Lauriston Girls’ School - Handbook 2025
Welcome to Blairholme Early Learning Centre
We warmly welcome you to Blairholme Early Learning Centre at Lauriston for 2025.
Our Early Years Centre is a place for children, parents, and teachers to flourish together. You are invited to join us in a ‘dance’ of discovery to find out who we are and what we might be.
When a child first enters Blairholme, they bring with them a rich history of relationships and a natural curiosity and a desire to learn.
Our aim is to become part of the tapestry of their lives, to know them, to understand them, to connect with them, to build a relationship with them, to reveal their ideas and to challenge their thinking, but most of all, to develop a strong sense of identity, developing the whole child as they weave their own special story.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Toms Vice Principal, Head of Junior School
Table of Contents
Key Contacts
National Quality Framework
Philosophy of the Program
The Learning Environment
Blairholme ELC A to Z
Arrivals and Departures
Attendance
Birthdays
Centre Allocation
Clothing
Co-curricular Communication
Daily Routine
Documentation of Learning Enrolments
Events and Celebrations
Family Involvement
Fees
Health and Wellbeing
Links with the School
Lost Property
Orientation
Out of School Care (OSHC)
Parent Groups
Positive Behaviour Guidance
Specialist Programs
Sun Protection Policy
Treasures from Home
Term Dates
Key Contacts
Susan Just Principal
Karen Parker School Nurse
Chris Toms Vice Principal, Head of Junior School
Deanne Read School Nurse
Main Reception
Fiona Ireland Director of Kindergarten
ELC Admissions and Administration
Sarah Boardman ELC Manager
Individual Differences
Cathy Tan Approved Provider
(03) 9864 7555
Director of Kindergarten (03) 9864 7549
Head of Junior School (03) 9864 7608
ELC Admissions and Administration kindergarten@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Extended Hours Care (03) 9864 7621
Director of Kindergarten irelandfi@lauriston.vic.edu.au
ELC Manager boardmansa@lauriston.vic.edu.au
IT Helpdesk helpdesk@lauriston.vic.edu.au
IT Helpdesk assist@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Out of School Hours Care
oshc@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Alicia Staughton
Christine Roux
The National Quality Framework
All centres who provide education and care for children from birth to 5 years are required to implement The National Quality Framework that was developed by the Federal Government and supported by all State Governments to strengthen consistency of care across Australia.
Blairholme Early Learning Centre educational programs are informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF): Belonging, Being, Becoming. This framework draws on conclusive internationally recognised research that emphasises play-based learning, supported by intentional teaching, and recognises the importance of social/emotional development and communication/language skills, including early literacy and numeracy. Educators use the EYLF in partnership with family input to develop learning programs that are reflective of children’s needs, ideas, interests, strengths and abilities. The framework recognises that all children learn in different ways, at different rates and at different times and staff use a variety of strategies to actively engage children in experiences that will extend and support their learning.
The EYLF identifies key components of a quality educational program to support early childhood professionals to work together with children and families to optimise children’s development and learning. These components include:
Belonging, Being and Becoming Principles Practices
• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
• Partnerships
• Respect for diversity
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
• Equity, inclusion and high expectations
• Sustainability
• Critical reflection and ongoing professional development
• Collaborative leadership and teamwork
• Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches
• Responsiveness to children
• Play-based learning and intentionality
• Learning environments
• Cultural responsiveness
• Continuity for learning and transitions
• Assessment and evaluation for learning, development and wellbeing
Learning Outcomes
• Children have a strong sense of identity.
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators.
The National Quality Standard (NQS) outlines seven quality areas that ensure each Centre’s approaches align with National Regulations and support the provision of quality education and care for all children enrolled at Blairholme. These standards include:
Educational Program and Practice Children’s Health and Safety Physical Environment Staffing Arrangements Relationships with children Collaborative Partnerships with families and communities Governance and Leadership
All centres are required to develop a Quality Improvement Plan based upon the NQS that is reassessed annually through consultation with children, staff and the school community.
Philosophy of the Program
At Blairholme Early Learning Centre our commitment is to create a place where children feel nurtured, respected and valued. We aim to create a safe place of warmth, fun, joy, laughter and learning where childhood is cherished. We celebrate respect for others, an adventurous spirit and approaching each day with a sense of wonder and delight.
Our community of learners is built upon our belief that all children are capable, competent and creative. Our approaches reflects each child’s rights to have their voices heard and to feel secure and protected. The diversity of our Centre is meaningfully celebrated, as children’s unique ways of being and individual approaches are intentionally acknowledged and nurtured each day.
We recognise that children construct knowledge and develop richer understandings through investigation using all their senses and sharing ideas and opinions with others. Invitations to play are guided by our appreciation of how children thrive when offered opportunities to be courageous and take considered risks within a supportive environment. Children are encouraged to build a strong sense of self and wellbeing, whilst discovering the joy of friendship and teamwork together.
We believe that play provides optimal opportunities essential for nourishing each child’s holistic development. We value the variety of significant learning moments found in play, where there are many authentic ways of exploring ideas. Emphasis is placed on investigation, active listening, observation, interpretation, reflection and collaboration by both children and educators in thoughtfully presented, aesthetically pleasing learning environments.
Each educator prioritises empowering children, by nurturing their sense of agency and fostering creativity and flexibility in thinking across all developmental areas. We continually strive to create rich, open-ended opportunities for children, to build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Our actions consistently demonstrate the importance we place on the value of role-modelling positive life behaviours for the children and each other. We are passionate about our role as advocates for young children in our care.
We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, which underpins our values and beliefs about how children think and learn. Educators appreciate each staff member’s unique strengths, skills and qualities, with our varied identities inspiring us to explore and discover together. We proactively undertake ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure relevant best practice principles for both staff and children are consistently explored.
We are committed to forming meaningful connections with all members of our community to enlighten and enrich our understanding of each other. We value our partnerships with families and the knowledge they bring to further deepen our understanding of each child. We authentically explore the diversity of beliefs and cultural identities within our community and take purposeful moments within teaching opportunities to celebrate all they bring to our programs. We recognise the value of our role, both within Lauriston Girls’ School and the wider local community, and appreciate the benefits this offers for our children and educators on an ongoing basis.
Blairholme Early Learning Centre acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather. We are inspired by their connection to Country when building appreciation of nature and positive attitudes towards sustainable practices through discussion and authentic action.
The Learning Environment
“I understand myself through my interactions with people and objects around me and the way I am reflected in the eyes of other people.” Loris Malaguzzi, founder of Reggio Emilia’s educational philosophy
Lauriston’s Early Years programs are inspired and guided by the highly regarded Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education. This philosophy highlights the importance of educators creating rich environments where children choose to immerse themselves in authentic play-centred learning to develop and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Our dedicated Early Learning team works closely with families to build strong and trusting partnerships, as we strive to create a happy, respectful space where children feel safe, secure and valued. Our programs aim to nurture children’s understanding of themselves, each other and their world. Educators view children as capable and competent and work alongside them as they explore their world with a sense of pride, wonder and delight. Programs value allowing time to truly celebrate childhood as a time of joy, discovery and spontaneous investigation. Creativity and curiosity are nurtured through a diverse range of authentic play-centred learning provocations, focused on responding to children’s individual interests and needs, to engage and motivate young learners in many ways. The joy that friendships and teamwork can bring, along with the celebration and documentation of learning moments both big and small, are integral components of our programs each day. Active listening is emphasised, so children and adults feel their ideas are valued.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy provokes educators to demonstrate their respect for the children by helping them to investigate beyond the superficial to seek deeper understandings. Reflecting on previous learning is key. For Blairholme educators, documentation in the rooms and weekly reflections allow children, educators and families to revisit and review experiences and construct deeper knowledge. All programming and documentation of children’s learning and play is guided by the National Quality Framework, Early Childhood Code of Ethics and educator’s knowledge of current research and information.
Reggio Emilia inspired approaches view the environment as ‘the third teacher’. Learning invitations encourage children to engage in investigations that provide rich learning opportunities. At Blairholme Early Learning Centre, educators place great emphasis on the aesthetics of the environment, so children are drawn to investigate and engage with learning experiences.
Blairholme ELC A to Z
Arrivals and Departures
All children are required to be signed in and out upon arrival and departure each day they attend. This must be completed by an adult authorised by the family or staff member.
Families can sign in and out of our programs via an iPad, which is located at the sign-in desk at the door for each room.
The following steps will need to be completed after you have entered your pin number into the iPad:
In the Morning: Expected departure time and name of person collecting
In the Afternoon: Please check the departure time
Please be aware that the people you authorise to collect your child on your behalf must be either recorded on your child’s enrolment form or provided to the office via email. Adults not included in your child’s information in this way will not be permitted to collect your child before verbal consent has been obtained directly from the family by one of our staff. Adults who have not been seen by educators previously will be asked to provide photo identification before your child can be released into their care, in line with our regulatory requirements.
Attendance
Blairholme Early Learning Centre provides care between 7:30am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year. We do not operate on public holidays, the Monday prior to Cup Day and for a period over Christmas. Parents are not charged for days we are closed.
Kindergarten programs run from 8:45am to 3:00pm during school term times. Out of School hours Care (OSHC), including Before and After School Care and Holiday Program, are provided by the school for families who require care outside our core Kindergarten hours. These programs ensure care is available from 7:30am to 6:00pm for all children in the Centre to support each family’s care requirements. Any child who has not been collected from the Kindergarten program by 3:10pm will join After School Care until an authorised adult arrives.
Birthdays
We are delighted to celebrate children’s birthdays with them at Lauriston. Families are welcome to provide small individual items, such as cupcakes, cookies, muffins or other healthy options, to share with the group. Lollies are not appropriate.
Parents can also speak to the educators in the room for other alternatives if you would like to celebrate in a way that does not involve food. Parents are welcome to join us for this celebration if they wish to do so.
Because of allergies, if food is commercially bought for celebrations, parents are asked to provide it in original packaging so staff can check the list of ingredients. If it is homemade, families are asked to give a list of ingredients to the child’s educators. This helps staff manage a safe environment for all children.
Centre Allocations
Extended Hours Care Groups
Snugglepots
12 children (6 weeks – 18 months)
3 educators
Gumnuts
16 children (18 months – 2.5 years)
4 educators
Bilbies
20 children (2.5 years and older)
5 educators
Days as requested 7:30am to 6:00pm
3-Year-Old Kindergarten Groups
Koalas
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Emus
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Possums
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday All groups - 8.45am to 3.00pm
Before School Care
Monday to Friday (term time only) 7:30am-8:30am
Clothing
4-Year-Old Kindergarten Groups
Dolphins, Kookaburras, Lyrebirds and Wombats Monday to Thursday All groups - 8.45am to 3.00pm
Out of School Hours Care
After School Care
Monday to Friday (term time only) 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Holiday Program
Monday to Friday (school holidays only) 7:30am-6:00pm
Children should wear comfortable clothing, as they enjoy a range of different activities during the day. Please bear in mind that overalls, belts and buckles can be difficult for some to manage. The children may work with “messy” materials such as sand, water, clay or paint and whilst there are smocks, it is easier for the children when they are not worried about getting good clothes dirty.
Footwear should be easy to take on and off and suitable for running and climbing. Velcro fastenings can be useful for encouraging independence. Thongs and party shoes are not practical or safe.
You are encouraged to pack a full change of spare clothes, including socks, just in case of unforeseen incidents that require a change of clothes during the day. Extra underwear, pants and socks may be needed, especially when toilet training.
Co-Curricular Activities for 4-Year-Old Kindergarten children
Dance and Movement
The Australian Academy of Dance provides dance and movement classes at Lauriston in the dance studio. Children have the opportunity to learn from an experienced dance teacher and take part in performances. Children attend on a Wednesday afternoon 3:30pm-4:00pm. The class is limited to 12 participants. An enrolment form will be made available early in 2025.
Swimming
Children may attend swimming classes in the Lauriston pool. A parent or guardian must be in attendance.
Please contact the pool manager on to enrol: swimschool@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Bush Kinder
Current research is overwhelming regarding the benefits of nature play for children. Nature play is not simply taking children outside to play. Rather, the program is underpinned by theories and pedagogy that is integral to the effectiveness of the program. Furthermore, our principles are underpinned by the EYLF guidance that children must be allowed time to explore and experience the natural environment. Bush Kinder occurs on a Friday at the Urban Forest which runs between Waverley Road and Dandenong Road, approached via Bruce Street. The children attend from 9:30am to 1:30pm and are dropped and collected from the nature play site. If parents have further enquiries, please contact Fiona Ireland
Due to environmental obligations around the site this program is structured for a small, limited group. Children need to display a mature level of independence and be able to listen and follow instructions The program operates in all weathers and is only cancelled with extreme weather conditions like high winds and lightning storms. Your child will be provided with a Lauriston wet weather suit. Lunch and snacks need to be provided.
An expression of interest form will be sent out in Term 4 of the year preceding your child’s entry to the K4 program.
Communication with Families
Communication with you about your child’s learning is very important to us. Educators highly value and appreciate the frequent opportunities they are offered for face-to-face interactions with families during drop-off and pick-up times. These conversations may include updates on current activities or discussions about your child’s ongoing development and routines.
Families are offered the opportunity to meet and speak with their child’s room leader or teacher during the initial orientation transition into the Centre. These discussions allow time for families to receive important information about the structure and routines for the year along with sharing important information our team may need to be aware of to help make their child’s transition into the Centre as smooth as possible.
All families are offered the opportunity for a more formal interview with their child’s teacher or room leader during Term 2. This provides a dedicated time to have a more in-depth discussion about a child’s ongoing development during the year. Families are also able to request to meet with their child’s room leader or teacher at any time during the year, particularly if they have questions or concerns that would be better addressed promptly.
Notices of coming events, dates to remember and other information are circulated via email or Schoolbox and may also be displayed in the sign in areas outside our rooms. Kindergarten families source all relevant information from Schoolbox and the Seesaw app.
Information will also be provided for all Extended Hours Care children outlining food eaten, nappy changes or toileting details (if applicable) and any other general information, either via an information board outside the children’s room or through Storypark at the conclusion of each day. Kindergarten staff have frequent contact with parents, updating them on current activities and discussing their child’s development. Further information about our communication strategies can be located in the “Documentation” section of this handbook.
Transition Reports
As part of the State Government’s transition process, teachers prepare a transition report for each of our 4-Year-Old Kindergarten children who will attend school the following year. Reports are sent to schools directly via the relevant portal.
Online Newsletter
Lauriston’s School News is published on Schoolbox on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week during the term. An email is sent to families to alert them to the posted content and contains a direct link to the appropriate article on Schoolbox. Information may include notes from staff and the Lauriston Parents’ Association (LPA). This news is the official method of regular communication between the School and parents and is therefore essential reading. If families need to update their email address, they should email news@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Lauriston Life
Lauriston Life is the School’s magazine, featuring articles from Blairholme ELC through to Senior School. It also features wrap-ups of events, news from the Old Lauristonian’s Association (OLA) and student achievements. It is distributed to all families in hard copy or via email, as requested.
Yearbook
A copy of the School’s yearbook, The Lauristonian, is sent home with every child at the end of the year.
Daily Routine
Each room operates on a flexible routine that can be spontaneously adapted to incorporate children’s current individual needs, ideas and interests. Children are given long periods of uninterrupted time to explore both the indoor and outdoor environment.
Mealtimes
Children attending Extended Hours Care have all meals provided, including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon snacks.
Kindergarten children bring their own lunch and morning snack, as well as a water bottle, from home. Lunch boxes should contain an ice pack to keep food fresh, especially in hot weather. Food that needs heating or refrigeration is not appropriate as staff cannot leave the children to collect food from the fridge or microwave for individual children. However, parents can send something hot during the winter months in a wide-necked thermos. Staff encourage children to drink water, so drink bottles need to be washed and filled each day.
The School seeks to educate children about limiting packet foods for environmental reasons and encourages ‘nude food’ lunches. Kindergarten staff ask families to support them in their quest to reduce, reuse and recycle. Recyclable containers are encouraged to keep plastic wrap and other packaging to a minimum where possible. Scraps that can be composted go in the Centre’s compost bin and other rubbish, including plastic and foil, are sent home in the child’s lunchbox.
Rest Time
Time for rest and relaxation during the day is recognised as being very important for a child’s wellbeing. We understand that each child has different needs in relation to rest requirements and routines are tailored to reflect the different needs and age groups for each room. The provision of time focused on resting and relaxation supports children to recognise and build their understanding of ways to manage their body’s needs and explore a variety of self-regulation skills to calm and renew themselves during a busy day. Records are maintained by educators to provide relevant details for any rest that occurs during the day, which are available for families at collection time.
Health and Hygiene
Children and educators are encouraged to undertake good hygiene practices at the Centre, as we believe this helps to reduce the incidence of illnesses. Staff encourage children to develop relevant skills to independently manage their hygiene needs by working alongside them to build their understanding of the importance of different procedures such as hand washing, nose hygiene and toileting.
Staff also remain mindful of the importance of hygiene throughout the day, with regular cleaning and upkeep embedded into daily routines to maintain safety at all times.
Family Grouping
Family grouping occurs at both the start and end of the day during our shared breakfast and afternoon play times. Kindergarten children in attendance in a relevant OSHC program before 8:00am or after 5:30pm will also join this group. These family grouping times offer opportunities for younger and older
children to learn from each other as they build leadership, communication, social and emotional skills together. They also encourage sharing, tolerance and respect for different ideas and ways of exploring, as well as providing opportunities for children to spend time with other educators in the Centre they have built close connections with.
Documentation of Learning
Blairholme staff record the children’s ideas, thoughts and experiences and processes they have been observed working through to come to new understandings using:
• Photos
• Transcripts of conversations and discussions
• Symbolic representations of ideas and observations, for example in the form of drawing, painting and clay work
• Collaborative works a small or large group have been involved in constructing
• Educators’ comments on the ideas expressed and processes which children are applying to discover new information.
Staff present documentation through displays in the rooms, in learning journals and via the Seesaw or Storypark apps to share children’s learning moments with families. The purpose of our documentation is to:
• Show children that staff value both the process and product of their work
• Provide a medium for expressing the power of children’s thinking to others
• Allow parents to see what their children do at Blairholme and how they approach their learning
• Give staff the opportunity to record and research children’s thinking and learning
• Revisit learning (children, educators and parents can do this)
• Provide a history for the Centre and a memory for the Blairholme community
• Communicate with other children, parents, and the wider community. Families are regularly encouraged to provide feedback about programs and routines, share interests from home and suggest goals to help guide their child’s ongoing learning journey through Storypark, Seesaw or via email during the year.
Enrolments
The main intake period for all programs occurs at the beginning of each year, with a majority of our families joining our Extended Hours Care and Kindergarten rooms at this time.
Extended Hours Care
Enquiries for Extended Hours Care, including requests for waitlist applications, can be directed to the ELC Manager via email or phone
Re-enrolment for current families who will be attending our programs in the following year will take place in June of the previous year; with family’s preferences gathered at this time. Families will be required to update their child’s enrolment details, including the nomination of authorised people who are able to be contacted about your child, as required, annually.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten enrolments are handled by Alicia Staughton, and information regarding enrolments can be found on the Lauriston website along with the Admission application form. Enrolments commence approximately two years prior to entry.
Events and Celebrations
Throughout Lauriston’s Early Years programs, there are many special experiences involving children, families, educators and the wider community. Some are planned well ahead and others are more spontaneous – all add to the richness of the program.
Across our Early Years programs, Lauriston has held:
• Special lunches hosted by the staff and parents, including A Possum Magic Lunch, Book Week Dress Up and Lunch, and a Footy Day and Lunch
• Excursions, including walks in the local environment, the NGV, the Royal Botanic Gardens and other places that enhance the Kindergarten project work
• Incursions and visiting performances, including puppet shows, dance ensembles, musical items and sustainability education
• Regular outings to the Armadale Campus grounds and short walks in the local area
• Special programs, including Jump and Jive Music and Movement and Fitness Academy Sports Skills
• Embedded education on First Nations people, provided by Murrundindi
• Additional activities include (but are not limited to):
• Mothers’ Day and Father’s Day celebrations
• Grandparents’ Week
• Kindergarten Open Evening
• Breakfast at Kindergarten
• Dress-up days
• Christmas celebration concerts and parties.
Family Involvement
Establishing strong links between home and the Centre is of vital importance to support your child’s sense of security and belonging in our learning environment. The partnership between families and our staff team is key for setting children up for success in our programs. Families are encouraged to provide feedback regarding our programs, routines, policies and philosophy, as well as actively share special
events and traditions from home, as this can provide powerful learning opportunities for all children at the Centre.
Educators are delighted when parents give their time and expertise to enrich the program – for example, parents who play an instrument or who would like to help with singing, storytelling, dancing or cooking. We encourage families to share their ideas and to let the group educators know ahead of time so an activity can be incorporated.
Throughout the year, staff also invite parents to events and performances that are important to the children. Families will get plenty of notice so they can plan their diaries.
Please note that any family member working with children, including attending an excursion, will need a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).
Fees
Extended Hours Care
A daily fee of $194 is applied per child for all extended hours groups in the Centre. Discounts are provided for children who attend five days or have a sibling who also attends our programs. Invoices are distributed fortnightly and are required to be paid in full by the Thursday after they are received. Payments can be made either by direct debit or direct deposit. Late payment of fees will attract an administration fee. All Extended Hours or Out of School Hours Care account enquiries can be directed to the ELC Manager via email or phone.
Kindergarten
Please refer to the Lauriston Girls School website for current fees and charges. Invoices are distributed 4 times per year at the start of each term, with tuition fees paid one term in advance. Payments can be made either by BPAY, credit card or direct debit. Late payment of fees will attract an administration fee. All Kindergarten account enquiries can be directed to the School’s Finance team by calling 9864 7555 or emailing accounts@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Late Collection Fee
A late fee will be charged for a family who collects their child(ren) after 6pm. This fee is $10 per family for each 5-minute block for the first 10 minutes. The fee then increases to $25 per 5-minute block for the subsequent minutes late. This fee will be added to the fortnightly invoice. Children who are collected late from any Kindergarten program will be required to join After School Care after 3:10pm, with relevant charges applied.
Childcare Subsidy
All families utilising our Extended Hours Care and OSHC programs are eligible for Childcare Subsidy (CCS). There are several different factors that are taken into consideration when determining how much subsidy your family may be eligible for. Further information about applying for the Child Care Subsidy can be found via Services Australia.
All information is subject to change
Withdrawals
Four weeks’ notice is required in writing when ending your child’s Extended Hours Care enrolment, to enable the Centre to fill the vacancy. Fees will be required to be paid for this full period, even if your child does not attend during this time. CCS payments are not able to be claimed for any absences at the end of a child’s attendance in our programs. Please note that withdrawal notices will not be accepted for processing if submitted during the Christmas close period. These will be processed on return for the new year.
A full terms notice in writing must be received by the Principal prior to a student’s withdrawal from the Kindergarten program. Where less than one terms full notice of withdrawal is given, the school will charge a fee in lieu of notice, equivalent to one term’s tuition fee.
Health and Wellbeing
All educators at Blairholme Early Learning Centre hold a current Senior First Aid qualification and undertake relevant Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training. If your child becomes ill or is involved in an accident, educators will provide First Aid immediately and the School’s Registered Nurse, who is on duty during school hours, may attend to a child who suffers a serious illness or injury. Families may be contacted if their child needs to be collected or if there are any concerns about an injury or illness. All accidents and incidents are clearly documented using relevant forms and families will be required to sign these for incidents that occur.
As young children are particularly susceptible to coughs and colds, to help keep infection to a minimum, parents are asked to keep their child at home until they are well enough to cope with the rigors of a full and energetic day of play. Children who have a runny nose, are sneezing or coughing excessively or require significant personalised care should be kept at home until they have recovered.
If a child arrives with signs of an illness, educators and Directors may advise that they are not well enough to participate in the daily program and ask parents to seek medical advice if needed and make alternative arrangements for their care until they are well enough to return. Please note, if your child has required medicine, like Panadol or Nurofen, prior to coming to care, they are usually not well enough to be at the Centre and may make other children unwell if they attend.
Infectious Diseases
Minimising the spread of infectious disease is of paramount importance for all members of the community. Every step is taken to ensure that infectious diseases are not spread through the Centre. To minimise the spread of contagious diseases, such as gastro - including vomiting or diarrhea, croup, head lice or COVID-19 through our rooms, anyone with or showing signs of one of these will need to be excluded for the recommended period of time or until a medical clearance notification is provided.
If your child has had vomiting, diarrhea or a fever, they should not attend our programs until 24 hours have passed since they last displayed symptoms. Please note this may be extended to 48 hours if there have been more than four cases reported at one time within the Centre.
If your child is suspected of, or has been confirmed to have an infectious disease, we request you contact either your child’s room leader or the Directors as soon as possible. Families will be notified of any outbreaks as required.
Medical conditions
Parents of a child with a serious medical condition must document this clearly on their enrolment form or immediately notify the Blairholme Director of Operations if diagnosed after enrolment.
If a child has been diagnosed with a condition that requires ongoing medication, such as asthma, anaphylaxis, allergies or epilepsy, parents are required to provide a current health management plan developed by their registered medical practitioner. A risk management and communication plan will then be developed, based upon the information provided in the action plan.
Management plans are required to be updated regularly, in line with the regulatory guidelines provided to the Centre. Families must ensure that their child’s management plan and onsite medication remains current at all times while they are enrolled at Blairholme, in line with these guidelines. Failure to maintain the currency of these may require their child to be excluded from our programs until this is rectified. Full fees will be payable during the period of exclusion.
Immunisations
Families are required to provide a copy of their child’s current immunisation record on enrolment and are obliged to keep their child’s immunisations up to date throughout their time in our care. Parents can ensure their child’s record on file remains current at all times by providing an updated record to Alicia Staughton once their child has had an immunisation. Your child’s current record can be accessed through your MyGov account.
Medication
Blairholme Early Learning Centre applies the following procedures if a child requires medication whilst in care:
• Educators will administer medication only with the written consent of the child’s parent or guardian on the appropriate Administration of Medication Form
• Medication must be handed directly to an educator and not be left in the child’s bag.
• Medication must be provided in its original packaging, clearly labelled by a chemist stating the child’s name and correct dosage.
• Another staff member must witness the administration of all medication, and a record of the dose must be maintained.
• Families must administer initial doses themselves at home for the first 24 hours when commencing a course of antibiotics or antifungals. This allows time for the medication to start to take effect and to observe any adverse reactions that may occur before returning to care.
Head Lice
From time to time, head lice present a problem at every school. Parents can help the staff minimise the problem by:
• Regularly checking their child’s head.
• Notifying their child’s teacher as soon as they detect lice so all children can be checked.
• Treating their child and family and repeating treatment one week later.
Staff will contact parents to collect a child with live lice in their hair. The child should only return once their hair has been appropriately treated.
Toileting
All Kindergarten children are required to be fully day-time toilet trained and able to manage their bathroom needs independently prior to their commencement in our programs.
Links with the School
Blairholme ELC is part of the larger School family, giving the children access to many of its facilities. As well as Kindergarten specialist classes in the Junior School, children make frequent trips to the oval to kick footballs/soccer balls, fly kites, and just run. The K4 children like to play in the Prep playground which familiarizes them with this space ready for Prep.
Students from other parts of the school often visit the Kindergarten to play with the children, share literacy experiences or assist the children in special events like football day.
To help children make a smooth transition to Prep the following year, from Term 2 onwards, children at Kindergarten (K4) make regular visits to the Prep classrooms and become familiar with the environment and the staff. A formal transition program starts in Term 4. Three-year-old children visit the four-year-old space to help them become familiar with the larger playground and the Kindergarten staff. Children attending our Extended Hours Care also become very familiar with the three-year-old Kindergarten rooms and staff
Lost Property
Staff make every effort to trace items of lost property. Any articles that are not claimed are placed in either the relevant Extended Hours Care room or the lost property boxes found in the Kindergarten bathrooms. It is useful to name all items of clothing to assist with this process
Orientation
Extended Hours Care
Families will complete one or two initial visits of up to two hours in duration, where they stay with their child in their room with the educators. This time provides the opportunity to introduce you both to the
new surroundings, educators and peers. Sharing specific information about your child with educators can assist with the establishment of strong foundations for the vital partnership between the Centre and families.
After these initial sessions, it is recommended that you say goodbye when leaving your child with educators and leave immediately, regardless of how your child may be reacting. ‘Sneaking out’ while your child is occupied can be counterproductive in developing trust in the drop off and pick up process and make your child more distressed. Once you have left, it is advisable not to re -enter the room or watch them through the window as this may create confusion and prolonged distress. Our educators are experienced with managing this transition period as your child becomes familiar with the new environment and we will contact you if your child continues to be distressed. Parents are always welcome to telephone during the day to check on their child’s progress.
It is perfectly normal that each child will deal with starting care in different ways. To maintain our ability to be responsive to each individual’s needs during the initial transition into our programs, more flexible arrangements in relation to the length of the day may need to be made. The educators in your child’s room will work closely with you to develop strategies that will be most effective for your child’s particular needs during this time. If a child remains unsettled during this transition time, an educator may contact parents to collect them early.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten children all attend orientation sessions in Term 4 of the year prior to entry. These dates and times will be communicated to you via email in term three of the preceding year.
On the first day of Kindergarten in February, there is a 45-minute interview/orientation session for small groups of parents and children.
During February, children starting Kindergarten also participate in an orientation program in small groups, so they feel comfortable and supported in the Kindergarten environment. This ‘staggered start’ allows the children to acclimatize in their own time and it allows the educators to learn their needs.
For example, at 4YO Kindergarten:
Stage 1: Half the group attends 8:45am to 3:00pm on one day.
Stage 2: The other half of the group attends 8:45am to 3:00pm on the next day.
Stage 3: Full group attends 8:45am to 3:00pm after this.
Please note in February the children finish at 12:30pm on Thursdays.
There is a slightly different procedure for 3-year-olds– parents receive information on times and dates of the orientation process at the New Parents’ Information Evening in Term 4 of the preceding year.
Out of School Ho urs Care (OSHC)
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) includes Before and After School Care and Holiday Program is offered to all Kindergarten families Kindergarten children are cared for in Kindergarten rooms and playgrounds by familiar members of the Lauriston staff team. The program is designed for relaxation after a busy day of learning.
Before School Care is available between 7:30am and 8:45am and After School Care is offered between 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Breakfast and afternoon tea are provided.
Our Holiday Program operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm each day of the Lauriston school holidays, excluding public holidays and staff professional development days. These are also held in our Kindergarten rooms and outside play areas. Families need to provide lunch and a morning tea snack; afternoon tea will be provided.
Please refer to the 2025 Term Dates to review relevant school holiday periods.
Parent Groups
The School has an active parents’ association that meets monthly to discuss issues and events in education. The LPA welcomes all parents and encourages them to take part in their activities. Parents can find details of events and contact numbers on the School’s website under ‘Parent Central’.
Parents can also be involved as Kindergarten class representatives and are welcome to join any of the support groups (such as the Lauriston Arts Association) within the School. There are numerous opportunities including Fathers’ Evening, Grandparents’ Week, parent dinners, and coffee mornings.
Positive Behaviour Guidance
The development of safe and appropriate behaviour choices is encouraged throughout our program. Educators aim to support children to have the agency to be responsible for their own behaviour, as they develop an understanding of what is appropriate in different situations.
In line with our Behaviour Guidance policy, educators focus on positive behaviour guidance strategies, providing specific praise and encouragement where appropriate. Whenever possible, problems will be prevented before they arise through the development of engaging and motivating learning programs and early redirection when challenges are beginning to arise.
Specialist Programs
Physical Education
Kindergarten children (K3 and K4) attend a gym session once a week in the school gymnasium. This session is taught by a trained PE teacher in conjunction with the Kindergarten teachers and is integrated in the Kindergarten curriculum. It covers all aspects of children’s physical developme nt
including large muscle skills – for example running, skipping, hopping, jumping, rolling, and tumbling –as well as eye-hand coordination skills using ball, hoop, rope, and bean bag games. Elements of the Perceptual Motor Program are also incorporated.
Kindergarten aged children in the Bilibes group at Extended Hours Care also participate in a weekly fitness and movement program provided by IFA Sports during school term times. This program includes obstacle courses, ball sports and varying gross motor experiences to promote physical movement, hand eye co-ordination and balance.
Music
Kindergarten children attend a music class once a week in the Junior School music room. This session is taught by the Junior School music teacher in conjunction with the Kindergarten teachers and is integrated into the Kindergarten curriculum. It covers all aspects of early music education such as pitch, pulse and rhythm, and musical concepts such as tempo, dynamics, timbre and duration. Singing and vocal work are a foundation for learning, and the program includes a repertoire of simple songs and rhymes for the children to learn by heart and internalise. Additionally, movement and actions are an essential component to children’s musical development at this age. It also includes naming and making sounds with tuned and untuned instruments. There are many links with early letters, sounds and phonics teaching and number (e.g. rhythm and pattern work). It is important that children are encouraged to explore sounds and extend these creative opportunities in continuous provision and free play.
All children in Extended Hours Care participate in weekly music and movement sessions that are provided by Jump and Jive during school term times. These sessions offer the opportunity for our younger children to sing and move to fun and familiar songs and music, linked to children’s current interests. Experiences build upon gross motor skills, balance and co-ordination whilst promoting engagement with music and autonomy of movement.
Drama
4-year-old Kindergarten children attend a drama class once a month in the Junior School drama room. This session is taught by the Junior School drama teacher in conjunction with the Kindergarten teachers and is integrated into the Kindergarten curriculum. This is an interactive session drawing on imagination and creativity. Drama assists in the development of children’s communication skills, as well as relationships that will improve their social health.
Library
Blairholme groups have access to the Junior School library by arrangement.
Sun Protection Policy
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun and most of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. In line with the School’s Sun Protection Policy, all children are required to have a hat to wear when playing outside during times that are identified as being higher risk during the year.
All information is subject to change
It is the responsibility of all families to apply a broad spectrum, high protection sunscreen to their child before each day. Sunscreen is supplied outside each room and staff will reapply it as necessary throughout the day. Parents are asked to provide their own sunscreen if their child has sensitive skin.
On high UV days, children should wear appropriate clothing, so their skin is appropriately covered. Parents can check the UV rating online, which will also be on display in the sign-in areas during higherrisk times.
For Kindergarten students, under the School’s Sun Protection Policy, the School ‘bucket hat’ is a compulsory item of clothing for all students and must be worn in Terms 1 and 4 and at other times when UV levels are higher.
To order the hat, parents can call the uniform shop on (03) 9864 7569, order and pay and their child’s hat will be delivered to the kindergarten. Sizes as follows:
• Small: 55cm diameter
• Medium: 57cm diameter
You will also be able to purchase a hat at the initial orientation session at the beginning of Term 1. Families in Extended Hours Care are requested to provide a hat for their child that can be kept onsite during the warmer months of the year.
Treasures from Home
Bringing a special comfort toy from home can help a child to transition into the room and to make friends, as showing it to others often sparks lively conversations. However, toys from home can sometimes limit children’s ability to engage fully in the program being offered and young children are only just learning about ‘what is mine and what is yours’ and the social rules around ‘borrowing’ other children’s things.
As a general rule, cuddly toys brought from home will be placed into children’s lockers after the initial transition time in the day and will be available for access during our quieter rest times or if needed for extra comfort during the day. If a toy is highly valued or fragile, it is best for these to stay at home or to be passed to an educator in the room, so it can be stored in a safe place during the day. Interesting finds and items such as rocks, shells, flowers or other natural wonders, or photos of family events, are always welcome.
Term Dates
Term 1
Monday 6 January
Monday 27 January
Wednesday 29 January
Thursday 30 January
Friday 31 January
Monday 10 March
Friday 4th April
Term 2
Wednesday 23 April
Friday 25 April
Monday 9 June
Friday 27 June
Term 3
Tuesday 22 July
Friday 19 September
Term 4
Monday 6 October
Monday 3 November
Tuesday 4 November
Tuesday 9 December
Wednesday 17 December
Blairholme ELC opens (Extended Hours and OSHC programs)
Australia Day (holiday)
Year 7, Year 12 and new school students commence
Students in all other year levels commence
Interview Day for K3 Emu/Possum groups
Interview Day for K4 Groups (Dolphin, Kookaburra, Lyrebird and Wombat)
Interview Day K3 Koala group
Labour Day (holiday)
Term 1 ends (holiday period includes Easter)
All students commence
Anzac Day
King’s Birthday (holiday)
Term 2 ends
All students commence
Term 3 ends
All students commence
School closed
Melbourne Cup Day (holiday)
Term 4 ends
Blairholme ELC closes (long day care)
