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
Our School Information Night on May 1st 2023, signaled the beginning of our Transition Program. It was 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 ran for approximately an hour and parents had the opportunity to meet the current Foundation team and Principal team.

If you were unable to attend the Information Night and would like to review the presentation slides, please click HERE.

School Tours
School tours begin 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.

Bookings can be made by calling the office and organising a time. 9580 1451

Parkdale Primary School Experience
During May we offered a ‘School Experience’ where children were invited to a one hour session run by a Foundation teacher in a classroom. The kinder students had the opportunity to play with the classroom toys, read a story and also complete a craft activity. This was a fantastic opportunity for children 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, children who do not attend these pre-schools were welcome to attend on a different date. 

Story Time
Twice a term we offered a fun and interactive ‘story time’ afternoon. Parents and children attending school in 2024 were welcome to come along and engage in a session with our Foundation teachers. The children had 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. Our final session took place on 4 October 2023.

School Readiness Information Night: Tuesday 10th October 5.30pm-6.30pm
Early in Term 4 we offered a School Readiness information session. This information session was held online via WEBEX, it was 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 also discussed ways you can prepare your child to become more independent and confident to tackle this next stage of their lives.  If you would like to watch a recording of the information session, please click HERE.

SEAPART Assessment:  Monday 30th October - Wednesday 8th November
At the beginning of Term 4 all enrolled students will participate 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.  Bookings will open Monday 16th October through our parent portal, Compass.  

Transition Sessions
During November and December your child is 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: Tuesday 21st November 9.15-10.00am

Session 2: Tuesday 28th November 9.15-10.00am

Session 3: Tuesday 5th December 9.15-10.00am

Session 4: Tuesday 12th December 9.15am-12.30pm

First Day of School: Tuesday 30th January
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.