Wellbeing

It's time to talk transition!

Whether moving into a new year level or starting their journey into high school, transitions are key milestones in a student’s educational journey. 

Effective transition processes help students feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. They provide continuity between learning stages, strengthen relationships with peers and teachers, and support students’ social and emotional wellbeing. With a positive transition experience, students are more likely to engage positively with learning, adapt to new expectations, and build a strong foundation for future success.

At Skye, there are a few important transition sessions upcoming for our students.

Transition key dates:

Tues 25th NOV: Years 1-6 Step Up 11:30-1:30PM

Wed 26th NOV: Years 1-6 Step Up 11:30-1:30PM

Tues 9th DEC: Statewide Transition Day. Years 1-6 'Meet the Teacher' session 11:30-1:30PM. Year 6 students to their new Secondary School.

If you would like more tips and advice for a successful transition, please see the attached PDF. 'Transition Tips' by Sue Larkey is a comprehensive guide for parents, teachers, and support staff to help neurodivergent children, especially those on the autism spectrum, manage transitions between school years and other major life stages. 

These tips are beneficial still for everyone!

🌱 1. Understanding Transition and Anxiety

• Transition means any change—new teacher, classroom, friends, or school level.
• For autistic students, this can feel like moving to a foreign country with new rules, language, and sensory environments.
• Managing change = managing anxiety.

🧩 2. Transition Strategies

Practical steps to reduce stress:

• Pre-warn about changes – explain new routines and expectations using visual supports or social stories.
• Sensory/environment preparation – let students experience real school environments (e.g., noisy lockers, busy playgrounds).
• Introduce people early – teachers, assistants, peers, office staff.
• Visual aids – maps, photos of key areas, and staff members.
• Videos & social scripts – short films or stories explaining what to expect and why changes occur.
• Practice routines – getting to school, using lunch boxes, wearing uniforms, using calming tools.
• Reverse transition – new teachers visit the student in their current setting to learn effective strategies.

🎒 3. Tips for Starting School

Children should practice:

• Managing food containers, zippers, and uniforms.
• Wearing hats, shoes, and coats.
• Understanding school rules (e.g., how to ask for help).
• Gradual familiarization through weekly visits before school starts.

Top tip: invite the student to see their new classroom before the first day.

💗 4. Separation Anxiety Tips

For children struggling with separation:

• Use transitional objects (e.g., toy or photo from home).
• Keep routines consistent.
• Use timers and visual schedules.
• Allow checking and stimming as calming behaviors.
• Gradually build tolerance using the “stepladder” approach.
• Avoid forcing separation—use flexible, low-stress entry plans.
• Share success stories from other parents and teachers for reassurance.