Teachers at Mordialloc Beach Primary School are particularly aware of the huge adjustments children have to make when they begin school. The school has introduced a Preparatory Transition Program to develop school readiness and assist both parents and children in taking this step. It begins with visits by prep teachers to the kindergartens to meet the children and is followed up by a series of sessions at Mordialloc Beach Primary School during term four. Children are able to become familiar with the school and its routines and get to know the teachers.
Parents are encouraged to stay at school to attend information and discussion sessions on various aspects of primary education including meeting other parents, helping your child at school, reading and the child, school uniform, meet the principal, children's writing, computer aided learning, school medical service and student health, as well as other relevant issues.
The school arranges for child minding of younger children during the transition program to enable parents to participate.
What do we expect of our new preps?
While we acknowledge that children develop at different rates, it would be helpful if the new prep is able to dress and tie/fasten their own shoes, can attend to their toileting, and interact comfortably with other children.
Buddy system
A buddy program operates at the school whereby teachers pair senior students with prep students for occasional programmed activities. This is seen as a way of easing young students into the school and promoting responsibility among the older students. Buddies provide a "big friend" who can look out for them and help with problems throughout the year.
