Transitions: A smooth process
A smooth transition into a new educational environment is invaluable to all children. Bourchier Street’s introduction to school transition program provides our incoming prep students with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with what school entails and allay any anxieties they might have. Over terms three and four, new students participate in five orientation sessions working with a classroom teacher in one-hour blocks. Students also participate in a half-day orientation session in December, which is preceded by a family breakfast.The importance of family participation to positive educational experiences is included in our transition program and over this same period parent information sessions are held which focus on areas including general information, healthy eating, and parenting. These include an informal barbecue. Towards the end of term four an additional transition information evening is held for parents.This process is aided by the effective links Bourchier Street has established with neighbouring pre-school and childcare centres, which teachers begin visiting in term two, making every effort to make accurate information available to families. Year 2 students also have the advantage of a transition program, with sessions with Year 3 teachers taking place during term four. Although transition programs for Year 6 students, which include a day visit to the students’ new schools and parent information session, are conducted by the secondary schools, they are supported by an in-class program at Bourchier Street. Students with special needs are provided with additional sessions to ensure a smooth and supported entry to secondary school. A formal graduation ceremony is held each year for outgoing Year 6 students to celebrate their seven years of primary education.
Buddies looking out for each other.
A buddy system, which operates throughout the school, assists students enrolling throughout the year to settle into the school relatively easily.
