St Joseph's Kingswood Primary Kindergarten students holding banner that reads first day of Kindergarten

The first day of Kindergarten!

It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.

1. Talk it up with excitement!
Children take their cues from you. Speak positively about school, the friends they’ll make, the fun activities and the stories they’ll hear. This helps build excitement rather than anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s normal too, just try to keep the focus on the positives!

2. Practise the little things
In the lead-up to school, have a few “practice mornings.” Pack the school bag, try on the uniform and walk or drive past the school together. Familiarity makes everything feel a little less overwhelming when the big day arrives.

St Joseph's Kingswood Primary Kindergarten students in class

3. Create a calm morning routine
Have a predictable morning - breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, bag in hand. This helps children feel secure. Try it out before term starts so it becomes second nature. And remember: even if the first morning feels like a blur, a hug, a smile and a confident goodbye go a long way.

4. Expect tiredness (and big emotions)
Starting school is exciting and exhausting! Don’t be surprised if your child is extra tired or emotional in those first few weeks. Keep afternoons simple, with plenty of rest, snacks and downtime.

St Michael's Baulkham Hills Kindergarten students with principal, Tracy Hoey.

5. Stay connected
Ask open-ended questions like “What was the best thing you did today?” rather than “What did you learn?” And remember, every child settles in at their own pace. If you have any concerns, your child’s teacher is there to help.




Starting school is a big step, but it’s also the start of something wonderful - new friends, new skills and new adventures. At our Catholic schools, we’re here to partner with you in nurturing your child’s learning, faith and wellbeing from the very beginning.

Click here to find a Catholic school near you and learn more about enrolling

Written By

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

  • 16 Mar 2026

    From Facebook
    💙 Thank You OLOP Families! 💙 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the OLOP Family Back-to-School Social at Chipmunks Prospect! 🎉 It was wonderful seeing so many families come together, the kids making new friends, and everyone enjoying a fun evening of play and connection. Events like these are such a great way to build our school community and start the year on a positive note.

    16 Mar 2026

    From Facebook
    Just a quick reminder in case you haven’t had a chance to register your child yet. This April School Holidays, our theme is “AI Explorers,” where our Little Inventors will discover how Artificial Intelligence works and then use it to create their own AI-powered games and digital animations. 👉 Register here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260602493077861 Throughout the day, children will explore how AI learns from data, how smart systems recognise patterns, and how these technologies are used in everyday life. They will then apply these ideas through guided activities that encourage creativity, logical thinking and problem-solving. Our program blends digital creativity with practical activities, ensuring a balanced mix of screen-based and non-screen learning. Children are encouraged to bring their own device (laptop/chromebooks or iPad) if available; however, shared devices will be provided during screen-based sessions. ✨ Special Early Bird Offer ✨ As a thank-you to our past participants, we’re offering 20% off (almost $40 off) the full price for early registration Discount Code: EBAP Offer expires: 20 March 📍 Locations and Dates (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) OLQP Greystanes Ages 8+: 9 April Ages 5–7: 10 April The Ponds Ages 8+: 13 April Ages 5–7: 14 April

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