We look forward to welcoming 75 new Reception students to Lockleys North Primary School in 2021. This cohort includes children from 14 different prior to school settings with a range of ages from 4 years 8 months to 5 years 8 months.
As a result of the Same First Day Start policy introduced in 2014, all children start on the same day and attend school for full days. LNPS has experienced enormous Starting School success during this time, with learning environments and pedagogy changing to meet the needs of larger and more diverse groups of children.
During the past week the new Reception cohort have visited LNPS for a half day orientation visit, with the support of the current very experienced Reception cohort. The intent of this visit is to orientate students with the spaces and routines of a school experience.
Transition is not seen as a single event nor a series of events, but rather a process over a longer period of time. We recognise that ‘one size does not fit all’ and that each child and family has a unique experience.
Transition is a complex and long-term process. It involves a child’s identity, leaving one setting, and developing a sense of belonging within the new setting. Leadership and the Reception Professional Learning Team act intentionally building partnerships with families to ensure a successful Starting School experience.
In 2020, due to COVID-19 we will be holding our first online parent meeting to further support families with this process, so that they are confident with the plans and requirements for a great start in 2021.
During Week 0 2021, the children will be invited to a Starting School visit to meet his/her teacher in the classroom space, ready to begin school at LNPS. We wish our new Reception cohort every happiness and success as they begin the next phase of their learning journey.
If you have any questions regarding the Starting School process please contact me
rosemary.mcleansaxon475@schools.sa.edu.au