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Children’s primary education continues in Years 1 to 6 where they receive a strong foundation in core subjects.

The classroom layout is more formal than Pre-primary with students sitting together in groups or rows. Students spend more time working at their desks and in small groups.

Set days and times are allocated to each subject area.

Every child from Pre-primary to Year 12 is guaranteed a place at their local public school.

The transition between year levels in primary school becomes easier as your children get to know the teachers and support staff at the school, and more familiar with the school’s layout.

Preparing for school

Here are some things you can do to help your children get ready for school:

• Attend school orientations so you and your children can meet their new teachers. It is here that the teacher outlines the lesson plan for the year, so it is important to attend. It is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns. If you cannot make these sessions, speak with your children’s teachers directly.
• Practise the morning routine a week before school starts. This gets you and your children used to getting up, dressed and out the door in time.
• Prepare a study area for your children to do their homework.
• Buy your children’s uniforms and other school materials early.
• Label your children’s belongings with their name.
• Make sure your children have enough rest and have a regular bed time.
• Iron clothes and prepare nutritious lunches the night before.

Attending school every day is important

Western Australian law stipulates that all school-aged children must go to and attend school every day.

Developing the habit of going to school every day is vital so children do not miss out on important ideas and skills they need for future learning. Did you know:

• missing half a day of school each week equates to one month of missed learning per year
• the attendance habits set by children when they first start school continue throughout their school life
• if your children miss half a day of school each week between Pre-primary and Year 10, they would miss almost one full year of learning
• learning is cumulative – if your children miss a day, it is harder for them to catch up.

You can help by arriving and collecting your children on time; making sure they get nutritious meals and enough sleep; and making appointments with doctors, dentists and specialists, and making holiday plans during school holidays and not during the school term.

If one of your children is unwell and unable to go to school, let the school know straight away by telephone or by the school app if they have one. If they miss a day it is important you talk with their teacher to find out how you can help them catch up.

Talking with your school

If you have an enquiry or wish to raise a concern with the school please speak with your child’s teacher first.

If the matter is not resolved, make an appointment to speak with the principal.

You will find more information about how to raise concerns with the school, and who to raise them with, in the Talking with my school flyer.