ST Columba’s Memorial School, Yorketown, is getting ready to roll out its reception transition program ahead of the midyear reception intake.

The Collies to Classroom program allows new reception students to have a smooth transition into life at St Columba’s.

“The wellbeing of our students is the highest priority for us here at St Columba’s,” principal Scott March said.

“As such, providing a seven-week program which allows young students entering our environment to feel settled, calm and familiar with their surroundings before they start school is incredibly valuable.”

The school welcomed its largest ever group of receptions at the start of this year and is welcoming another large group at the start of term 3.

Midyear intake is for children who turn 5 before October 31 this year.

“It allows them to complete six terms of reception, offering the most ideal lead-in to their formal education experience,” Mr March said.

“Activities in the transition program mirror ones students will experience when they start school such as the Pre-Lit program which focuses on early phonemic awareness, and numeracy rotations which provide the foundational aspects of numeracy.

“The program also provides play opportunities for the students to interact with their peers in the school.

“Another aspect of the program is it provides our new families with an ideal transition into the processes and practices that occur at our school.

“Having a child starting school is a big deal.

“My own child started this year and I underestimated what an overwhelming process it is having your child enter the schooling system.

“It involves new routines, new pick-up times, new adults in charge of guiding your children and an increase from two and a half days to five full days of school.”

For any further information about midyear entry, contact the school on 8852 1461 or email info@scms.catholic.edu.au.