Starting school is a major milestone, it is the beginning of new friendships, routines and the road to a lifetime of learning for the whole family. Beginning school is an exciting time for families but we acknowledge that is a big change in both yours and child’s life. At Parkdale Primary School we offer a comprehensive series of transition sessions and information nights to support this move and make it as smooth and successful as possible.

We have a dedicated transition coordinator who organises and runs a variety of sessions for both parents and children. As our transition sessions are not a one-off you and your child will have ample opportunities to ask questions and discuss your child’s needs. Our transition period is designed to be fun and get children excited about beginning school while also soothing any jitters. We also have great relationships with our local kinders to further facilitate each child’s move to school.

At Parkdale Primary School we offer the following Transition opportunities:

Parkdale Primary School Information Night 2025
Our School Information Night on Monday 28th April, signals the beginning of our Transition Program. It is designed as an opportunity for new and prospective parents to learn about our school, teaching programs and the opportunities that will be on offer for your child throughout their primary education. The session runs for approximately an hour and parents have the opportunity to meet the current Foundation team and Principal team.

School Tours
School tours began in Term 1. During a tour you will meet a member of our principal team and get a personal tour around the school. This is a fantastic opportunity to see our hard-working students in action and get a feel for our wonderful school. At the end of the tour you will receive an information pack with further information.  

Tours take place at either 9.15am or 10.15am Mondays to Thursdays only. 

Please call the school office to book your tour:  9580 1451

Open Morning 2025

On Monday 12th May between 9.30am and 11am, prospective parents and children can enjoy a tour around our school.  The tours will be led by our Grade 6 students, offering a great chance to get the feel of our school from the student perspective and to meet our student leaders.

Parkdale Primary School Experience
During May we will offer a ‘School Experience’ where children are invited to a one hour session run by a Foundation teacher in a classroom. The kinder students have the opportunity to play with the classroom toys, read a story and also complete a craft activity. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to meet a teacher and begin to become familiar with the school context.
Elonera Pre School and Parkdale Pre School attended a school experience with their kinder groups, and children who do not attend these pre-schools are welcome on Wednesday 14th May 2025.

Story Time
Once a month in August, September and October we offer a fun and interactive ‘story time’ afternoon. Parents and children attending school in 2026 are welcome to come along and engage in a session with our Foundation teachers. The children will have the opportunity to listen to stories, sing songs and complete a matching craft. A lovely way to get to know the school, staff and other parents. Please click here to register to attend a Story Time session. Hope to see you there!

School Readiness Information Night
Early in Term 4 we will offer an online School Readiness information session. This information session is an opportunity for parents and carers to learn more about the programs Parkdale Primary School offers and how you can best assist your child to be successful in their learning journey. We will discuss ways you can prepare your child to become more independent and confident to tackle this next stage of their lives.

This session will be recorded and available to view after the event via our website.

SEAPART Assessment:  
At the beginning of Term 4 all enrolled students will take part in a SEAPART assessment. This one-on-one session is run by a Foundation teacher and gives us the chance to meet your child and see what they can do! Your child will receive plenty of stickers and will leave with a big smile on their face.  

Transition Sessions
During November and December enrolled students are invited to attend our four transition sessions which are run by experienced Foundation teachers. The first three sessions run for 45 minutes and children will have the opportunity to play, participate in mat time and complete an activity. The final session is run during the State Wide Transition Day and will run for a longer period of time. During your child’s final transition session they will have the opportunity to meet their future teacher, attend a specialist session and play on the junior playground. These sessions are specifically designed to be fun, engaging and give your child a taste of the school experience.  

Session 1: TBC in mid November     9.15-10.00am

Session 2: TBC in late November     9.15-10.00am

Session 3: TBC in early December   9.15-10.00am

Session 4: TBC in mid December     9.15am-12.30pm

First Day of School: Wednesday 28th January 2026
This day will come before you know it! On the first day we encourage parents/carers to come into the room and settle their child by helping them to find their bag locker and finding a game to play. As soon as your child is happy and settled say goodbye and leave the room.

For the first month students will have Wednesdays off and will be scheduled for literacy and numeracy testing with their teacher. During the first few days of school your child will meet their Grade 6 buddy who will show them around the school and be a friendly face in the yard.

Starting school is a wonderful and exciting time, the teachers at Parkdale Primary School look forward to helping your family begin this journey.