About our Preschool
Mungindi Central Preschool was officially opened on 11 September 1993 as a transition program targeting children who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders to successfully access Kindergarten at Mungindi Central School. It was one of the first designated Aboriginal Preschools in the NSW Department of Education, and is enveloped in the local Gamilaraay nation.
Mungindi Central School Preschool operates 5 days per week for children the year prior to their commencement in Kindergarten. All children in NSW must be enrolled in full time schooling by their 6th birthday. MCS Preschool can support a maximum of 20 students.
Early learning curriculum is guided by the Early Learning Framework (governed by ACECQA) and is play-based. During their time in Preschool, our students are gradually introduced to the expectations of Kindergarten. Literacy, numeracy skills and school readiness are a focus within this setting.
Aims
At Preschool, we aim:
- To provide a high-quality educational program in a safe, secure and supported environment.
- To work together with families to provide the best quality outcomes for each child.
- To establish strong connections to local country and culture through partnerships with the Gamilaraay nation.
- To facilitate activities and experiences that will assist in the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and language development of each child.
- To structure the environment in such a way to enable the child to reach their full potential keeping in mind the child’s stage of development.
- To provide a balance of activities which are stimulating, interesting and exciting and where each child can achieve success and also be challenged.
- To encourage the children to become enthusiastic learners through a play-based program and emergent curriculum.
- To encourage independence in each child.
- To equip children with the skills required to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
Philosophy
At Mungindi Central School Preschool we believe
As Children:
- We bring our own unique and individual identity that is open to growth and development as we gain confidence and independence while at Mungindi Central School Preschool.
- We explore and engage with our surroundings to help us develop an understanding of our place in the world by becoming active members within the community, growing an appreciation for the natural environment and fostering a respect for diversity.
- We take ownership of our health, hygiene, emotional and physical wellbeing by practising healthy eating habits, developing our fundamental movement skills and acquiring self-regulation.
- We are learners! We challenge our ideas, knowledge, skills and understandings by engaging in a variety of learning activities, resourcing and designing play experiences, and being active participants in our own learning journeys.
- We continually and expansively communicate our needs, opinions, ideas and feelings through verbal, non-verbal, visual and technological means.
As Educators:
- We facilitate a welcoming environment where children feel safe, secure and supported to engage with all aspects of the Preschool on a physical, emotional, cognitive, mental and spiritual level.
- We value an inclusive practice that encompasses a respect for diversity, fairness, and the natural environment. We guide the children, families and community to embrace sustainable practices, an empathetic nature and respect for diversity. We explore and facilitate a range of opportunities to extend networking by collaborating with the wider community, especially external support and Early Childhood services.
- We promote healthy eating, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and regulation, and exercise by highlighting each component in a variety of modes within the daily program. We encourage and model healthy lifestyle practices as a staff, to educate and influence the children, families and wider community.
- We embrace the understanding that the environment as the third educator, setting up a variety of learning experiences, which appeal to current interest, areas of development and child choice. Our program is structured on planned curriculum (intentional teaching), spontaneous experiences, key learning areas and Aboriginal Education (Gamilaraay).
- We value and maintain open lines of communication with children, parents and community. We embrace a range of communication mediums to cater for a wider audience and network.
What to Bring
- Water bottle
- Bag
- Broad-brimmed hat – Winter / Summer
- Sheet, pillow and pillowcase – marked with child’s name
- Spare clothes in a plastic bag
- Pull-ups (if still training)
- Meals (see Appendix 1 Healthy lunchbox guide and Appendix 2 Good for kids Nutrition Guide)
- Lunch - A packed healthy lunch will include - a sandwich or wrap, fruit, cheese, popcorn, dried fruit, slices of vegetables and water
- Afternoon tea - which includes a piece of fruit and a drink
- NOTE: Please do not send lollies, soft drink and/or chocolates
Clothing
Children are encouraged to come to Preschool in Mungindi Central School uniform and covered shoes (no sandals or thongs) each day to enable them to participate in all aspects of the program. Mungindi Central School has a No Hat, No Play policy. Please ensure your child brings a broad brimmed hat every day.
Mungindi Central School tee shirts may be purchased through the School Administration Office at the beginning of each year. A Mungindi Central School shirt will be provided upon enrolment, children are required to wear this shirt when attending all excursions.
Parental Involvement
We welcome and encourage active parental participation in all aspects of our Preschool. Preschool upholds an open-door policy, which encourages and invites parents and caregivers to take on an active and influential role in the program and weekly routine.
How you can be involved:
- Share information regarding your child while attending MCS Preschool
- Provide feedback relating to children’s learning
- Engage with your child’s Kinderloop profile
- Join in sessions at Preschool
- Read notices and newsletters
- Share skills, talents and interests in aspects of the program
- Assist with preparation of the resources
- Join in working bees and excursions
- Come along to special days and events
- Help with the collection of props, craft materials and items of interest – and much more.
Enrolment
Eligibility
Department preschools enrol children for one year only, the year before they start school. Children can be enrolled in the year they turn if their 4th birthday is on or before the 31 July.
Priority is given to
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
- Children living in low socio- economic circumstances
- Children who are unable to access other early childhood services due to disadvantage or financial hardship.
Procedures
- Parents/Caregivers fill in an official enrolment form to be returned to the Mungindi central School Main Office before the end of the year before starting Preschool. (Enrolment in a Public Preschool)
- The following documentation needs to be presented on enrolment or the enrolment will be deemed invalid:
- Birth certificate and/or appropriate legal documentation to indicate the identity of the child.
- Immunisation records or Immunisation Exemption – Medical Contraindication Form (IMMU11). This form must be dated and signed by a doctor/immunisation provider and sent to the Immunisation Register. The School Administration Office must be given a copy of this form.
- Health Care Plans need to be provided to Mungindi Central School Administration Office if your child has any health / medical conditions that require monitoring, such as Asthma, Anaphylaxis or general allergy.
- In the case where the child’s name does not match the Parents/Caregivers, further documentation needs to be provided to verify guardianship.
- Parents/Caregivers will attend an Application to Enrol interview with the MCS Principal prior to enrolment. The required documentation must be brought to the interview.
- Parents will receive enrolment acceptance letter by Friday at the end of term 4.