Newhaven College sets strong foundations for 2025 Prep Students

THE school year has ended, but Newhaven College is already thinking about 2025 and is excited to welcome its incoming Prep students next year. Understanding the importance of starting strong, the College has invested in valuable resources and established a partnership between the College and home to ensure students are well-prepared for their educational journey.

School Readiness Bags and Presentations for Parents

The College’s commitment to setting up Preps for success begins with introducing School Readiness Bags and comprehensive presentations for parents. These initiatives are designed to provide families with essential information and resources to support their child's transition into school.

The bags are filled with educational resources aimed at developing fundamental skills needed for the first year of school. Items include tools for reinforcing correct handwriting techniques, starting points for writing letters, fine motor development activities, books, name cards, maths resources, workbooks and pencil grips.

One parent, Tamara shared her positive experience, stating, “I am learning just as much as my kindergarten student in forming good habits and knowing what to do and how to help. These resources have been invaluable in preparing us both for the start of school. It has been wonderful to see how excited my child was to utilise the resources provided.

“Every other day he's asking for his reader and wanting to practice and play. It's really boosting his confidence and enthusiasm for the start of school”.

Research consistently shows that strong fine motor skills, oral language development, pre-literacy and numeracy skills are foundational to future academic success. By providing these resources and guidance, the aim is to establish these skills early on, setting Preps up for every success.

Transition Program for Parents and Students

In addition to the School Readiness Bags, the College has implemented a comprehensive Transition Program for parents and students. This program includes parent information sessions on literacy, numeracy and school readiness and a Prep Information session. While parents gain valuable insights, students participate in transition days, spending time with their future peers, teachers and support staff. The final Orientation Day ensures that students, teachers and parents are familiar with every part of the program. This thorough introduction helps families understand what is needed to support their child's learning and how they can be partners with the school in extending and reinforcing this learning at home.

Setting Up for Success

Newhaven College believes that school readiness is a collaborative effort between the school and families. The School Readiness Bags, parent presentations and Transition Program are just the first steps in this partnership. The College is dedicated to being proactive in its approach, ensuring that parents and children are equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed.

As they look forward to the new school year, the College is confident that these initiatives will create a strong foundation for Prep students, fostering a love for learning and helping them thrive in their educational journey.

For further information about Newhaven College, go to ‘Book a Tour’ on the Newhaven College website or contact the Admissions Officer, Bec Anderson on 5956 7505 or admissions@newhavencol.vic.edu.au.