The transition to school is smooth for some children, while others benefit from additional support. Our transition program is designed to help all children develop a sense of belonging and community even before they start school.
We begin the transition process in Term 3 of the year prior to starting school. This includes drop-in mornings, short visits or half days and transition support for students. In Term 4, students and families attend 3 transition mornings whereby parents are briefed on the finer details of school and the children are in the classroom with their following year teacher. The program is for both children and parents, giving families the opportunity to get to know each other, meet teachers and find out what to expect in the first year of school.
For those students entering higher levels, we provide opportunities for them to visit for selected classes before they officially commence. It’s not essential that this happens for all students, but is available upon request. Children take part in a variety of activities, including outdoor play, classroom learning experiences and group activities. We maintain a strong focus on safety, predictability and listening to children’s needs, ensuring every child feels supported and confident.
A key strength of our transition to school is the buddy system, which pairs new students with older peers to guide them, provide reassurance and help them feel part of the school community.
At the start of the school year, additional support is provided in the prep classrooms to further ensure a smooth and positive transition for all students.