Our 2021 Transition Program has seen Kildare welcome 161 new students and their families into our College.
During this process, we have welcomed our families to a Parent Information Evening followed by induction visits with the 2021 new students. We have visited some students at their primary school with a staff member and two of our students, while other students have come to Kildare for a short visit with a staff member and Kildare students.
This term, we divided the Year 7 cohort into half with approximately 65 students visiting each day. The Year 8 students came on a different day and were matched with our current Year 7 students. The students were placed in small groups with the 2021 Year 11 Peer Support Leaders and House Leaders to begin making connections, whilst the families enjoyed morning tea with the Leadership Team, Counsellors and Social Worker.
During the day, students enjoyed making pizza scrolls in Food and Hospitality, beaded necklaces and bracelets in Art and making alginate worms in STEM. Wellbeing for learning was the focus after lunch and included physical activity and meditation where we centred on our bodies and minds. We also took some time to discuss coping with change and developing strategies to overcome challenges students may face when starting secondary school.
Our day finished with a Q & A Panel where students were able to ask our Peer Support Leaders and staff a range of questions. Our new Peer Support Leaders were warm and welcoming, answering a multitude of questions, helping make the Transition Day truly special for our new students.
Some students with additional learning needs have also been scheduled to attend additional sessions for further visits in smaller groups to ensure their transition is as smooth as possible. Feedback from families and new students has been very positive.
Kim Thomas
Middle Years Coordinator
