SUMMER 2025 | Mid-Western Living | 33 Powered by Kindergarten 2026 Transition Program Starting school is a big step for children and families. At Cudgegong Valley Public School, our transition pathway is designed to make that journey smooth, welcoming and positive. In September, the school offered Kindy Connections, an optional four-week program for children new to the school or feeling a little anxious about starting. Parents and carers stayed with their children, creating a calm and supportive environment while students explored key school spaces such as the library, hall, and playgrounds. It also provided early opportunities for families to connect with staff and one another. In Term 4, Operation Big School launched - five weekly, one-hour sessions attended by all 2026 Kindergarten students. These sessions helped children become familiar with classrooms and routines, meet current Kindergarten teachers, and begin building friendships. Sessions rotated through classrooms, the garden, library, COLA, and playground, offering hands-on experiences in the places students will use daily. While children participated in activities focused on literacy, numeracy, creativity, and movement, families attended a “Tips and Tricks for Starting School” session - gaining practical advice for a smooth start. By the end of the program, students were confident, connected, and excited for the year ahead - a reflection Madeira Rd, Mudgee (02) 6372 3466 60 Belmore St, Gulgong (02) 6374 1622 A Morning in Pink and Grandparents Day On Friday 24th October, Gulgong Public School was awash with pink as students, families, and community members came together to celebrate A Morning in Pink and Grandparents Day. The event brought together students from Gulgong Public School, Gulgong Preschool, Happy Days Preschool, and Tiny Steps Playgroup, who each performed for a large audience consisting of parents, carers, grandparents, the Pink Up Gulgong committee, Wenonah Lodge residents and members of the wider community. Everyone was encouraged to wear a splash of pink and donate a gold coin in support of Pink Up Gulgong and the McGrath Foundation, raising a fantastic $522.25 for the cause. The morning was filled with smiles and laughter as students showcased their talents. The performances included energetic dancing and singing to music, along with a beautiful choir performance and a clever Grandparents Rap by 3R. Following the performances, families and guests enjoyed a relaxed picnic lunch in the school playground, soaking up the sunshine and sense of community spirit that defines Gulgong. A special thank you goes to R & J Andrews Engineering for generously donating their trailer for the student Enrolling Now! Scan to be a part of our wonderful school community performances and to Ray, our local DJ, for organising the music and sound for the morning. The day was a wonderful reminder of the power of community connection and the joy of bringing generations together. Gulgong Public School extends its gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed, it truly was a morning to remember. of Cudgegong Valley Public School’s caring culture and strong partnership with families. The school looks forward to welcoming its newest learners in February 2026.
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