As April draws near, anticipation fills the halls of The Kusasa Academy. It’s that time again—time to welcome a new cohort of eager learners under our wings. Our commitment to engaging parents in the application process, which began in 2022, continues to yield positive outcomes, reaffirming our belief in its value year after year.
At the heart of our approach lies a deep-seated belief in the importance of forging early connections with new parents. This belief is clearly demonstrated in our six-month application process, designed to nurture relationships and set the stage for a fruitful partnership between families and our school community. The process is conducted in different phases and each phase has its own pedagogical, social, and emotional goal teachers aim to achieve.
Phase 1: Information Workshops (April to July)
The first phase initiates our journey by inviting parents to a workshop where they delve into the core values and expectations that define The Kusasa Academy. Led by our esteemed Principal, Marie-Louise Raymond, these sessions provide invaluable insights into our ethos and offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of our school life. During this time, we also explain to our prospective parents how we work around volunteer hours and school fees. Armed with newfound knowledge, parents are equipped to make informed decisions as they embark on the application process, equipped with our parent handbook and application form. This part of the application process closes at the end of July.
Phase 2: Open Day (August)
During phase 2 we sift through applications, ensuring a tailored approach that optimises our resources for those who can best benefit from them. Eligible parents are then welcomed to a ‘closed-open day,’ an exclusive opportunity to witness the intricacies within our classrooms. Through interactive activities and guided observations, parents gain deeper insights into our teaching methodologies while providing us with valuable glimpses into each child’s unique strengths and areas for growth.
This is what the day entails:
- Parents and guardians help their children through various activities and facilitate the learning under the guidance of teachers.
- Social and emotional aspects are taken into consideration in observing the learner.
- Developmental delays are screened and assessed.
- Each teacher has the opportunity to screen and assess the children individually.
This creates a very clear indication regarding the best suitable applicants.
Phase 3: Home visits (August – September)
As Phase 3 unfolds, we embark on home visits, bridging the divide between school and home to better understand the environments in which our students thrive. These visits not only deepen our connection with families but also shed light on the challenges they face, guiding us in crafting holistic support systems that cater to their diverse needs.
Within the walls of The Kusasa Academy, the world is colourful and happy, but the true challenges are within the community, within family structures and working conditions of our families. Teachers need to take these challenges into consideration while engaging with learners on a daily basis. This is a mutually beneficial opportunity for both parents and staff.
Phase 4: Final selection (September)
At the end of home visits, we move on to phase 4 where our teachers collaborate to handpick 26 deserving candidates, taking into account factors such as family circumstances, social integration, and demographic diversity. The selection is always based on the best possible divide between race and gender.
Phase 5 and 6: Induction (October to January)
With the selection made, we embark on phase 5 and 6. This is a 10-week induction program designed to acclimate families and learners to our school community. Phase 5 consists of a series of workshops and guidance sessions for parents and learners. And along with joyous family picnics, we lay the groundwork for a seamless transition, fostering bonds that extend beyond the classroom walls.
During these contact sessions, the teachers have the opportunity to individually assess each child’s developmental stages. The assessments give the teachers valuable insight to each child’s unique needs and capabilities, which in turn has a great influence on our annual academic planning for the 4- to 5-year-old group.
The picnics are held to promote the connection between the families and children. The parents play Bingo to get to know each other and several activities are set out for parents and children and teachers to engage socially. This creates a space for the children to foster excitement about their new school.
In phase 6, our new recruits join the rest of the school to participate in normal, everyday school progression. As the new academic year dawns, our students step onto campus with confidence, buoyed by the trust and support of their families and teachers alike. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative impact of a nurturing educational environment.
If you know of a child or family that would benefit from joining The Kusasa Academy, here are the instructions to apply. Together, let’s embark on a journey of learning, growth, and endless possibilities.
