Prep Transition
Starting Strong in Prep
Our Prep Transition Program helps your child feel confident and supported as they begin school. From the School Readiness Interview to engaging group sessions, each step builds familiarity and connection. This page outlines what to expect and key dates to help you prepare.
Supporting Your Child’s Start to School
At Overnewton, we understand that starting school is a significant milestone, for both children and their families. That’s why we offer a Prep Transition Program that helps children feel confident, supported and ready for their first year. The program also gives our educators valuable time to get to know each child and begin understanding their individual needs, interests, and learning style.
Prep Transition Program
From mid-October to mid-November in the year prior to commencing school, your child will be invited to join our program of four Prep Transition Days. This four-part program works to gradually introduce students to school routines, their teachers and new classmates in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Sessions on Days 1–3 run for approximately one hour and take place in the morning, with group-based activities designed to help students feel comfortable and familiar in the school environment. Your child will be invited to attend either an early-morning or late-morning session on Transition Days 1–3, and families will be advised of their allocated session ahead of each day. These early sessions focus on settling students into school life, and parents and guardians are not required to remain on campus.
On Transition Day 4, students will meet their Home Group teacher and classmates, helping them build those all-important early connections before the school year officially begins. This final session brings all Prep students together for a longer visit of approximately two hours, including a short morning recess for snacks and playtime. Parents are invited to stay on campus for a Q&A session and short facilities tour of the Canowindra Campus.
Student Assessment
This is an individual student and Home Group teacher introductory meeting that takes place in the week prior to your child starting school. This meeting is held in your child's Home Group classroom and runs for approximately 40 minutes. This session includes:
- relationship building
- minor introductory assessments, and
- goal setting
Attendance at this meeting is compulsory for all Junior School students.
Late in the year prior to your child commencing school, you will be invited via email to reserve a suitable assessment time from a selection of dates.
Staggered Finish Times for Preps
As part of the transition to Prep, your child will have staggered finish times during their first two weeks of school.
Week 1
Half Day - 12.30pm finish
Week 2
Extended Day - 2.30pm finish
Week 3 and onwards
Full School Day - 3.25pm finish
What Our Students Say
Click the image below to hear from our Junior School students as they share, in their own words, what makes their Overnewton experience so special.
The Junior School Experience
