Pre-school
The St Andrew’s College Pre-school is a safe, rich, warm and dynamic environment in which young children can enjoy interacting with each other and making sense of their world in their own time and in meaningful contexts. We offer full day (8.00am – 4.30pm) and session-based places for children aged from two and a half years.
Introduction to the Pre-school
Our team of fully-qualified teachers actively observes and listens to each child so we can meet their unique needs. We ensure an appropriate balance of learning and play, and set problem-solving and creative challenges. Children spend part of each morning in groups with their key teacher, focusing on a particular theme or idea. Teachers plan carefully to integrate as many curriculum areas into the focus as possible and to extend each child’s experiences and learning. The younger children tend to make discoveries through art, construction and story-telling, while the older children learn through collaboration, research, creative writing, measurement, plan making, drama and dance.
Our pre-school is uniquely advantaged by its location within the wider St Andrew’s College campus. Children have the opportunity to visit the facilities used by students in the Preparatory and Secondary Schools, such as science labs, the television studio and the drama centre, where they encounter new and exciting ideas that help them greatly with their transition into primary school.
We encourage parental participation in many aspects of pre-school life, as we strive to create an environment in which children feel stimulated and secure. We welcome visits from interested families, at any time.
Pre-school Open Day
Come and visit us at our next Pre-school Open Day on Friday 23 March from 11.00am - 12.30pm. Take a tour of our facilities and experience all that the Pre-school has to offer. Contact Jan Marshall, Acting Head of Pre-school on 03 940 2030 or preschool@stac.school.nz for more information.
ERO Report 2011
The 2011 ERO (Education Review Office) report has just been completed. This report was very positive about a number of areas in the Pre-school including:
Programme:
"A feature of the preschool is the diverse range of educational programmes available for children. These experiences give particular emphasis to areas such as literacy, numeracy, science and the arts."
"ERO observed children happily involved in sustained, independent and small group play and friendship groups. Children are well supported to take responsibility, to care for themselves, others and the environment."
Learning and Environment
"Children's well-being and sense of belonging is fostered by the relationships teacher develop with children and the environment they provide."
"Teachers know children well, are respectful of their interactions and show genuine interest and care for them. Teachers affirm and value children's efforts. Children are confident to approach adults and seek comfort and support. Their self-help skills are encouraged."
Leadership and Management
"Preschool leaders have built on the most effective practices to bring about further improvements to the programme and implement recommendations in the last ERO review."
Click here to read the full report.
Term Dates, Hours and Location
We are located at the St Andrew's College grounds, Normans Road off Papanui Road, Christchurch.
Our hours of operation are 8.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Term 1
30th January-5th April
Holiday Programme 11th-13th April Week 1
16th-20th April Week 2
Term 2
23rd April-29th June
Holiday Programme 2nd July-6th July Week 1
9th July -13th July Week 2
Term 3
16th July-28th September
Holiday Programme 1st October-5th October Week 1
8th October- 12th October Week 2
Term 4
15th October- 7th December
Holiday Programme 10th-14th December
Holiday Programme 2013 - starting date to be confirmed.
Age
We accept children aged from two and a half years.
Fees
We offer competitive hourly rates. Please contact JanMarshall, Acting Head of Pre-school for more information on 03 940 2030 or preschool@stac.school.nz .
Curriculum
St Andrew's College Pre-school is a well-resourced specifically designed environment set within the wider St Andrew's community. Children at St Andrew's College Pre-school participate in whole school events and have access to the resources provided by the wider school.
In a curriculum that balances learning with play and mixes problem solving and perseverance with creativity and joy each child is nurtured yet challenged and their developmental and spiritual needs are met.
Within a prepared environment each child is able to choose freely from the following curriculum areas;
- Environmental Studies, Care of the Environment, Science, Biology, Cultural Studies, Bi-Cultural Aotearoa;
- Mathematics;
- Language;
- Art, Practical and Art Appreciation;
- Music;
- Drama;
- Physical Education;
- Construction & Design.
The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with the Head of the Preparatory School and the Head of the Junior School to ensure that each child is optimally prepared for their Primary School experience.
Parent Participation.
St Andrew's College Pre-school values the role of parents as first teachers. We aim to work collaboratively with you to achieve optimum outcomes for children.
In addition to the many opportunities each term for parents to participate in Pre-school activities, e.g. Sports Day, Art Exhibitions, Science Fairs and Performances, parents are warmly welcomed at any time during the Pre-school day.
Assessment.
Formal Parent Teacher Interviews are held in the first and third term of each year where child’s progress, interests, abilities and areas for development are shared. Observation and assessment sheets, record sheets and child profile books are kept and updated daily to document each child’s progress. The Head of the Pre-school is available at all times to speak to parents.
Staff
All our staff are fully qualified in early childhood education.
Acting Head of Pre-school: Jan Marshall
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Lisa Hartnell
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Joanna Gregg
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Emma Richards
Bachelor of Performing Arts
Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
St Andrew’s College Pre-school Operations Manual (containing all policies and procedures) and Recent ERO Reviews are available in The Parent Library.
Communication with Parents
Notice Board
A parent’s notice board is prominently displayed in the entrance to the Pre-school. Displayed here is general information for parents; information about the Pre-school programmes e.g. topic plans, special events and financial reports.
Daily News
A diary is written each day to inform parents about the events of the day. This is located on the table in the foyer.
Parent Interviews
Teachers will provide regular opportunities both formally and informally for parents to discuss their child’s progress, interests, abilities and areas for development. Formal parent interviews are held during Terms 1 and 3. Teachers are always available formally or informally to meet with parents.
Operations Manual
The St Andrew’s College Pre-school Operations Manual is available at all times in the Parent Library. This contains the Philosophical Statement and Policies and Procedures. Policies and procedures are continually being reviewed and updated. Your comments and suggestions are valued.
Parent Evenings / Parent Participation
Parent evenings are held during Terms 1, 2, and 3. Each Term parents are invited to celebrate children’s’ learning. For example, Sports Day, Art Exhibition, Music Festival, Science Fair and a Nativity Play. The Pre-school is also involved in the celebrations of the wider school.
Parents are encouraged to spend time with their child in the Pre-school, to contribute to our programme and to be involved in decision making concerning their child.
Weekly Routine
8.00am-8.30am Preparation of Pre-school by teachers.
8.30am-8.40am Group Keva Time, we welcome each child and talk about the morning activities.
8.40am-9.15am Group Time with Key Teacher (Monday – Thursday) Discovery Time (Friday).
9.15am-10.15am Free Choice. Staff work with individual children and carry out observations.
10.15am-10.30am Group time (roll taken, stories or activity demonstrations).
10.30am-10.45am Morning tea.
10.45am-11.30am Outside playtime.
11.30am-12.15pm Physical Education (Monday and Friday).
11.30am-12.00pm Music (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).
12.00pm-12.20pm Group Topic Study with Key Teacher.
12.20pm-12.30pm Stories and Morning Session farewell.
12.30pm-1.00pm Lunchtime.
1.00pm-1.30pm Outside Playtime.
1.30pm- 1.40pm Group Circle Time, we welcome the Afternoon children to the session and talk about new activities.
1.40pm-2.15pm Monday Project Art
Tuesday Baking
Wednesday Drama and Ballet (optional)
Thursday Spanish
Friday Preparatory School Library
2.15pm-2.45pm Free Choice. Staff work with individual children and carry out observations.
2.45pm-3.00pm Group Time (stories).
3.00pm-3.30pm Outside play and farewell children, Afternoon Session finishes.
3.30pm-3.45pm Afternoon tea.
3.45pm-4.30pm Free Choice and Pre-school closes.
Contact Us
Please contact us for an information pack or if you wish to book an appointment to visit our Pre-school. Please contact Jan Marshall Acting Head of Pre-school on 03 940 2030 or preschool@stac.school.nz .
