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This 14-week program is aimed at assisting current kindergarten children, who are enrolled as new Reception students the following year, to transition successfully into school life at St Mark’s College.
A smooth transition into school is critical for the well-being and positive learning outcomes for all students. St Mark’s places great importance on implementing a supportive and informative transition process for both students and families new to our community.
The optional 14 week program will be held for 3 hours once a week in both Semester 1 and 2.
Under the guidance of a qualified teacher, children will benefit from involvement in a range of learning activities including:
Our transition-to-school program 'Little Lions' is held weekly, consisting of 14 sessions during the Semester. The program runs:
Little Lions sessions run for 3 hours and are designed to familiarise the child with school. Our Little Lions have the opportunity to participate in a regular routine and a number of structured activities, including:
Children who are offered a place in Reception at the College will be given an Enrolment Acceptance form. In this form, parents / caregivers can select for their child to participate in the Little Lions transition program. Once the child’s acceptance forms are returned to the College, you will receive further details.
Children who are unable to participate in Little Lions will be invited to attend 2 transition visits prior to starting school.
The Buddy Program at St Mark’s provides our Little Lions and Reception students with a new friend, a mentor and a familiar face in the playground.
At the beginning of the year, our Little Lions and Reception students are paired with a Year 6 Buddy. During the first year of school, ‘Buddies’ will spend time together - reading, working and playing. It is a program that students, both junior and senior, look forward to and remember fondly as they grow.
The Buddy Program helps students entering their first year of primary school to feel safe, valued and connected to the school community. The program builds strong relationships and research shows children benefit immensely - with younger students feeling safe and cared for, and older students feeling valued and respected.
