picking up, contact number for the day.
- Inform a staff member that your child has arrived.
- If necessary complete a medication form and hand medication to a staff member.
- Always kiss your child goodbye and let them know who will pick them up.
Pick Ups
- Don't forget to sign your child out (our attendance records are legal documents).
- Check notices, your communication pocket and sign in books formessages re: incidents, wet pants etc.
- Collect all your child's belongings including Busy Boxes etc.
- Please remember their work is important to them.
- Let a staff member know that you are taking your child.
NB: If someone who is not nominated to collect your child on your Enrolment Card is picking your child up, please inform the Pre-School in writing prior to the event or write it next to your child's name in then `Sign-In Book' when dropping off in the morning. Don't forget to let the staff know.
We are unable to allow your child to go home with anyone who is unauthorised to us. If the person is unknown to us we will require photographic ID eg driver's license.
If you have any questions re administraion eg. waiting lists or your account, you can email Sheena our secretary at sheena@ststephenspreschool.com or for any other matter the Director at ariane@ststephenspreschool.com
Concerns, Questions and Queries
At St. Stephen's we believe that everyone has a right to be heard and at all times we will endeavour to keep the lines of communication open.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions. Please be assured
that at all times matters will be dealt with in a professional and confidential manner with no prejudice towards any individuals and families.
Please see our Grievance/Dispute Policy for more detailed information.
