Starting school is an exciting milestone for children and their families. At Yarra Valley Grammar, our Prep program is designed to ensure every child feels safe, supported and confident as they begin their learning journey.
We welcome children from a wide range of early learning settings and recognise that each student arrives with their own experiences, strengths and interests. Our experienced Prep team works closely with families to create a positive and nurturing start to school life.
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and at Yarra we take great care to ensure every child feels confident, connected and ready to begin their learning journey. Our Prep transition program is thoughtfully designed to support both children and families as they move into school life.
Before the transition program begins, Prep teachers visit each child in their kindergarten setting. This helps build early connections and allows teachers to learn about each child in a familiar environment.
For children attending our Early Learning Centre (ELC), there are also many opportunities throughout the year to connect with current Prep teachers and classes. Our Year 3 students also spend time with the Pre-Prep students in the ELC, to make connections through the Buddy Program for support as they transition into the Junior School.
In Term 4, students participate in three transition sessions. Each session begins with a whole-cohort developmental play experience, followed by time in a Prep classroom with a Prep teacher. These sessions help children become familiar with the school environment while giving teachers valuable opportunities to interact with, observe and begin to thoughtfully consider class groupings
On the final morning of Term 4, students return to meet their Prep teacher and classmates for the following year. This important experience helps children feel a sense of belonging and excitement before their first official day.
At the beginning of the school year, students attend a short, individual session on one of the first four days. During this time, children spend one-on-one time with their teacher, begin to build a relationship and become familiar with their classroom and daily routines (such as where to store their belongings).
This gentle start allows teachers to get to know each child and supports a smooth and confident transition into full school days.
We recognise that starting school is a partnership with families, and we offer several opportunities for parents to feel informed and confident:
New Prep Parent Walkthrough: Led by the Head of ELC and Head of Junior School, this session gives families the opportunity to explore the learning spaces and become familiar with the school environment.
Information Evening: Parents meet the Prep team and receive key information about routines, expectations and how to support their child’s transition to school.
Prep teachers visit children in their kindergarten settings and gather insights from educators and families. Transition sessions and early one-on-one time at the start of the year also help teachers build a strong understanding of each child.
Children participate in play-based activities as a whole group and then spend time in a Prep classroom with a teacher. These sessions are designed to be engaging, relaxed and supportive.
Teachers carefully consider observations from transition sessions, kinder visits, and conversations with families and educators to create balanced, supportive class groupings. Prep interviews with the Head of Early Learning to best match incoming students with our current ELC students based on their interests. Helps ensure a smooth start to formal schooling.
Parents are invited to attend an Information Evening and a school walkthrough, where they can meet staff, ask questions and become familiar with the school environment.
Children begin with a short individual session during the first four days. This allows them to meet their teacher, explore their classroom, and gradually ease into school routines.
