A Day in the Life
Lower 1st (Kindergarten)
Create, explore, imagine
Lower 1st at John Colet is a vibrant and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to communicate, discover, think, and play. It’s a place where their confidence grows, their independence blossoms, and their unique abilities are celebrated.
This first school year is filled with meaningful milestones: learning to move together as a class around the school; enjoying lunch in the dining hall; performing in a Shakespeare play and singing in the school choir; discovering the beauty of Sanskrit through words and songs; building friendships with their Year 6 ‘buddies’; learning from their teachers and from one another.
Their early experiences in Art, Sport, Singing, and movement are deepened and extended. Foundational programs in Maths and Literacy are delivered through explicit teaching, ensuring each child is receiving the guidance and support they need.
Lower 1st is more than a beginning – it is a launch into a lifelong love of learning.
Learning framework
A day in Lower 1st unfolds within a calm and predictable rhythm, helping children feel secure and confident as they begin their schooling journey. From greeting the teacher each morning and unpacking their bags independently, to moving calmly between lessons, students thrive with gentle routines such as ‘pausing’ mindfully between lessons. and steady guidance.
At John Colet School, reading is taught through a phonics-based approach. Our skilled teachers blend traditional methods with modern resources and tools to instil a love of reading and writing, always with the goal of nurturing a deep enjoyment of language and storytelling. Parents are warmly invited to support this journey by volunteering in classroom literacy groups.
Mathematics and Science are taught in line with the NSW curriculum. Our aim is to spark curiosity about numbers and the natural world, while building strong foundations in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Values-based education is at the heart of every lesson and conversation. Through rich discussions and daily interactions, students begin to reflect on ideas, share experiences, and connect learning to their growing understanding of themselves and others.
Lower 1st students are also encouraged to express themselves with confidence. Whether presenting their work in class, performing in a Shakespeare play, or taking part in public speaking, students develop clarity in both written and spoken expression. These early experiences lay the groundwork for future excellence in communication and self-expression.
Healthy Eating
At John Colet School, our Lower 1st students begin their journey toward lifelong healthy eating habits in a warm and supportive environment.
Each day, all students enjoy a vegetarian, sit-down lunch in our dining hall. Prepared by a qualified chef and supported by a team of paid helpers, the weekly rotating menu is both varied and appealing. Meals are regularly reviewed by an external organisation to ensure they meet high nutritional standards.
In Lower 1st, children are gently encouraged to explore new tastes and textures. With time, we see even the most hesitant eaters grow into adventurous ones, developing a genuine enjoyment of wholesome, nourishing food.
Mealtimes are about more than just nutrition — they offer a moment to pause, share, and connect. Students learn to serve one another, show gratitude, and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating in good company.