Head of Campus
Transition from Primary to Secondary School
The move from Primary School to Secondary School is an exciting time and one of the most significant transitions in a child’s education. Children often have strong feelings about moving into Secondary School; they may feel excitement as well as nervousness about what lies ahead.
Our transition program sees the 10s and 11s make regular visits to Blackhall Kalimna throughout the year to become familiar with the campus and the staff. So far this year, the 10s and 11s have had the opportunity to engage in a number of science classes and the ‘Big Day Up’ which was hosted at the beginning of Term 2. We had planned for the 10s and 11s to visit Blackhall Kalimna for music this term; however, the lockdown put a halt to this. We hope that this can commence as soon as the children return to school.
As well as regular visits to Blackhall Kalimna, the Peppercorn teachers have initiated discussions around transition to Secondary School. During their afternoon Zoom session on Friday 10 September, a discussion was led regarding transition. The children were informed of what lies ahead in terms of the transition program itself and were tasked with developing a series of burning questions they have regarding secondary school life. Here is a snapshot of some of the questions that are being generated:
- Do we have different teachers for each subject?
- How many people are estimated to be in each class? Are there different people in every subject you have or is it the same people?
- Are there any new classes that aren't in Arlington?
- What languages will there be?
- What kind of schedule do you have?
- Will we have our own personal lockers? If so, can we leave stuff that isn't particularly school-related in them?
- How much homework do you get?
- How can you get extra help with something that you’re finding hard/different?
- Will there be electives?
- Will there be clubs, eg like a basketball club or running club?
- What exactly do we do in Homeroom?
In early Term 4, the current Year 7 Coordinator will join one of the Peppercorn Zooms (or visit us on-site) for Q&A in order to meet the children and address some of their burning questions. We envision that a number of Q&A sessions will occur during Term 4 with not only the Year Level Coordinator but also various staff members and current Year 7s from Blackhall Kalimna. The children will continue to engage with the Secondary School and visits from Blackhall Kalimna teachers to Arlington will be organised in order to provide them with an opportunity to engage with the children in their own environment over here at the Primary School.
“The relationship between teacher and child is crucial to learning and wellbeing." (Courage Document, 2010).
Lastly, the Year 7 Transition Day is scheduled to occur on:
Wednesday 17 November 2021
This day will give the students an opportunity to meet their class group and teachers as well as getting acquainted with the campus. Pending restrictions, all current and future Year 7 families will be invited to tour the school, attend a BBQ in the late afternoon and join the screening of the Preshil In-house Film Festival (PIFF).
Having come from composite class groupings, the Arlington children look forward to re-joining their former classmates and bring with them their passion for learning and the spirit of creativity and discovery.
Doo Dah
This term’s Doo Dah will be happening online. It has been organised by the Arlington parent representatives and is a wonderful opportunity to get together and for all children to socialise.
Friday 17 September
12.00pm to 1.00pm
https://preshil-vic-edu-au.zoom.us/j/99365549369
Let’s have some fun with synchronised sausage eating!
Or sharing yummy cakes, virtually…
Can you design a funny hat or crazy hair style?
What about a colourful background?
And jokes… Can we share some funny jokes?
NAPLAN
In May this year students in Years 3 and 5 undertook NAPLAN tests in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Numeracy. If your child was involved in this testing you will have received in the mail an Individual Student Report prepared by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). If you have not received this please contact me.
Further information about this testing can be obtained from visiting:
2022 enrolments
As we finalise 2022 enrolments and classes across all levels of the school, please let us know as soon as possible if you have a sibling who intends to enrol for next year. Furthermore, as per the terms and conditions of your enrolment agreement, a terms' notice is required should your child not be returning next year.
Wishing you all a lovely break and see you in Term 4!
Victor Toufas
Acting Head of Campus