PARENTS’ HANDBOOK YEAR 2019

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

YEAR 2019

ST. HILDA’S KINDERGARTEN

OUR VISION

To be recognized as a premier kindergarten in the community, grounded on

Christian principles and providing superior child education through innovative

teaching programmes.

OUR MISSION

To provide a caring environment where children grow in their physical,

intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development. Our staff members

treat each child with love and respect as we teach our children to explore,

discover and learn.

OUR HERITAGE

With a history of close to 70 years, St. Hilda’s Kindergarten’s heritage is

meaningful for the many generations of parents and their children who have

spent their early years of education here.

St Hilda’s Kindergarten was registered with the Ministry of Education in 1949.

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

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OUR FAMILY

Staff

Our teachers are qualified and trained Early Childhood Professionals. All our

teachers are registered with ECDA (Early Childhood Development Agency).

They are dedicated and passionate in nurturing your precious little ones.

Students

Social skills should be developed at an early age. We teach our children to

work independently in groups and learn to be responsible for themselves. We

believe that children of all ages should be taught discipline and accountability.

With gentle but firm discipline and guidance, orderly behaviour is encouraged

and maintained among the children.

Our aim is to nurture children in the image of Jesus Christ who increased in

wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and men. (Luke 2:52)

Parents’ Role

Those who work with young children have long realised the need for

cooperation of parents in the education of their children. When the children

enter school for the first time, it presents a major change in a lifestyle for

parents as well as children. You can make a big difference in your children’s

kindergarten experience by:

Understanding our Kindergarten programme.

Accepting the fact that each child is different and has his/her own growth patterns.

Calling on the Teacher or Principal for help when questions arise.

Establishing regular routines, making choices and acknowledging your child each day

for something he/she has done.

Attending workshops and talks on pre-school education.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. We encourage you to

participate in your children’s learning journey with us.

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OUR VALUES

Christian Education Christian values play a major role in our daily activities. Listening to Biblical

stories, remembering Biblical verses, praise and worship sessions are

conducted regularly.

Here are seven key values we would like to instill in all our children. This helps

to foster a positive self image, respect and acceptance of others and the

development of good morals and values.

1. Tell the truth.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

3 John 1:4

2. Honor your parents (and teachers).

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the

Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

3. Love each other.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of

sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

4. Do your best.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for

people” Colossians 3:23

5. Be patient.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in

love.” Ephesians 4:2

6. Be thankful.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

7. Never give up.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

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BASIC INFORMATION

AM Session 08.30 am to 11.30 am

PM Session 12.00 noon to 03.00 pm

School Terms for 2019

Term 1 2 Jan to 15 Mar

Term 2 25 Mar to 31 May

Term 3 1 Jul to 6 Sep

Term 4 16 Sep to 15 Nov

1. The Kindergarten is open to children of all races. Praise songs and prayers are taught at the start of each school day during Assembly. Punctuality is one of the lessons taught in the Kindergarten. Our programme starts promptly at 8.30 am or 12 noon. It is important for children to be on time.

2. Please be on time when collecting your children at 11.30 am or 3 pm as they worry when you are late. If you cannot avoid a delay, we would appreciate it if you could contact us so that we can assure your child that all is well. If you have to pick your child up earlier than usual, please report to the school office first and follow early dismissal procedures. You will be required to sign in a log book and indicated the time you picked your child up.

3. For safety reasons, the children must be brought inside the school and collected from the school by an adult. Please inform the teacher if you have arranged for bus transportation or someone else to collect your child at anytime. Parents are to email the school with the details of the person fetching your child or fill up the “Authorized Person” form.

4. Send your children regularly to school. Do not allow your children to miss kindergarten except for illness. There will be no school on Public Holidays or designated school holidays as per the school calendar.

5. Please keep your children at home if they have cough, cold, runny nose or fever. If your children or their siblings have any contagious diseases such as Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD), Chicken pox or Measles please see the doctor, keep them at home and inform the school immediately. Parents should inform the school in writing and call when their child is absent due to illness or for any other reasons.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Registration Fee

Registration Fee inclusive of GST $53.50 is non-refundable and non-

transferable.

Deposit

A deposit inclusive of GST $214.00 (Singaporean) or $321.00 (SPR & Others)

is payable upon registration.

Deposit may only be used towards part payment of K2 Term 4 school fees or

donated to the kindergarten.

Deposit will be forfeited:

When a registered student does not turn up or withdraws before the

school term starts in January. Deferment of entry date is not allowed and

will be considered a withdrawal.

When the child leaves the Kindergarten before the completion of K2, for

any reason, whatsoever.

Withdrawal Policy

Partial refund of term fees (30%) if the child is withdrawn within 21days of the start of term, regardless of the attendance of the child. Regret Clause A full refund of school fees will be given if BOTH the following are satisfied: (1) the withdrawal is made within 7 calendar days of the payment of school fees, AND (2) the withdrawal is requested at least 30 calendar days before the term starts. Otherwise, the Withdrawal Policy above applies.

Notice of Absence

Children going on long leave of absence will need to continue to pay the school

fees in full in order to retain a place on their return. Parents must inform us

through a written notice of absence or submit their Medical Certificates.

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

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School fees are payable in advance before the commencement of each term.

Cheque payment addressed to St. Hilda’s Kindergarten is preferred. Please

write your child’s name and Class name at the back of your cheque.

Official Receipts will be issued and sent back in your child’s homework file upon

receipt of payment by cash or cheque.

Parents of Singaporean children may opt to pay school fees using Child

Development Account. Interbank GIRO may also be used. Submission of

CDA/Interbank Giro application forms must be given to our Admin Office at

least 5 weeks prior to deduction date.

An administrative fee of $32.10 will be imposed for each unsuccessful

deduction from CDA/GIRO account or cheque payment.

Please notify us for any change of address or telephone number.

Contact for fees matters:

Kindergarten 2 : 6344 3119 - Katherine

Nursery & K1 : 6345 4210 - Patricia

Fees for 2019

Level School Fees per Term (10 weeks)

Computer Fees per term

Uniform PE Attire Name Tags

N1

$1,059.30

NA

$27.00 per set

$27.00 per set

$4.00 for 4 pieces

N2

$1,059.30

$100.00

K1

$984.40

$110.00

K2

$984.40

$110.00

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A TYPICAL DAY

1. Arrival Routine

Observe the health check and temperature taking routines.

Then children go to their respective classrooms to put away homework files,

water bottles and jackets. Each child is given 2 homework files – one for the

day’s homework & any school communication; the other remains with the

teacher.

2. Assembly

The children will assemble in the Hall. Character building will be taught

through Bible Verses, stories, songs and prayers.

3. Circle Time

After Assembly the children go to their respective classrooms where the

theme of the day is introduced through “Circle Time”. A story, a rhyme or a

song may be used. For example, if a story is used, children listen to a story

and talk about what happened. When this happens children are learning to

love books, remember details and express ideas (Language development).

4. Curriculum

There are six domains of learning around which the curriculum is based. The

curriculum is broad based, structured and ensures progression and

continuity.

Personal, Emotional, Social and Spiritual development (PESS)

At SHK we create a welcoming atmosphere where children quickly gain

a sense of security to enable us to build their confidence and develop

their independence.

We encourage a caring and supportive atmosphere in the classroom

where everyone is valued and treated with kindness and respect.

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We encourage the children to work independently, selecting an activity

or resource for themselves, to dress and undress with minimal help and

to play an active part in their personal hygiene.

The children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards their

work. Through both child initiated and adult directed activities, they learn

to work as part of a group and independently.

Young children love to ‘help’ and we encourage them to do so to increase

their sense of belonging to the SHK family.

Being a Christian organization, children are exposed to good Christian

values early in their growing years to help them develop in the love of the

Lord.

Communication language and literacy

We aim to provide experiences which will make the children effective communicators through speech and writing. Speaking and listening skills are vital and time is given for children to develop these important skills through circle times, class assemblies, stories and performances. Reading is central to the curriculum in SHK. The children read regularly at school to their teachers and teaching assistants. Emphasis is placed on reading for pleasure as well as acquiring the important skills needed to decode text. During their time in SHK the children will take reading books and activity sheets home to share with their parents.

Phonic skills are taught in a structured and progressive manner through a Synthetic Phonics Programme (Code Crackers). Writing is developed throughout the year, with the children gradually becoming more independent and confident. We encourage the children to listen with understanding, to become enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers and to write with some independence.

Problem solving reasoning and numeracy

We follow a systematic Numeracy syllabus which has a structured and progressive scheme of work. We cover the following concepts;

say and use number names

count forwards and backwards in ones, twos and tens

estimate

write numerals

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

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order numerals and use appropriate mathematical language (more than, less than etc.) addition and subtraction within 10 introducing signs (+ = -)

solve simple problems by using development mathematical ideas and methods recognize and recreate patterns (e.g. repeating patterns)

use money – sort coins, give change

practical activities related to length, time, weight and capacity

compare two quantities e.g. heavier/lighter

use vocabulary related to time, days of the week, read o’clock time

name solid shapes and flat shapes

Knowledge and understanding of the world

The children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. They have opportunities to use a range of tools safely, encounter people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real life situations. They conduct simple science experiments. Information & Communication Technology is used as an aid to enhance the delivery of all aspects of the curriculum. We use a cross curricular approach and work in themes or topics.

Physical Development

The children are encouraged to be active and interactive and to improve their skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. They develop an understanding of the importance of physical activity and making healthy choices in relation to food.

Creative Development

Children’s creativity is extended by supporting their curiosity, exploration and play. They are provided with opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Art is an important part of creative development, and children are given many opportunities to experiment creatively.

5. Second Language

It is compulsory for our students in our education system to learn a second

language in which they are expected to be proficient throughout their school

education. To achieve this successfully, second language is taught from an

early age. Our school offers only Mandarin as a second language.

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6. Computer Lessons for Nursery 2, K1 & K2

Hands on experiences conducted one lesson per week during curriculum

time by Ednovation Pte Ltd. This year we are introducing basic robotics and

coding skills as well.

7. Snack Time

Snack time for each class is staggered and according to the class time table.

We provide: -

Wholemeal Biscuits with Milo drink or milk

Chicken Porridge

Chicken Macaroni Soup with vegetables

Wholemeal Bread with soft margarine and Fruits

Oats with raisins

8. Dismissal Time

The teachers will be reviewing the day’s events, distributing homework files

and singing the goodbye songs with the children during the dismissal time.

Parents should take note of notices placed in the homework file and respond

accordingly before the due date.

All marked activity sheets, English & Chinese Readers returned in the

Homework File should be removed and kept at home.

Children should remember to bring their files with completed worksheets

every day.

9. Birthday Celebrations

Please give your child’s class teacher, one week’s advanced notice for the

birthday celebration. Time allotted is during the Class Snack time: 15

minutes. Children celebrating their birthdays can come to school wearing

their special clothes. Maximum of 3 adults are permitted and they should

sign in at the Admin Office before proceeding to Classroom.

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PARENTS’ HANDBOOK

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Parents may bring along a birthday cake together with serviettes, paper

plates and forks. Cake source must be declared as we discourage home

baked.

Some children give out goodie bags as gifts containing stationery items

instead of food.

Class name lists cannot be given and photo taking of other children is

discouraged due to the Personal Data Protection Act.

10. Name Tags

Name tags can be ordered through the Class Teachers or Admin Office.

Name tags should be strictly attached above the badge of St Hilda’s

Kindergarten on the Uniform & above the tree logo on the PE attire.

11. School Uniform & Foot wear

Full uniform should be worn at all times. Please take note of PE days and

wear the appropriate PE attire for the day (White T-shirt and Blue Shorts).

Foot wear: Black shoes and White socks.

Contact Us @ St. Hilda’s Kindergarten

Please visit our website: www.shkindy.edu.sg Our website also contains the

fees schedule and calendar of events.

Email address:

admin@shkindy.edu.sg

principal@shkindy.edu.sg (Mrs. Jacqueline Edward-Jason)

Address & Contact No: Kindergarten 2 Campus 83 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429740 | Tel no: 6344 3119 | Fax no: 6447 3965 Church Campus for N1, N2 & K1 41 Ceylon Road, Singapore 429630 | Tel no: 6345 4210 | Fax no: 6346 1891