Moolap PS has an extensive Transition to School program for new Prep students.  There are several formal sessions where students visit the school, beginning with an hour and then increasing time.  These sessions are communicated with families.  Our transition program in 2024 was as follows:

• Meet and Greet Session (late October), an opportunity to meet staff for students and families
• Buddies Meet and Greet (early November).  Prep students are allocated a Year 5 Buddy who makes them feel welcome, works with them and joins them for activities throughout the year.  Note:  this session will most likely take place later in the transition program during 2025.
• Formal Transition Session 1 (mid-November).  Parent-free session in classrooms for an hour.
• Community Event (early December):  Parents and students are invited to participate in some Christmas Craft activities during our Friday afternoon community event.
• Moolap Christmas Concert (mid-December):  Our annual Christmas Concert takes place on the oval, with performances by each class.  New families are welcome to attend.
• Formal Transition Session 2 (early December):  A morning session for Prep students, parent-free
• Prep Orientation Day (early December):  Prep students attend school for the morning, with pick-up at 12:45pm.  Students also spend morning recess time at the school.

Activities, times and dates for the 2025 Transition Program will be sent to parents via email during Term 2-3.

Moolap staff also make contact with all kindergartens/ child care centres to assist with information gathering for new Prep students.  Kindergarten staff and parents complete a Prep Transition Statement that is provided to the school towards the end of the Kinder year.  Parents are also welcome to meet with school staff in order to share relevant information about students.

Transition within year levels:

At the end of each year, all students complete a student profile.  This profile is presented to their new teacher during Orientation Day.  This provides their new teacher

Students identified for additional support with transition to their new level can access the following supports:

• Additional transition time
• Additional time with their new teacher (such as eating lunch with their teacher)
• Education Support assistance and guidance
• Completion of a social story
• Wellbeing support

Transition to Secondary School:

Students in Year 6 have the opportunity to submit preferences for chosen Secondary Schools in Term 2.  All local Secondary Schools run information sessions during Term 1.  Year 6 teachers will have information that is sent home to families to enable the preference process to take place.

All Year 6 students participate in an Orientation Day in December, where they spend the day at their chosen school to assist with their Orientation.  Some local Secondary Schools offer an additional Orientation Day.  Our local Secondary School, Newcomb SC, offers additional transition sessions for identified students. 

Moolap PS offers several ‘taster’ sessions with Newcomb SC throughout the year, including school visits and presentations from staff and ex-Moolap students.