The Fountain

From the Deputy Principal

Supporting positive transitions 

With only four weeks until the end of the school year, it is important to consider how we can collectively support students as they make the transition from one year to the next. Not unsurprisingly there are many resources that focus on children who are starting Kindergarten. 

 

Research indicates that a positive start in the Early Years leads to better learning and wellbeing outcomes for your child during this time of transition and beyond. It helps to support your child's continuity of learning and development, and helps them to feel secure, confident and connected to new people and places.

 

On this note, our pre-Kinder sessions have commenced this term which will allow our youngest members of the school community to get an understanding of what Kinder will be like and to establish friendships with other children and families who will be attending St Mary’s College.   

 

Ultimately, as each students moves from one year level to the next, they are required to adapt to new learning opportunities, expectations, routines and classroom environments. At this time a myriad of emotions may be expressed by students. For some, transitions are exciting, but for others, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The research states that a supportive, well-planned transition process can make a big difference to children and young people’s engagement, learning and wellbeing outcomes.  

 

Step-up Day for the Junior School and Year 7 is scheduled for Monday 28 November. For our younger students, it is a chance to meet their new teachers, become familiar with learning spaces, and to welcome students joining our College community. 

 

With more than 60 new students joining the College in Year 7 in 2023, the senior Step-up Day will be an opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with the learning spaces and staff in the Senior School, and to meet new peers. Details about Step-up Day, including the Parent/Carer Information Evening have been sent to families. 

 

The Year 8 students will join their 2023 vertical Homeroom groups on several occasions in the coming weeks, engaging in activities to foster relationships and connections with their Homeroom teacher and peers. In the final week of the school year, they - along with the Year 9 students - will participate in a Step-up Day for the elective subjects, where teachers will provide an overview of topics and outline course expectations for the following year. 

 

Families play an important role in supporting children during periods of transition. Alongside teachers, they can help them to cope with the new challenges by developing their social, emotional and learning skills. 

 

I strongly encourage parents and carers to view the rich resources found on the online resource, SchoolTV, and in particular the edition on School Transitions, linked below. 

Parenting educator Michael Grose recommends the four Ps to help young people meet the challenges associated with transition periods:

  • Promote friendship: Encourage children to form friendships with many different children; to be friendly, approachable, and positive. 
  • Practice patience: Listen to your child and reassure them that it is normal to feel unsure about change. 
  • Pursue a positive attitude: See the transition as an exciting time that can be handled rather than a time of fear. 
  • Process their day: Listen without judgement and show real interest in their new environment. 

Most importantly, students and their families are encouraged to consider transitions as learning opportunities for everyone.  

Senior School Prize Giving | Monday 5 December

All Senior School families have received correspondence providing details about Prize Giving for the Senior School. Prize Giving will be held on Monday 5 December and attendance  is compulsory for all Years 7 to 12 students. All students are required to wear their formal uniform with blazer (no jumper), polished shoes and correct hair accessories. 

 

On the day, students in Years 7 and 8 students will travel to Wrest Point for a rehearsal, along with those students involved in the music and/or drama items. Year 9 students will participate in a rotation of activities at school. The Year 12 students will be required for a rehearsal from 1.30pm until 3.00pm. The Years 7 to 9 students will be dismissed at 12.40pm so that they may go home in readiness for Prize Giving. 

 

The evening promises to be a wonderful celebration of our school year and a fitting way to farewell our graduating Year 12 students.

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden 

Deputy Principal