Starting or considering kindergarten in 2024?
Kindergarten marks the start of an exciting learning journey for many families. We know our youngest learners flourish in an environment where they are authentically known, that nurtures and inspires their creative and curious minds.
Snowy Mountains Grammar School warmly invites you and your child to join us at our kindergarten events this year. Our kindergarten events aim to provide families with opportunities to tour our inspiring learning environment, get to know our exceptional teaching team and provide tools to help prepare your child (and you) for the exciting learning journey that awaits!
Would you like to Find Out More?
If you would like to find out more about Kindergarten at Snowy Mountains Grammar School or discuss your schooling options:
Explore our Campus
Not yet been to our campus? Book a campus tour with our Registrar, Mrs Bronwyn Canham and experience our vibrant Junior School.
“In our caring, safe and supportive environment, our youngest learners flourish as they inquire, create and connect with each other and the wider school community.
We prepare our students for life, they take ownership of their learning through a positive mindset approach, working towards their personal best.”
Why SMGS Kindergarten?
Personalised Learning
In our safe and nurturing environment, Kindergarten students are authentically known to each teacher at SMGS and we understand that each student is on their own personal learning journey. Our Kindergarten Program is differentiated to meet individual student needs and is supported by our Teacher’s aide through consistent individual support or small group work, to further consolidate student learning.
Flexible Learning Spaces
At Snowy Mountains Grammar School, we design our learning spaces to be inclusive of all types of learners and learning experiences. Our Kindergarten classroom maximizes natural light and has agile and dynamic furniture to stimulate learning. We’ve also connected our indoor and outdoor spaces with outdoor work benches, gardens, and comfortable seating.
In synergy, these spaces allow for increased collaboration, connection and inclusion, focused work and creativity.
Learning Foundations
Strong literacy foundations are crucial for our Kindergarten students in all key learning areas. We use early literacy screening for phonemic awareness to assess each student’s starting point. Students work multiple times a week with our teacher’s aide to build their knowledge of letter sounds, high frequency word acquisition, and reading skills.
In numeracy, we use concrete materials to build students’ mathematical knowledge and understanding. We encourage students to touch and move manipulatives during learning to fully engage their senses. They develop their understanding with concrete materials before transferring that knowledge to numerical symbols. Our approach makes learning math fun for our students!
Specialist Teachers
Teaching and Learning programs at Snowy Mountains Grammar School meet the requirements of the NSW Syllabus. Our Kindergarten program includes the following specialist classes: Visual Arts, Music, German and Physical Education.
Before, after school and holiday care
Run by Gidgillys at SMGS, the service is available for students in year levels ranging from Kindergarten to Year 6 and will operate in the P5 classroom with access to the Junior School facilities including Eat Street and the Playground.
To learn more or to register, head to: https://www.gidgillys.com.au/jindabyneoshc
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is the foundation stone of our decision-making, ensuring our community flourishes and supports students to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.
Our Student Wellbeing Program prioritizes the wellbeing of every student, fostering their academic ability and character to help them reach their aspirations in life and learning. Guided by the evidence-based Australian Student Wellbeing Framework, we address each student’s individual needs. In the Junior School, we use the Bounce Back Program, a K-6 social and emotional learning approach that fosters a positive school climate. Additionally, we offer Morning Sit, a mindfulness program that teaches children to slow down and be present in the moment. Our buddy program complements our approach, with Kindergarten students paired with Year 12 and Year 6 buddies who offer support throughout their first year of schooling.
Communication and Connections
Our close-knit community also means that parents have more opportunities to engage with our classroom teachers. In addition to frequent and encouraged face-to-face communication, we use a number of platforms to connect with families.
Technology and Innovation in Kindergarten
We use technology to enhance our Kindergarten students’ learning experience. They have access to iPads during literacy and numeracy activities, which helps them consolidate their skills in phonics, phonemic awareness, spelling, reading, and numeracy. By incorporating technology into our classrooms, we create new learning opportunities that support our 21st century learners.
Co-curricular Opportunities
SMGS Kindergarten students also have access to a number of unique co-curricular activities, including the following for 2022:
- Garden Club
- Mountain Bike Club – Wednesday after school during Term 1. Coaching provided by Jindy Riders
- Junior School Play
- Snowsports – 10-week Wednesday program at Thredbo Resort
- Term 1 Learn to Swim Program
- K-2 Choir
- Chess Club – Lunchtime activity during Term 1, 2, and 4
- Minecraft Education
- Rostrum Speaking/Debating
- Indonesian
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