For Kindergarten and Grade 1
For young children, the first days of school are comprised of new, exciting experiences and images. At Costeas-Geitonas School, we believe this should be an experience that is both positive and enjoyable. To this end, our Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers work together with the school counselling department in organising the following activities:
For parents
• Information sessions and discussions entitled “Preparing my Child for First Grade” and “Preparing my Child for Kindergarten”. This gives parents the opportunity to gain useful insight on what to be expected from their children at this age and how they can support them in this turning point of their life. It is also a place where they can voice questions and anxieties and receive some professional answers and guidance.
• Parents- Teachers information session. Teachers present to parents the elements of PYP and analyze in detail how inquiry, the classroom environment and teamwork enhance the learning process
For students and parents
• “Orientation” Day. This is a day held before the beginning of classes where students, parents and teachers can meet each other with the aim of developing an environment of mutual trust and cooperation. Students are also given the opportunity to try out and choose extracurricular activities that they can enrol for the duration of the year.
For students
• The first day of school is always dedicated to developing the student-teacher relationship through a series of communication and ice-breaker activities.
• “The Buddy System”. At Costeas-Geitonas School Grade 1 and Grade 6 students are paired up as are Kindergarten and DP students. Their “big” friends show them around and talk to them about daily life at school under teachers’ supervision. The Buddy System has become a much-loved tradition and the start of some special friendships.
• Introduction to the school counselling team who provide psychological, emotional and educational support.
• Single-subject classroom visits for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students helping them become familiar with their own classroom and other areas of the school.