Engagement & Wellbeing Page

Kellie Hewson & Mel Lonergan (Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Disability & Inclusion, Leaders)

Navigating Change: Helping Your Child Transition Into a New Year Level

At this time of year students start to look ahead to what next year might bring—new classrooms, new classmates and sometimes new routines. For some children this brings excitement; for others, a sense of uncertainty. Both are completely normal.

Behind the scenes, teachers are already preparing for 2026. Teams are will share information about each child’s strengths, learning needs and interests so that next year’s teachers are equipped to support students from the very first day. Our aim is for every child to feel known, settled and ready to learn.

Transitioning into a new year level can stir up a range of feelings. Children may wonder what their new teacher will be like, whether the work will feel challenging, or what friendships will look like next year. These questions are part of the natural process of adapting to change.

To support your child during this time, here are practical strategies families can use at home:

1. Create space for conversation

Keep discussions open and low-pressure. Ask gentle questions like, “What are you curious about for next year?” or “Is there anything you’re unsure about?” Listening without rushing to fix the problem helps children feel heard and safe.

2. Help them understand the unknowns

Children cope better when they have a sense of what to expect. You might talk about:

Moving to a new room being similar to moving to a new table group
A new teacher learning about them gradually
Routines feeling different at first but familiar within a few weeks

3. Highlight their personal strengths

Remind your child of times they adapted well—starting a new sport, joining a club, or settling into school earlier in the year. Connecting past successes to future challenges helps build self-trust.

4.Help them understand the unknowns

Children cope better when they have a sense of what to expect. You might talk about:

Moving to a new room being similar to moving to a new table group
A new teacher learning about them gradually
Routines feeling different at first but familiar within a few weeks

5. Keep routines steady at home

Predictability at home reduces stress at school. Try to keep:

Bedtime and wake-up times consistent
Mornings calm and unrushed
After-school downtime predictable. A steady routine gives children a strong foundation when other parts of life feel new.

6. Support friendships and social confidence

If your child is worried about friendship changes, reassure them that friendships often continue across classrooms. Encourage simple steps such as:

Saying hello to familiar peers during transition sessions
Practising joining a game or group
Planning a playdate with a close friend over the holidays

7. Reach out if something feels ‘off’

If your child seems unusually anxious, withdrawn or overwhelmed, please connect with us. Our wellbeing team is here to support families, answer questions and help children settle smoothly.

During the last weeks of school (Tuesday 2nd and Tuesday 9th Dec) students will participate in structured transition activities to help them get to know new spaces, routines and teachers. These experiences are designed to reduce worry and give children a sense of familiarity before the new year begins.

Students will not find out their class groupings, teachers or classroom location for 2026 until the second transition day on Tuesday the 9th December.

We are incredibly proud of our students and the resilience they have shown throughout 2025. With gentle preparation and consistent support, they can approach 2026 with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of readiness.

Further Parenting Supports - Free Short Courses

If you’d like extra strategies or support, there are some excellent free local parenting programs available to help families build confidence and connection. These programs offer practical tips for supporting your child’s wellbeing and managing anxiety.

See the Geelong regional Parenting Calendar for term 4 below

We encourage all families to take advantage of these wonderful resources. A little guidance can make a big difference for both children and parents.