Why classroom expectations can’t mirror home
I love teaching Kindergarten! It’s one of my favourite parts of the week. There’s something truly special about seeing young children explore, create, and grow in those early years of school.
Just recently, during an art lesson, I found myself reflecting on how different the school experience is from home. In the space of a few minutes, I had one child asking me to turn on the tap, another needing a band aid, a third wondering where to put their artwork, and a fourth telling me they’d forgotten to write their name on the now painted artwork. Each of them needed help, and each of them needed it right now. Understandably, they couldn’t quite grasp why I couldn’t do all four things at once.
This moment reminded me of something important: at home, children often receive one-on-one attention. Their needs are met quickly, and they rarely have to wait or share adult support. In a classroom, however, they are learning alongside many others, and while teachers work hard to meet every child’s needs, the reality is that attention must be shared. This isn’t a disadvantage, it’s simply a different kind of learning. In a school setting, children develop patience, independence, and problem-solving skills, and learn to navigate social situations in order to become part of a community.
How can parents support this transition?
Here are some gentle, practical ways to support your child’s learning journey at home:
- Build Independence: Encourage your child to do small tasks on their own like packing their bag, tidying up, or choosing their clothes. These skills help them feel confident and capable in the classroom.
- Practice Patience: Play games that involve turn-taking or waiting. This helps children understand that sometimes they need to wait for help, just like they do at school.
- Talk About School Experiences: Ask questions like, “What did you do when you needed help today?” or “How did you solve a problem on your own?” These conversations build reflection and resilience.
- Celebrate Effort: Focus on praising persistence and trying new things, rather than just getting things ‘right’. This helps children embrace challenges at school.
- Stay Connected with Teachers: Teachers value your insights and partnership. A quick chat or note can help build a shared understanding of your child’s needs and progress.
Some key upcoming events
John Lambert Awards – Thursday, 6 November:
All students receiving an award should wear their formal Summer uniform for the presentation. Students in Years 2, 4 or 6 will then need to change into their Sports uniform for Swim School afterwards.
Grandparents Day – Friday, 7 November
This special event will commence at 1:00pm in the Gym, with light refreshments. Please join us in praying for good weather! Please ensure you RSVP on behalf of attending grandparents to assist with catering preparations.
This special event will commence at 1:00pm in the Gym, with light refreshments. Please join us in praying for good weather! Please ensure you RSVP on behalf of attending grandparents to assist with catering preparations.
We anticipate increased traffic in the car park at dismissal time, so where possible, arranging for a grandparent to take your child home may help ease congestion. Please allow for additional time on this afternoon.
2026 Orientation Events – Pre-K, Kindergarten & Year 7
If your family is welcoming a sibling to the College next year, we warmly encourage you to attend the Parent Sessions. These sessions offer a helpful refresher and are a wonderful way to welcome new families into our community.
If your family is welcoming a sibling to the College next year, we warmly encourage you to attend the Parent Sessions. These sessions offer a helpful refresher and are a wonderful way to welcome new families into our community.
