Kildare College is very proud of the care and attention provided to each student making the transition from primary to secondary school. Our extensive transition program helps students to feel comfortable in their new surroundings making this an exciting and memorable time. This annual program consists of a number of stages, which are outlined below.
In Term 2, students who are enrolled to commence in Year 7 at Kildare College in the following year are visited at their primary school by Kildare College staff and current students. This visit is an opportunity for Kildare College students to speak about their experiences starting secondary schooling and for Year 6 students to ask any questions they may have. Feedback from these visits has indicated that students feel reassured and excited about coming to Kildare after meeting our current students.
In Term 3, students enrolled to commence at Kildare for Year 7 will be invited to attend our Orientation Day. This day will give your daughter many opportunities to get to know new friends, become accustomed to a Catholic College environment and participate in a variety of secondary school activities.
In Term 4, students enrolled to commence at Kildare in Year 7 spend the day at the College. The Transition Day provides an opportunity for students to meet the Peer Support Leaders and make connections with other students who will be joining the Kildare community. The fun and engaging activities planned for the day will allow your daughter to experience what a day at Kildare College is like, meet some teachers and current students, as well as getting to know the layout of the College.
The Parent Information Evening for families of students beginning in Year 7 at Kildare College is the first formal opportunity to welcome new families to the Kildare Community. Families will receive information and ask questions about the transition program at Kildare College. This will include meeting key staff, the opportunity to find out how the pastoral care program of the College works, information about laptop requirements, and what your daughter needs for her Transition Day.
On the first day at Kildare College, Year 7 students attend half a day of school before the rest of the student community commence Term 1. On this day, Year 7 students meet and spend time with their Pastoral Care (PC) teacher and classmates, find out where their PC room is located, which House they belong to, receive their timetable, lock for their locker and are shown around the College again to help with the transition process. They will also get to meet the teacher who is their House Leader, and learn how the House system supports them at Kildare. Year 12 students will spend some time with the Year 7 students in their Houses.
Our Peer Support Program is an integral part of the transition process at Kildare College. Your daughter will meet the Year 11 Peer Support Leaders on her Transition Day during Term 4. This connection will continue throughout your daughter's first year at the College.
During Term 1 and Term 2, the Year 7 students meet regularly with their Peer Support Leaders to help them feel welcome and supported. Peer Support Leaders also accompany Year 7 students on Retreats and Sleepovers in the role of a big sister who can continue to develop a strong and positive relationship with your daughter.
