“Where wings of potential are nurtured.”
WELCOME, PARENT!
At Polly Shorts Academy your child is valuable to us. He/she is not just someone to look after, but someone to love. We strive to give every child all the love and attention he/she deserves. None of us are the same and here we want to give everyone the opportunity to discover and develop his/her own personality. We are one big family caring for each other!
Hours & School Holidays
Drop-off
from 07:00 – 08:00
Pick-up
Half day 12:30 – 13:00
Full day until 17:00
The outdoor gates will be closed at 08:30, so please have your child by school before then.
We are closed on Public Holidays.
We are open during school holidays. We call this Holiday School. Holiday School hours are the same as your chosen time-slot.
The school will close on the 10th of December 2021 and re-open on the 3rd of January 2022.
We believe that children in the Pre-Primary School Phase learn best through play. Through our fun-filled play directed lessons children are taught all sorts of skills from social interactions to problem solving and even important academic concepts like mathematics, science and language skills. The emphasis is on physical involvement and the actual doing of the activity or concept that is taught. Play and exploration are of the utmost importance for the child’s development. We will provide a loving and nurturing environment for your child ensuring that they develop holistically and are ready for their next step into the formal teaching environment.
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Admission & Medium of Teaching
We cater for toddlers from the age of 3 years to 6 years old.
We are a double-medium school.
Christian based
Teaching and all social interactions with the babies and toddlers are based on a Christian foundation.
Academics
We follow a weekly theme and play-based programme which covers all early learning developmental areas (wellbeing, identity and belonging, communication, mathematics, creativity and knowledge and understanding of the world).
Our themed activities extend across all developmental domains through art, music, movement, literature, science and maths. Our balanced, play-based daily programme helps your child develop the gross and fine motor physical skills they need to develop age-appropriate locomotor, stability and manipulative competence.
We encourage your child to form positive peer and adult relationships so that they become able to self-regulate and conform to social norms, to be empathetic and respectful to others and to tackle new challenges enthusiastically. Many of our activities help your child to develop the sensory, -perceptual and intellectual skills they need to learn and solve problems.
Security
The Children have a safe, farm environment in which they can move and develop to their full potential.
The school premises are closed off with an electric fence as well as two motor-driven gates and a gateway locked at all times in order to ensure the safety of the toddlers and personnel whilst on the premises.
Communication
We have an administrative system (Kidsoft) through which all accounts are generated.
Our two main communication channels are via email (formal communication), and WhatsApp (informal communication).
We have a booklet system for every child. This booklet travels daily between the parents and the Pre-Primary School. The teacher will complete the daily routine checklist and important information on a daily basis.
Medical
Children with infectious diseases and fever will not be allowed to attend school. Children who use antibiotics must stay home for 2 school days (48 hours).
All medication must be submitted to the teachers and recorded in the medication book and signed for. This includes all medication and vitamins.
To ensure that we can quickly get hold of you in case of emergency, all changes to home, cell and work numbers must be reported to the teacher as soon as possible.
Art
In week one of the theme, the children’s artworks are two-dimensional. In week two of the theme, the art is done in the form of a three-dimensional piece.
The art is done or built over the period of a week. Every day, a piece is created – finishing off at the end of the week. The artwork is being sent home on a Friday.
The teacher decides what she wants to do for art, complementing the theme for the week. The older the buddies become, the more complex the artwork becomes. All the art, skills or any work is done by the child him-/herself. The teacher is here to help and serve as a guide, not to do the work for the child.
Progress Reports
All our learners receive a report every 2nd term and a progress report in March and September (excluding babies).
This report is based on each age group’s skills and what he/she should be able to do at that age.
The report is based on a five-point scale to indicate your child’s progress. Each child is continuously assessed. All skills are practiced to ensure that they achieve their potential.
Extra Activities
The following extra mural activities are excluded from the monthly school fees and are optional.
Moov to Move – focus on your child’s neuro- and motor development.
Children’s music – music based education.
Toys
No toys from home please. Toys get lost, break and cause disagreements. If the school’s toys accidentally arrive at home, please ensure to return it as soon as possible.
Clothes
Clothing, shoes, bags and water bottles must be clearly marked with your child’s name.
Dress your child with old clothes for messy activities as it is important for his/her development.
Toddlers are encouraged to walk barefoot.
Birthdays
A birthday is a big event in the little ones’ lives and we welcome class parties. Pictures of the event will be taken and sent to you. Please discuss your plans with the principal beforehand.