Prep Transition

Making School Connections: School Readiness Session (Term 3)

In the year prior to school, children who are enrolled for Prep participate in a Making School Connections school readiness session. The purpose of the Making School Connections sessions is not to assess academic ability or determine entry to the College. Rather, it enables our Junior School staff to gain a deeper understanding of each child’s social, emotional and developmental readiness for school.

These one hour sessions provide an opportunity for children to participate in a small group setting alongside children who are also preparing to begin school next year. During the session, the children will engage in a range of informal, play-based activities facilitated by an experienced member of the Junior School teaching team. Staff will actively engage with the children, observing important aspects of school readiness, including social interactions, communication, and independence. These observations provide valuable insights that help us understand how to best support each child as they begin their educational journey.

While the children participate in these activities, parents and guardians will meet with a member of the Junior School Executive Leadership Team. This conversation provides an opportunity for families to share important information about their child, family context, and any possible support requirements. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and to discuss the home-school partnership as we begin working together to support your child’s start to school.

Outcomes of this session may include:

• Your child commencing school as enrolled, or
• Receiving a recommendation to complete an additional year of 4-Year-Old Kindergarten, with enrolment deferred to the following year.

Making School Connections sessions are conducted in Term 3 and families will receive booking information closer to the time.

Prep Transition Program (Term 4)

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.

Prep 2027 Transition Program Dates

Friday 9 October

Wednesday 21 October

Friday 6 November

Thursday 19 November

Introductory Meeting and Assessment (One Week Prior to Starting School)

This individual student and Home Group teacher introductory 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, families will be invited via email to reserve a suitable meeting time from a selection of dates. 

Staggered Finish Times (Start of School)

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 onwards

Full School Day - 3.25pm finish