Wellbeing & Inclusion 

at Willy

Transitioning to a New Year Level - Getting Ready for 2025

The end of the academic year is quickly approaching and with it comes Christmas and the joy of the summer holidays. This time of year also brings change as students get ready to transition to a new year level. Change can make children feel unsure, nervous, even a little worried about what might happen next as they leave familiar friends and teachers and look towards new ones in 2025.

Transitioning to a new year level in primary school is a significant milestone in a young person’s life. It brings about various changes, including shifts in friendships, new teachers, cognitive growth and emotional development. This period can be exciting and challenging for both children and families. Understanding the transition process and offering appropriate support can help children embrace the changes and thrive in their new environment.

Williamstown Primary School provides many opportunities for students to get ready, talk about, and prepare for the transition to the next year level. It begins with casual meet ups between grades, students running errands to unfamiliar parts of the school and classrooms, more interactions between classes of the same year level which helps form new friendships, question time with students in the year level above and of course Step Up Day later in the term. Some children are more anxious than others, and therefore, further transition opportunities are provided for those students, by the classroom teacher and the Wellbeing Team. 

What parents can do to support transition

Open Communication

Maintain open and honest communication with your child about their feelings and experiences. Listen actively and validate their emotions, reassuring them that it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness during transitions.

Routine and Structure

Consistency is essential during times of change. Stick to regular routines at home to provide a sense of stability for your child. Ensuring you arrive on time for the first few days of the new school year can help reduce the stress of being the last one into a new classroom.

Encouragement

Praise your child for their resilience and efforts during the transition. Recognise their achievements, no matter how small and provide positive reinforcement.

Growth mindset 

No one is a stranger here, just a friend we have not yet met. A growth mindset and a little grit and resilience can go a long way when transitioning into anything new and unfamiliar. Share a personal experience of your own, a time when you have felt unsure and the things you did to help yourself get through it. Recognising the big feelings of our Willy Kids is a good first step in building a growth mindset.

Research indicates that successful transitions contribute to positive academic and social outcomes. Supportive home environments during transitions are linked to better emotional wellbeing and improved academic performance. The support and positive encouragement of parents and carers in the transition process can help children navigate the changes more effectively.

How to talk to your children about transition

Be Empathetic

Show understanding and empathy for their emotions, acknowledging that transitions can be challenging.

Be Positive

Highlight the positive aspects of the transition, such as making new friends, exploring new units of work, and working with new teachers.

Answer Questions

Address any concerns your child may have by answering their questions honestly and age-appropriately.

Encourage Expression

Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the transition through writing, drawing, or talking.

Our Willy Kids are lucky to have the opportunity to transition to the new year in a supportive environment, with an emphasis on the positive changes that occur: new friendships, new teachers and academic and emotional development. As parents, you play a vital role in supporting your children during this time by communicating openly, fostering independence, encouraging resilience and offering reassurance. You can also encourage your children to embrace the positives and acknowledge the challenges, so that they can thrive and look forward to the new school year.

Kind regards,

Lisa Leydin                                                                 Anna Swan

Assistant Principal                                                   Learning Specialist

Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing                         Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader (Wed–Fri)