This site is a
Toora School Community Project ~ 2007
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Transition Program
| The
Pre-school / School Transition Program is comprehensive and covers
multiple visits between the school and Toora Pre-School. Combined
groupings occur at various times. KINDER / SCHOOL TRANSITION PROGRAM 2005 (for 2006 Prep students) Our Kinder/School transition program will begin shortly. We are calling for enrolments. If you know of anyone with a child commencing school next year who does not attend Kinder please invite them to come along to Toora Primary School to collect enrolment forms and the 2006 Information Pack. Kinder/School Transition dates: Thursday 10th November All Kinder children to Welshpool Primary School, morning session accompanied by Jenny Davies. Tuesday
22nd
November Thursday
24th
November Wednesday
30th
November Grade 6 Transition Program - written by Glenda Ginnivan, Grade 6 Teacher Toora Primary School The school has a well
developed Transition Program with South Gippsland Secondary College. The
Grade 5 & 6 students visit the college several times and are involved
in many of it’s activities. The school also receives visits from college
staff and students who explain operational procedures and available
subjects. Teachers at South Gippsland
Secondary College (S.G.S.C) and its feeder primary schools- Toora,
Foster, Welshpool and Fish Creek- have worked together closely to provide
a smooth and successful transition for the young students of our area. Toora
is one of ten schools working in the Leongatha- Corner Inlet cluster as
part of the Schools for Innovation and Excellence Program. Our aim is to “develop a culture that supports effective
teaching practices, enhances relationships and social competencies and
improves outcomes for middle years students.” Our Cluster has
implemented the Teacher Shadowing Program to give primary and
secondary teachers the opportunity to interchange roles to “see how the
other half lives”. We have worked with a colleague for a day to explore
curriculum content, classroom routines, and see students at work in their
own environment. Such contact is valuable; not only for understanding what
each school is doing, but also for ensuring we are all on the same track
as far as continuity of curriculum is concerned. Our
Transition program includes a meeting early in the year to discuss any
difficulties Year 7 students may be experiencing. Following this, two Year
7 students return to their primary school to talk to Grade 6 students. The
Year 7’s display their work and provide details about routines,
timetables, curriculum, camps, and school culture. Throughout
the year our Innovation and Excellence Coordinator, Gaye Higgins,
regularly visits all schools in the Cluster to work with teachers and
students through discussion, information sharing and cooperative games. Our
Grade 5 and 6 students visit S.G.S.C. for at least two Transition Days
throughout the year. Our students take part in a mapping activity, learn
canteen procedures, visit the library and have classes with S.G.S.C.
staff. In December our Grade 6 students attend the statewide Orientation
Day. These visits are invaluable in providing familiarisation with their
new surroundings and our students with special needs have the
opportunity for extra visits. As a
Cluster we have developed and implemented an Information Proforma for
Transition where Grade 6 teachers
plot the VELS levels of each student; identify special strengths and
achievements; and assess social and emotional progress based on You Can
Do It foundations. The proforma details Disability and Impairment
information and clearly identifies any students that are “at risk” and
in need of closer attention. We feel that this process gives our Year 7
teachers a concise and accurate snapshot of each student placed in their
care and they can then refer to Grade 6 teachers if additional information
is necessary. We
believe strongly in familiarising students with key people at S.G.S.C.
well before they begin Year 7. Towards the end of the year, Junior School
Coordinators visit and speak to our students regarding programs offered
and any potential concerns. At this stage we review the Information
Proforma for Transition and make recommendations regarding class
structures and student placement. In Term
four our Grade 6 students complete a “Passport to S.G.S.C.” in which
they introduce themselves to Year 7 teachers. Central to our transition program is
the development of close relationships between the teachers in the primary
and junior-secondary school area as well as with students and parents. Our
aim is to ensure that our outgoing Year 6 students are well equipped to
enter secondary college feeling at ease and secure in their new
environment and are therefore more likely to experience success as a
result. |
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This site is a
Toora School Community Project ~ 2007
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