Released 09/10/2017 - Joint media release
Around 7,000 Canberra children entering kindergarten in 2018 have received a copy of On My First Day, a book of messages and drawings to help children who are about to start school for the first time.
On My First Day has been a highly successful ACT Government initiative over recent years and we welcome On My First Day being included again in 2018 to help ACT school kids.
The book enables children to read about how it feels to start school and get some tips from other children about what’s important at this exciting time.
Children who are quoted in the book say the first day can make you feel ‘nervous, happy, scared’, ‘happy because I made new friends’ or have ‘butterflies and feel excited’.
There’s also great practical advice for children and parents to help them prepare for the transition to kindergarten. The book is included in a transition pack distributed to government, independent and Catholic preschools, libraries, community agencies, and Child and Family Centres.
Minister for Disability, Children and Youth, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Community Services Directorate has worked with the Education Directorate and Libraries ACT to bring this transition pack to ACT preschoolers.
“I’m pleased to see the On my first day pack distributed to Canberra’s next kindergarten cohort. This small but important cross-Directorate initiative gives a helping hand to thousands of kids and their families at a critical time.”
“The book includes information for families about the services public libraries offer for children and families, as well as parent engagement postcards.”
On My First Day is an Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) project, and is available online by visiting www.children.act.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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