The first day of Kindergarten!
It’s a milestone filled with excitement, pride and maybe a few nerves (for both you and your child!). Starting “big school” marks the beginning of a whole new adventure, and with a little preparation, you can help make those first weeks calm, confident and full of smiles.
1. Talk it up with excitement!
Children take their cues from you. Speak positively about school, the friends they’ll make, the fun activities and the stories they’ll hear. This helps build excitement rather than anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous, that’s normal too, just try to keep the focus on the positives!
2. Practise the little things
In the lead-up to school, have a few “practice mornings.” Pack the school bag, try on the uniform and walk or drive past the school together. Familiarity makes everything feel a little less overwhelming when the big day arrives.
3. Create a calm morning routine
Have a predictable morning - breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, bag in hand. This helps children feel secure. Try it out before term starts so it becomes second nature. And remember: even if the first morning feels like a blur, a hug, a smile and a confident goodbye go a long way.
4. Expect tiredness (and big emotions)
Starting school is exciting and exhausting! Don’t be surprised if your child is extra tired or emotional in those first few weeks. Keep afternoons simple, with plenty of rest, snacks and downtime.
5. Stay connected
Ask open-ended questions like “What was the best thing you did today?” rather than “What did you learn?” And remember, every child settles in at their own pace. If you have any concerns, your child’s teacher is there to help.
Starting school is a big step, but it’s also the start of something wonderful - new friends, new skills and new adventures. At our Catholic schools, we’re here to partner with you in nurturing your child’s learning, faith and wellbeing from the very beginning.
Click here to find a Catholic school near you and learn more about enrolling
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02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
Latest News More news
02 Apr 2026
From Facebook
This week we reflected on the events of Holy Week. Our students displayed beautiful reverence as we recounted the important events in our Catholic Faith. When we return to school, we will celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. We wish all our families a safe and happy break.
30 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone for your generous egg donations. Tickets can still be purchased at the Easter hat parade in the morning.
24 Mar 2026
700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk
More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion. Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.
19 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Today we celebrated Harmony Day! Our students looked absolutely magnificent in their cultural dress and orange. 🧡 A special mention to our students who shared their cultural talents - you did an amazing job.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 students at school did their own walk for water ending at the Kitchen Garden to water our plants.
16 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Our Year 6 leaders are participating in Walk for Water today in Parramatta with lots of other schools in the Parramatta Diocese. Meanwhile at school, our Year 6 students participated in a shorter 30 minute walk in solidarity with people suffering around the world. It’s not too late to donate, we are very close to our target!! - https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraisers/StJohnsPrimarySchoolRiverstone?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print
10 Mar 2026
NAPLAN: What Parents Really Need to Know
Each March, families across Australia hear a lot about NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. But what does it really mean for your child in 2026?
08 Mar 2026
From Facebook
Mark Taylor Shield Cricket match between St John’s and St Andrew’s is postponed on Monday 9/3 due to wet weather - new date TBA.
02 Mar 2026
From Facebook
This morning we welcomed Warren Kirby MP Member for Riverstone to share and see our musical garden. Mr Kirby supported St John’s with a community grant as part of bettering community facilities and our students have loved using the garden each day. Thank you Mr Kirby for supporting St John’s and improving our playground facilities. 🎶
26 Feb 2026
From Facebook
Our students are ready to swim fast today at the Hills Zone swimming carnival. 🏊
25 Feb 2026
From Facebook
What a great day of learning we had! We have some very tired stage 2 students. Due to traffic we will be late arriving back. Please see compass for updates.