Message from

the Principal

Welcome to Our 2026 Prep Families,

What a truly special milestone for your family as your child begins their school journey. We know the transition from kindergarten to school can bring a mix of excitement and nervousness, and we hope this handbook helps you and your child feel confident and ready to join our Sunshine Heights community next year. Please remember, we are only ever a phone call away.

Every child experiences transition differently, and our priority is that your child feels connected, safe, and ready to form friendships. Sunshine Heights Primary School is an incredibly welcoming and supportive community where every child and family is valued. Your child will be part of a thriving community of learners, and our Prep program is carefully designed to support both wellbeing and academic success.

Here are some of the ways we will be supporting our 2026 Prep students as they begin school:

• Evidence-based teaching and learning: Our Prep teachers use research-based programs to support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth. This includes play-based learning, early oral language and phonological awareness development, and explicit instruction in phonics and foundational mathematics.
• Responsive and inclusive planning: We plan with the needs, interests, and cultures of our students and families in mind, ensuring every child receives the right support to become an independent learner.
• Individualised understanding: At the start of Term 1, our teachers meet with each child to understand their developmental stage and tailor our teaching and planning accordingly.
• Social and emotional learning: We explicitly teach social and emotional skills through the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program, Zones of Regulation, and Open Parachute—a proactive, research-based mental health program.
• Building foundations through play: Literacy and Numeracy skills are developed through both structured and exploratory play, helping children build confidence and curiosity as learners.
• Strong partnerships with families: We value our ongoing relationships with parents and carers, and you’ll receive regular communication about your child’s progress and wellbeing.

Our transition program is designed to give families and children the time and space to get to know our teachers, ask questions, and feel comfortable joining our school community. You’ll soon receive an invitation to connect via Compass, our communication platform for updates, events, and news.

You can feel confident that your child will be safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive at Sunshine Heights in 2026. Together, we’ll ensure they feel school ready and excited for the journey ahead.

Best wishes,

David Suter