Preschoolers at Waratah Public are starting their transition to big school early in a bid to better prepare themselves for their next challenge.
Across NSW, more than 60,000 four and five-year-olds will make the leap into Kindergarten in 2025.
But, those at the Newcastle educational facility are already one step ahead, visiting their new classrooms and meeting their future teachers.
The students have been participating in three weeks of orientations sessions, as well as being introduced to their Year 4 buddies.
Proud parent Brad said the experience had been a great resilience building opportunity for his son.
“I had a buddy at school… and I know how comforting and cool that was,” he explained.
“I looked up to him.
“My son has got the same thing.
“I could see he was a little bit unsure about what he was going to do but when he was with his buddy he was completely fine.”
The same was said by mother-of-three Isobel, with her second child now entering the program.
“It gives the kids an opportunity to get comfortable with the school, to meet the children that will be coming with them, and a chance for the teachers to become acquainted with the kids as well,” she added.
Forty of the 51 pupils enrolled for Kindergarten at Waratah Public attended an information session last week, being provided with reading resources, a library bag and the names of their future buddies.
Assistant principal Leoni Butler said the orientation gatherings gave parents the opportunity to understand school functions, class structure and the importance of regular school attendance.
“The more they feel comfortable with the school, the easier it is for their children to transition into Kindergarten next year,” she explained.
“It’s solving the fear of the unknown.”
Ms Butler added the sessions also provided teachers with a better insight into their future students’ needs.
“While the children are doing these activities, the teachers have a checklist that they’re ticking off – are they left-handed, do they wear glasses, do they play socially with other kids?
“And, they will pass that on to next week’s teacher, who will add to it as they see things that come up,” she said.
According to the Department of Education, a successful transition to primary school has been shown to improve a child’s longer-term academic, social and wellbeing outcomes.
So, the future looks bright for these Waratah youngsters.
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