The Importance of Transitions
Transition is defined as “a
period of change that can be both challenging and exciting, in which children
and families adjust to new roles, identities and expectations, new interactions
and new relationships” (DEECD, 2011). An important aspect in the adjustment to
a new environment is a child’s sense of belonging and their socio-emotional
functioning; in other words: their level of well-being. There is general
consensus in the literature that transition experiences can profoundly alter
the school experience. In addition, well designed and implemented transition
approaches can assist in the process of supporting students and their families adapt
to new demands and more challenging environments (Hanewald, 2013).
Rochedale State School Early
Childhood Transition
At Rochedale State
School, we believe that the transition from Kindergarten to Prep is a
significant time in a child and family’s life. It marks the end of one chapter
of learning and development and the beginning of a new adventure into school. Research
suggests that the nature of a child’s transition to school can have significant
impacts on their future school success and perceptions of themselves as capable,
competent learners. By building collaborative partnerships between our school,
local Kindergarten providers, children and their families, we are able to work
towards developing meaningful interactions that facilitate positive transitions
for all children.
Rochedale STARS Transition
Program
Only 60 places available
5 x Monday morning visits (monthly
from end of May – November) in the year prior to starting Prep
Sessions run from 9am - 12pm
Visit 1, 2 & 3- school based visits (developing familiarity with school environment &
expectations, early learning activities)
Visit 4 & 5- Prep classroom engagement (developing confidence in Prep environment)
Children living in Rochedale
SS catchment area and current siblings are eligible to express interest to
participate
Rochedale ROCKETS Transition Program
2 x morning visits in Term 4 (October/November)
in the year prior to starting Prep
Visit 1 & 2- Prep
classroom engagement (developing confidence in Prep environment)
Sessions run from approx. 9:50am
– 11:20am
Children living in Rochedale
SS catchment area and current siblings are eligible to express interest to
participate. Out of catchment enrolments offered a place at Rochedale SS may
also be eligible to attend.
If you are interested
in participating in either of these worthwhile programs, please download the relevant
Expression of Interest form and return to the school office with your enrolment
form.
Stars expression of interest (PDF, 331 KB)
Rockets expression of interest (PDF, 331 KB)
Transition to Prep for
children with Diverse Learning Needs
Parents are encouraged
to share all information about their child that is relevant to the school
setting. This could include developmental concerns, disability or reports
completed by medical professionals providing critical information. This
knowledge is imperative for the school to ensure that your child’s need can be
catered for in the school setting.
Please inform the
Deputy Principal of any known concerns in relation to your child prior
beginning Prep, that is, in the year before commencing Prep, where possible.
The Deputy Principal
will then inform the Head of Diverse Learning and Enrichment and/or the
Guidance Officer and will invite you in for a meeting to discuss your child’s
needs and make a plan around their transition to Prep.
Transition programs
for students with diverse learning needs or students requiring additional
support may include: additional transition days tailored to the needs of the
child and personalised transition booklets, including social stories.
Rochedale State School
Middle Years Transition
Transition to Year 7
We assist students with this transition by
providing opportunities for students to:
visit high schools on open-days
attend high school information sessions, including those
of high school chaplains
meet with special needs staff prior to the commencement
of the new school year
attend transition programs Throughout
the year there are various opportunities for interested students to attend high
school open days. In addition, visitors from the high schools offer an insight
into what students can expect. They discuss the similarities and differences
between high school and their primary school experiences. They also examine the
opportunities that students have in the high school to extend their interests.
Transition to Year 7 for
children with Diverse Learning Needs
Students with diverse
learning needs may require additional support when transitioning to high
school. State high schools and some private schools may offer additional
transition programs for these identified students. The Head of Diverse Learning and Enrichment
at Rochedale State School will liaise with parents and high schools to advocate
for access to transition opportunities and programs for these students.
Transition programs
for students with diverse learning needs or students requiring additional support
may include: additional transition days where possible and personalised
transition booklets, including social stories.
Rochedale State School
Transition between Year Levels
Shuffle-Up Day
At the end of the
school year, all children will have the opportunity to visit their allocated
classroom and meet their teacher for the following year. This “Shuffle-Up day”
allows children to begin building connections with their new teacher and
classmates prior to starting in the new year. Further information regarding
details of this day will be available closer to the event.