In partnership with you, we are committed to ensuring that every child’s transition from one year to the next goes as smoothly as possible. Below are some of the ways in which we support this transition here at St Dominic’s.
Transition Afternoon – On Monday afternoon the students will be spending time in their new 2021 classrooms. The afternoon is an opportunity for students to visit their new rooms, engage in a fun activity and hear a little bit about what to expect next year. Our new staff will be there on the day, so all students will hopefully have the opportunity to meet their new classroom teacher. This is a wonderful opportunity for the students and staff to get to know each other before the start of the new school year.
Pre Primary – Over the final two weeks of the year the Pre Primary students will be slowly transitioning to the big playground during selected recesses and lunchtimes. With additional staff support, the Pre Primary students will have an opportunity to explore the playgrounds and find out where things like the drink fountains and toilets are located.
Handover Document – Each year teachers spend a considerable amount of time preparing a handover document for the next teacher. The document covers a vast range of information and is used to share the extensive knowledge your child’s current teacher has about them with their new teacher. As well as preparing and handing over this document, time is also set aside in Week 10 for staff to meet and talk about each individual child. Staff new to St Dominic’s in 2021 will also be part of these meetings in the final week.
Over the holidays you may wish to find time to talk to your child about their new classroom and teacher, and once the year starts do not hesitate to book in a time to meet with the teacher and discuss your child’s social, emotional and educational strengths and weaknesses. Click here to access an online article by author Maggie Dent titled ‘Sensitive kids starting school’. You may find some helpful tips to try if your child is a little anxious about returning to school after the Christmas break.
We are all looking forward to a new year full of learning, fun and great memories!
Leon Bolding
Principal