Transition for students from kindy to school is planned in conjunction with the Jamestown Community Children’s Centre and the Jamestown Community School. As well as the three formal transition days in Term 4, our R/1 class visits the Kindy and the Kindy are invited to visit us, we try to do this at least once a term. This is important to establish relationships for the children beginning in Reception and also important for the children who have already started school, to maintain links and relationships. The term prior to children starting school the teacher for the following year (if not possible, the Principal) meets with the Kindy Director or staff and spend time discussing each child’s social, emotional and learning needs.
For students completing their primary schooling, St Mark’s College in Port Pirie is the nearest Catholic secondary school and there are day or boarding options available for families wishing to continue the pathway of Catholic education. Locally there is the Jamestown Community School for secondary schooling. Both schools offer transition programs for students and we work with them to ensure that entry to high school is as enjoyable and successful as possible.
It is important to acknowledge that transition periods whether it be kindy to school or primary school to high school, while times of great excitement, there can also be uncertainty and anxiety. Each child’s needs are different and we can work out transition to enrolment at St James and beyond to suit the needs of the individual.
